How to train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell
Doom of the Darkwing, by talented author Cressida Cromwell, is the first action-packed instalment in the new How to Train Your Dragon School series. Readers are once again swept into the wildly imaginative world of dragons, danger and daring deeds. With Cowell’s trademark humour, adventure and heart, this new series will delight both fans of the original series, How to Train Your Dragon, and new readers alike.
The story begins where life on the Barbaric Archipelago has been anything but calm. Experiencing wild, unpredictable storms that are wreaking havoc across the islands, the tribe is in a state of unrest. Despite this, Hiccup is quite excited (even with the immense pressure to live up to the legacy of his formidable father) to be beginning his first day at the new Viking and Dragon Training School; his first lesson is “The Art of War.”
This excitement is short lived, however, when Hiccup breaks a rule during class and is awarded a devastating "egg level." Feeling the pain of disappointment, his feelings go from bad to worse when a cunning villain deceives his village. Hiccup tries desperately to warn his father, but is ignored and banned from leaving the island.
Seeing no other option than to risk the consequences, Hiccup and his loyal friend, Fishleg, decides to traverse the dangerous seas on their rickety boat - breaking the rules, braving the storm and hopefully saving the day! Will they have the power and skill to fight what they find in these dangerous waters?
The novel has a great format filled with lively black and white illustrations, adding an extra layer of magic and mystery, along with information to discover more about the dragon species from this wild Viking world. Dragon lovers will also love the Dragonese dictionary at the end; perfect for those wishing to speak to their dragon friends!
Doom of the Darkwing is a must-read for those who love dragons, fantasy, full on adventure and overcoming adversities - and also anyone who believes being different might just be your greatest strength.
Themes: Dragons, Fantasy, Adventure, Vikings, Problem Solving, Heroism.
Michelle O'Connell