Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
2nd out of 28 books
—
13 voters
Dragon Games (The Books of Umber #2)
by
P.W. Catanese (Goodreads Author)
Master storyteller P.W. Catanese begins the Books of Umber trilogy with Happenstance Found—now available in paperback—when twelve-yearold Happenstance awakens in a cave with no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. Lord Umber and his companions rescue Hap, and the group sets out on dangerous and unusual missions that continue in Dragon Games. Hap’s and Umber’s jo...more
Hardcover, 373 pages
Published
January 26th 2010
by Aladdin
(first published 2010)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,106)
I went into this assuming that it would be good, but not as good as the first, because sequels rarely are, but I was pleasantly surprised! I think I loved this more than the first book. The adventures Hap, Umber and Oates have are just so fun. P.W. Catanese fully developed this world and the characters in it, which makes it a thoroughly satisfying read. Normally, reading about mystical worlds and creatures that are extremely weird would be off-putting, but these are so finely developed that it w...more
Recommended Ages: grades 5-8
Happenstance would like nothing more than to stay in the comfort of the Aerie, Lord Umber's spectacular cliffside home, without having to worry about the secrets of his past -- or the undetermined role he must play in Umber's desperate mission.
But adventure beckons when Umber receives two mysterious messages. One is a desperate plea for help from Caspar, the man who stole precious documents from Umber's archives that could unlock the mysteries of Hap's powers. Caspar...more
Happenstance would like nothing more than to stay in the comfort of the Aerie, Lord Umber's spectacular cliffside home, without having to worry about the secrets of his past -- or the undetermined role he must play in Umber's desperate mission.
But adventure beckons when Umber receives two mysterious messages. One is a desperate plea for help from Caspar, the man who stole precious documents from Umber's archives that could unlock the mysteries of Hap's powers. Caspar...more
We started out Dragon Games in the midst of another of Umber's adventures. Really it is fun reading what the gang get's into. In my opinion it was better than the first ^_^
We find out more about Hap and who he used to be and how exactly, Hap as we know him came to be. It was really good to see Hap find himself in this book, that is to say, you see him growing more confident. Of course all he really would like to do is go home to the Aerie, but as the story progresses we see him continue to come...more
We find out more about Hap and who he used to be and how exactly, Hap as we know him came to be. It was really good to see Hap find himself in this book, that is to say, you see him growing more confident. Of course all he really would like to do is go home to the Aerie, but as the story progresses we see him continue to come...more
Cantonese keeps readers engaged by leaving a trail of bread crumbs, or unanswered questions, as readers quickly turn the pages to see what will happen next. Following the adventure towards discovery. Happenstance is anxious to find out who he is in the first book of the Cantonese trilogy. Dragon Games, the second book in the series, begins with a gift from Nima. Traveling on a barge carried by a leviathan named Baroon, the motely crew travel to Umber's home, Kurahaven. Upon their arrival they di...more
It's nice to have the final book in a trilogy when you've just finished the second book, but sad, too. The second book felt stronger to me than the first and now I really don't want the series to end. So, book two: Happenstance continues to enjoy his residence in Umber's palace, the Aerie. His peace is shattered by several events. The arrival of a traveler provides information about Hap's past life, but his abilities as a Meddler are still in questions. A glass globe brings a plea from Umber's f...more
Despite the its title, part 2 only gets to the dragons towards the very end. The irrepressible Umber has learned that the kingdom of Sarnica, ruled by an upstart dictator and his cruel son, has managed to obtain a large cache of live dragon eggs, and Umber, being eternally and incurably curious, is determined to see the dragons that have hatched. On their sea voyage, Umber and his companions - not just the reluctant Happenstance, who craves safety and security, but also strong, truth-telling Oat...more
Book two in the Books of Umber: After returning home from a rather stressful exploring trip with his guardian, Umber, Hap is hoping for some time to relax at home in Kurahaven. But this is not to be. Trouble in the royal family of Kurahaven plus an invitation to the Dragon Games being held in another kingdom make for a busy and adventurous time. While on his travels, Hap begins to learn more about his powers as a Meddler and about his past. Throw in some soul-eating crabs, a ship made of silk, a...more
Once again Umber is searching the world for all things strange and bizarre, faithfully accompanied by his close friends. Umber's curiosity leads them into many perilous places including a monster's lair, the kingdom of a brutal ruler, a ring of fire in the middle of the ocean, and a strange floating ship high up in the air. Young Happenstance learns more about his past but nothing becomes any clearer and yet he is beginning to get an idea of how to control his powers. Lord Umber's past is still...more
A great sequal to an amazing first book. This fantasy series is great if you like surprises and interesting plot twists.
Fantastic book especially since it had more dangers and trouble around every corner, I love the way Umber and Hap have come closer together as friends and I love the way how Hap sees Umber as his Guardian. The only thing that bugged me majorly about this book was the ending. I absolutley hate cliff hangers!!! (on to book 3!)
