Dragon Frontier by Dan Abnett

Penguin, 2013. ISBN 978-0-14-134296-2.
(Age: 12+) Dragon Frontier by Dan Abnett is a Wild Western fantasy full of adventure and mystery. Young Jake Polson and his family set forth, beginning a much anticipated journey when upon their trek mysterious fiery disaster spontaneously occurs and the result of this is Jake being left alone and unwell. Young Jake is taken in by the friendly, English speaking Nimi'ipuu Native American tribe where he is healed and well cared for by Tall Elk and White Thunder until his sickness is too much for them to handle. Down from the hills and into a small prospector settlement called McKenzie's Prospect Jake is taken by Yellow Cloud and that is where he is nursed back to health in the welcoming home of Pius Garret and his family. Jake finds a uniquely odd mark upon his arm reminds him of legendary creatures he saw throughout his delirious fever. The people at this home are kind, gentle, relaxing and easy to relate to. Some of the other inhabitants of the small town are not quite so gentle but all are kind enough. Although it is a comfortable place for him to be it makes Jake more eager to find his Native and mysterious rescuers, or better yet, his family. The mystery becomes increasingly difficult to solve as Jake continues his quest to find his family, identify the marks on his arm and to understand his Native carers.
This novel is written with a language that is aimed at teens. It is a fantastically written book with pronounced character personalities. The supporting characters are amazing; they each have a deep background story that adds emotional value to the novel. The plot and story line keeps the momentum of the book in force, urging the reader to keep going and find out what the answer is but the plot line is very well hidden, stopping over-eager readers from guessing what happens next.
Sarah Filkin (Student)