About This Book:
The Florida wetlands are hardly an ideal vacation spot for anyone. Especially the young Synergist Knight, Camela Rider, and her Master Dragon, Krysta Valanche. Stuck on Nocturn babysitting duty and being cramped into a less-than-favorable camper with below-average amenities is not how the battle-starved Camela wants to spend her time. She needs adventure and action, and she’ll do her very best to drag Krysta along with her to find it. But the area they patrol is a far cry from suburbia, and it sure as heck isn’t Camelot either. Everyone’s favorite ice duo might be in for more than they bargained for when they trudge deep into the mashes to find ancient artifacts, violent histories, and plenty of Darkbrand fire. Will they succumb to the savagery of the swamps? Or will they rise above the mire and extinguish the flames of the wildfire?
*Review Contributed by Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
What worked:
This novella features Camela, a Synergist Knight, who’s bonded for life with Krysta, an ice dragon. Camela has taken the concept of brave warrior to heart and her brash, confident demeanor and need for adventure often control her decisions. She speaks with overly formal words and incorrectly tries to use figurative language, adding humor to the story and showing that she’s still a young girl. Krysta is able to conceal her identity and usually appears as Camela’s human friend. The two girls can communicate mentally and Camela’s ice talisman transforms them into a formidable team. Krysta is often the voice of reason for readers although she usually defers to Camela’s judgments. That is not always a good thing.
The book offers plenty of action to keep readers engrossed and wondering what Camela will do next. She’s keeping guard over an extremely dangerous Nocturn so she jumps at the chance to find something more exciting to do. Carmela and Krysta encounter a Minotaur but the author adds a twist by having this monster behave differently than other Darkbrands. It’s like the Energizer Rabbit and just keeps going. Carmela impulsively explores an eerie village and discovers an old, powerful relic that can either help her or lead to the end of all mankind. Readers will question her choices and wonder if she’s gotten herself and Krysta into a situation they won’t be able to escape.
What didn’t work as well:
There are moments in the story when the author describes background information that breaks the momentum of the events. For example, explaining the abilities of a Minotaur/Pyrotaur as it prepares to attack is useful but perhaps the information could have been worked into the action. There’s also a brief switch to a story involving Moon Orchid that may not make sense to readers new to the series.
The final verdict:
This novella can be read as an introduction to the other Talisman books or it can be appreciated as a reminder of characters readers have liked in the past. The book will appeal to dragon lovers and those who enjoy adventure and action. I recommend you give it a shot along with the rest of the series.
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