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Dragonology Chronicles #4
The Dragon Prophecy
Daniel and Beatrice Cook race to unravel the mysteries of the Dragon Prophecy — and save the world’s dragons from an evil that could destroy them.
Brother and sister dragonology students Daniel and Beatrice Cook are looking forward to returning to their studies with Dr. Ernest Drake and Erasmus, their half-dragon tutor. But what they learn is that the evil dragonologist Alexandra Gorynitchka, who is bent on controlling (or destroying!) all the world’s dragons, is searching for the fearsome Hammer of the Dragons, an ancient weapon that can kill hundreds of dragons in a single stroke. So it is up to Dr. Drake and the children to pursue her to the Lost Isle, where Alexandra is amassing a large army of enslaved dragons. There the siblings learn of the Dragon Prophecy, which says that the return of the Hammer of the Dragons can only be stopped by two children "wise beyond their years in the ways of dragons." Could Daniel and Beatrice be the children in the prophecy?
Brother and sister dragonology students Daniel and Beatrice Cook are looking forward to returning to their studies with Dr. Ernest Drake and Erasmus, their half-dragon tutor. But what they learn is that the evil dragonologist Alexandra Gorynitchka, who is bent on controlling (or destroying!) all the world’s dragons, is searching for the fearsome Hammer of the Dragons, an ancient weapon that can kill hundreds of dragons in a single stroke. So it is up to Dr. Drake and the children to pursue her to the Lost Isle, where Alexandra is amassing a large army of enslaved dragons. There the siblings learn of the Dragon Prophecy, which says that the return of the Hammer of the Dragons can only be stopped by two children "wise beyond their years in the ways of dragons." Could Daniel and Beatrice be the children in the prophecy?
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Dugald A. Steer
179 books149 followersUntil recently, Dugald A. Steer worked as an author and editor at Templar Publishing. He is the writer behind Candlewick's widely acclaimed New York Times bestsellers, DRAGONOLOGY, THE DRAGONOLOGY HANDBOOK, and EGYPTOLOGY, as well as the forthcoming EGYPTOLOGY HANDBOOK. Dugald has now given up his editorial job to concentrate on writing full-time, especially more books with "ology" in the title. Dugald Steer lives near London and has far less free time than he imagined he would.
Pseudonyms:
Emily Sands
Lady Hestia Evans
Captain William Lubber
Professor Allen Gray
Sir Henry Hardcastle
Marshal Lancelot
Dr. Ernest Drake
Master Merlin
Pseudonyms:
Emily Sands
Lady Hestia Evans
Captain William Lubber
Professor Allen Gray
Sir Henry Hardcastle
Marshal Lancelot
Dr. Ernest Drake
Master Merlin
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 1, 2025
First of all, I'm happy this series got to concluded and not just cut off after it became less popular.
However, this final volume didn't feel like a proper end to this series to me. It doesn't align well with the rest of the Dragonology books. I would have preferred the conclusion to this arc and no neat bow. That would have left the door open for the mystery of the original Dragonology books.
A couple other things, the artist for this Volume clearly is no dragonologist. Aside from the illustration on the cover the Dragon's shown in the illustrations do not align with the well-established descriptions and illustrations of dragons from the other dragonology books. Any reader of the books is going to point out the difference between a Chinese lung and European dragon.
Why does Dr.Drake whisper things to dragons so much. Does it really need to be a secret that he wants to stop for food and rest?
There were times that could have been explored for really great moments of tension, but instead we're brushed off as soon as they came making me question why they were included at all. "Oh no! I hope Dr. Drake is safe it doesn't look like he made it out." Two sentences later, "And there he was totally fine." What was the point of that?
So many plot holes. I'll just leave it at that.
Ultimately, I'll always cherish this series and I am grateful for the passion that made it what it is.
However, this final volume didn't feel like a proper end to this series to me. It doesn't align well with the rest of the Dragonology books. I would have preferred the conclusion to this arc and no neat bow. That would have left the door open for the mystery of the original Dragonology books.
