So, I haven’t done a book review in what seems like forever and it was kind of annoying me! Today’s book is ‘The Fire Within,’ by Chris D’Lacey. Although I read a lot of thrillers and romance books sometimes when I’m tired or work is hard I like to pick up something simple and beautifully written and I was poking through this a while ago and remembered how captured I had been by not only the developing story line but the magic that it conveyed, when I first read it at 11. So, here it is, my slightly childish book review.

 The story starts with college student David; he only has a week to find accommodation before he starts further education and he is beginning to panic.  However he stumbles across an advertisement and after a quick visit decides to move in! This is when the real magic begins, When David moves in with Elizabeth Pennykettle and her loud eleven-year-old daughter, Lucy, he discovers a collection of clay dragons that come to life.  David’s own special dragon inspires him to write a story, which reveals the secrets behind a mystery.  In order to solve the mystery and save his dragon, David must master the magic of the fire within—not only with his hands but also with his heart.

 This is definitely a young persons book, aged between 9-14 however the background and the foundation behind the book is brilliant and magic, that can only continues to spin a delightful and majestic tale. As this is written for a younger audience the language is simple and the characters are not as explored as they potentially could be, especially David, the main character who does not come across as a stereotypical college student! Overall, the plot is driven mostly by the characters, including not only David but also the magical dragons meaning that the plot lacks speed and energy however this does not detract from the story as a whole. Finally, I must add if any are to recommend this to younger readers the end of the story is quite upsetting for a children’s novel so have tissues at the ready!

 What I loved most about this book was the incredible dragons, their amazing personalities and the way that they were modelled on their owners and the fact they are not allowed to cry really hit an emotional note with me when I read it so many years ago. The plot is brilliant and the secrets that are revealed along the way are well thought out and keep the story rolling! Although I don’t expect you to run down to the shop and read this book I wanted to give it some recognition as I loved it as a child and even now I remember its utter brilliance!