Once she’d decided to try and become a writer, she went to university. Before that, she worked as a laboratory assistant, working with a lot of blood and brains. She now lives in Melbourne, with her husband John.Ĭarole didn’t start writing until she was nearly 40. Her family moved to Australia when she was 12. Warnings: Violence (including towards children) Dragonkeeper seriesĬarole was born in England. Don’t be put off by its 340-odd pages, the print in my edition was rather large so it was a quick read.Ĭhildren’s literature should have more dragons in it! I loved this book, and any other dragon-lover (of any age) should too. There are some pretty harsh themes in this story – human sacrifice, animal cruelty, using body parts for magic and slavery might all be a bit much for the very young to cope with, but I think that any older middle-grade reader would devour this book. I loved how their relationship developed and was heartbroken at the end – but I’ll be catching up with the next part of the story to find out what happens. The story is told in a simple way without over-complicating anything, and even the most serious moments are made lighter by witty comments from Ping or Danzi from time to time. The ancient China of the story is brought to life, not just through the beautiful descriptions of the land and the scenery, but also through the people and creatures who populate it – some cruel and downright evil, others kind and gentle. It’s not hard to see why – this is a tale of a young girl realising her own worth, discovering her powers and beating overwhelming odds. Ping must learn to control the power of Qi if she is to keep herself, Danzi and the dragon stone out of trouble and get them to the Ocean.ĭragonkeeper was the winner of the Aurealis Award for best young adult book, and also the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year in 2004. On the journey, they encounter many strange obstacles including necromancers, the evil dragon hunter and the Emperor himself. The dragon, Long Danzi, tells the girl that her name is Ping and she must travel with him to the Ocean and look after him and the mysterious dragon stone. She soon discovers, much to her surprise, that she can understand and speak with the dragon.
#DRAGON KEEPER REVIEW FREE#
When one of them dies, she discovers that her master plans to sell the last dragon to a dragon hunter, and she decides to free him, freeing herself in the process.
She doesn’t mind most of the animals, but finds the two dragons particularly ungrateful creatures. In ancient China, a young slave girl lives at one of the Emperor’s palaces, looking after the animals and her cruel master. Published: Black Dog Books (Walker Books Australia), 2008 (originally published 2003) But how is it that a grubby slave girl has come to be the keeper of the last imperial dragon? Only when the friends reach their destination will Ping be able to see herself as Danzi sees her, and learn to use the unique talents she alone possesses. When the next to last dies, the remaining dragon, Long Danzi, coaxes Ping into helping him flee to the faraway ocean.Įarly on in the journey, Ping knows the dragon and the mysterious purple stone he carries are very special. Under his watch, the Emperor’s dragons have dwindled from a magnificent dozen to a miserable two. Her master is a boorish drunk who neglects his duties as Imperial Dragon Keeper. You can find details of the feature and enter the giveaway on the Aussie Fantasy page!įollow the year 141 B.C., Ping is an illiterate Chinese orphan who lives on the edge of one of the Emperor’s least-used royal palaces. Urn:oclc:873680593 Republisher_date 20120920171309 Republisher_operator Scandate 20120920003736 Scanner review is part of the Discover Aussie Fantasy feature, running during July on The Oaken Bookcase. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 15:56:55 Boxid IA157901 Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II City New York Donor
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