The Reason for Dragons

by Chris Northrop

Jeff Stokely (Illustrator)

Wendell is a high school outcast who lives a lonely, suburban existence, losing himself in books in order to avoid his distant, motorcycle-riding stepfather, Ted. When the school bullies convince Wendell to venture into the forest around their neighborhood and explore the long-abandoned Renaissance Faire grounds they all believe to be haunted, Wendell is surprised to find a man living in the barn — and even more surprised by the man himself. His new acquaintance seems the definition of crackpot, believing himself to be a medieval knight named Sir Habersham, tasked with the duty of slaying the dragon he insists is wandering the woods. But when Wendell starts hearing rumblings — and listening to Habersham's stories — he starts to wonder if, perhaps, it could all be true. In a heartfelt coming-of age story, Wendell must defy logic in order to follow his heart.

• ISBN10: 1936393743
• ISBN13: 9781936393749
• Publish Date: 6 August 2013
• Publish Status: Transferred
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Archaia Studios Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

The Reason for Dragons is a very enjoyable coming of age story in graphic novel form. The artwork is wonderful and really adds to the whole reading experience.

The story centres around Wendell, a 16 year old having trouble fitting into his world, where he has to deal with bullying from his peers along with a strained relationship with a stepfather, who seems more interested in his motorcycle and mechanic work. Wendell has no memories of his real father, who it seems died when he was too young to remember. We are given lots of clues as to who his father was and how he might have died, but nothing concrete is given.

Without giving too much away, the story is one where reality and fantasy collide, giving Wendell much to think about and challenging him to act in ways he may not have previously thought possible. My only disappointment with this book is that the story seemed to conclude too soon, when things seemed to be getting interesting. However, there are a number of short stories at the end that help to explain a number of questions raised by the main story and add to the understanding of some of the things in it.

This book is worth checking out, even for the artwork alone, but the story is one that is enjoyable as well.

(Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my opinion or review)