The Dragon Defenders - Book One

The Dragon Defenders #1

by James Russell

"Thrilling and action-packed.... Russell uses elegant prose and well-timed humor"
Publishers Weekly

"I couldn't get my son to turn out the light!"
Elisabeth Easther, playwright, actor, critic "Action-packed, and truly charming."
Radio New Zealand A best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning tale of dragons and their brave child guardians, with mind-blowing, interactive augmented reality content accessible via free app AR Reads.

The Dragon Defenders novel series follow the adventures of Flynn, Paddy, Briar and Beth as they strive to protect their paradise island home - and the dragons that live there - from the clutches of an evil boss. Book Flynn and Paddy's family live on a paradise island in the middle of the ocean with their dog, Coco, their horse, Clappers, and Lightning, their pet falcon. But their island also holds an incredible dragons live there! When evil boss The Pitbull finds out, he decides that he wants one for himself. Get ready to be swept away on an unforgettable journey as Flynn and Paddy's world is turned upside down. Will their bravery and skill be enough to protect the dragons from The Pitbull's clutches? The Dragon Defenders series is an adrenaline-fueled saga of epic proportions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the following four books, the brothers are joined by the brave, fierce and wonderful Briar, who helps the boys thwart The Pitbull's evil plans. Read them all!

Not just a book...

Prepare to unlock a whole new level of immersion through the awe-inspiring augmented reality experiences found through the free AR Reads app. Eavesdrop on conversations, crack codes, meet the bad guy face-to-face, all the while interacting with a book like never before. Experience the phenomenon that has captivated readers across New Zealand, where The Dragon Defenders has soared to incredible heights, selling over 50,000 books in that country alone. Author James Russell weaves a tale that embraces themes of family, resourcefulness, teamwork, conservation, and the power of standing up for what you believe in. If you're a fan of Tui T. Sutherland's Wings of Fire series or Christopher Paolini's Eragon, get ready for a new adventure that will ignite your imagination and leave you breathless. the app is not necessary to enjoy the books; they're designed to be read either with or without the use of the app - it's your choice. One more thing to This book has a dyslexic friendly font, developed with advice from the Dyslexia Association of New Zealand. "An utterly charming story about two young boys who live off the grid, in a way most kids couldn't imagine. They are, of course, independent, brave and resourceful, and completely admirable. The interactive app helps build a spellbinding world."
Joan Mackenzie, head book buyer, Whitcoulls "A rollercoaster, laugh-out-loud adventure!"
Rachel Eadie, book critic "The best books imaginable to encourage kids to read."
Melissa Haslam, parent. "Catnip for reluctant readers."
Sheila Shelford, parent "Incredibly exhilarating!"
Doris Mousdale, Arcadia Books “So gripping...”
Finn Buckley, age 11 “The bomb!”
Seamus O’Sullivan, age 11 “Awesome!”
Ari O’Malley, age 10 “Exciting from the very start!”
Theo Head, aged 11 “As good as Harry Potter...”
Pippa Montgomerie, aged 9

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Dragons, Science Fiction, Adventure, School

200 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2020

About the author

I am the author of the best-selling Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books (The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders) and the best-selling, middle-grade novel series The Dragon Defenders (The Dragon Defenders, The Dragon Defenders – Book Two: The Pitbull Returns, The Dragon Defenders - Book Three: An Unfamiliar Place, The Dragon Defenders - Book Four: All Is Lost and The Dragon Defenders - Book Five: The Grand Opening.
I launch my first book for adults, entitled 'Mine - A Surfing Odyssey on North Sentinel Island' on June 1, 2021.
I live in Auckland with my wife and two young sons.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ✨

Fun and exciting start to this middle grade dragon series. I picked this up to check out for my kids and I think they’ll really enjoy it. It has a Swiss Family Robinson feel to it but with dragons! Love the family dynamic- looking forward to checking out more books in this series. Would recommend as a family read / or read along.

[Elise Derr Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with the kids (ages 3 and 7). Quick-paced and engaging! Mildly scary/intense at the climax. Easy read. The accompanying AR app is unique and really brings the story to life!

Changed a few words as I read out loud -- words we don't use in our house (e.g. stupid).

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls really liked this book with the app. The children are homeschooled which I liked and they could relate to. I think the story was pretty decent for a kids book. Bu the boys decision not to tell their parents right away seemed stupid. So we talked about what decisions they would make if they were in that situation. There is some violent messages/ language in this book. Some actual cuss words too. I think just hell and damn. I've got a mouth of a sailor so my kids hear much worse when I stub a toe, but it may not be something that all parents are comfortable with. I would have gone with a 3.5 for this book but it's not a 4 so 3 it shall be.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐ - It was very enjoyable

That was so much fun! I highly recommend downloading the AR reads -app for this, if you have an Android device to go to google play.
Loved how the maps and videos opened from the pages! 😍
Works on e-book too 👌

Then to the story. I think it was good, fun and fast, the book is not long, but a lot is suppose to be happening.
Didn't connect to anyone or to the plot, but it was nice to follow. I will continue the series, but mostly because of the live pictures and dragons 😂

[Addison Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Little Adventure Story

This book is thoroughly entertaining. I really like how the author has the message of not taking revenge on one's enemies. It's refreshing. The "h" word is said once by a villain. Otherwise, it's a great story!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy little adventure read.
No more, no less.

