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DRAGON’S EYE is a fantastic tale of a boy who gets caught up in a world he never knew existed and finds out he’s part of something much bigger than he knew. It is a magical story filled with suspense, intensity, heart, and courage. I loved this book … and I’ll be waiting for a sequel.
Devon Werkheiser, “Ned,” star of
Nickelodeon’s popular daily sitcom
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide
This is an action-packed fantasy filled with rich characters kids will really relate to. Erec Rex is poised to take over Harry Potter’s long reign.
Maria Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
Writer’s Digest
Entertaining magics and magical gear, along with polished vignettes from Grant, animate familiar fantasy trope in this seriocomic debut. Having grown up with a juggling coat rack and other unusual furnishings, one-eyed Erec isn’t as shocked as he might be when a hidden door near New York’s Grand Central Station opens into kingdoms where magic rules. Working to save his kidnapped mother – with whom he can talk at any time thanks to a pair of special eyeglasses, but who persists in delivering maddeningly vague hints and warnings – Erec finds himself competing for one of three nefarious schemes, a crew of sneering bullies, sumptuous feasts, allies for Erec, a surprise villain and magic worked by everything from explosive “nitrowisherine” to push-button remotes, Kingsley speeds her tale along to a climax involving an impulsive dragon who gives Erec a two-sided eye to replace his more ordinary glass one. Closing with the news that the young hero still has 12 tasks to fulfill, this light but not insubstantial outing definitely belongs aboard the Potter wagon, but merits a seat toward the front.
Kirkus Reviews
October 1, 2006
A derivative of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this title is a solid addition to the juvenile fantasy collection. The main character, Erec Rex, travels to a secret world hidden within our own (a la Neverwhere) to save his mother from an evil king. Along the way he becomes involved in a competition to choose the next three kings of this fantastical world (in a series of challenges reminiscent of the Order of the Phoenix). The story becomes more complex and compelling as trust is questioned, friendships forged, and magical abilities are discovered. The story touches on issues of social justice, politics, and sportsmanship, and would be useful in a social studies class. Young readers will enjoy this story and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.
- Meagan Albright
Children’s Literature
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For the millions of Harry Potter fans desperately waiting for the next installment of the famous series, this novel will provide a worthwhile diversion. The first book in what promises to be an ongoing fantasy series, Erec Rex contains elements of magic, conflict, and otherwordliness reminiscent of the Potter series, and Kingsley delivers her tale in a light-hearted yet compellingly style like that of J.K. Rowling or Diana Wynne Jones.
Erec Rex, resident of New York City, wakes up one morning to find the world gone horribly wrong. His mother is missing, a creepy guardian won’t let he or his siblings leave the house, and his efforts to figure out what’s happening turn up even more questions. Eventually, Erec makes his way through a secret entrance in Grand Central Station to a magical world where a contest to discover the next rulers of the lands just happens to be getting underway. The contest is comprised of a series of events, reminiscent of the competition in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Participants test their knowledge of magical creatures in the maze-like MONSTER, “multi option non stop to end race,” try to work as a team in the debate like “Pro and contest,” and compete head to head in three-phased “Tribaffleon.” Caught up in the competition, Erec finds friendship and bullies, magic and trickery, and clues to his own identity that make for as compelling a read as any Hogwarts adventure.
The quirky setting is as much a star of this fantasy as any of the characters. A castle tipped onto its side, mazes and magical creatures, and cleverly devised competitions create an atmosphere any fantasy fan will long to visit. The story is peppered with delightful gadgets like anibals, colorful balls that burst to reveal a real animal inside and an Identdetector that “shows your true identity and appearance and exposes people who changed shape,” and nitrowisherine, an explosive substance that also grants wishes. This is Kingsley’s first novel, and she is currently working on the second book the Erec Rex series. Notable fantasy illustrator Melvyn Grant pens illustrations for each chapter that illuminate aspects of the setting crucial to the plot, like the side-lying castle, and the magic glasses Erec uses to speak to his missing mother.
