The Shadow Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica Series #4) »

James A. Owen is the author and illustrator of the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica. He is founder and executive director of Coppervale International, an art and design studio that also publishes the periodicals International Studio and Argosy Quarterly, develops television and film projects, and is redesigning an entire town, among other ventures. James has written and illustrated two dozen Starchild comics, the Mythworld series of novels (published in Germany and France), and more. He lives in Arizona.

World War II has been raging for three years, but a more terrible evil is just over the horizon. The last stones are falling from the Keep of Time, and the Imperial ...

Children's Literature

In the first three titles of "The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica," friends J.R.R. Tolkien (John), C.S. Lewis (Jack) and Charles Williams (Charles) are named Caretakers of the titular Geographica, an atlas that tells how to reach places out of legend. In their subsequent journeys through time, they save young Rose Dyson—otherwise known as King Arthur's niece—and bring her back to their present in 1936. Now, a familiar looking stranger from the future has appeared to tell them that Rose is the key to stopping an upcoming war. The only problem? In the future, Rose is murdered. Once more, it is up to John, Jack, and Charles to manipulate time and save the imaginary world. Owen excels at creating fascinating interactions between literary greats, ranging from a young and headstrong Captain Nemo to a comically single dimensional Shakespeare. While his characters are impeccable, the book's other elements are not as strong. Time travel fans will struggle with unexplained discrepancies between characters whose futures seem set and others who change theirs on a whim. Adventure fans also will be disappointed in the simple conclusion, which is so anti-climactic that even one of the protagonists states, "It just seems to have ended too quickly." This book is best suited for those who will appreciate Owen's detailed characterizations or those in search of an entertaining introduction to the authors and characters of the classic literary canon. Reviewer: Cara Chancellor