(3) 4-6 Erth Dragons series. The dragon Wearle holds human boy Ren captive, fearing Ren's new abilities now that he's been gifted with dragon powers. While friendly dragon Gabrial hopes to make peace with Ren's tribe, a stranger's plan to resurrect the dragons' ancient enemy could mean disaster for all. Blending mystery, action, and suspense, this worthy sequel to The Wearle will leave readers eager for more. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 On assignment for the cryptic UNICORNE organization, Michael (A Dark Inheritance; Alexander's Army) meets a stranger who shares his reality-shifting powers and wants his help infiltrating the agency. Meanwhile, Michael must decide whom he can trust to help him save his unconscious father. Despite the gripping tension, prolific complications lead to a rushed, underwhelming conclusion to this supernatural-thriller trilogy.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Erth Dragons series. Young dragon Gabrial is desperate to prove his worth to his clan, but when an accident kills a mother and her hatchling, Gabrial is blamed. Meanwhile, human boy Ren, fascinated by dragons, sneaks into their domain and rescues the presumed-dead hatchling. Through Gabrial and Ren's alternating perspectives, D'Lacey establishes an intriguing dragon society and weaves a well-crafted mystery that sets the stage for future installments. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Reality-shifter Michael (A Dark Inheritance) is reunited with a now-undead friend on his latest mission for the clandestine UNICORNE organization. While investigating the leader of an invisible squadron of soldiers, Michael searches for more clues about the fate of his missing father. The action is intense and occasional humor helps lighten the dark tone, but the onslaught of complications and further mysteries becomes tiresome.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 After Michael discovers he has paranormal abilities, he's inducted (somewhat reluctantly on his part) into a mysterious group of others like him dedicated to investigating unexplained supernatural phenomena. Leveraging UNICORNE to help, Michael tries to harness his powers to search for his missing father. Humor is interjected into the dramatic and thrilling plot, serving to lighten a story overwhelmed with clichés.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. This collaboration of the popular series' author and his wife includes everything a fan could possibly want to know. Illustrations and photos are interspersed with chapters highlighting the inspirations; guides to characters, settings, and language; rundowns of individual installments; and exploration of the myths and legends. This insider scoop will appeal hugely (and only) to diehard devotees of the series.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. Extensive backstory begins this sometimes disjointed series ender. Oft-mentioned Agawin finally arrives, weaving together David, Zanna, Alexa, Lucy, and the Pennykettle dragons' stories. The leaps in time can be dizzying, and the ending (which questions the entire tale's reality) is only somewhat convincing. Despite some plot holes here and there, series fans will appreciate the closure.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. Picking up the series' story in a parallel universe, this book gives familiar characters altered lives. On "Co:per:nica," David Merriman's immense powers stir trouble between the worlds, and the fearsome Ix have slipped through from Earth. Firebirds--not dragons--play a central role (to the dismay of dragon fans), but there's ample action and revelation in this briskly paced fantasy.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 1-3 Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. Illustrated by Adam Stower. Distraught over the town's plans to demolish a historic library clock, Lucy Pennykettle's mother creates a time-keeping dragon, Gauge, to help. At first, Gauge doesn't seem very useful (except for enforcing bedtime), but he manages to save the clock with help from Lucy and a friendly ghost. The lighthearted, quick-moving text is accompanied by line drawings that emphasize Gauge's lively personality.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. Polar bears, witches, dragons, ravens, unicorns, a famous writer, and Lucy Pennykettle's family return in this fifth Last Dragon installment. Together and apart, they continue their battle against the malevolent, power-hungry "shadow of beings," Ix. The lengthy exposition (including retelling of previous books) and minimal character development will deter new readers, but series fans will enjoy the action, resurrected characters, and cliff-hanger ending.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(2) 1-3 Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. Illustrated by Adam Stower. Lucy Pennykettle is afraid of monsters, so her artist mother makes her a guard dragon. D'Lacey creates a magical world that is firmly grounded in the real one. There are cell phones, grouchy neighbors, and a dandy mystery that readers will be able to solve, thanks to the well-placed black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2010

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. The Dragon saga continues as David, now the polar bear Ingavar, works to save the world from darkness. Liz, Lucy, Zanna, and the dragons try to move forward without David, only to be caught up, long-distance, in his battle. While the dragons can be confusing, as can some of the legends, the strong narrative voice and characterizations will keep series fans happy.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. D'Lacey's latest Dragon book is his best yet, with David and the others adventuring with polar bears as well as their dragon companions. While the language still sounds too young for David's age, the author builds strong suspense toward the story's conclusion. Several new characters and some well-written good-and-evil scenes make this installment worthwhile for series fans.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. David rents a room from Liz and her daughter Lucy and finds himself embroiled in an adventure involving squirrels, storytelling, and a lot of clay dragons who may or may not be alive. D'Lacey's characters are realistic and engaging; although his many plots are woven a bit awkwardly, the story is a page-turner.

Reviewer: Becky Levine