School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-This second book in the series has the same charm and crossover appeal as Dragonsdale (Scholastic, 2007). Breena and Cara are best friends, but now Cara is riding dragons better than any other competitor. Breena doesn't mean to be jealous, but her dreams of being part of the guard flight are fast disappearing as she and her dragon struggle to regain their Trustbond after an accident. The rift in the girls' relationship is compounded by another girl's gossip and lies. When Breena takes her dragon off into the wilderness and doesn't return, it is only Cara who can solve the mystery of what has happened to her. Drake has taken horseback riding and all of its appeal and married it with fantasy and dragons. The setting is well developed and interesting, filled with wonders such as a merboy and his underwater flock of ramlike capricorns. The secondary characters also help bring the story to life. The writing is light and easy, and the black-and-white drawings add to the action.-Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Ambition and misunderstanding derail the relationship between dragon-crazy Cara and her quieter best friend, Breena, as they compete in dragon-riding contests. Meanwhile, Cara befriends a merboy, and her spiteful archenemy, Hortense, makes more trouble. Drake's fantasy is overly neat and precious at times but involving and heartfelt nevertheless. Sprawling illustrations threaten to overtake some of the pages. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
In this second in a series, the friendship between dragon riders Cara and Breena is almost destroyed and their dragons injured through the machinations of the spoiled and jealous Hortense. The rather predictable plot also involves adventure--a disastrous crash-landing that leaves Breena and her dragon in danger of drowning--and interspecies cooperation--Cara's new friendship with a merboy contributes to Breena's rescue. Rather than ponies or horses, these girls ride dragons and compete against three other stables on their fantasy island but otherwise this series has the same appeal as pony book series like The Saddle Club. Along with exciting flights and details of the dragon-riding competition, there is an appended chapter of tools and procedures for caring for your dragon. An introductory map and plentiful black-and-white illustrations add to its charm. The pseudonymous author claims to be from this fantasy world. Frankly a sequel, this will probably be grabbed by girls who loved the first installment. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
