Dragon Mage

November 19, 2007
Based on a concept discussed between Norton and Rabe before Norton's death in 2005, this long-delayed sequel honors the classic elements of Norton's 1972 young adult fantasy Dragon Magic
while taking on a decidedly modern air. Shilo's ordinary teenage life has been shaken up by her father's death. Now living with her grandparents in the backwoods of Wisconsin, Shilo rummages in the attic one night and finds a wooden picture puzzle with four dragons on the cover that belonged to her father. When she completes the puzzle, Shilo finds herself transported to ancient Babylon, where a dragon entreats her to help save its eggs and keep the earth from being overrun by demons. Rabe (The Finest Creation)
has built on Norton's estimable groundwork to produce an action-packed, satisfying young adult story that will be very accessible to modern teens as well as now-grown fans of the original Magic books.

January 15, 2008
Stuck in Slade's Corners, WI, with her grandparents after her father's death, Shiloh finds life above an antique store less than fascinatinguntil she discovers a set of dragon puzzles that belonged to her father. Working with the puzzles leads Shiloh to the sound of voices in her head and transports her back in time to ancient Babylon, where she is expected to take over her father's position as servant to an ancient dragon and, perhaps, the one to save her world. This collaboration between the late sf and fantasy Grandmaster Norton and prolific fantasy author Rabe (the "Finest" trilogy) touches upon aspects of Norton's popular "Dragon Magic" while telling a unique story about a young girl's unusual coming of age. A good choice for most adult and YA fantasy collections.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2008
Gr 6-8-In this sequel to "Dragon Magic" (Tor, 2006), Shilo's father has died and now she is stuck in Wisconsin with her grandparents. In going through some of her father's childhood toys, she discovers a puzzle with four dragons on it. As she puts it together, a dragon that doesn't appear on the cover of the box is formed. Suddenly Shilo is pulled back through time to ancient Babylon where she must figure out how to survive long enough to return home. Called by the dragon, she learns how she can help to rescue not only the dragon's eggs but also her own world from being overtaken by demons. It will take bravery, friendship, and stealth to succeed. Ancient Babylon is vividly described with small details bringing the world to life. The characterizations are rich and varied as well. This book's concept was created by both Norton and Rabe just before Norton's death in 2005. Readers familiar with the earlier books in the series will enjoy the connections here, but readers new to the series may not be as intrigued."Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.