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    Dragons of the Valley: A Novel
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    Dragons of the Valley: A Novel
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    Dragons of the Valley: A Novel
    Audiobook13 hours

    Dragons of the Valley: A Novel

    Written by Donita K. Paul

    Narrated by Ariadne Meyers

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    War threatens the peaceful land of Chiril… can one painter-turned-reluctant-swordsman really help?

    With an invasion of her country imminent, Tipper Schope is drawn into a mission to keep three important statues from falling into the enemy's clutches. Her friend, the artist Bealomondore, helps her execute the plan, and along the way he learns to brandish a sword rather than a paintbrush.

    As odd disappearances and a rash of volatile behavior sweep Chiril, no one is safe. A terrible danger has made his vicious presence known: The Grawl, a hunter unlike any creature encountered before.

    To restore their country, Tipper, Bealomondore, and their party must hide the statues in the Valley of the Dragons and find a way to defeat the invading army. When it falls to the artistic Bealomondore to wield his sword as powerfully and naturally as a paintbrush, will he answer Wulder's call for a champion?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateSep 21, 2010
    ISBN9780307735614
    Unavailable
    Dragons of the Valley: A Novel

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    Reviews for Dragons of the Valley

    4/5

    69 ratings15 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 2/5
      Too much for me...Tipper is the daughter of a sculptor who disappeared some years ago. She has been left to deal with the estate of her family in his absence and has been forced to sell some of his works of art. but when her father returns she finds out that she's done something terrible and needs to undo it. She enlists the help of a few friends to go on a magical quest to undo what was done.I could not get into the story at all. I feel like the reader was simply dropped into this fantasy world that Paul has created (in another series apparently). However being a stand-alone book this should have indeed stood alone and not been a continuation of the series proceeding it. I also had a very big problem with the characters. Tipper is just about one of the most annoying characters I've ever read. She is consistently the victim although it does get better throughout the book. Not to mention the great wizard Fenworth who is a huge snob.I usually can do a good fantasy but this one was just too deep in for me and like I said having been a stand-alone book this should have reeled me in a little bit better but it failed to do so.Can't say I would really recommend this book. Perhaps I would recommend this as a part of the series but not standing alone.
    • 4/5
      The Dragons of Chiril is the first book in Donita's K. Paul's, Chiril Chronicles series. This book was previously released under the title, The Vanishing Sculptor. It is appropriate for readers of all ages and will be of particular interest to those interested in Christian Fantasy. Paul blends her fictional dragon world, with Christian idea's and concepts to create a far reaching adventure quest, that shows the love of Christ in a very non-evasive way.Paul's ability to craft novels that express Christian principles without beating the reader over the head with them is exceptional. By using a fantasy model she takes the religious undertones and subtly introduces them to the reader minus the preachy attitude and overbearing manner of some Christian fiction writers. I have always enjoyed Paul's work for that very reason. Her fantasy quests are similar to other good Christian Fantasy tales including, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. She gets her message across very well, even without all the bells and whistles. Tipper is an interesting character. She has had to take on a great deal of responsibility since her father's disappearance. She has been caring for her family with money she earns from selling her father's art work. When she figures out that she has sold some very important statues that could bring about the destruction of the world if they are not reunited, she could have faltered and blamed herself, but she stands strong and starts out on an epic quest to get the statues back. I liked the fact that Paul gives Tipper's character a sense of innocence, but I found myself thinking she was much younger than she actually was.This is an adventure story that is appropriate for all ages, but there are some difficult names to read and pronounce. I think probably readers from the ages of 10 - 15 will probably get the most enjoyment out of the book, but there are also adults who love Christian fantasy that will really get into it as well. The supporting cast was my favorite part of the book. Tipper's companions ranged from a dragonkeeper prince to a giant parrot and even included a wizard. There is a little something for everyone here. I liked how Paul incorporated Christian principles through the character of Wulder, and her use of humor in the dialogue between the wizard and the librarian. If you are into Christian fantasy this is really a great read. The dragons are exceptional characters and I will definitely be reading other books in this series. It's a bit different and that's a good thing. I liked Paul's other dragon books and this one is just as well written.
    • 4/5
      A surprisingly good fantasy adventure. But it's somewhat hard to understand, partly because of the writing style and partly because Donita K. Paul seems to think it's unnecessary to explain the workings of her world. The reader just has to figure it out as he/she goes along, which isn't exactly pleasant.The characters and plot are enjoyable however, making it a very fun quest. I'm not entirely sure I like the way Wulder/God is presented, but all in all it's a fantastic fantasy/adventure Christian novel.
    • 4/5