A couple other things, the artist for this Volume clearly is no dragonologist. Aside from the illustration on the cover the Dragon's shown in the illustrations do not align with the well-established descriptions and illustrations of dragons from the other dragonology books. Any reader of the books is going to point out the difference between a Chinese lung and European dragon.
Why does Dr.Drake whisper things to dragons so much. Does it really need to be a secret that he wants to stop for food and rest?
There were times that could have been explored for really great moments of tension, but instead we're brushed off as soon as they came making me question why they were included at all. "Oh no! I hope Dr. Drake is safe it doesn't look like he made it out." Two sentences later, "And there he was totally fine." What was the point of that?
So many plot holes. I'll just leave it at that.
Ultimately, I'll always cherish this series and I am grateful for the passion that made it what it is.
January 3, 2021
4 1/2 star
This is the last book in this series; first book started out slow but yet interesting. Next book got more interesting with more adventure. Third one even more adventure, and fast pase not wanting to put the book down. And then it brings us to this last one. Friendships between the reader and the characters you feel like you have been there befriended the dragons and fighting the bad ones. A since of sadness at the way things the prophecy comes to an end. A very good series. As I mentioned in one of my other reviews. Online this states for ages 9 on up. There are bigger words within the story due to the made up names and words associated with the author's imagination. And also the time frame is 1800's so some of the words may not be familiar. This would be a great series of books for a parent-guardian-teacher to read to children. My granddaughter is 4 but I'm thinking of buying this series for her in the next few years and have my daughter (whom enjoys dragon stories) read to my granddaughter. I think they both would enjoy it
This is the last book in this series; first book started out slow but yet interesting. Next book got more interesting with more adventure. Third one even more adventure, and fast pase not wanting to put the book down. And then it brings us to this last one. Friendships between the reader and the characters you feel like you have been there befriended the dragons and fighting the bad ones. A since of sadness at the way things the prophecy comes to an end. A very good series. As I mentioned in one of my other reviews. Online this states for ages 9 on up. There are bigger words within the story due to the made up names and words associated with the author's imagination. And also the time frame is 1800's so some of the words may not be familiar. This would be a great series of books for a parent-guardian-teacher to read to children. My granddaughter is 4 but I'm thinking of buying this series for her in the next few years and have my daughter (whom enjoys dragon stories) read to my granddaughter. I think they both would enjoy it
September 3, 2019
I enjoyed this 4 book series as audio books with my 2 daughters (12, 15) (husband also enjoyed books 1&2 as we started the series while on a family toad trip). Recommend it for those who like fantasy books along the lines of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. While not quite as in depth and sophisticated as HP, it definitely captures the imagination, is exciting and engaging - good book to be shared by the whole family in the car.
October 7, 2019
I’ve loved every second of reading these four books. I’m a big kid at heart so loved the read thinking of my childhood and what if there were dragons amongst us. There is real depth from the author who put a lot of time into the background of all the characters and the dragons. I’m now going to read these four books all to my children now they are bigger and I have finally finished reading them. I can’t give you a bigger recommendation than that.
July 1, 2018
While the first two books had a strong introduction and enjoyable execution of scenes, the last two books began to lack in their quality, with Eranomous being the only saving grace of the series. I actually didn’t finish this book as I gave up after the poorly done fake-out death, which if not for I would’ve mustered the last of my motivation to read to the end.
January 18, 2025
The final installment of Dragonology: As the volcanic peak of Mount Vehridoth erupts in fire and ash, a betrayal shatters the fragile trust between humans and dragons—forcing one unlikely hero to make a heart-wrenching choice that changes the fate of dragonkind forever.
We are done!
We are done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
Cover Blurb: Yes or No? Yes. It’s simple, it has pretty title font, and the dragon is awesome. I don’t mind being stared at by a dragon; it’s just people I don’t like on the front of books.
