“Nothing can save you now, Princess.”
How can anyone be tricked twice? Isn’t there even a saying about that? Zaria Fierce is determined to get things right this time and with the Drakeland Sword in her possession she’s ready to take on trolls, dragons, and whatever else may come… but first she and her friends are going to have to figure out just how much trouble they’re in at home.
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My review of book 1 (The Secret of the Gloomwood Forrest) and book 2 (The Enchanted Drakeland Sword)
Initial reaction upon finishing:
Oh my goodness! Can you believe it!? We have finished our journey with Zaria and the gang. I honestly cannot believe just how fast this trilogy seemed to fly by. It seems strange to not be anticipating another adventure with Zaria and her friends, but all good things must end. This fabulous conclusion to a fun series did not disappoint. In all honesty, I think this was the most dangerous adventure for all of them so far. I have to admit, I would occasionally forget it was CHILDREN going through this and showing intense bravery. What else did I love about this conclusion (without spoilers obviously)….
- More Magic! We have heard talks of this magic the entire time, and with each book we have gotten to dive just a little deeper with it. In the conclusion of the trilogy we get to see just how the magic works and what some of our beloved characters are capable of. The best part about them showing off their magical powers, they have to work for it. Yes, I think that is the best part. It’s difficult for me to read a book or watch a movie where the power happens and they get it. They get how to use it and what to do and there’s no real struggle. But in life, you struggle a bit to master a skill. We see those that can wield magic struggle, work harder, and eventually succeed.
- So much teamwork! In this day and age we have found ourselves working in teams more often than not, and Zaria gives us the perfect example of solid teamwork. I love how this group works as a team. There are disagreements, because no one is perfect (and it would be incredibly boring to read a book where there was NO disagreement happening), but they always worked through it to come to a solution. To think of the things that could have happened to them had they not worked together…scary. I think this was the best example of teamwork in this series, and a fun way to remind all readers about the importance of working together.
- Action! The plot in this book just kept right on moving. We started up right where we left off in the 2nd book and just plowed forward. I kept thinking of how I wish I had this book as a middle-schooler, because it hits every criteria I have ever had in a book. It doesn’t waste time getting to the action, it jut gets there. I would have probably knocked it out in a day, because I would just have to know what was coming up next. Even as an adult I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next.
Bonus: Zaria continues to be an excellent example of courage, her group continues to be the best of friends despite every single thing they face, and they all show us the importance in being true to you.
Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes was the magical conclusion this trilogy asked for. Filled with action and adventure, Zaria and her friends showed us the importance of teamwork, friendship, and having courage in ourselves. The perfect ending to a fun series, I recommend this to all fantasy lovers, middle school and beyond!
Man…what a ride it has been Zaria!
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