While other authors with Utah ties wander through the worlds of vampires or faeries (see Essentials Weekend), Jessica Day George seems to have found a comfortable place frolicking with massive, intelligent fire-breathing beasties.
Following last year’s Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight, Salt Lake City resident George makes a third visit to the world inhabited by a young girl named Creel and her friend, a dragon named Shardas. This time around, the humans and dragons finally appear to be able to co-exist without war, leaving Creel a peaceful world in which to marry Prince Luka. Too bad that Luka’s dad has his eyes on the territory now inhabited by the dragons, and that a bunch of rogue dragons have decided to kidnap Shardas’ mate to become their own queen. The lively fantasy may be appropriate for young readers, but that doesn’t mean it won’t satisfy readers of any age.
Jessica Day George: Dragon Spear @ The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-494-9100, Friday, May 15, 7 p.m. KingsEnglish.Booksense.com