Title: Wulfgar and the Dragon
Author: Christina Eastwood
Series: Wulfgar the Saxon, book 2
Major Themes: King Alfred, Dinosaurs, Dragons, England
Synopsis: Something big is tearing up trees along the river, but can Wulfgar and Morcant learn all about it before they have to tell the Thane, or before someone is killed?
I love historical fiction that is set in uncommon times and places but is accurate. The Wulfgar the Saxon series is like that. We have read a few books set in the times of King Alfred of England, but none that were overtly Christian like these, and we have never come across one that featured a dragon in such a realistic way as Wulfgar and the Dragon. We read the first book in the series several months ago, and were all slightly disappointed in it, so no one chose the second to read for a long time. I was delighted when one of my sons chose it, though.
Publisher’s description:
Hund, the rescued Wolfhound, is unaccountably injured, and something mysterious is devouring all the grass in a riverside hayfield. Wulfgar and Morcant decide to keep watch and find out just what is afoot near the village. It’s all bigger than they bargained for—do they tell the Thane or just keep quiet? A clash of loyalties sees Wulfgar deeply involved in something that is far too close to insubordination for an Anglo-Saxon warrior. The Thane is furious, but what will happen when the king arrives? Another set of adventures awaits Wulfgar the Saxon in this second book of the series, and his loyalty and skill are going to be tested to the utmost. Painstakingly researched, the Wulfgar the Saxon books give an accurate picture of Anglo-Saxon life and how real Christian faith can flourish even in turbulent and dangerous times.
My thoughts:
I thought Wulfgar and the Dragon was written much better than the first book in the series. That one included several long monologues, but this one has a lot more action. There is both external and internal conflict. Wulfgar and Morcant greatly displeased their Thane, and had no idea, when he found out, what he would do with them. They also had to figure out how to protect their village and the people in it. We loved the ending, and the king’s sentence on them. It was delightfully creative!
Anyone who is interested in the days of King Alfred and how people lived at that time will enjoy reading this series. This book is not as gripping as many adventure stories, but for those who don’t mind a slightly slower-paced story based on extensive research, it will be great.
WARNING: Chapter 2: A dog is badly injured. Chapter 9: An animal is killed, and a man is badly injured.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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