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Ben Alderman #2

The Black Dragon

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With the witch defeated, the elves begin preparations to once again take up their vigil, guarding a black dragon from Crag named Zoltan. Merlin's last enchantment has kept the dragon asleep for centuries, but when Gabriel brings Hob along to inspect the dragon, the bumbling dwarf finds Merlin's staff and accidentally breaks the enchantment. Gabriel and Hob escape from the dragon into a cave that leads them into Kahzidar; the dreaded gnome mines, where they are captured by the mad gnome king Ringwald Stonebreaker. Ben, Casey, and their Grandma must join forces once again with Amos, the shape shifter, to save Camelot from the dragon that's bent on destroying it. But first, they must rescue their friends from Kahzidar!

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2012

184 people are currently reading
405 people want to read

About the author

W.D. Newman

3 books63 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
313 (53%)
4 stars
181 (31%)
3 stars
62 (10%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Richelle Goodrich.
Author 17 books282 followers
March 27, 2015
This is the second adventure for Ben Alderman, his sister, and his grandmother in a world of elves, dwarfs, witches, wizards, gnomes, and, oh yes--fire-breathing dragons. I love the other-world fantasy created by the author,especially the unique cultures that set apart each mythical race. Newman's stories are fun and imaginative, perfect for young readers. My few complaints: While the conflict resolution was creative, it seemed too fast resolved. I expected more of a challenge--a battle with the dragon to show off the power and strength of this formidable enemy. It seemed he hardly made an appearance before his defeat. Also, the writing could use some professional editing, but I found it easy enough to overlook and enjoy the creativity of Mr. Newman's story. I'm curious as to what adventure now awaits young Ben Alderman.
Profile Image for Christina.
5 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2014
I really enjoyed the characters in this series. It's easy to get caught up in the story as the plot flows smoothly and it has enough action to keep you wanting to read more. Looking forward to additional books to the series!
Profile Image for Arafat Khan.
30 reviews
March 23, 2019
Another nice little adventure

After reading the first book, I was quite convinced to finish the series. I loved how the whole story was plotted. The dwarves showed their consistent love for food. I think the way the author described different sceneries and views was a little confusing but that's not much of a drawbcack. Simply put, I liked the fantasy quite well.
6 reviews
September 30, 2019
Fun read

This is book 2 in series. Book 1 is thirteenth unicorn. The characters are traditional and interesting. The story is well thought out and flows well. Can't wait to read book 3.
268 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2023
Fun story

Fun little story. Book 2 on this series. Good story building upon story 1. O like the characters and how the story builds and ends. Nice way they use Ben in the story
Fun read.
Profile Image for Justin.
41 reviews
August 19, 2017
Yup

So here I am again just finished the second book and guess what? That's right I am buying the third. Get on these books people
357 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2017
This was an ok book. Now on to the 3rd
book.
Profile Image for C.J. May.
Author 7 books1 follower
August 28, 2020
GREAT story with wonderful description and good characters. My favorite out of the series so far. I loved how the author kept building on the world as time went on.
2 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2021
S T

I like this book because it keeps you on your seat because it is a very very amazing book! Thanks
114 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2023
Black Dragon

This is a wonderful series for younger readers. Being an old reader, I still had great fun reading this fantasy. If only such places and adventure s truly existed.
Profile Image for Mandy.
384 reviews41 followers
February 7, 2017
My 10 year daughters and I are really enjoying this series, but I didn't have answer when they asked where the girls were. Sure he has a sister and grandmother, but really nobody Other than the nymph and witch in all of Camelot and Faerie is female????
Profile Image for Robert Larrison.
Author 47 books4 followers
February 26, 2013
The Black Dragon is a bit messy but still an enjoyable story that should entertain middle grade readers. I found the grammar needed a good editor's hand but Mr. Newman did a very good job of weaving his story of Ben and Casey's adventures in Camelot, a magical world filled with elves, dwarves, gnomes and an evil dragon. Although the characters are quite common in fairy tales, Mr. Newman has a way of making them fit into his tale of a land far away only accessible through Merlin trees or elfin magic.
Profile Image for Hate2beLate.
62 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2013
Excellent youth 2 part series. I hope W.D. adds a third. Well written, clean fun. Good morals, and an enjoyable read. Sometimes it's nice to read younger books and remember your innocent view of the world. This is the part 2. The first one is The Thirteenth Unicorn. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and a dash of magic!
Profile Image for Tim Gannon.
211 reviews
October 5, 2013
The second book in a fantasy series that started with The Thirteenth Unicorn. A mixture of fantasy, adventure, and positive values portrayed by the stories main characters. A delightful tale that attempts to share the attitudes and beliefs behind the behaviors of the main characters during their adventures. I look forward to the next book!
5 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2014
THIS BOOK WAS GREAT !!!

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT !!!

This book was the best I read the first book also and its one was even more exciting!I really suggest this book to anyone! This book was full of excitement and adventure.
I gave this rating because how good this book was. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for David.
5 reviews
August 13, 2012
An excellent follow up to his first book The Thirteenth Unicorn. He has great characters and the book flows so well that you'll get lost in it. I am looking forward to the third installment of the Ben Alderman series.

Read this book, you won't be disappointed!
2 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2013

I love this book. I am not done with it yet, but so far it has been a great book. I love it. I hope W.D. Newman writes more books like this. They are so good. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasies. I can't wait for more to come out.
Profile Image for Kristina.
20 reviews
February 9, 2013
A good continuation of the characters and a fun new adventure. I love the interaction of the characters, especially Hob, Gob and Nob.

The formatting on the nook and tablet made it distracting to read. I tried multiple font settings, but none of them fixed the problem. :(
Profile Image for Rebecca.
22 reviews
August 21, 2013
This book was just as awesome as the first book! I loved reading it and learning more about the characters. The scenes are very descriptive and easy to picture as you read along. I definitely hope there is another book to this!
4 reviews
May 27, 2014
Great tale!

This was a great fantasy tale for all ages. A follow up to the first book, The Thirteenth Unicorn, that was great in it's own right. The Black Dragon picks up right where The Thirteenth Unicorn left off. Young Ben Alderman makes a great hero.
4 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2012
great addition. Ben is a hero. :) cant wait till the next one. At least I hope there is a next one. :) Again recomending to my son. :)
10 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2014
Great read!

rich characters and wonderful storylines. the descriptions are vivid and fanciful and easy to imagine myself in the middle of it all. who. doesn't love a happy ending?
3 reviews
April 20, 2014
Enjoyed this book as much or more than the first one. Felt like I was actually there!
2 reviews
June 25, 2014
An amazing and entertaining book . I enjoyed reading it ...
Profile Image for Ian Cowley.
22 reviews
July 19, 2014
A excellent sequel to the first book, this well thought out book has made me read it over and over
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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