White’s fifteen-year-old hero returns for another action-packed fantasy romp, after Jestin Kase and the Masters of the Dragon Metal. As owner of a Dragon Medal, Jestin is protected by a golden power that scales his body and allows him to wield a blade from his own hand. With that type of superhuman ability, he should be able to conquer the world, but his panic attacks and insecurities threaten his confidence. This time, as he finds himself at the center of a dizzying foray of magic and treachery, Jestin must wrangle his self-doubt because evil is brewing. Humanity has been cut off from the heavens, a villain is turning elves into vampire-like monsters, and a mystical ancient book with endless power is about to be stolen. It’s up to Jestin and his friends to unravel the chaos and protect the innocent.White quickly establishes Jestin’s wit, humor, and bravery through amusing banter and electrifying action sequences, and amid all that the hero’s relatable awkwardness navigating an endearing adolescence crush for his best friend Colt adds to his charm. On the surface, he may seem like a confident young man, but buried under his brazen jests are deep-rooted insecurities from childhood trauma. White masterfully navigates Jestin’s internal struggles and gently guides him towards confronting his past. As a result, timeless lessons about pain, suffering, and perseverance are learned.
Those jumping headfirst into this series without previously reading the first book will quickly feel at home in the mystic splendor of the Dragon Metal and medals. There’s action and adventure galore, and while some readers may feel overwhelmed by the abundant characters and concurrent storylines, White provides a character list and glossary for clarity. Fantasy fans with a passion for magic will sink into this meticulously crafted world of elves, monsters, and heroes.
Takeaway: A fantasy whose likable teen hero faces monsters, both outside and within.
Great for fans of: Paul Cude’s The White Dragon Saga, Sean Fletcher’s Heir of Dragons Series.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
