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hkeogh13's review
3.0
I continue to read this series to talk about it with a reluctant reader in my class. It’s not my scene but it’s definitely hooking boys who don’t usually enjoy books, so that’s great!
alexalovesbooks's review
4.0
Three books in now, and I've really enjoyed reading the books in the Dragon Realm series! This third installment actually brings the original adventure and its arcs to a close for our main quartet and their dragons, and I enjoyed it tremendously. There's just something really appealing about a middle grade adventure that balances a fun plot, imaginative details, intense action scenes, heartfelt emotional moments and solid character relationships (and banter) well. And that's definitely the case in Dragon City! I was swept up in this tale, and really hooked till the end. It ends on a definitive note, and I could probably stop here... but I'm having way too much fun and fully intend to continue reading the series.
lessa_riel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kellysrambles's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Dragon City with Billy and friends - even if it was a little tense at times! Lots of lovely moments mixed in with some sadness and fear! Familiar faces and new characters to love, not to forget some loathsome villains! Another brilliant adventure in this series!
erebus53's review against another edition
3.0
This is the 3rd book in the series and it deals with a dark future that ensues after the events of book 2. The Dragon of Death has devoured all the life force from the combined Human and Dragon Realms, except for one city in which dragons rule and humans are subjugated.
Billy has to come to terms with the betrayal of his heart-bonded dragon, whose actions brought about the current time-line. The dragon companions are missing and our human heroes have to struggle to survive and find out where their partners are imprisoned. As the story unfolds we solve some puzzles, are introduced to some new friends, and re-encounter some old ones. Themes of trust, betrayal and redemption run strongly through the narrative.
As this story is told from a Chinese viewpoint, it amused me that in the early recap sections of the book, Billy is described as having a Californian accent, Charlotte has a Southern American accent (from Georgia), Dylan has has an Irish accent, but Ling-Fei's accent is not mentioned. I don't even know if it's deliberate but it amused me, though it probably has more to do with a Western audience not generally being able to recognise any difference in accents from different parts of China (or even East Asia).
These stories always have an element of whimsy in the the design. Previously it was peaches that grant immortal life, and an invisible sea that is flavoured with lemons. In this book we have a house designed as a magical marble orb - ok - a big marble... marble (lol) that lets friends in, but stays hermetically sealed against intruders. Our intrepid (well - mostly intrepid and occasionally terrified) friends are still attended by their (snitch-like) flying, golden, pig companion. OK.. I'll admit that every good magical story needs a Pokémon side-kick.
I find the story an easy read, but not incredibly engaging. Also not offensive. Much more appealing for younger readers. Solid, middling - 3 stars.
Billy has to come to terms with the betrayal of his heart-bonded dragon, whose actions brought about the current time-line. The dragon companions are missing and our human heroes have to struggle to survive and find out where their partners are imprisoned. As the story unfolds we solve some puzzles, are introduced to some new friends, and re-encounter some old ones. Themes of trust, betrayal and redemption run strongly through the narrative.
As this story is told from a Chinese viewpoint, it amused me that in the early recap sections of the book, Billy is described as having a Californian accent, Charlotte has a Southern American accent (from Georgia), Dylan has has an Irish accent, but Ling-Fei's accent is not mentioned. I don't even know if it's deliberate but it amused me, though it probably has more to do with a Western audience not generally being able to recognise any difference in accents from different parts of China (or even East Asia).
These stories always have an element of whimsy in the the design. Previously it was peaches that grant immortal life, and an invisible sea that is flavoured with lemons. In this book we have a house designed as a magical marble orb - ok - a big marble... marble (lol) that lets friends in, but stays hermetically sealed against intruders. Our intrepid (well - mostly intrepid and occasionally terrified) friends are still attended by their (snitch-like) flying, golden, pig companion. OK.. I'll admit that every good magical story needs a Pokémon side-kick.
I find the story an easy read, but not incredibly engaging. Also not offensive. Much more appealing for younger readers. Solid, middling - 3 stars.
dylanmcg's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookish_penguin's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
writinghideout's review
4.0
Another excellent adventure! I love coming back to this series and seeing how Billy, Ling-Fei, Charlotte, and Dylan are teaming up on their next dragon adventure! I really liked the different setting of this one, and am looking forward to seeing where the fourth instalment goes with the characters and the story.
tammie_2207's review
3.0
Read- October 2021
- This is honestly such a fun series and I find the books so readable. They're nothing groundbreaking but they're super quick and always a pleasure to read.
- This is honestly such a fun series and I find the books so readable. They're nothing groundbreaking but they're super quick and always a pleasure to read.