The Dragonology series Dr. Ernest Drake, Dugald A. Steer "editor" Candlewick Press Fiction, CH Fantasy/Novelty Book Themes: Dragons, Encyclopedias, Hidden Wonders *****
Description
Originally penned by Dr. Drake in the late 19th century, this is a compilation of the dragonologist's studies into dragon history, evolution,
behavior, habitat, and lore. From the rare marsupial dragons of Australia to the better-known European specimens, from the properties of dragon
dust to techniques for (temporarily) taming dragons, all manner of dragon knowledge is compiled here. To enhance the educational experience, Dr.
Drake includes samples of dragon scales and wing membrane, booklets on the dragon language and dragon riddles, and other oddities.
Review
Though technically a children's title, anybody with an interest in dragon lore should enjoy this book. The illustrations are colorful and add
value to the text, and the "extras" are fun, bright, and not too intrusive. (Yes, I'm a sucker for shiny objects. So sue me...) No, it's not
historically accurate, taking liberties with dragon legends, but it's still a fast and fun read for any dragon-lover.
The Dragonology series Dr. Ernest Drake, Dugald A. Steer "editor" Candlewick Press Fiction, CH Fantasy/Novelty Book Themes: Dragons, Encyclopedias, Hidden Wonders ****
Description
Following the success of Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology, reprinted from a 19th century dragonologist's notes, this book came to light.
This workbook, designed for aspiring dragonologists by Dr. Drake himself, has been reprinted for the benefit of modern readers who wish to pursue
the study of dragons full-time or as a hobby. The lessons cover everything from basic dragon identification to dragon runes and riddles, dragon
magic, and how to start your own Dragonological Society chapter to promote dragon study and conservation. It comes with a certificate of completion,
a dragonologist library card, a sheet of stickers, a fold-out map of dragon activity and global migration, and a copy of Dr. Drake's report card
from his school days.
Review
Much of the information and several of the illustrations are straight from the first book, but some new material has been added, mostly as
elaboration on ideas mentioned in Dragonology. Like the first book, this handbook is designed to look like an old volume, with age-browned
pages, ink drips, and cup ring marks to suggest much wear and use. I found it hard to read through some of these atmospheric effects, and also found
it annoying that the text sometimes ran right over the beautiful illustrations, especially when one section encourages readers to develop their art
skills by tracing the pictures in the book. I liked the lesson-based format, and I'm still dragon-loving nut, so I rated it Good overall.
The Dragonology series Dr. Ernest Drake, Dugald A. Steer "editor" Candlewick Press Fiction, CH Fantasy/Novelty Book Themes: Dragons, Encyclopedias, Hidden Wonders ***
Description
Based on the bestselling Dragonology franchise, these miniature books each contain a mini-adventure. As a junior dragonologist, you are
sent on four missions for the society, taking you around the world. Read the story, work through the puzzles, and choose how to proceed. Be careful!
When dealing with dragons (and those who hunt them), making the right decision can literally be the difference between life and death.
This box set includes four books: I - The Iceland Wyrm: A rogue frost dragon is wreaking havok in Iceland, and it's up to you to find out why. II - The Dragon Star: Seek out the legendary Dragon Star, a magical gemstone last seen by noted dragonologist Dr. Dee, before dark
dragonologists can steal it. III - The Dragon Dance: "Hoppy," a rare Australian marsupial dragon, has wandered dangerously close to area gold mines. Can you find
her and lead her to safety? IV - The Winged Serpent: The search for El Dorado, the City of Gold, crosses paths with guardian dragons in South America.
Review
I gave these a blanket rating as they all have about the same writing style and, consequently, suffer the same problems. The biggest of these is
the awkward format. Instead of flipping to a given page number to continue the story, one must flip to a numbered paragraph; this, combined with the
small book size and stiff, hardbound spines, makes for often-troublesome navigation. That said, they at least allow for a few wrong turns and dead-ends,
instead of one answer being right and the others immediately wrong or fatal. Incidentally, I wasn't exaggerating in the Description. You have many,
many chances to die a virtual death in the course of these adventures; while it befits the inherently dangerous job of dragonologist, it may disturb
those who only came to Dragonology for the shiny objects and whimsical illustrations. As for the stories themselves, I found them poorly
written, and the endings - there is only one "right" ending for each - seemed a bit too happy-fuzzy and neat given the quick and gruesome demises that
the readers are bound to meet on the way.
In summary, these pocket adventures aren't great literature, and only contribute marginally to the ever-expanding Dragonology franchise, but
they look neat and come in a little cardboard box with plastic gemstones. If that's enough for you, you'll be happy with your purchase.
Dragonology: Tracking and Taming Dragons Deluxe Book and Model Set Volume 1: European Dragon
The Dragonology series Dr. Ernest Drake, Dugald A. Steer "editor" Candlewick Press Fiction, CH Fantasy/Novelty Book Themes: Dragons, Encyclopedias, Hidden Wonders ****
Description
Dr. Ernest Drake's latest book, Tracking and Taming Dragons, instructs young dragonologists on how to locate and befriend dragons, as
well as offering some training techniques. This set includes a precut European dragon model to assemble (with instructions.)
Review
Yet another installment in the growing Dragonology franchise, it reeks so strongly of merchandising that I clipped it a point. Otherwise,
I found the booklet enjoyable, if brief. It included new illustrations and information, which is more than many merchandising-based tie-ins manage.
I also liked the dragon model, made of decently thick cardboard and printed with a colorful European dragon straight from the delightful
Dragonology illustrations. If you want to expand your dragon collection, it's a good deal.
Best known for his phenomenally successful Dragonology books, the 19th-century dragonologist Dr. Drake was also a keen student of
many other creatures which modern science dismisses as imaginary or impossible. In these pages, he describes numerous "monsters" from unicorns
to gorgons, from the famed Himalayan yeti to the obscure nightmare-eating Asian baku. As proof of his discoveries, he includes various samples
collected during his travels.
Review
Another one for the Shiny Object category... I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised that, after the initial burst of enthusiasm displayed in
Dragonology, subsequent entries in the "Ology" series have become less substantial. While, understandably, there is no way to cram every
possible mythical and cryptozoological beast into one picture book, I felt "Drake" (Steer) could've covered more with his given page count -
especially as he later mentions creatures which did not previously merit mention in chapters describing his "finds." He also mixes cryptozoology
with mythology, but it actually didn't irk me as the book itself is so clearly and unabashedly playing the imagination angle; it's only when
researchers are belittled that I get testy. Still, there are the requisite "shiny objects," glittery bits of unicorn hair and shimmery samples of
phoenix ash and the like. I suppose I just wanted a little something more than that.
