The title alone sounds like a grand adventure and it’s exactly what you get. First published in Germany way back in 1997, by 2004 the words had been translated for UK and North American audiences. This new edition is a whopping 544 pages with additional content and background following the story. Now comes word of an animated movie coming out next year with a stellar cast of voice over actors (Patrick Stewart, Freddie Highmore, and Felicity Jones to name a few).

Next month comes the long awaited sequel set two years later—DRAGON RIDER-THE GRIFFIN’S FEATHER. I’ll have a full review of this new adventure toward the end of July. Today is all about the book that started it all. Here’s a quick look at the plot:

With a lonely boy named Ben on board, the brave young dragon Firedrake sets out on a magical journey to find the mythical place where silver dragons can live in peace forever. Flying over moonlit lands and sparkling seas, they encounter fantastic creatures, summon up surprising courage — and cross the path of a ruthless villain with an ancient grudge who’s determined to end their quest. Only a secret destiny can save the dragons in this enchanting adventure about the true meaning of home.

The result is a long trip to the Himalayas where the cast of characters come together. There are dwarves and rats along with some not as familiar magical creatures: A homunculus, Twigleg, who is a little man small enough to sit on Ben’s shoulders; and Sorrel, a forest brownie, who reminded me of a lynx but who sometimes have four arms. This particular one only has two arms but comes with quite the snarky attitude.

My favorite parts included  flying over exotic lands and the mystery as to what happened to  the dragons after they disappeared. Orphan Ben’s attachment to archaeology Professor Barnabas Greenbloom and his family came full circle and was a touching part of the tale. His growing relationship with Firedrake also lends itself well to the upcoming sequel.

Those who love stories about dragons, family, and discovering your true home will find it masterfully presented in the 57 chapters. With a satisfying ending, the door is left open for more adventure. In one month we’ll have just that.

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Coming up next week is another MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY.

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com

 (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and for spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.