The Darkening Dragons; Sarah Everest

Growing up, I loved hearing stories and reading books about dragons. I love good dragons (like those in the Dragonriders of Pern series) and I love greedy evil dragons, (think Smaug). So obviously I enjoyed that this book has both kinds of dragons inhabiting a fantasy world under siege in need of a prophesized one to come in and save the day. This book follows the same formula you find in most adventure/fantasy novels, where a young person (who is living their normal boring life, ignorant of magic or anything fantastic) is met by a person from another realm, begging for help. Saying, essentially, “help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” That’s pretty much what you get with this book, but with more flavors of Snow White then Star Wars (sorry?).

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The story starts by introducing us to our unwitting hero, Tucker the trucker (a joke that the author purposely does, don’t worry). His life hasn’t turned out the way he’s wanted, but now it’s going in a direction he never expected as he finds a girl in the middle of the road, begging him to save her world. Thinking she’s crazy, he gives her a ride into town and offers some food, but she has plans of her own. She manages to convince Tucker to drop everything and follow her on a quest to save her kingdom from dragons who have developed a taste for human flesh.

Honestly, I love the premise. This world and story hold so much promise! But there were things that kept me from really loving it. Namely, how quickly and easily Tucker just kind of goes with everything, dropping his life to follow this woman without truly understanding what’s going on. It just irked me that he bailed on everyone without a word to run after this girl. Like, was there really no time for a quick phone call or text to let people know not to worry? That coupled with how much is told via dialogue. I get it, Tucker has no clue what’s going on, but I felt like parts of the world and prophecy could have been shown better through the author’s writing, for she does write beautifully. By the end, I never got a sense of what this new world looked like, or even why the humans and evil dragons were kind of buddies. The prophecy was a bit confusing and the end came so fast, that I was left a bit unsure as to what just happened. I feel like if most of the chapters with Flint had been removed (you’ll see what I mean when you get there) we could have spent that time getting to know the main characters. Then their world would be clearer, the magic systems would make more sense, and we’d have a stronger connection to the main characters and the plight they find themselves in. I wanted to know more about how Ravinna could talk to animals (like Snow White!) and make it so that others could understand, but that’s never fully explored.

As this is the first book in the series, I’m confident that the promises made and the questions left unanswered will be addressed. I don’t always feel that way with fantasy authors, but Everest is a talented writer and story teller, so I’m positive she’ll be able to answer and handle everything that has been left dangling come the end of the book. This is an entertaining read for young adults who are interested in a unique look at dragons and the everyday man rising to greatness. Still, there was just too much keeping me from loving it, so I’m giving it 3 stars but am looking forward to the next book in the series!