Editorial Content for The Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor)
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Sarah Rachel Egelman
With a sweet linguistic style and a nod to the simplicity of good storytelling, Julia Suzuki's middle grade fantasy novel THE GIFT OF CHARMS is charming indeed. It is the story of a young dragon named Yoshiko whose differences hold the key to the future of all the dragon clans.
When Yoshiko's mother, Kiara, laid her strange egg, the gossip began. And when Yoshiko hatched from the egg with its multi-colored shell, the attending Hudrah, or dragon-midwife, tried to take the hatchling from Kiara and her mate, Ketu. But the parents insisted it was a trick of the light and that Yoshiko was just fine. They raised him to be a normal member of the Nephan clan.
However, when Yoshiko is old enough to begin attending Fire School, things begin to change for him --- his differences can no longer be ignored. First, he begins to notice his scales changing color; during moments of stress or concentration, his scales turn from the red of the Nephan clan to the purple of the Alanas to the orange and yellow of other dragon clans. Yet this strangeness is nothing compared to the bullying Yoshiko receives from an Alana dragon named Igorr. Igorr's teasing and name calling makes it difficult to focus on learning dragon history as well as perfect the skills of flying and fire-making.
An enjoyable tale told with both tenderness and strength.
An accidental encounter with the mysterious and legendary dragon Guya at his home in Cattlewick Cave changes Yoshiko's understanding about the history of the land of Dragor and about himself. Guya issues him three difficult physical challenges and he becomes determined to prove himself as strong and capable. Little does Yoshiko know, these challenges also move him toward his destiny as the dragon who will restore gems, called charms, to the seven clans of dragons, thus allowing the dragons to return to their full magical glory.
The pace of THE GIFT OF CHARMS is slow but steady, and even the action sequences are told in a gentle way. Because of that, the story is not always as gripping as it could have been, but that is not to say it’s dull. In plot and characterization, THE GIFT OF CHARMS is a traditional coming-of-age story. As a young dragon in the greater world for the first time in his life, Yoshiko is confronted with many obstacles, both social and physical. He seeks out good friends and great teachers and learns to trust his own instincts.
However, the novel is also firmly in the realm of fantasy. Besides the one human figure, all the characters are dragons, living in a world full of magic and possibility. As a hero, Yoshiko must rally against those who wish him harm or who think his differences are a curse, face danger and bring the dragons a gift that will make their lives better. Suzuki nicely blends these genres and themes and the result is an enjoyable tale told with both tenderness and strength. The myths of Dragor are neatly woven into the book, making the story rich with detail and depth.
Teaser
In a secret land, far away from the habitation of man, dwell the world's remaining dragons. In their mystical valley, they live their daily lives, but all is not well and their talents are fading. Things change, however, when, from a strange egg, Yoshiko is born --- a dragon with a unique destiny. Great adventure lies ahead as many challenges must be overcome, leading to a dangerous mission to the human world in attempt to return to the clans their missing magic!
Promo
In a secret land, far away from the habitation of man, dwell the world's remaining dragons. In their mystical valley, they live their daily lives, but all is not well and their talents are fading. Things change, however, when, from a strange egg, Yoshiko is born --- a dragon with a unique destiny. Great adventure lies ahead as many challenges must be overcome, leading to a dangerous mission to the human world in attempt to return to the clans their missing magic!
About the Book
In a secret land, far away from the habitation of man, dwell the world's remaining dragons --- hoping the dragsaur beasts have vanished forever. In their mystical valley, they live their daily lives, but all is not well and their talents are fading.
Things change, however, when, from a strange egg, Yoshiko is born --- a dragon with a unique destiny. Great adventure lies ahead as many challenges must be overcome, leading to a dangerous mission to the human world in attempt to return to the clans their missing magic!
