Flynn is desperately just trying to get by so he can support himself and his sister, and that means being a thief on the streets of Hornsport. On the day we first meet him, Flynn is weaving his way through the bustling streets whilst everybody is heading to the pier following rumours that the dragons of Dragon Island are about to reveal themselves for a day for the Wingrider Trials. As Flynn and the rest of the town look on, 11 o'clock strikes and dragons swoop, looking for riders for the trial. It's an unwilling Flynn that is scooped up by River who takes him to the island for the contest. What ensues is an exciting, interactive race to the treasure and to save the island.
Jamie's first book, Grumpfort, published in March last year (you can read my review here) and is a delightful combination of monsters and giggles, so I was thrilled when Dragonflare dropped through my letter box last week. In need of a lift (the January weather is proving particularly gloomy), it zoomed straight to the top of my reading pile.
I can categorically say that Jamie has done it again with Dragonflare! The book is a delightful mix of adventure, puzzles, thrills and positive messages that will enchant readers.
Flynn is such a wonderful character: down on his luck, he's just doing his best to get by. His priority is keeping his sister safe so he really doesn't want the inconvenience of being whisked away to Dragon Island. He's very much the reluctant hero and his relationship with River gets off to a rather rocky start with neither really trusting the other; but they need each other so they are going to have to find a way.
Then there are the other contestants, for it wouldn't be a competition with only one contestant! A host of characters that readers will enjoy getting to know as they weave their way through the labyrinth.
I have to mention both Jamie's wonderful illustrations that add so much to each page as well as the interactive element of the book; readers will love having to decipher codes, weave their was through paths and spot creatures hidden within mazes - I know I did!
With just the right amount of adventure woven into strong messages about friendship and being brave, Dragonflare is a book that will delight and thrill in equal measure. It's already causing much excitement at school and I know it will be a big hit when it publishes on the 7th May.
I'm already looking forward to seeing what Jamie writes next.