Grant and Kingsley are also collaborating on a forthcoming musical CD linked to the Erec Rex series. The book concludes with the news that Erec has more tasks to fulfill, followed by a cliffhanger of an epilogue that contains clues to his mysterious past—good news for fantasy readers of all ages. (October)”
- Carolyn Bailey
ForeWord Magazine
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This story reminds me of Harry Potter meets the X-Men. Dragon Eye tells of the magical trek of a young boy trying to find his mother. Along the journey, he also discovers shocking knowledge about himself. This is a great story with such incredible detail that you will find yourself enjoying the journey.
-Autumn Lynn
River Reader Books, Lexington, MO
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A funny, fast-paced, ‘Harry Potter’-style read.
-Sara Pearce
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Welcome to the world, Erec Rex. Your readers have long awaited you.
Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye is a fun, fascinating book that makes you want to chill out for a while and just read. Plus, this book's brave new world is chock full of nifty magical gadgets; cute, dorky, and even scary magical critters (fluffy pink kitten, anyone?); and spellbinding people who are mean, magical, or possibly dimwits. These lively creations found a platform all their own. In other words, the Harry Potter books may have inspired Kaza Kingsley in writing The Dragon's Eye, but this book bloody well stands on its own!
Strangely enough, the beginning of The Dragon's Eye was its ending. "What? Come again," you say. It's last chapter (the epilogue) serves as a bit of backstory rather than end-of-story and gathers interest like no other ending I've yet read. How horrid, how ingenious, and how dare you, Ms. Kingsley! I hate waiting for sequels!
So, you're probably wondering what's up with "The Dragon's Eye" part of the title. Right? Well, don't expect me to spill that detail. You'll have to read the book to find out.
Grade: A
-Sherryl King-Wilds
fantasynovelreview.com
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A great read! Author Kaza Kingsley is one to watch!
-Jeff Bowen
USA Book News.com
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An engaging adventure, accessible to readers of all ages but especially recommended for YA libraries and reading shelves.
-James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
The Midwest Book Review
Erec Rex suddenly wakes up one morning to find his mother gone, Inexplicably. No note, no anything. But she left her glasses. She NEVER leaves her glasses. Seized by an idea, he heads to a hot dog stand- And discovers a mysterious trap door in the sidewalk, that a girl named Bethany says his mother was taken down. The two children go down and find themselves in a strange station, and head to a place called "Alypium".... A place where people can fly, and where magical creatures really exist. But something is wrong in Alypium, the king seems to have gone mad and his castle has been, literally, turned on it's side. Erec and Bethany discover that there are two other worlds, ruled by other kings and queens. But the rulers have decided to retire, and a contest is going on to choose the next three rulers of the magical lands. Erec and Bethany decide to participate, but during their stay at the castle, something indeed seems rotten. As Erecstrives to free his mother,Larger and much more horrifying events start to unfold... Events which could throw all four worlds into deathly jeopardy.
Rating: 5.0 wands!
“A very good book. Vivid descriptions, and a riveting storyline, Along with a great sense of humor. I highly recommend it!”
- David, Reviewer, Wands and Worlds
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“Pros: A fun read, a "magic" fix for young readers and old alike.
Cons: Part one of a series.
The Bottom Line: A good read for fans who are waiting on Harry Potter and can't get enough of magical adventure tales. I bought 3 copies for Christmas gifts.
Along the way, Erec learns more about his biological history and the reader realizes The Dragon's Eye is the beginning of what promises to be an entertaining adventure.
Fantasy creature fans won't be disappointed as minotaurs, werewolves, sea creatures and dragons all make an appearance in this tale.
Audience: Those who enjoyed Harry Potter and Eragon will no doubt enjoy Erec Rex. Though not as engaging as Harry Potter, nor as skillfully written as The Golden Compass, the plot is still interesting and I found myself engrossed in the mystery of Erec and Bethany's secret magical past.
The tone of the book was also not condescending like the Lemony Snicket books and did not talk down to the readers, thereby making it more accessible for teens and adults to enjoy as well.
Recommended: Yes- Juls W., Epinions.com
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“Erec Rex: The Dragon’s Eye will be the next book to spark the imagination of countless children. It is a perfectbook to read with your child, creating a bondingexperience that
parents will love as much as children.”
-Dr. Thomas Sullivan
Child Psychologist