Characters: Daniel and Beatrice have always been good protagonists. They’re kids, they’re siblings, they’re eager for adventure, and they aren’t afraid. Daniel is a bit more cautious than his sister, Beatrice, and sometimes he can come across as a bit whiny, but his objections are reasonable, and his complaining is actually amusing. He may not always think things through before he tries something, but he is resourceful. Normally, I don’t approve of adults coming along on adventures with kids, because they always try to keep the kids safe (especially parents), but Dr. Drake is actually pretty awesome, in the sense that he shows concern for the kids’ safety, but in the long run doesn’t keep them from helping, no matter the danger. And the Author keeps Daniel and Beatrice’s parents out of the way, so they can’t complain. Torcher continues to be the world’s most adorable dracling, and I lament that Erasimus isn’t in this installment much, because I loved him the last one. Meanwhile, Alexandra Gorynytchka remains the most cliché villainess ever. She’s just not scary in any fashion. She gloats and sneers and loses her temper far too much to be taken seriously. Oh, yes, and she cackles maniacally on such a regular basis that it’s downright comical.
The Romance: There isn’t any!
Plot: Alexandra Gorynytchka is after yet another artifact that will assist her in her conquest over dragons, and it’s up to Daniel, Beatrice, and Dr. Drake to stop her. I’ll admit that every book has had pretty much the exact same storyline, and have all pretty much began the same way: Beatrice and Daniel are having a lesson, and something happens to interrupt it. Still, each installment introduces something new about the dragonology world, and booby traps and riddles and puzzles. A classic adventure story is predictable, and cliché, and full of treasure. Can’t forget the treasure. This Author, thankfully, doesn’t, nor does he forget the lost cities that happen to link back to Atlantis. The only thing he does forget are the Nazis, but it’s quite a few years too early for them, I suppose. Oh well. For all the predictability and clichéness of The Dragon Prophecy, it was still fun and exciting.
Believability: Not really applicable.
Writing Style: It has a classic flair to it, so it fits the era well enough. The Author doesn’t write down to his Readers, which is nice, and he describes booby traps and things like that in a comprehensive manner.
Content: None.
Conclusion: Minus the Nazis, The Dragon Prophecy has everything - and I mean everything - that a classic adventure story needs: mythical artifacts, booby traps, a doomsday scenario, lost cities, riddles, puzzles, cliché villain, not too bright henchmen, the right-hand man that turns against the villain in the end, but meets his death anyway because no Reader wants him redeemed, a death on the side of the heroes, - and to top it all off, a Jules Verne ending: there’s a volcano!!! You know you’re reading a good adventure story if everything goes up in a volcano. Still, the story actually has a tiny bit of a bittersweet ending, and somehow it suited. I would have adored this series when I was a kid, and even now, at age twenty (almost twenty-one), I enjoyed it.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, good for seven to twelve-year-olds, especially if they’re looking for an adventure story with dragons.
Characters: Daniel and Beatrice have always been good protagonists. They’re kids, they’re siblings, they’re eager for adventure, and they aren’t afraid. Daniel is a bit more cautious than his sister, Beatrice, and sometimes he can come across as a bit whiny, but his objections are reasonable, and his complaining is actually amusing. He may not always think things through before he tries something, but he is resourceful. Normally, I don’t approve of adults coming along on adventures with kids, because they always try to keep the kids safe (especially parents), but Dr. Drake is actually pretty awesome, in the sense that he shows concern for the kids’ safety, but in the long run doesn’t keep them from helping, no matter the danger. And the Author keeps Daniel and Beatrice’s parents out of the way, so they can’t complain. Torcher continues to be the world’s most adorable dracling, and I lament that Erasimus isn’t in this installment much, because I loved him the last one. Meanwhile, Alexandra Gorynytchka remains the most cliché villainess ever. She’s just not scary in any fashion. She gloats and sneers and loses her temper far too much to be taken seriously. Oh, yes, and she cackles maniacally on such a regular basis that it’s downright comical.
The Romance: There isn’t any!
Plot: Alexandra Gorynytchka is after yet another artifact that will assist her in her conquest over dragons, and it’s up to Daniel, Beatrice, and Dr. Drake to stop her. I’ll admit that every book has had pretty much the exact same storyline, and have all pretty much began the same way: Beatrice and Daniel are having a lesson, and something happens to interrupt it. Still, each installment introduces something new about the dragonology world, and booby traps and riddles and puzzles. A classic adventure story is predictable, and cliché, and full of treasure. Can’t forget the treasure. This Author, thankfully, doesn’t, nor does he forget the lost cities that happen to link back to Atlantis. The only thing he does forget are the Nazis, but it’s quite a few years too early for them, I suppose. Oh well. For all the predictability and clichéness of The Dragon Prophecy, it was still fun and exciting.
