Dragon Rider (Hardcover)

Firedrake, a dragon, and Sorrel the brownie discover that humans may be coming. Before long, they are swept up in a journey that will take them to the Rim of Heaven, a place where dragons can live in peace forever. On the way, they meet a boy named Ben, a somewhat smelly human. Ben ends up joining them in their journey. What Sorrel and Firedrake don't know is that there are spies everywhere. Nettlebrand, a huge dragon with heavy golden armour sent Twigleg, a homunculus to spy on Ben, Firedrake and Sorrel so Nettlebrand can follow them and get a tasty meal at the Rim of Heaven! What a pig! Will Firedrake, Ben and Sorrel get to the Rim of Heaven? Or will they become dinner?

In Dragon Rider, the author has shown a true meaning of courage. Ben, had not ridden a dragon before, and he was very brave to try riding on one. He also showed courage for standing up to Nettlebrand. Because Nettlebrand is so big, Ben could've been squashed or eaten! Firedrake had to courage to travel to the Rim of Heaven, knowing that Nettlebrand was on his tail! Sorrel had the courage to use brownie spit to kill the red-eyed ravens. None of them would've made it to the Rim of Heaven if it wasn't for their courage and efforts. This story is also about cooperation, getting along with each other, and accepting each other's differences. When Twigleg was Nettlebrand's spy, Sorrel got very suspicious of him and didn't act very nice to him. When Ben first met Sorrel, Sorrel didn't like him. Eventually, Sorrel learned that she had to get along with him, even if he wasn't a brownie. All four friends have to work together to find the Rim of Heaven.

I think that this story and the characters are very well developed. You can see clear differences between characters. If you look at Sorrel, you can tell she is sensitive and stubborn. Sorrel gets suspicious; therefore she doesn't like creatures that aren't brownies. Ben is the complete opposite; he is kind and generous, especially to Twigleg. When Sorrel was suspicious of him, Ben scolded Sorrel and told her to leave her alone. Twigleg calls Ben "young master" because of his kindness. Did you also notice what unique names Cornelia Funke used? At one point, the author uses the name Burr-Burr-Chan. Pretty unique, eh? Have you ever heard of the name Burr-Burr? I think it's a cute and creative name. I also think that the name Nettlebrand is very dragon like and has a big effect on his character. The name Firedrake sounds brave and courageous, and that's what Firedrake's character is! Besides the names, Cornelia Funke also has very good word choice. She uses words like pessimistic and dazzled. These words help enhance the story and help visualize what's happening. This scene was very strong and easy to visualize: "Firedrake flew on. The nine white peaks forming the Rim of Heaven shimmered in the distance as if starlight clung to them. The rat flew her plane on the leeward side of the dragon, where she was out of the wind. Firedrake felt strong, as if moonlight were flowing through his veins. And he felt light, as if he were made of the same elements as the night itself."

There are a few parts in the story that were very fast paced. There were so many obstacles that Firedrake, Ben and Sorrel had to go through. This part of the story made my eyes go wide. It was when the gang met a sea dragon. At first I thought it was going to eat them, this is why I felt my eyes go wide. I also feel that the middle of the book had lots of action and was very hectic. The beginning was very unique and very suspenseful. It was creative that the book started with a rat and the book is called "Dragon Rider." It was also unique that the rat said, "Didn't I say so? Didn't I tell them?" Tell them what? This is definitely a reader - hooking beginning. It begins like this: "All was still in the valley of dragons. Mist had drifted in from the sea nearby and was clinging to the mountains. Birds twittered uncertainly in the foggy damp, and clouds hid the sun. A rat came scuttling down the slope, fell head over heels, tumbled down the moss- covered rocks, and picked herself up again." You want to know what the rat did next? You'll have to read it for yourself! After the beginning, you won't be able to put the book down. You'll always be looking forward to each new chapter.

So you're thinking of reading the book now, right? Wait, what about the ending? No, I'm not going to TELL you the ending that wouldn't be very fun, would it? I'll let you find out yourself! I think that the ending was touching and had me wondering a lot as well. I have so many questions; what happened to Firedrake? What about Ben and Twigleg? What about Sorrel? It seems like the characters have separated and are on their own adventures. I think it would be neat if Cornelia Funke wrote books about each characters point of view, especially Sorrel. Her character is very unique, and it would be interesting to see what she is thinking.

I think you're aware of a few things that will happen in this book, but there's still more! Are you up for it? Are you ready for an eye popping experience? This book will give you an adventure and a something you'll want to read over and over again.