I always think the measure of a book is how much time you spend thinking about it between reads and afterwards. Several days after finishing the fourth of the Dragon Orb series – Aurora – I am still wondering what’s going on now in the world of Elian, Kira, Nolita and Pell and their fabulous dragons.
In my earlier post about the first book – Firestorm – I confessed that complete fantasy is not really my thing. I like a good mix of fantasy and reality and I soon discovered that my fellow TBMer, Mark Robson, delivers this in spades with the Dragon Orb series. I really believe I now know what it’s like to ride an actual, living, fire-breathing, flying dragon – right down to the texture of the scales and the muscles moving under them in flight. His aerial sequences are absolutely thrilling. Yes – Mark’s a former RAF pilot, so you’d expect some authenticity – but it takes a truly exceptional writer to convert that experience onto the page in a way that can connect with someone like me, who’s been on a plane about five times!
I actually feel like a frequent flier now.
The pace and the depth of character, as the four young dragon riders seek out the orbs they need to save the fate of dragonkind, are also excellent. I read these stories while not feeling too well and unable to sleep, so a lot of it was taken in during the small hours but even when I was finally dropping into unconsciousness it was hard to put the books down. I’ve had a few feverish nights when I’ve actually believed I was in Dragon Orb. The quest was running me ragged! Yes, I recommend reading while not quite rational – it’s intense!
Mark’s deft touches of historical research also add a lot to these stories, playing with actual events in history which tie up with the events in Areth, the other world of the dragons which brushes against our own and even opens into it from time to time. This is lovely stuff and carries such good – and not overly simple – messages. I have become a Robson fan. But I’m not reading any more of his books. Not for a while. NO. I need some time to recover… STOP waving Imperial Spy at me! STOP IT! I need some proper SLEEP…
08/09/2009 at 4:55 pm Permalink
They are brilliant, aren’t they? I’m a huge fan – especially of the flying sequences.
On a connected note – this is one series of books I wished came with a soundtrack to play at the same time as reading. Imagine the dragon chases and battles with a score behind them!
11/09/2009 at 10:39 am Permalink
As I wrote the books, I was very much thinking about how they would look on the big screen, Tommy. But I’d never thought about the music. You’re right. Music would make a big difference.
Thanks for all the lovely comments. I’m glad you’ve both enjoyed the books so much. My new series starts with someone’s first trip in a 747. Not quite the same sort of flying experience, but I do have a more exciting flying element lined up for later in the series.