Cyrus Smith hates his home, the old, beaten Archer Motel. He misses California, he misses his parents and he’s sick and tired of eating waffles, since that’s all the motel ever makes. He finds himself missing it, however, when a mysterious man known as “Skeleton” checks into the hotel, and is murdered that night, forcing Cyrus and his sister, Antigone, to leave.
Right before Skeleton dies, he gives Cyrus a key ring with two keys and a little, sheathed fang like tooth. In the middle of the night, three intimidating characters arrive and burn the motel in search of the keys. The next day Cyrus finds his older brother Dan missing. What exactly have these keys gotten them in to?
These events begin the book The Dragon’s Tooth. The Dragon’s Tooth is book one in N.D. Wilson’s series the Ashtown Burials.
I picked up this book shortly after finishing Wilson’s series 100 Cupboards, which I found so enjoyable that I immediately looked up his other books. The Dragon’s Tooth did not disappoint. With well developed characters, a mysterious and enticing storyline and an enjoyable writing style, each turn of the page brings something new and intriguing.
Wilson cleverly intertwines real world history, myths and cultures into the story, giving it a sense of humor and reality while at the same time making it feel a bit more fantasy-like.
The book focuses on Keepers, or explorers, who travel the world and collect and protect ancient relics and discoveries. Wilson takes real life myths, legends and histories, intertwining the stories to give background to his. He handles the lore very well, making it’s relation to the story believable.
One of my favorite elements of the book was its ability to be funny without sounding like it was trying too hard to make you laugh. I would break into a massive smile while reading the book and enjoyed the clever quips some of the characters had to share.
The book, while having a mildly complex storyline, manages to pick up almost every loose end and unanswered question which gives a satisfying closure at the end, but also asks more questions, causing the reader to be eager to continue with the series.
The Dragon’s Tooth is a well written, fantastic story, lovable and enjoyable for readers of any age. It will leave readers longing for the next in the series and eager to turn the page. With relatable characters and an air of mystery, it makes a great book to pick up to find yourself in a story of adventure.
The Dragon’s Tooth runs at 496 pages and is available for $8 on amazon.com and most local bookstores.
Wilson can be contacted at his website or via Twitter: @ndwilsonmutters.
This writer can be reached via Twitter: @Indiepupp. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.
Read a review on Wilson’s other book series, 100 Cupboards, here. For more reviews, read the Oct. 14 article, Clovis High presents ‘Exit the Body,’ entertains audience.
