The Gentle Art of Dragon Taming
Written: Apr 14 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A fast, easy read. Nicely done fantasy novel.
Cons: A little predictable, not a lot of substance.
The Bottom Line: Perfect for a fast summer read. Enjoy!
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| solleks's Full Review: Mercedes Lackey - Joust |
As a young child living happily on an Altan farm, young Vetch was forced to watch in horror as his land was invaded and his father slain by Tian raiders. A casualty of the long, bloody war between Tia and Alta, Vetch becomes a serf--a position even lower than that of a slave. His master, Khefti-the-Fat starves, overworks, and beats him until the only thing keeping him alive is a dull hatred.
But his life changes the day Ari, one of the elite Tian dragon jousters, intervenes on his behalf and sweeps Vetch away to care for his dragon, Kashet. Vetch soon realizes that his charge is no ordinary dragon. Unlike the other dragons, who are captured from the wild and must be drugged almost to the point of insensibility before they are safe to ride, Kashet has been raised from the egg by Ari. Kashet is tame and gentle, and Vetch comes to enjoy caring for him.
In fact, Vetch's hard work earns him as much respect as a serf could possibly garner. He even forms a tentative friendship with Jouster Ari. Most would say this is as good as he could expect his life to be, but Vetch is not satisfied. He doesn't want to be Ari's dragon boy. He wants to raise a dragon of his own. Because he is an Altan, though, he knows he will never be permitted to do so. But when two dragons mate accidentally, Vetch sees his chance and embarks on the most dangerous journey in his young life. If he succeeds, he will soon be a free man with a dragon of his own. If he fails, he loses everything. And failure seems all but assured.
The Good
Mercedes Lackey's novel, Joust, does an excellent job of portraying the painful, claustrophobic world of a young serf who dreams of better things for himself and his country.
The plot moves quickly and is easy to follow. This is a brain-candy book, not one that requires great concentration.
Best of all, Lackey almost makes the reader believe in dragons with her matter-of-fact decisions and her comparisons of dragon behavior with that of cats and birds of prey.
The Bad
This simply isn't a book with a lot of substance. You can probably read and enjoy it in one weekend, but by the next you'll likely have forgotten it.
The plot is a little simplistic, and most readers will be able to anticipate the ending even though they will have a good time getting there. If the final pages seem a little abrupt and unfinished, that's because Joust is merely the first in the series of Dragon Jouster books. If you're compelled to continue following Vetch on his journey, check out Alta, the second book in the series.
Family Reading?
Joust contains no profanity, only hints of sexuality (all the women fall in love with Jouster Ari due to his good looks), and little violence, although Vetch's beatings at the hands of Khefti-the-Fat are mentioned.
It's possibly a little long to keep the interest of small children, but there's no reason why teens and young adults can't enjoy Joust with the rest of the family. In fact, this book would probably be an excellent choice for reluctant teen readers due to the linear, compelling plot.
Final Recommendation
Joust certainly won't win any Pulitzer Prizes, but it is a lively, fast-paced story that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
solleks
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Member: Debra Stang
Reviews written: 124
Trusted by: 93 members
About Me:
Medical social worker, freelance writer, proud member of the lesbian community.
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