I love this adventure/mystery/fantasy series. The first book Happenstance found chronicles the discovery of Hap, the main character in th book. In this book, aside from adventures that involves an island surrounded by erupting volcanoes who's residents will do anything you wish (but you can never leave the island), soul eating crabs and the rescue of dragon eggs and the overthrowing of an evil king, involves the discovery of who Hap really is and where he came from. The only thing I didn't enjoy...more
3.5
I enjoyed this book, though it was not nearly as interesting as the first.
It was missing something exciting that really moved the general story arch of the series forward. There were a number of parts throughout the book which may become important in the last Book of Umber, but otherwise seemed unimportant and superfluous. The characters didn't grow or change or otherwise develop much either, it seemed like a continuation from the first installment.
The story is still interesting, the main p...more
I enjoyed this book, though it was not nearly as interesting as the first.
It was missing something exciting that really moved the general story arch of the series forward. There were a number of parts throughout the book which may become important in the last Book of Umber, but otherwise seemed unimportant and superfluous. The characters didn't grow or change or otherwise develop much either, it seemed like a continuation from the first installment.
The story is still interesting, the main p...more
I keep staying up too late to finish books. This was another one I couldn't put down.
I want to pop Prince Loden in the nose. I'm SURE he is going to turn out to be a bad guy.
Quotes I Liked
"Forgive me for disagreeing, Prince Loden, but I believe that ignorance is rarely blissful. Why not illuminate every mind we can, down to the humblest farmer? Who knows what geniuses might be flushed out with a little prodding, like birds from the brush? And that would serve you well, my princes. After all, the...more
I want to pop Prince Loden in the nose. I'm SURE he is going to turn out to be a bad guy.
Quotes I Liked
"Forgive me for disagreeing, Prince Loden, but I believe that ignorance is rarely blissful. Why not illuminate every mind we can, down to the humblest farmer? Who knows what geniuses might be flushed out with a little prodding, like birds from the brush? And that would serve you well, my princes. After all, the...more
An exciting and creative series. Love the characters and adventures. Can't wait to find out how Umber escaped the modern world with his laptop and what the fate will be of this future/old world.
A favorite quote (copied from another review): "Balfour emerged from the kitchen of the Aerie with a steaming pot of coffee, a pitcher of milk, and a plate of small, flat, round cakes, steaming hot and studded with dark spots.... 'Ah, if anything can lift a fellow's spirits, then it is what Balfour brings...more
A favorite quote (copied from another review): "Balfour emerged from the kitchen of the Aerie with a steaming pot of coffee, a pitcher of milk, and a plate of small, flat, round cakes, steaming hot and studded with dark spots.... 'Ah, if anything can lift a fellow's spirits, then it is what Balfour brings...more
This series was good enough that I was willing to read the print version of book #2 instead of waiting for the audiobook to come out (I'd listened to the first one). A quick read with very interesting characters and creatures. I do kind of wish that he had made his bad guys just a wee bit more complicated (they're pretty much pure evil baddies with malicious frosting on top), but I suppose you can't ask for super complex characters in most Juvenile lit. I look forward to an eventual book #3. I h...more
This is just a fun story to follow.
This is such a good fantasy series, memorable, original, and absorbing. Hard to find a juvenile fantasy of this caliber, too many books are Harry Potter wannabes and just don't stick in my head. In this sequel to Happenstance Found, Hap and his companions are off to the Dragon Games in Sarnica, but along the way they have a variety of fascinating adventures. Hap discovers more about his past and learns a bit more about his extraordinary powers as a Meddler. Can't wait for Book 3! Outstanding ser...more
Mar 21, 2011
Sarah
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
grades 5-8
Recommended to Sarah by:
dragons
Shelves:
children-fantasy,
audio
Hap’s mentor Umber loves taking him along on adventure after adventure with his crew to learn about the extraordinary and dangerous creatures that live in Kurahaven, Sarnica, and beyond, even though Hap pretty much dreads it all.
Before Umber took Hap in, Hap had mysteriously been transformed into a Meddler (a being that has special powers such as having visions, being able to see in the dark, and not needing to sleep), although he has no memory of this. Because he hasn’t yet learned how to harn...more
Before Umber took Hap in, Hap had mysteriously been transformed into a Meddler (a being that has special powers such as having visions, being able to see in the dark, and not needing to sleep), although he has no memory of this. Because he hasn’t yet learned how to harn...more
Things are going along in Hap's life and it was good to get back to it and see what everyone was up to. Really, I missed Oates and his truthful ways. He's hilarious. What would the world be like if we were forced to tell the truth always? He sure gets the gang in a bind when they are invited to eat at an evil king's table. It's times like these when Umber's character is less bumbling, coffee-lover and more clever adventurer.
There were a bunch of new creatures, and not just dragons. In fact, I th...more
There were a bunch of new creatures, and not just dragons. In fact, I th...more
The second book of Umber is so much thicker and more involved than the first that it makes "Happenstance Found" (which I liked, btw) feel like a prologue.
