The Dragon Guard

by Emily Drake

Book Overview

As the Magickers seek the third and most important Gate into the magic-filled land of Haven, the elder members are being stricken by a strange ailment that drains their power and ages them. And the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0756401909
• ISBN13: 9780756401900
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Daw Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.9"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

The Magickers should be the next Harry Potter

When I started reading The Magickers I thought that Emily Drake was a good author with a practical idea; to cash in on the Harry Potter craze. The more I read, though, the more I realized how untrue this thought was. While there are certainly similar elements between the two - a lonely young boy finds out that he can use magic in a hidden world that operates within our own - Drake's story is fresh and compelling. Her characters show the complexity and personality that you'd want in a friend (or an enemy), the plot is full of entertaining twists, and Drake skillfully manages to deal with the concepts of good and evil both subtly and realistically. This book is a great read for both children and adults, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loved the Harry Potter series.

Magic indeed

Readers picking up "The Magickers" will probably assume that, as a kids-learning-wizardry book released after the wave of Pottermania, that this is merely a clone to cash in on the new popularity of wizard-themed fantasy. Far from it; in many ways, I found "Magickers" to be a superior work of fiction.n ankle injury has sabotaged Jason;s chances of going to soccer camp, and with his stepfamily going on their own trips, he faces a bleak summer. Until, that is, his English teacher shows up with the application for a special camp called Camp Ravenwyng, for special and talented people. He can either go to "geek camp" or to his weird stepgrandmother's. Jason chooses the camp.Despite the ramshackle appearance of Ravenwyng, and the slightly eccentric teachers, Jason soon begins to enjoy himself with a cluster of new friends. But on his first night, he ventures outside his cabin -- and is bitten by a wolflike creature that snarls "You're mine" before vanishing. Though the teachers reassure him that it's nothing important, he isn't so sure. And there is an odd feeling about Ravenwyng: a pool of water speaks the name of the cabin he will attend, tiny objects are being pilfered from a certain cabin, strange dreams, and Jason overhears some very suspicious conversations among the teachers and the leader of the Camp, Gavan Rainwater.Then the teachers reveal the true nature of the camp: It is to train them as Magickers, powerful magicians who will resist the evil Dark Hand of Brennard, Magickers gone bad. As the savage Wolfjackals draw closer to Ravenwyng, and a magical "manna" storm is brewing around them, Jason may be the only person standing between the Magickers and destruction.This will undoubtedly be an unpopular review, as I find this to be superior to the Harry Potter series. But Drake has better descriptive ability, characterizations, and sense of atmosphere. This book never uses cartoonish characters stereotypes, or low humor. Jason is important, but not hugely unique or adored. Ravenwyng's teachers are realistic and effective authority figures that do not detract from the preadolescent heroes. The bad guys are bad for a reason, rather than being without motive. And, in a twist that is quite refreshing in modern fantasy, the climax does not depend on a deus ex machina, but on the effort of the characters.Jason is a good hero, thoroughly sympathetic and believable in his characterization; his determination and nervousness about his scar attracting evil forces are extremely evocative, as is his attitude whenever an obstacle is put in front of him, and his willingness to support and help his fellow younger Magickers. Bailey is mildly ditzy, but her pleasantness and helpfulness shine through. Gavan is a good break from the stereotypical mentor wizard, and comes across as a truly strong character. Supporting cast like the timid Henry, fiery Irish cook FireAnn, grandmotherly Aunt Freyah, and the others are all given their own little quirks to set them apart

A fine story of discovery and confrontations with evil

Camp Ravenwyng is a summer camp seemingly for creative kids - but turns out to be a testing ground for those with magical abilities. Jason finds himself drawn to the real purpose of the camp, and to the problems which arise from awakening new powers in Magickers, a fine story of discovery and confrontations with evil.

Summer camp magic!

Emily Drake's first novel about middle school kids and magic is great! It's filled with lots of fun and adventures and is great for all ages! Can't wait for her next book!

You may already have won!

Strange words to find when you're locked out after falling off the roof because a crow was attacking your window in the middle of the night. As strange as it is, though, it's only the beginning for the main character, Jason Adrian, who soon finds himself shipped off to a "camp for geeks," because his sprained ankle kept him from soccer camp. Things go from strange to bizarre, as Jason begins to notice odd things around the camp - small items coming up missing, strange animals wandering in the woods, midnight meetings of the camp counselors about something called the Dark Hand. Before long, Jason and his friends would soon find out that it's not a camp for geeks at all, but training grounds for the next generation of Magickers. This is one of those suspense-filled books, with just enough laughs, and great twists and turns, to keep you from wanting to put it down. I only wish MY summers were this fun! If you haven't already gotten this one, get it! Who knows? You may already have won!