In the Service of Dragons

by Robert Stanek

Book Overview

Features 20 lavish illustrations, detailed maps, more. In the Service of Dragons is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure for young adults begun with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and continued through The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2, 3, and 4. In his acclaimed The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1575450895
• ISBN13: 9781575450896
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Rp Media
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Harry Potter eat your heart out!

It's not Harry Potter and it's not meant to be. Robert Stanek has created a marvelous story that has captured readers from all age groups. His writing has been compared to JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and CS Lewis. He deserves all the success he's achieved. I've read all 4 Kingdoms books and couldn't wait to start the Dragon books. You have only to read the first few scenes of this book to get a sense of the sweeping majestic scope of these stories. The author captivates the imagination with prose that draws his readers in like few others can. While the stories have some standard fantasy elements, the author uses them in fresh, innovative ways, and also introduces much that is new. For me, the many characters are some of the best aspects of the story. In this one, I enjoyed getting to know some of the other characters better, especially the young prince. The world ofthe story seems a character. The world has multiple levels of reality called UnderEarth, MiddleEarth, and OverEarth. UnderEarth is a place without sun, moon or stars. It has bloodred skies and is a dark place where many strange creatures dwell. MiddleEarth is the place of the kingdoms and reaches. It is where men and elves live. OverEarth is place of the skies. It exists above the clouds of the kingdoms and reaches. This is most definitely a great read. Read the sample and see for yourself. Max H.

Read the sample judge for yourself

There is no doubt Robert Stanek is an excellent writer on par with some of the best in any genre. That is unquestionable - all you have to do is read the samples provided to see this. He has a strong voice, and a unique style. Read the sample judge for yourself. As I read the opening scenes, I was drawn immediately into a bold new fantasy world of titans, giants, and men. I knew immediately this book was for me and could see why Tolkien and Rowling fans enjoy this author's writing. The author has a strong command of language. He paints scenes with a master's stroke and his books have many strong characters.

Utterly stunning introduction-An amazing start

This book is the introductuction to Robert Stanek's sequel series is, utterly amazing. He brings back all of his great aspects of the previous books, and improves them and adds more new things and plot twists. This series, both the kingdom and the elves of the reaches, and in the service of dragons, are a feast for the eyes and brain, the ambrosia of books. This a perfect book for all ages and genders, and wil be enjoyed by both fantasy fans and people who don;t like fantasy.

Absolutely awesome

In the Service of Dragons is an epic story combined with magic and wonder and action and mystery. The creativity of this book flows from the rich history to the wonderful characters. Stanek has a unique way of explaining folklore. Like for instance, the myths of the elves; elves and humans aren't buddies, their actually enemies. Magic isn't good it is tainted, evil. The world isn't the only world, their are doorways to other realms. Adrina Alder isn't a princess who needs saving, she's a chic who's going to save the world. She's got a bit of attitude Oh, I'm, giving too much away. Meanwhile a mysterious young man, Vilmos Tabborath, is a child prodigy of sorts, except that his speciality is magic which is bad bad bad. He seeks to control the bad and we delight in his personal struggles and challenges, knowing full well what's happening to him. Poor kid because his plans don't go as well as he had hoped. This tale is highly original, fun, and dynamic. It's an easy read for those of you who have difficulty reading books. It's easy to follow and it makes sense, in the same way that J.K. Rowling's writing makes does. The wording is made to make sense, not to confuse. A big bonus is that there's a wealth of depth if you want to explore it. Like with the history of the world and the fact that every character has a history and seems real. So wonderful that all the characters have pasts, presents and futures. Excellent book as well as a series, I highly recommend it! Definitely a keeper!

Good job, Robert Stanek

I read The Kingdoms and the Elves a few months ago, and I immediately fell in love with it. I felt compelled to go out and buy it, however, long before that. I heard all of the hype about the series, and everyone around me was reading it, so I bought it last August. My sister read the book before me, actually, and she loved it, so I decided to finally read it after finishing my stint of Rowling's 'Harry Potter' (also an excellent series, by the way). The story is so wonderful, and it's great fun to read. I am currently on book 3 of the Dragon series. The Service of Dragons series is a must-read. Check it out.