Believability: Not really applicable.
Writing Style: It has a classic flair to it, so it fits the era well enough. The Author doesn’t write down to his Readers, which is nice, and he describes booby traps and things like that in a comprehensive manner.
Content: None.
Conclusion: Minus the Nazis, The Dragon Prophecy has everything - and I mean everything - that a classic adventure story needs: mythical artifacts, booby traps, a doomsday scenario, lost cities, riddles, puzzles, cliché villain, not too bright henchmen, the right-hand man that turns against the villain in the end, but meets his death anyway because no Reader wants him redeemed, a death on the side of the heroes, - and to top it all off, a Jules Verne ending: there’s a volcano!!! You know you’re reading a good adventure story if everything goes up in a volcano. Still, the story actually has a tiny bit of a bittersweet ending, and somehow it suited. I would have adored this series when I was a kid, and even now, at age twenty (almost twenty-one), I enjoyed it.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, good for seven to twelve-year-olds, especially if they’re looking for an adventure story with dragons.
January 31, 2013
Dragonology Chronicles, Volume Four, The Dragon Prophecy
Dugald A. Steer
Illustrated (Cover) by Douglas Carrel
Illustrated (Inside) by Nick Harris
What is the S.A.S.D. you ask? Why it’s the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists. Dragonology students Daniel and Beatrice Cook, along with their mentor Dr. Drake and trusty young dragon Torcher they set out on the final chapter of the dragonology chronicles. The final book in the series starts with a bang, when Daniel and Beatrice’s house is set on fire, their parents are missing and they are kidnapped by the evil Alexandra Gorynytchka. Soon they discover her purpose is to rid the world of all dragons by finding and striking an ancient hammer that will instantly stop the heart of all dragons. Through mysterious and ancient clues, Daniel, Beatrice and Dr. Drake set off to save the dragons and to stop Alexandra. With the help of Koa, one of the only remaining dragons on the island, the eye of the dragon, and their own cunning the team of dragonologist find the hammer, only to find that Alexandra was following them the entire time to lead her to the hammer. After a fierce battle over the open pit of an erupting volcano with the help of more ancient dragons the hammer is able to be destroyed from ever being used again. Soon after Daniel and Beatrice are reunited with their parents and the fate of future dragons and dragonologists take a surprising change. The book is filled with suspense and mystery. The book captivated me with its beautiful illustrations that are shown throughout the book. Many of the dragon names are complicated and hard to pronounce. Young readers who like to read about fantasy and dragons would be sure to enjoy this book. However, reading all four books in order would add to the suspense and mystery in the fourth book.
Dugald A. Steer
Illustrated (Cover) by Douglas Carrel
Illustrated (Inside) by Nick Harris
What is the S.A.S.D. you ask? Why it’s the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists. Dragonology students Daniel and Beatrice Cook, along with their mentor Dr. Drake and trusty young dragon Torcher they set out on the final chapter of the dragonology chronicles. The final book in the series starts with a bang, when Daniel and Beatrice’s house is set on fire, their parents are missing and they are kidnapped by the evil Alexandra Gorynytchka. Soon they discover her purpose is to rid the world of all dragons by finding and striking an ancient hammer that will instantly stop the heart of all dragons. Through mysterious and ancient clues, Daniel, Beatrice and Dr. Drake set off to save the dragons and to stop Alexandra. With the help of Koa, one of the only remaining dragons on the island, the eye of the dragon, and their own cunning the team of dragonologist find the hammer, only to find that Alexandra was following them the entire time to lead her to the hammer. After a fierce battle over the open pit of an erupting volcano with the help of more ancient dragons the hammer is able to be destroyed from ever being used again. Soon after Daniel and Beatrice are reunited with their parents and the fate of future dragons and dragonologists take a surprising change. The book is filled with suspense and mystery. The book captivated me with its beautiful illustrations that are shown throughout the book. Many of the dragon names are complicated and hard to pronounce. Young readers who like to read about fantasy and dragons would be sure to enjoy this book. However, reading all four books in order would add to the suspense and mystery in the fourth book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2012
I started reading this series when I was younger and now with this final book, I'm 21. I just wanna say..... FIIINALLLLY its here! I got this last book from my parents for christmas. I started it around 2 today and I've just finished it. Mind you I got to chapter 8 before tabs knocked me out till 6. Anyway, what an ending, I cried, and I haven't cried at a book since Mr Weasly got bitten by Nagini in Harry Potter. This really touched me. I cried, laughed, aww'd throughout this book and that doesn't happen very often with me.
