Coming to the end of this lovely series, I certainly will miss it. Fortunately, although there are currently just 10 titles produced in Audio, I have been told that book 11 (to wrap up the series) is slated to go into production in the spring of 2015. So I don’t yet have to say goodbye to this clever fantasy.
How to Steal a Dragon’s Sword
By this installment of the series, you will have needed to follow along, too many ongoing situations and unresolved issues come to a climax, and without the information from the earlier titles, you will be hopelessly lost.
BUT, that is hardly a hardship as this story is possibly the most adventure-packed, action-filled and satisfying (until the cliffhanger) of the stories, with Cowell’s skill hitting a high note, and her subtle nod to the film version of the series that is quietly added gives a taste for a movie night. The dragons are fussy, a new King choice brings us back memories of the earlier books, and Cowell does a masterful job in depicting just HOW difficult it is to grow up.
Toothless is more spoilt and a touch more smart-mouthed, the witch (remember her?) is back to cause mayhem, and Alvin the Treacherous just WON’T go away. Yes, there are funny bits and many of the Vikings aren’t that bright, there’s still humor and fun as Hiccup works out all of the pitfalls on this latest quest, and, as I said… a cliffhanger.
Narration is again from David Tennant – and there really isn’t much to say about him that I haven’t already. Flawless, with unique accents, pitch, tone and pacing clearly distinguishes each character, you know who IS speaking before they are identified. For the narration alone, this is a story worth investigating as Tennant brings all of the characters to life in the BEST story time ever. Really – it is. I love being read to (and have since a child) and the interest in following along is piqued with the changes in pitch, tone and accent. Particularly amusing is the lisping and stuttering Toothless as he excuses his own bad behavior or acts not unlike a spoiled child.
I truly will miss this series, certainly a new favorite of mine for children right up there with the wonder of the worlds created by Tamora Pierce
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5
Title: How to Steal a Dragon's Sword
Author: Cressida Cowell
Series: How to Train Your Dragon #9
Also in this series: How to Train Your Dragon, How to Be a Pirate, How to Speak Dragonese, How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse, How to Twist a Dragon's Tail, A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons
Genre: Children's Literature
Narrator: David Tennant
Published by: Hachette Audio
ISBN: 9781478900061
Format:Audiobook
Source: Hachette Audio
Pages: 373
Audio Length: 5 Hours: 1 minute
Rated:
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Bad times have come to the Archipelago. Ever since the woods of Berserk burned down, it is almost as if the world is cursed. Dragons are starting to revolt against their Masters. The waters have risen, flooding fields and washing whole villages away. But worse still, the wicked witch Excellinor has returned. Can Hiccup find the King's Things and win the sword-fighting contest to stop Alvin the Treacherous from becoming King of the Wilderwest?
A copy of this title was provided via Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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