      THE DRAGONS OF CHIRIL by Donita K.Paul is an interesting allegory/fantasy/fiction.It is the beginning of a new series.Previously released as The Vanishing Sculptor.It has dragons.adventure, trachery,morals,Kings,Princess,dragon keeper,good vs evil,right from wrong,otherworld,wizards,magical librarians,speaking parrots,and mysterious portals.It is a story that enterwines intrigue,mischief,mayhem and witty banter. This story is a great addition for all ages.It will a great compliment to the DragonKeeper series.What a grand adventure for all fantasy,adventure readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy with realism.The list of characters include Tipper,the sculptor's daughter,Lady Peg,Tipper's mother,Beccaroon,a giant parrot,Bealomondore,an aristocratic young artist,Fenworth,the wizard,Librettowit,the librarian,Prince Jayrus,the Dragon Keeper,and Prince of Mercigon Mountain Range,Gage,the oldest living dragon and King Yellat,Lady Peg's father and the Ruler of Chiril.This is an interesting story of an enchanting party on a quest to not only save the world but to discover a loving God.This is a must read for fantasy readers. This book was received for the purpose of review from Library Thing and the publisher.Details can be found at Waterbrook Press and My Book Addiction Reviews.
    • 4/5
      I had very mixed feelings about this book so opted to read it twice before sitting down to write a review. My heart wishes it had been a repeat of the magic the author created in Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, it is not. For a young reader, or as a way to begin a conversation about Christ without ever having to say his name this book would serve what I assume was the author's purpose. The book had some very fun, and funny moments and I may forever mutter "fish scales in a crocodile's teeth!" but the book often felt stilted and awkward. I'd share it with a child, but would not recommend it for adult readers.I'm giving it four stars just for the number of times it made me giggle.
    • 5/5
      This is such a delightful book I will be looking for more books by this Author Donita K Paul. The book was published under a different title, this title fits the story very well.The zany characters romp through the country side falling from one adventure into another.(*****)It's a must read!!
    • 5/5
      I LOVED this book!!! Having read some of Donita K. Paul's books in the past, this book fits right on in!! I love the dragons, parrots, wizards, and the craziness that goes on in the novel! It seems to be going into a state of constant chaos at times, yet the author skillfully keeps the story on track somehow. I give this book a 5.5 out of 5 and recommend it for anyone!
    • 5/5
      Donita K. Paul does it again!! OMGoodnes...I love this book! Strong Christian views presented in a fiction book makes it even better in my opinion. I would recommend this book to everybody and I cannot wait for the second to come out.I see that some people think the Wulder thing is strange and not needed...I hope you see the truth sometime.Anyway, I can see how it would be little confusing for people who haven't read her Dragonspell series, so that could be kinda putting-off.And for all those who haven't guessed it, yes. The author is a Christian (as am I) And since most of you seem to dislike the Christianity theme...keep reading! Maybe it will grow on you! I hope it does.Bedda: If you want to continue the story, then I should tell you that the second book is coming out on September 21st. (yea) Oh, and the book takes places on the same world as the Dragonspell series, but on a different continent.Kingoftheicedragons: Love the name. But about the book...well, if she took a lot of time to explain the different species, it would have been boring. Admittedly, it probably would be confusing for people who haven't read the first series, so...yeah. Guess you are right there.Brianlair: I agree that not having read the first series would keep you from likeing this series. I probably would have thought the same.ReadersFavorite: Right on! Only thing I don't agree with you on is the names...but other than that... :D
    • 3/5
      Hmmm... what to say about this one. I didn't like it, but I didn't hate it. It lied somewhere in the hazy middle. First off I'm not a huge fan of mystical books, but that's not really what I didn't like about it. It seemed to take forever for me to read it. I started it on a Friday and didn't finish it till the next Thursday, and for a 400 page YA book, that was just too long. The story deals with quite a few things, but one of the main ideas is that of faith. The idea of Wulder and what he is capable of weaves itself throughout the entire story. There were definitely some good things about this book. The author was very creative. I liked the character of Beccaroon very much. There were quite a few times when I laughed at his remarks. The banter between the wizard and the librarian was also fairly entertaining. The descriptions were quite well written and I could see the places that were being described as well as a good image of the characters. I actually saw Drew Barrymore as Tipper (don't know why I don't normally associate book characters with real people). Donita Paul seems to have a great imagination and is able to portray her images quite well. I also really liked the glossary in the back. I referred to it quite often throughout the story and it did help me keep track of who was who and what part they played in the overall story. While I did like some of the characters I didn't really connect with any of them. Tipper seemed to jump between being very level-headed and quite flighty. The rest of the characters seemed to be very eccentric and hard for me to relate to. I guess my biggest problem would be that this was a slow read, but like I said I'm not really into this genre. Maybe for someone that likes this kind of story it would be a more enjoyable and quicker read.
    • 3/5
      The Brain Lair on The Vanishing Sculptor22 yr old Tipper is not sure what to do. Her father disappeared long ago leaving Lady Peg, and her, with the care and upkeep their estate, Byrdschopen. Tipper keeps hoping her father will appear as the money is starting to run out and she has had to sell some of sculptures to pay the servants and buy food. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse Tipper's father, Verrin Schope, returns. Sort of. He had been whisked away to a gateway that has become unstable. This unstableness meant that he could disappear again at any moment. Each disappearance/reappearance degraded Schope's health and he needed to find three of his sculptures to stay in this world. Unfortunately, Tipper had not only sold the sculptures, she didn't know who the final recipients were. Tipper, Verrin Schope, and Bec, her parrot guardian set out on a quest to retrieve the sculptures before it's too late.Rithmetic'Donita K. Paul introduces us to a world that is not quite different enough to make us forget our own. Couple that with a host of characters and the reader spends a lot of time trying to organize things. This proved to be distracting at times. As this was my first encounter with Paul's work, I'm convinced that being unfamiliar with her writing style was what stopped me from fully immersing myself in The Vanishing Sculptor.Overall I give The Vanishing Sculptor 1 copy. I will purchase it for the school library but I will only booktalk it to specific audiences.Author TalkDonitaPaul Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.