Other books by the same author feed into this one as well, giving it a richer feel than the previous installment and offering the satisfaction of glimpsing favorite characters from other titles. I spotted people or story elements from at least three other novels and there's probably more I missed. I appreciated the further development of Arabel...more
Other books by the same author feed into this one as well, giving it a richer feel than the previous installment and offering the satisfaction of glimpsing favorite characters from other titles. I spotted people or story elements from at least three other novels and there's probably more I missed. I appreciated the further development of Arabel...more
Second book in the Trilogy. Once again, I absolutely love this series. The world the author created is so fantastic. I realize there is nothing new about the dragons, but somehow, I can picture this alternate world clearly, and I love all the magical abilities Hap the protagonist has. The "inventions" Umber creates are all reminiscent of Da Vinci. I personally don't think love interest adds to the story, but at least the girl I like is still in contention. Highly recommended to anyone who is old...more
If you hate sci-fi and fantasy, don't read it. There, I said it. I feel sad that Hap had to face his "brother," it's sooo sad how he "died". The book will explain, but I really do hate that kingdom. Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about? Then READ IT!!!! Thank you. This isn't a sappy book, nor a oh-no-someone-help-me-I'm-in-danger book, nor a I'm-the-hereo-horray-for-me book either. So, this is a pretty unique book. So, have I said this before, READ IT ALREADY!!!!!!
Even better than the first. Hap and Oates and Umber travel to strange and disturbing faraway places and run into a tyrannical king, Desolas Island, soul crabs, dragons, and spider folk. I enjoy this odd, well-drawn blend of characters: solid Oates who cannot speak a lie; young Hap worried and anxious about his past and future (some clues emerge in this tale); and the brilliant, manic-depressive Umber. Unique and enjoyable. Beautifully written.
Dragon Games by P.W Catanese is a fantasy book were Hap finds his brother and finds out what really happened to him. Then Hap and Umber go to a land with an evil king but they go to see the dragon games. After the games Umber takes the dragon eggs and a baby dragon so that he can set them free. So they take one of the warships and sail off. The king dies and the super evil prince sets off after them. Luckily they escape and and go back to Kurahaven and they all live happily ever after until they...more
As with the first book, I began by feeling I was missing something special, some spark. But as the story continues, as the characters start to breathe on their own, I was sucked in completely. Catanese's characters are so well drawn: Umber's manic personality, Oates' involuntary honesty, Hap's genuine good nature and insecurity. And the villains are fantastic; the bidmis are likely to give me nightmares.
I really liked this book. I picked this book up on a Friday night and finished it the next day. Honestly, it started slower than the first book but it was really good. I loved how the characters and story developed. The bidmis are a good reminder to be careful what you wish for; it may end up hurting others, and the soul crabs are going to haunt me for some time. I am excited to read the next book.
I was not quite as excited by this book as the first. The book's story was still fine, although relatively predictable in most cases, but it just seemed that there was little advancement in the overall story line. The one notable point to the story is that it is the first time we start to see critical characters die. A fine book that I enjoyed reading, but not quite as good as the first.
Having learned more about his mysterious past, Happenstance accompanies Lord Umber on a daring journey that could affect the future of Kurahaven.
This tale includes sea-giants, death-boar, soul-crabs, and spider-folk, to name a few of the fantastical beasts you'll encounter here. Complete with plotting and scheming, and battles between good and evil, this is a great ride for any fantasy reader.
This tale includes sea-giants, death-boar, soul-crabs, and spider-folk, to name a few of the fantastical beasts you'll encounter here. Complete with plotting and scheming, and battles between good and evil, this is a great ride for any fantasy reader.
The second in the 'Books of Umber' series where the adventures of Lord Umber and his ward, Happenstance continue, as they try to find the answers as to Happenstance's identity. There are some incredible creatures in the story, which for their function and purpose are brilliant creations of the imagination and although mentioned early on the story, are tied seamlessly into the plot at every available juncture. Very creatively written and I enjoyed this very much.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Books of Umber: Happenstance found; Dragon Games; The end of time | 4 | 12 | Jan 14, 2012 07:12am | |
| Incorrect Page Numbers | 1 | 5 | Nov 20, 2011 09:48pm |
P.W. (Paul) Catanese is the author of fantasy-adventure novels (published by Aladdin/Simon & Schuster). He has over a half-million books in print, audio books on the way for all of his novels, and foreign translations for his new series, The Books of Umber. A crisp style, fast pacing, interesting characters and vivid descriptions have made him a favorite with everyone from reluctant readers to...more
More about P.W. Catanese...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Enjoy yourselves. And Hap: Don't let Umber near the arrows and bows; he's liable to shoot himself in the nose." Dodd grinned and snapped the reins, and the carriage rolled away.
Umber sniffed. "One of his lesser poems. Come, Hap.”
—
8 people liked it
Umber sniffed. "One of his lesser poems. Come, Hap.”
“They didn't come to crush the city. They came to crush the hubris of its king."
"That must have hurt," Oates said. Umber pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Hubris means arrogance, you great buffoon.”
—
5 people liked it
More quotes…
"That must have hurt," Oates said. Umber pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Hubris means arrogance, you great buffoon.”
Mar 26, 2012 04:09am
Mar 26, 2012 11:44am