DragonQuest, the second in Donita K. Paul's Dragon Keeper Chronicles, brings back the characters I loved so much in the first book. It opens with Kale and Dar in Vendela, taking lessons at The Hall. Ms. Paul has new characters on the way to delight her readers, though. We quickly bump into Toopka, an adorable doneel street urchin and petty thief.

Kale doesn't stay in Vendela long. The action moves away from the city when Kale is sent to help the wizard Fenworth. She takes along the mischievous Toopka as well as Bardon, a knight in training she would rather leave behind.

From Fenworth's, where they add another couple of people to the group, they are sent on a quest to free a meech dragon held hostage by the evil wizard Risto.

In DragonQuest I was not surprised to find wonderful characters, warm and well-developed, along with some of the most imaginative and fun scenery around. The writing is also very nice--easy to read with some delightful phrases and word choices along the way.

I did think the book had some plot problems. For one thing it took a long time to get to the quest. Until the quest team had a clear goal it was hard for me to root for them. I also thought the fake mother showing up was underdeveloped and unconvincing.

Another thing that bothered me was that I again felt a lack in my relationship with Paladin. The good guys are in his service. They love him and he loves them, but for some reason, I don't love him. Paul has chosen not to give me a very clear view of Paladin. He comes and goes and when he speaks I can't hear his voice. When Toopka speaks I laugh and say, "Of course, that's exactly what she would say." But Paladin doesn't feel real to me.

But the other characters!

There is no doubt that Donita K. Paul is a master at creating breathing characters full of interesting twists and turns in their personalities. I could hear their voices and I knew what was in their hearts. I love her characters. The three good wizards in this story are among some of the coolest creatures in any book I've ever read (and their living quarters are as inventive and inviting as the Swiss Family Robinson's tree house).

Plot-wise, the final third of the book was very strong, also, making me forget any frustrations from earlier meanderings. I was very satisfied with the way the author filled in all the gaps and ended the tale. After finishing this book, I was anxious to move on to book three.

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Copyright © 2006 Sally Apokedak