Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book Reviews
Book Review: Dragons Wild
By Sandy Amazeen
Apr 14, 2008, 16:17 GMT

Fresh out of Michigan University, business degree in hand, Griffen McCandles is facing a life crisis as he realizes he is without a job and has no idea what to do with himself. Figuring to land a cushy job with his uncle Malcom, Griffen was at a loss when instead of a job interview he hears a far-fetched story about how he and his sister Valerie are nearly pureblooded dragons about to come into their secondary powers. Furthermore, pureblooded dragons are extremely rare, gifted with great strength and have the potential to fulfill a prophecy that will likely upset the current balance of power amongst dragonkind. With the assistance of Jerome, a collage buddy who had been charged to keep tabs on the young dragon, Griffen agrees to move down to New Orleans with his sister and learn the ropes of an underground gambling organization headed up by Mose, a dragon of diluted blood. Griffen struggles to believe the amazing stories he hears about dragons and what it could potentially mean for his future. Stalked by George the dragonslayer, tailed by Homeland Security agents and others, Griffen needs to get up to speed on local politics and international power structures in a hurry if he is to survive long enough to come into his own. As a female dragon, Valerie is a force to be reckoned with and provides Griffen with strong backup while struggling to find a place for herself.

Asprin introduces his delightful new series with a light on substance, strong on concept tale that establishes the groundwork of characters and plots for future tales. Easy humor and a network of protagonists and villains mixed in with an assortment of powers ranging from animal control to glamour keep the story moving at a steady pace while providing plenty of fodder for further development. Fans will be anxiously awaiting more from this entertaining, imaginative author.