The Dragon of Vigilance Dragons are very much in the publics mind these days. There is, to begin with, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, which features a large and malevolent dragon, Smaug. Next to that in repute is the well-known HBO TV show and book series, which shall on these pages remain nameless. Dragons are a factor in this series as well. Luthando Coeur wishes to put forward a third option for consideration, Shadow of the Mountain by D.A. Stone. This is but the first in an ongoing Wars of Endura series; book 2 will be released in the summer. If you have not looked at Stones work, you owe it to yourself to get a copy. Particularly if you like dragons, which are treated at length in Shadow of the Mountain. Stone offers a bold and exciting conception of the dragon. This legendary creature, immense in size, armored, fire-breathing, winged, and intelligent as well, is at the top of the bestial realm. The favor of a dragon can mean protection and peace for a kingdom, as it has for the enterprising Amorians. When danger appears, however, steps must be taken; lessons must be learned. A failure to learn some important lessons would likely mean the kingdoms demise. The editors of Luthando Coeur are reminded of another great book, Deliverance (1970), by James Dickey. This pathbreaking novel was also the basis for a no less-great movie (1972), directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds. The book describes the trials of a group of weekend warriors who go on a boating trip in the remote Georgia wilderness. This trip has been the inspiration of Lewis, an outdoorsman and sporting enthusiast, who is played by Reynolds. His friend and understudy in matters of the outdoors, Ed - Jon Voight - accepts good-naturedly the lessons of his more accomplished friend. The group runs into trouble; they run into some locals. Bad men stalk these remote hills and do not take kindly to tourists. These men begin a campaign of violence against the boaters; to make matters worse, Lewis breaks his leg when he falls into the river. He can be of no further use in the proceedings. It is up to Ed now. He must put to practical use those tips his friend had offered him, if the group is to find a way to safety. The dragon-ruled world of Shadow of the Mountain bears striking resemblance to that created by Dickey. The Amorians had gotten used to peace, yet now war has come. They need, at this point, to get the egg of a dragon beyond the encircling enemy lines. A young magician, Tenlon, is entrusted with this mission. He is chosen for his size - small - because a light rider will ride the fastest horse. In many scrapes which Tenlon faces, he is advised by the unhatched dragon. These superior creatures are capable of telepathic communication, and can use it to instruct the young mage. The egg is vulnerable; the kingdom is vulnerable. Tenlon must put the lessons impressed upon him to good use, if the Amorians are to find deliverance. Stone here has broken new ground. We dont fear that weve given away the plot, because there is much - much - to recommend this ongoing story. The message for Deliverance and for Shadow of the Mountain is the same: vigilance shall be required. Even when danger is not expected, we must prepare for its arrival. We recommend Deliverance to all of our readers. And we recommend Shadow of the Mountain to dragon specialists and the general public alike.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:29:11 +0000
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