The Dragon Hunters by Paul Genesse, Book Review

Starting off, I will say I enjoyed The Dragon Hunters because of the unique perspective of fantasy races and setting. There is more to the book, and the series, but the feel is refreshing.

The second installment of The Iron Dragon series, The Dragon Hunters, by Paul Genesse start where The Golden Cord finishes. The story picks up like you're moving on to the next chapter. It is a continuation of the story, not just an installment of what the characters are doing.

The story moves along with Drake, Thor, and Bellor as they trek through another part of the world of Ae'leron. They are the characters we left at the end of the first book, not suddenly greater heroes that developed between acts. We are with them as they are developing their abilities and overcoming their weaknesses. The character development of the three main characters is strong and moves the story.

Along the way the band becomes fuller as they are joined by a young wizard, Dabarius, who breaks many of the molds that fantasy has come to attach to the profession. He is not an elderly man, but an energetic younger one who knows how to use his hands in a fight and is willing to do so. But, don't think this is the sword wielding wizard like Gandalf, Dabarius is his own man.

They are guided into the desert later in their journey by Bree. Her motives are in question as our heroes know she is going against the traditions of her people. The question of trust keeps tension in the story as they travel into the lands Drake has never considered existing.

The world they are travelling through is broadened beyond the unique forest we were introduced to. There are new lands, customs, and people. As readers, we are on the journey with the characters as they discover what lies over there. The descriptions of the lands stays as fresh as in the first book.

Paul Genesse

The Dragon Hunters gives us the story of the hunt for the dragon-wyvern Verkahna—who made her first appearance in the previous installment. She could be a strong ally, or just a step needed to be taken in defeating the enemies.

I enjoyed Genesse's second book into this tale. Even with the book being around 400 pages I read it with ease. A great read for young and old. Younger readers (teens) along with older ones will find a new arrangement to the fantasy structure than what is regularly presented.

There are plenty of twists and turns, which I found enjoyable. Some of them were expected, and some were not. Best of all, I found all of them fit with what the characters would have done.

With turning over the last page I found myself wondering about the clues left about what could happen next. Many routes are open to the team of dragon hunters and I am looking forward to see which direction our storyteller leads us.

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