From Publishers Weekly
In this action-filled sequel to The Dragon and the Thief , Bradshaw conjures up a world of treachery, politics and hasty war where goodness, bravery and quick wits eventually triumph. The novel opens dramatically, with Princess Kandaki of Nubia hearing the terrifying screams of her parents as they are slain by traitorous guards. Next in line to die, Kandaki is lashed to a rock, a sacrifice to the ever-hungry and widely feared water dragon of Derr. Her parents' murderer, meanwhile, sets himself up as king and spreads falsehoods about the deposed royals. Kandaki is rescued by Prahotep and Baki (heroes of the previous novel) as they travel upstream in search of fellow dragons for their own dragon, Hathor. An unlikely friendship ensues, and the foursome sets out to restore Kandaki to her rightful throne and to quash the villainous uprising. After a slightly shaky beginning, plot and characters gain momentum, making this an exciting tale of magic and adventure. Clear language creates vivid, immediate scenes, and Bradshaw successfully combines an aura of myth and fairy tale with a decidedly modern, spunky heroine and a few universal truths. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-- A fast-moving plot and a fascinating setting are two very good reasons to purchase this sequel to The Dragon and the Thief (Greenwillow, 1991). Princess Kandaki of Nubia is left the sole survivor of a bloody coup in the royal capital of Nubia. Her father, King Arkamon, has been murdered by Shabako, the captain of the guard, who then orders Kandaki to be sacrificed to a marsh-dwelling water monster. However, two renegade Egyptians rescue her, with the help of a golden-eyed dragon, Hathor, and ultimately agree to help her regain her throne. Consider The Land of Gold a well-told story of determination, cooperation among unlikely friends, and the responsibilities of power. It's also an uncomplicated, action-filled introduction to fantasy, political intrigue, the habits of dragons, and a little-examined ancient kingdom. Young readers may even be prompted to investigate further the relations between Egypt and Nubia. Fans of Pamela Service's The Reluctant God (Atheneum, 1988), with its elements of time travel and Egyptian burial customs, will likely find The Land of Gold just as thought-provoking.
- James Jeske, Chicago Public Library, ILCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
