Sarah L. Thomson

Better than your average girl on a quest story. The details of there being a smaller, domesticated version of dragons, and of an innkeeper's daughter being a dragon keeper, and the rune, the ancient history, etc., enrich the story a lot. So does the fact that at every time the girl has to make a choice, she does so thoughtfully, considering loyalty, promises, justice, and what she is learning about honor.

I'd read a sequel.

I love that the dragons are like very effective chameleons, or octopuses, meaning that they can be in human territory and we wouldn't know.

I do have one quibble with the very premise. The 'stone' was nestled in a fire. Clearly it belonged to something. Mella did indeed steal it, not just find it. That does make her a thief. Of course she finally learns that, but so subtly I don't know if young readers will realize it. For their sake, let me reiterate: If it doesn't belong to you, leave it alone.

I like the two versions of the game-playing rhyme, and that one that was truer to history.

"Tears mend nothing.... Work mends all." Well, the second part of that isn't quite true completely, but I do like the first part. Once you've had the chemical release, use the motto to help you move along; don't savor your self-pity or regret.… (more)