Dragon Chameleon: World of Legends

Ok, the good news is that my wonderful husband got me four, yes four, of Sarah K. L. Wilson’s amazing Dragon Chameleon books, volumes 6 to 9 (World of Legends, Chase the Moon, Shadow Quest and Creeping Darkness). The bad news is that these are so addictive that I’ve pretty much spent every waking hour (or at least every such hour when the staff at the hospital I’m currently virtually imprisoned in allow me) doing nothing but reading these. The yin and yang of it is that boy oh boy was doing so fun, but darn oh darn do I now need the next books in this amazing series! This series of relatively short tales continues to be a wild ride as we follow Tor, the reluctant hero, Shabren, their mimics, the Dragons Saboraak and Kyrowat, the Ka’vai, the golems threat, and so much more. Simply too much to summarize in a single review, but the publisher’s blurbs do the job well enough. Add to those summaries that these stories are superbly told, the characters in them wonderfully crafted and the overarching story arc pretty much perfect. Really, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. These books definitely deserve it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each of these books is most definitely “one to read”, and all of them are easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books in this series.

“The power of death belongs to us all, but life serves no master.”

SETTING: What is the point of passing legends on to the next generation? Is it not to teach important truths in a way that imprints them onto the mind of the taught one?
In this volume we find truths important to teach our selves and our young ones-important to have a rich, full life as well as to impart good gifts to those around us. They are taught in dramatic, picturesque ways that will help US to remember them, and perhaps take them to heart. We learn a hidden function of the Doors of Heaven: one meant for those who the ancients see as worthy of further testing, to prove their fitness to lead their people through difficult times and trials.
Tor goes through one of these doors and finds himself being set up to be tested. Failure in his part to pass the tests will mean death to him and necessitate the need for the ancients to look to another for his intended role. Only ones selected by the Worthies, the Ancient Ones, are allowed in. Tor must master the use of a set of precepts the ancients have determined prove fitness to both continue the test and to be considered for the intended role. These precepts are in the book of prophecy and Zin teaches them to Tor just prior to the test.
What happens if someone breaks into this special area, trying to steal power and rulership for himself, ignoring ALL the precepts? Will this wicked one succeed or will the ancients be able to stop him? What happens if that someone succeeds?

CRITIQUE: WORLD OF LEGENDS seems, in a way, a pause in the story to teach US, the readers, the secrets of the ages that our ancient “worthies” want US to learn, along with Tor. That being said, each test is full of action, decision making, and an opportunity for Tor to lay bare before the Worthies his innermost self, for them to judge if he himself is worthy of the honors as well as sacrifices that will be his, if he is successful. I love this part of the storyline, as it adds depth to the entire series, helping us to see the underlying messages the author has been signaling to us throughout the story. The evil usurper seems a bit too real to be comfortable, as we see just such individuals today seeking to overturn traditions, values and the natural order of justice in the world.
The relationship between Tor and Zyla becomes clearer to us, as well as to them, as we are privileged to see the steps these two take in their walk through this story. As we watch, we become more invested in the outworkings of this series. Although the series is appropriate for middle schoolers and beyond, as a grandmother I see many lessons I want to impart to my grandchildren, for them to have the best life possible. An outstanding series.

Tor and Saboraak are in trouble and more than one life hangs in the balance. Tor has to complete a trial of tests in order to save them all. I adore Tor and his determination to save his friends, all the while claiming that he is no hero. Can’t wait to see what happens next for Tor and all of his friends.