The Dragoneer by Amber Boudreau

Young Adult Fantasy, 268 pages

Dragon Street Press, June 2, 2020

Reviewed by: Michelle Caffrey  www.MichelleCaffrey.com

Dragon as Metaphor - Five Stars

This was a fun read, with a great blend of reality and fantasy. The characters are three-dimensional, with orphaned Moira facing teen issues like dating, friendship, curfew, and homework. Complicating her life is her unexpected encounter with a dragon. Unwillingly, she must save the monster from his troll enemies. In the process, she learns not only sword and archery skills, but also courage and trust.

When Moira becomes a “dragoneer” she must also overcome her anxiety and panic attacks from the recent loss of her father--the “monster in the room.”  The book, however, is far from preachy, and sprinkled with humor. Who knew a dragon would enjoy a diet of fire rocks and spicy potato chips?

This is an excellent book for the young reader in your life or for anyone who enjoys a rollicking fantasy tale told well.

Reviewer Michelle Caffrey is the author of her travel memoir, Just Imagine: A New Life on an Old Boat, and two nonfiction books about a friend’s dog lost in Yellowstone for 44 days: Bring Jade Home and picture book Jade – Lost in Yellowstone. The latter book recently won Creative Child’s 2020 Book of the Year Award. She lives in her happy place, Lake Geneva Wisconsin, with her husband Paul. She enjoys reading, knitting, and being anywhere near water.