What happens when a writer discovers his talent in fiction writing? We get a ride through vivid imagery, exquisitely crafted fantasy realms, and a deep artistic outlook towards things.
A play on emotions
Book: The Summer Dragon
Author: Todd Lockwood
Reviewed by: Zahra Akbar
What happens when a writer discovers his talent in fiction writing? We get a ride through vivid imagery, exquisitely crafted fantasy realms, and a deep artistic outlook towards things. At least Todd Lockwood’s young adult fantasy The Summer Dragon: First Book of the Evertide makes us believe so.
The title suggested this novel was going to be about dragons and this was enough to convince me to pick up this book. In the beginning, we see a Dragonry being wrecked by the army of Horrors; dragons are turned into evil hybrid creatures by some scientific voodoo - Frankenstein dragons, if you may please. When we’re hanging out with our protagonist Maia, in a different region, it isn’t too long before we’re reminded of the danger that lurks around for all the Dragons and their sires.
Maia, our teenager protagonist is the daughter of the chief of a Dragonry and the entire story revolves around her. Haunted by her mother’s curse, Maia is inseparable from her ultimate dream of raising a dragon of her own. Darian, her brother is loyal but frustrated by the attention his sister receives. Darian’s layered personality and bitterness drive his actions and play a part in the plot.
Mabir, the elderly character that acts as a guide to Maia, is not your clichéd wizard-who-knows-everything. What I liked about this character is he did not claim any greatness. Despite all the knowledge and wisdom, he is aware of his flaws and weaknesses. Mabir’s character taught me that no matter how old we get, we’re always children and students of the Universe.
My most favourite character was Bellua, who is the finest example of Lockwood’s multi-dimensional characterization. The way he reacts to the philosophies that oppose the one he grew up believing, is a great commentary on the behaviours we observe in our own world.
The Summer Dragon, which is the first installment in the Evertide series, has as many twists as a book can manage. Maia’s first rendezvous with the Summer Dragon, being one of the most important events in this book, is depicted in a dramatic manner.
In between rescuing baby dragons, fighting horrors, and trying to escape the grip of authorities, Maia comes across the age-old question ‘are faith and dogma the right route to follow, or should one chase the trails of logic and science?’ The philosophical elements make this book even more of a compelling read that doesn’t only hook its readers by a play on emotions, but also ignites their thinking process.
The most impressive part of this book was the action sequence where Maia tries to rescue a qit (baby dragon). It was thick with emotional intensity as Maia’s determination to get a baby dragon mixes with the grief and desperation of the father Dragon Malik. Maia’s flying scenes with the dragons are so exquisitely written, you want to go and live those moments.
If you are looking for a coming of age book that is not only well-written, but also packed with thrilling plotline and thought-provoking philosophical commentary, The Summer Dragon is for you.
