Book Review: "The Sword of the Dragon" by Scott Appleton

This review is for a series of fantasy books: "The Sword of the Dragon" by Scott Appleton. Specifically, I'm reviewing the first three books: The Swords of the Six, Offspring, and Key of Living Fire.

You can find the author's website at www.authorappleton.com.

As a warning, this review will contain a few spoilers, but nothing particularly revealing or far along in the story.

Why Did I Pick Up These Books?

I saw the first and second books at a Christian book store, and was immediately captivated by the cover designs. On the first book, The Swords of the Six, is a majestic white dragon with a bit of a more eagle-like (rather than strongly lizardian) shape.

From the very first page, the book brought me into its action-packed opening sequence. And Scott Appleton has become one of my favourite authors since.

What Are These Books About?

The story opens with a battle. A terrible black dragon fights against a prince and his army. Unexpectedly, the prince is betrayed by all but one of his most trusted warriors - and he and his one loyal friend are shortly murdered. The white dragon, an ally to the prince, arrives too late to save him.

Years later, the black dragon has since been imprisoned, but the white dragon knows the traitorous warriors must be brought to justice; and at least one of these warriors could do further damage if not dealt with.

He brings to life six daughters of his own: however, though they are in fact dragons, hatched from his eggs, he gives them human form so they may walk among mankind. He raises them as warriors, and much of the first book is about them growing up and learning how to use their dragon powers.

What Did I Think of These Books?

Appleton presents us with a fascinating world, described skillfully and vividly - tainted by great violence but overcome by even greater heroes. The core characters are well-crafted and deep, each with their own desires and emotions to drive them. And I enjoyed the inclusion of races invented by the author.

Who Might Enjoy These Books?

If you love a narrative about exploring a vast world filled with good and evil, and getting to know the characters who inhabit it, you should give this one a try. Granted, there are some violent scenes, so if reading about bloody battles turns you away, you probably won't be able to get past the first page. But if that content doesn't deter you, then go ahead and read on!