Dragon Outcast (Age of Fire Series #3) »

E.E. Knight graduated from Northern Illinois University with a double major in history and political science, then made his way through a number of jobs that related to neither. Author websites: vampjac.com and vampireearth.com.

Dragon Outcast continues E. E. Knight's thrilling fantasy series about a brood of young dragon siblings—-each unique, each powerful, and each fated to battle the other to the end. Here, the darkest of the dragons is introduced as he strives to make himself the strongest—-and the last—-of his brethren.

KLIATT

AGERANGE: Ages 15 to adult.

The third book in the Age of Fire cycle concerns Copper, the dragon hatchling maimed and expelled from the nest at the beginning of Dragon Champion. The events from the first part of that book are played out from Copper s point of view, including his betrayal of his family to a dwarf raid. When the dwarves betray him in turn, Copper flees further into the subterranean world. Accompanied by a colony of bats, he makes his way to the Lavadome, where he is welcomed and adopted by the Tyr, the ruling dragon. Given the name of Rugaard, the Copper enters into a whole new life as a resident of the Lavadome and member of the Drakwatch. His new home is a place of political intrigue and power plays, but he does well for himself, gaining rank and respect. As in his previous books, Knight makes his characters unique and appealing. The reader can t help but admire the feisty Copper as he overcomes each trial. Knight incorporates humor into his story, such as the bats that follow the Copper everywhere, ingratiating themselves to him for a sip or two of drake blood. These bats would tug their forelocks, if they had them. Knight s talent for storytelling serves him well, engaging and engrossing the reader immediately. The Copper s trials seem almost unbearable, but his perseverance is remarkable, and the novel ends on a strong note. The book stands alone well enough, but the experience would be enhanced by having read the previous books. Point wannabe dragon riders in the direction of this series. Reviewer: Donna Scanlon
March 2008 (Vol. 42, No.2)