Dragon Stones - Book One of the Dragon Stone Saga by Kristian Alva

I'm not usually one to gravitate toward the fantasy genre. Nor do I read much YA (Young Adult). But I seem to be reading a little of both as of late. See here and here, respectively. Recently I finished a book that encompasses both genres: Dragon Stones - Book One of the Dragon Stone Saga by Kristian Alva.

Dragon Stones centers on the story of Elias, a boy of around 15 years old who lives with his grandmother in a land called Durn. Elias and his grandmother are both healers (a kind of herbal medicine doctor) as well as Mages (wizards).

In recent years, there was some political upheaval in Durn in which the reigning monarchy was overthrown by an evil usurper name Emperor Vosper. On a side note, for some reason every time I read the name "Emperor Vosper" I always pictured the following in my head:


Flash!  Ahhh Ahhh!

Anyway, Emperor Vosper has taken over control of Durn and is generally up to no good. The citizens are suffering and short of food. There's threat of retaliation if anyone says the wrong thing. It's your run of the mill despotism. But most notably, he's having all the dragons exterminated.

One day, while searching for herbs and such in the forest, Elias comes across a long hidden dragon stone. The dragon's magical power is all derived from a large gem-like stone located at it's throat. There are also dragon riders. These human dragon riders form an intense and life-long bond with their dragons. When a dragon accepts a rider, the dragon stone at its throat is divided in two. The dragon keeps half, naturally, and the rider takes the other half. Most riders wear the stone around their necks but some have the stones permanently implanted in their chests to symbolize the strength of their bond to the dragon. Once bonded, the dragon and rider are a kind of super hero duo, roaming the land righting wrongs and defeating evil.  Oh and the stones allow the dragon and rider to communicate telepathically. Sweet!

The stone Elias finds is a riders stone. Despite warnings from his grandmother, Elias is desperate to better their situation and takes the stone to a local merchant to sell. The merchant alerts the Emperor's goons and soon Elias is on the run.

Unlike other fantasy or YA books I've read, this one is heavy on both fronts. This is not fantasy light like A Game of Thrones. There's magic and dragons and elves, oh my. It's got it all. And the writing and themes are more in line with what I would expect from a YA novel, unlike The Hunger Games or The Book Thief.  Simple writing, nothing fancy, easy for younger readers to grasp.  And nothing too heavy in the way of violence or adult themes.

All in all, Dragon Stones it is a good solid YA fantasy novel.  You root for the good guys (Elias), and you root against the bad guys (Emperor Vosper - even though we don't officially meet him).  There are some plot turns regarding Elias' lineage that will keep you interested.  One gripe however:  the book is quite short and ends abruptly.  I know this is the first book in a forthcoming multi-book saga.  I know there is more to come.  Perhaps the first book could have been longer to better establish the plot and characters.  And perhaps the first book could have ended after more had happened, for lack of a better word.  It cuts off without anything all that significant occurring, which is good for future sales but leaves me feeling cheated on this book. 

That being said, I am going to give Dragon Stones by Kristian Alva three and half bows.  It was good, and as far as my limited knowledge of YA fantasy goes, unique.  But you all know how I hate a cliffhanger and this was the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers.  That's all for now.  Until next time, fellow book nerds, happy reading!

*In accordance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose that I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for a review posted here on my blog.