Gordon R. Dickson continues his acclaimed saga of a twentieth-century American transformed into a Dragon Knight - and transported into a fantastic medieval adventure! The Dragon Knight's journey to the Holy Land is supposed to be a simple quest...but pirates, sea giants, and the legendary Djinn threaten to make his voyage the most dangerous odyssey known to man - and dragon.
From Publishers Weekly
Dickson's style of fantasy hearkens back to the era before both the glossy epic approach of Robert Jordan or Terry Brooks and the pseudo-postmodern slickness of Ellen Kushner or Pamela Dean, but it has its own special charms. In this new story about James and Angela Eckert (following The Dragon, the Earl, and the Troll), the author's meticulous historical research salvages what in the hands of a lesser talent could have been a pedestrian work. The Eckerts are 20th-century humans trapped in the 14th century, where Jim has discovered that he possesses magical powers. Here, Jim agrees to help his friend Sir Brian Neville-Smythe find the father of Brian's beloved Geronde, so that Brian and Geronde may wed. The father was last known to be in the Muslim land of Palmyra, and Dickson's fascination with the cultures of that area proves infectious. While the adventures here are cut from standard fantasy cloth?kidnappings, caravans and sorcery abound?the detailing is marvelous. Also appealing are Jim's pet hobgoblin, Hob, and the djinn named Kelb, who generally appears in the form of a small, mangy dog; both provide comic diversion. The characters may be secondary to the historical re-creation?Angela Eckert is especially ill-used in this volume?but those looking for fantasy in the mode of L. Sprague de Camp or L.E. Modesitt should delight in this book. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA?This series entry follows the exploits of Sir James Eckert, the brave Dragon Knight and apprentice magician whose 20th-century upbringing and knowledge make him an oddball in the 14th-century England he inhabits. This time, Sir James is embroiled in a trip to help his friend search for his future father-in-law in the Holy Land. As the two progress in their travels, they meet pirates; sea giants; assassins; Mongols; and the legendary Djinn, who have awesome power over good and evil. What was supposed to be a relatively simple quest turns into a dangerous journey into mysterious, unknown lands. Dickson has created an entertaining fantasy that will thoroughly satisfy fans of the saga. New readers will be captivated and want to track down every book they can find about Sir James. YAs will especially enjoy the fish-out-of-water humor, the action, and the characters straight out of myths and legends.?Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Description:
Gordon R. Dickson continues his acclaimed saga of a twentieth-century American transformed into a Dragon Knight - and transported into a fantastic medieval adventure! The Dragon Knight's journey to the Holy Land is supposed to be a simple quest...but pirates, sea giants, and the legendary Djinn threaten to make his voyage the most dangerous odyssey known to man - and dragon.
From Publishers Weekly
Dickson's style of fantasy hearkens back to the era before both the glossy epic approach of Robert Jordan or Terry Brooks and the pseudo-postmodern slickness of Ellen Kushner or Pamela Dean, but it has its own special charms. In this new story about James and Angela Eckert (following The Dragon, the Earl, and the Troll), the author's meticulous historical research salvages what in the hands of a lesser talent could have been a pedestrian work. The Eckerts are 20th-century humans trapped in the 14th century, where Jim has discovered that he possesses magical powers. Here, Jim agrees to help his friend Sir Brian Neville-Smythe find the father of Brian's beloved Geronde, so that Brian and Geronde may wed. The father was last known to be in the Muslim land of Palmyra, and Dickson's fascination with the cultures of that area proves infectious. While the adventures here are cut from standard fantasy cloth?kidnappings, caravans and sorcery abound?the detailing is marvelous. Also appealing are Jim's pet hobgoblin, Hob, and the djinn named Kelb, who generally appears in the form of a small, mangy dog; both provide comic diversion. The characters may be secondary to the historical re-creation?Angela Eckert is especially ill-used in this volume?but those looking for fantasy in the mode of L. Sprague de Camp or L.E. Modesitt should delight in this book.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA?This series entry follows the exploits of Sir James Eckert, the brave Dragon Knight and apprentice magician whose 20th-century upbringing and knowledge make him an oddball in the 14th-century England he inhabits. This time, Sir James is embroiled in a trip to help his friend search for his future father-in-law in the Holy Land. As the two progress in their travels, they meet pirates; sea giants; assassins; Mongols; and the legendary Djinn, who have awesome power over good and evil. What was supposed to be a relatively simple quest turns into a dangerous journey into mysterious, unknown lands. Dickson has created an entertaining fantasy that will thoroughly satisfy fans of the saga. New readers will be captivated and want to track down every book they can find about Sir James. YAs will especially enjoy the fish-out-of-water humor, the action, and the characters straight out of myths and legends.?Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.