PHLOGISTON by Jefferson Dane

Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Date published: July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60168-228-4
Paranormal/Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by author


Gwyneth is an apprentice. She is apprentice scholar to Heufric Gwaed of the Thaumaturgy. There has been a peace between the dragons and mankind for twenty years and now it looks like it is all going to blow up again. A noble lady has been found dead, charred and partly eaten. It looks like it is the work of dragons. Some folks are all for getting an army together and attacking the dragons. A suicide mission as only another dragon can kill a dragon. Heufric, however, says they need to go and talk to the dragons, which could also be a suicide mission. Nevertheless, ofF they go. They get help from nothing less than a Prince who is not all he seems. They have to acquire a certain jewel that has changed hands. Even Gwnyeth learns some surprising things about her heritage.

This story has been labeled as a paranormal/fantasy on the publisher website, but in my opinion, I would have labeled this one just as a fantasy. A high fantasy at that. It has all the elements. Goblins, trolls, dragons, and other mystical creatures. A quest. A journey. Some unlikely characters, lots of secrets and some pretty good twists and turns. In fact, I really enjoyed this story and had to read it in one sitting. I loved all the characters, especially Gwyn. The dialogue was well done, the world building well done and as a dragon lover myself, I really enjoyed meeting the dragons in Mr. Dane’s world. The whole time, I was also wondering if anything would happen between Gwyneth and the Prince. As a fantasy fan who has read all the big names in fantasy, I can honestly say that this story can hold its own against them all. Anybody out there who really enjoys a good fantasy story should really pick this one up. You won’t regret it!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.