Back cover blurb: “Secret of the Dragon's Eye is a tale of fantasy for all ages, with a high-spirited dragon named Thaddeus Osbert and three adolescents who befriend him. Faced with danger and intrigue, the children band together with the dragon, to thwart a German top-secret mission, aimed at seizing the mystical and magical sword of King Arthur-Excalibur. By combining their wits, their courage, and their imagination, the children overcome many obstacles to forge friendships as solid as time itself. Yet there is a price to pay for their brave intervention against the forces of evil. Will they be willing to once again battle incredible odds to make amends? What sacrifices will be required to save their mythical, fire-breathing friend from his pre-ordained fate?”

Gavin and Emily are best friends living in nearby villages in Cornish in 1940. The night before school starts, Gavin’s father brings out an old family book, “Kings and Dragons”, and reads a few chapters to Gavin. Story time is short-lived though as Gavin’s father joins the armed forces the next day and has to leave his family. Soon Gavin and Emily are joined by Bunty, orphaned by a German bombing and taken in by Gavin’s mother. Up to this point we’re dealing pretty much with straight historical fiction. And then the dragon, Thaddeus Osbert, shows up and the adventure begins.

I am a fan of both historical and young adult fiction and this novel fills both interests. Gavin, Emily and Bunty are engaging characters and Thaddeus is delightful. I originally read this in 2007 and decided to re-read the series as I now have book five in the series. I again recommend this book and series highly - read this to your kids, read this yourself. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

For other books in this series click here

For other books by Derek Hart click here