Its a shame that the dragons cut all ties with the S.A.S.D. it had to end somehow. The prophecy was really cool. The fact that the Beatrice and Daniel Croke (Mother and son) started it and then Beatrice and Daniel Cook (brother and sister) ended it, is just great. We all know of the mother and son team throughout the series and it was great to learn about them more.
I hate the saying 'All good things have to come at an end' I really do. And I hate it more that it happened with series.
If Torcher is out there, I wanna give him a massive hug. I really think that dragon's exist. They can't all be imaginary. This series is probably the best series I have ever read. Now to re-read them all again.
♥♥♥♥
Its a shame that the dragons cut all ties with the S.A.S.D. it had to end somehow. The prophecy was really cool. The fact that the Beatrice and Daniel Croke (Mother and son) started it and then Beatrice and Daniel Cook (brother and sister) ended it, is just great. We all know of the mother and son team throughout the series and it was great to learn about them more.
I hate the saying 'All good things have to come at an end' I really do. And I hate it more that it happened with series.
If Torcher is out there, I wanna give him a massive hug. I really think that dragon's exist. They can't all be imaginary. This series is probably the best series I have ever read. Now to re-read them all again.
♥♥♥♥
July 30, 2014
The ending of this books was a great to end a long adventure for a couple of kids. However, the plot of this story felt more mysterious than action/adventure. This is my least favorite book of the series, not because of it being the end of the series, but because of the plot. I will say, though, that finishing this book was also heart breaking. It felt like a part of me was taken with this series. It was really hard putting it down and believing it was over.
May 26, 2015
This final installment of The Dragonology Chronicles was action packed from beginning to end. Alexandra Gorynytchka is up to no good and must be stopped for good. The ending to this series is sad but yet perfect.
I recommend this excellent dragon series to all young adult readers. I will be making sure that all of my grand-children, when they turn twelve, will have access to them.
Great job, Dugald A. Steer!
I recommend this excellent dragon series to all young adult readers. I will be making sure that all of my grand-children, when they turn twelve, will have access to them.
Great job, Dugald A. Steer!
November 25, 2013
Another fun adventure with the same nemesis we all want to see defeated. I liked this book although not quite as much as the 3rd. The story is good though a little short and the ending is sudden and unexpected and although it is a justified end the result is not overly happy and I did shed a tear ad I didn't expect it at all!! Great end to the series overall!
May 28, 2015
Probably the most exciting volume of the series. In this final installment Daniel and Beatrice Cook Are kidnapped and taken to the Island of Dragons. There they go on an Indiana Jones style clue hunt in search of a the missing, Thirteenth treasure.
Can they find it before the evil Alexandra Gorynytchka?
Adventures abound in this bitter sweet ending to The Dragonology Chronicles.
Can they find it before the evil Alexandra Gorynytchka?
Adventures abound in this bitter sweet ending to The Dragonology Chronicles.
June 5, 2013
This book wasn't as good as I hoped for. I was not at all pleased with the ending. But it made sense since this book is from the past, and so obviously they had to separate the dragons and humans. If its secret now, then that had to happen in the story.
July 19, 2012
This was the last in the series and I did enjoy it even if the ending was bittersweet!
October 17, 2012
Loved it all he way through , the ending was good [Spoiler:] but sad at the same time
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews