Review: Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun by Kevin Gerard

Synopsis:
An eleven-year-old Latino boy wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change.

Nathan Sullivan hands Diego his statue, a handsome, glistening black dragon. He shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. The students crowd around Diego, asking for permission to hold it.

After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego awards it to his new dragon. If he only knew how fitting the name was, he might have known what lay ahead. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth's connection to the mysterious creatures. It is his task to find Magnifico’s guide.

As Magnifico comes to life he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him. As he discovers his bloodline, however, Diego assumes greater control over his dragon and his destiny. In the climactic journey, he frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.

My review:
 I was instantly drawn to the black dragon with a powerful name to match...Magnifico! Without a doubt he can cause trouble for the hero, Diego but he also protects him and serves him in order to achieve the ultimate goal and destiny Diego has to free his people from years of torture. However, I choose not to tell you of what torture that is.

The mysterious writer, Nathan Sullivan is charged with finding the "guide" as Diego will be come to be know as. His role is to also help Diego see that he is more than just an eleven-year-old boy but a person of years and wisdom.

To encourage him in achieving these goals, is the beautiful girlfriend, Raquel who pulls at the heart strings of the young boy. She too has a goal to achieve and only near the end of the book does the reader find out what exactly that is. Her ultimate destiny will be intertwined with Diego's but leave him heart broken and hopeful too.
-------------
I have always been fascinated by the supposedly mythical creature of dragons so, it was great delight to read this book about one that comes to life. It was also great to see the hero being a young Latino boy. 

The author had in mind from the beginning of this book (he wrote it in the foreword) to write books for young Latinos. The lack of books for this group of children was overpowering. The author discovered very few books were available and thus set out to correct that problem. This book is the first book in what is to ultimately be a series.

I certainly was not disappointed with the book and glad it did not end on a cliff hanger. I felt that all the characters were strong and I could see children seeing themselves in the characters. I could also see that the author did his homework to provide the cultural nuances for the book.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and find out what adventure Diego and Magnifico have in store. Great book and a must read!

This book gets 5 stars!
~Naila Moon

Disclosure:I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
----------------

Where to find the author:

Facebook
Amazon
Goodreads

Review: Schism:The Battle for Darracia (Book 1) by Michael Phillip Cash

Blurb:
On the planet Darracia, an ever-widening social gap between its inhabitants is causing turmoil that is fracturing a once peaceful world. Struggling with his identity, nineteen year old Prince V'sair must harness the power of the elusive Fireblade, the secret to a warrior's heart, in order to overcome his uncle Staf Nuen's lust for supremacy. Will the energy of the Elements guide the young prince to his true destiny or will Staf Nuen conquer Darracia? 

My Review:
I recently had the opportunity to read another book by Michael Phillip Cash. I have been rather enthralled with his thriller books and could not wait for his book Schism to come out. 

I was particularly interested in this book because I am somewhat of a Sci-fi buff.  Michael Cash had changed genres with this book to be Sci-fi so, my interest was peaked. A risky venture for Mr. Cash for sure, but I was not disappointed in the least.

The book tells of a world, Darracia that has three levels of distinct social order. The top ruling group literally lives in the clouds and rides great winged horses. They are warriors and use the power of the Fireblade, a multi-glowing sword, as their strength.

Prince V'sair is the next in line for the throne but is frustrated that his parents have not allowed him to have taken on the power of the Fireblade but have favored education instead. On a journey to a lower level of Darracia, with a servant girl, he finds the secrets to the Fireblade as well as love and the strength of family. Additionally, he finds out that not all things or people are what they seem and that working together may just be the key.

These ideals are what his father, the King, has tried to instill in him but he will only begin to learn these things when his Uncle, Staf Nuen, organizes a coup and tries to have him and the King killed. Through his new found identity, the Prince faces warfare and inner conflict.
-----------------
I of course cannot give the complete details of this first book in the series away. I can say that the book will keep you on the edge of your seat, only as Michael Phillip Cash can do.
I was happy that this book did not leave me hanging at the end to wait for the next book. I really hate that!
However, there is so much more to know about Darracia, the people, and if  Prince V'sair will be able to lead his people. That I will indeed have to wait until book two.

For now, I recommend you read this first book and be thrilled like I was. You will not be disappointed.

This gets a 4 out of 5 stars!
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I downloaded this book on Kindle and received no compensation for this post.