Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Young Adult Fantasy, 336 pages
2007, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Review by Jaleh Dragich
I've had a love of dragons for as long as I can remember. That love has led me to authors I'd never heard of before finding their book featuring dragons. For example, the first Piers Anthony book I'd ever read was Dragon on a Pedestal. That opened me up to the entire Xanth setting, becoming another of the many places I wish I could visit. That book then led me to other books he's written, just because he'd snagged me with the dragon. I discovered Jack Prelutsky, children's poet, from his book of poetry The Dragons Are Singing Tonight, also featuring some lovely artwork by Peter Sis. And the Pit Dragon Trilogy led me to more books by master storyteller Jane Yolen. So, I've trained myself to be on the alert for other dragon-themed works that might hook me into new additions to my favorite author list.
I discovered Dragon Slippers in a dollar store a couple months ago. The title snagged my attention; the jacket blurb sold me the book. Dragons, embroidery, and a promise to be an atypical fairy tale. Having grown up on The Ordinary Princess, I knew I couldn't leave the book behind. It came home with me. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Though written for young readers, the plot had enough complexity to keep me guessing how it would resolve.
When Creel is sent to the dragon's lair in the hopes that a wealthy knight would rescue then marry her, therefore, improving the fortunes of her family, she never expected the vast differences between tales and reality. For example, this dragon did not have mounds of golden treasures, but a vast array of shoes. Each dragon had their own unique collection. Gold was of little interest, at least to Theoradus.
After bargaining with the cranky dragon, Creel sets off for the king's city with a small supply of embroidery thread left to her from her mother and a strange pair of azure leather slippers from the dragon's hoard. Perhaps there she could find work with her skill in embroidery, enough that she could eventually open her own shop.
But the path to her dreams is filled with obstacles and potholes. She is attacked by bandits and rescued by Shadras, yet another dragon. His collection consists of high quality stained glass windows, providing a source of new embroidery designs. When she finally arrives at the city, she is treated with disdain and runs into trouble with a foreign princess, the bride-to-be of the Crown Prince. What is with the hostility in this town? She can't even get directions to the cloth-workers district.
Nearly taken to jail for breaking a curfew she hadn't known about, she is rescued by Prince Luka, brother to the Crown Prince, who had already heard about the earlier incident and found it amusing. He takes her to his old nanny who now runs an inn. She agrees to let Creel stay the night and to help her find a job in the morning.
Even with employment, questions and difficulties still confound her. Why does Prince Luka continue to seek her out, even buying her gifts? Can she get a dress ready in time to attend the Merchant's Ball, suitable for attracting a wealthy patron? And why does the foreign princess keep demanding Creel's shoes?
The fate of a kingdom is on the farmgirl's feet. Too bad the dragons hadn't trusted her with their secret.
This first person tale of an ordinary girl who stumbles into kingdom-changing events shows what can happen when you remain true to yourself and to your friends. Whatever store you can find this in, it is well worth the price.
And yes, Jessica Day George has been added to my favorite authors list. Time to go find more books from this talented author. Hmm. Her website could help with that: www.JessicaDayGeorge.com. Oh look, two more books with Creel, Prince Luka, and their friends. I know what I plan to buy soon.
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Jaleh Dragich is an avid reader and aspiring author of fantasy and science fiction. Her interest in the genre covers more than the written form to include music, movies, games, and visual art. She is now sharing her passion for the subject on her blog, Ex Libris Draconis.
Excellent review, Jaleh!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was challenging to tantalize without giving away too much or simply repeat what was on the dust jacket. Certainly is good practice for when I'm ready to write a query letter for the first time.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Writing a synopsis of SOMEONE ELSE'S work has helped me to see which points are necessary to bring out and which aren't. It's easier when you're not emotionally invested in the development of the piece.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I'll have to look for this book on my next trip to the library. Good review, Jaleh!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jaleh!
ReplyDeleteI share similar interests. Only, instead of dragons and embroidery, it's softball and video games. Hand in hand.
Okay, not so much. I don't think I'll be getting into a YA so mild, but the review was done well enough that it definitely piqued the interest.
What is the font of the title?
ReplyDeleteanon,
ReplyDeleteI don't recall ever seeing that font before, so I can't say for sure. That would be a question for the publisher. Or, sometimes the font name is listed inside the book somewhere, i.e. the stats page, copyright page, acknowledgment page, etc.
Happy hunting! And thanks for stopping in. :)