    • 2/5
      Too much for me...Tipper is the daughter of a sculptor who disappeared some years ago. She has been left to deal with the estate of her family in his absence and has been forced to sell some of his works of art. but when her father returns she finds out that she's done something terrible and needs to undo it. She enlists the help of a few friends to go on a magical quest to undo what was done.I could not get into the story at all. I feel like the reader was simply dropped into this fantasy world that Paul has created (in another series apparently). However being a stand-alone book this should have indeed stood alone and not been a continuation of the series proceeding it. I also had a very big problem with the characters. Tipper is just about one of the most annoying characters I've ever read. She is consistently the victim although it does get better throughout the book. Not to mention the great wizard Fenworth who is a huge snob.I usually can do a good fantasy but this one was just too deep in for me and like I said having been a stand-alone book this should have reeled me in a little bit better but it failed to do so.Can't say I would really recommend this book. Perhaps I would recommend this as a part of the series but not standing alone.
    • 4/5
      This was a great little fantasy dragon story. It was a good listen for teens and young adults.
    • 3/5
      With her father having been missing for 15 years, Tipper has been keeping her family going by selling off the art he left behind. His sudden reappearance is less than joyful however, and soon a journey to find 3 statues she sold of years prior ensues. Tipper, her father, and a group of unlikely characters band together in search of the statues, realizing without them the world will fall apart.I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It’s definitely one that is hard to describe without revealing too much detail or plot. I found it to be well written in the sense of flow and word choice, and the characters were likeable enough. Donita Paul has a talent for developing a well rounded cast of characters as well as a interesting plotline. I suppose it just wasn’t my type of story. I found it to be rushed at points, as if Paul was trying to hurry through the details to get on with the plot and whenever authors do that I often find myself confused. Sure, they understand entirely what’s going on, its their story, but the reader needs those added details to keep up. Maybe it was just me, but the last hundred pages or so seemed out of nowhere. Where was the build up? The little clues throughout the story that all tied up at the end?To me, this novel was a ho hum kind of story. It wasn’t a horrible novel, but I won’t go out and get the next book to continue the series.
    • 4/5
       Tipper's father, Verrin Schope, has been missing for a long time. When he returns in a most unexpected manner, followed by a magician and his librarian, things start to get a little strange. Verrin Schope is an artist, and three of his sculptures are much more important than anyone could ever guess. In order to save the world (and himself) the statues must be reunited once again. Tracking down the three statues, which have been sold over the years Verrin was missing, proves to be harder than it was originally thought. The journey to recover the statues is what drives the story forward through a very interesting series of events.I enjoyed reading Dragons of the Valley, and while this book preceeds the story, knowing part of the outcome did not detract from the story at all. Seeing where my favorite characters came from and how they met was great. I did not enjoy the characters quite as much as I did in Dragons of the Valley. They did not develop and grow in a way that I found satisfying, but this being the first book in the series it may have just been setting them up to do so. A very typical good vs bad storyline, with a few twists to make it interesting. The bad guys were a little too obviously bad. A few more in depth surprises would have helped the story a bit.3.5/5
    • 3/5
      This was the first Paul book that I’d read and I think this one takes place in the same world as her Dragonkeeper Chronicles. I don’t think you have to have read them to follow the story but there are a few things that might have been explained that were assumed as already known in this book. She uses terms like emerlindian and tumanhofer, which are different races, but we are never told that. There is a glossary to help in moments like this but it would have been nice to have some sort of hint in the text. I like the word usage, like rapscallion, falderal, chicanery, obfuscate. Nothing that will make you run for the dictionary but words that you don’t hear much and makes it more interesting to read. The banter between the wizard and the librarian is fun, light and witty but also sounds real, like two old friends bickering. Lady Peg, who is a little addle minded, is also fun and done well so she does not go too far and become some absurd comic relief but remains an interesting, believable character. There is a Christian message running through the book and it is not subtle. There is a whole page that goes on about the consequences of lying, several proverbs are quoted in a row for no apparent reason, the gifts given by Wulder are listed, and several times it is mentioned that a character knew there was some power behind everything but he didn’t know what, among other things. But as blatant as the message is it is never really explained exactly who Wulder is or who the paladin is or why he is important and that made me wonder if I missed something by not reading the other Paul books first. Despite a few minor places where I felt I was catching up to a story already in progress I thought it was an enjoyable book. There are a lot of interesting well drawn characters that are fun to follow on their exciting quest. I found myself so engaged in the story that I lost track of time while I was reading it. I liked these people and would be glad to follow them on another adventure.