[Ruth Blane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7.5yr old bookworm boy has raced through the first two of these dragon adventure stories. Easy, fast paced reading with a cool AR app he can use himself. Great to support NZ literature. We have bought for our nephew in the UK for his up coming birthday. Keep them coming!

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddy & his older brother live on an island with their parents and little sister Ada. They have never seen a cellphone, tv, computer or even electricity, and spend their time hunting, climbing, running, digging, making things or adventuring. When they see a boat moored just off the island, they wonder who it could be?

The owners of the boat are after dragons and will do anything to get them. Can the boys stop them and protect their family too?

Chocka full of action, adventure and it also comes with an exciting 'AR Reads' app that can be downloaded which brings the story alive digitally too. Read traditionally or with 'the app, this story is a fabulous follow-on for the Dragon Brothers Picture Book Series.

[Shannon Clemmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is not a strong or overly enthusiastic reader, so it’s so wonderful seeing him not able to put these books by James Russell down. He is absolutely loving them. When we share a chapter together I really enjoy the book also. The interactive pages grip him even more. So great to support such amazing kiwi talent. Thank you James and please keep writing more.

[Nicola Lowson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It keeps the reader engaged all the way through. Having the interactive pages amazed my students. It kept my Year 3 & 4 class spellbound with its exciting plot. Loved the way the author flits from character to character alternating through the chapters and with the history at the beginning of the book. A fantastic read.

[Julie Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how to rate this. Read to determine if my kids can read it bc it was recommended by Amazon, not by another mom. Good story, good enough writing for kids, but a swear word!? In a kids book? Why do no other reviews mention it? If parents don’t mind language, I’d probably hesitantly recommend it, but I have a reader who is sensitive to it. Would’ve been 5 stars.

[Tom Moffatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eight-year-old chose this from a bookshop and inhaled it in one day. She then begged and grovelled until we bought her book two. Then book three. Then four. Definitely the sign of a good series for kids... just not so good for the bank account.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun adventure, original and exciting story about living on a secret island inhabited by dragons. The AR app should attract reluctant readers. I think most third to fifth graders would enjoy the story. The maps work great with the app as well!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A wee bit disappointed by this - I really liked the setting and the idea but didn't love the writing.

[Catherine Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my 7 year old son, taking turns on the chapters. Mr 7, absolutely loved it and is super keen to read the next book. A lovely book to read aloud.

[Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book of the series, would read more. I liked the AR function of the book and think it’s a great way to incorporate technology into reading!

[Amy Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old absolutely loves this book, he wasn’t really into reading before I decided to buy this one for him....he is now read all 4 books and can’t wait for the next one, highly recommend

[Eri Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! My 6 & 4 year old loved it. I read it to them before bed. Want to get the whole series now.

[Clancy Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had really good suspense and the characters had interesting personalities; I never got bored with them.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific upper elementary read! And once I realized the author was Australian, I couldn’t stop hearing the boys with Bluey and Bingo voices 😂

[Tyler Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to start off the summer with some excitement, try The Dragon Defenders: Book One by James Russell. Flynn and Paddy live on a secret island with their family. But the island has dragons, and a bad guy named The Pitbull sends men to kill a dragon and steal its egg. The bad guys have motor boats and helicopters, but the boys have slingshots and bows and arrows. They also have better knowledge of the island.

Can the brothers thwart The Pitbull’s evil henchmen and protect the dragons? You have to read it to find out, but I guarantee you’ll enjoy the ride. I liked the characters in this book. The brothers got along and worked together but still seemed like brothers. The dragons were wild, dangerous creatures. They didn’t talk to the kids or do magic. Also, other than there being dragons, everything seemed like our regular, modern world, which makes this series seem like something that could happen to me and the Dudes (I mean, if we had a secret island).

This is the first in a five book series. It also has something extra: augmented reality content. If you download the AR Reads app onto a second device and point it at certain marked pages in the ebook, you get to watch little scenes like the cut-scenes from a video game. They are the coded messages from The Pitbull as well as videos, and 3-D maps. You don’t really need them to read the story, but they are cool extras, especially when you get to see what The Pitbull looks like in person. They work whether you buy the ebook or the paperback.

[MrsK Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fantasy "dragon" reader? How much do you know about dragons? Have you considered that real... honest... to goodness... dragons might exist on islands somewhere in our world? Flynn and Paddy know that dragons are real, in fact, they have been warned never to explore close to Mt. Monstrous.

Flynn is an outstanding marksman with a slingshot. Paddy is an outstanding marksman with a bow and arrow. Together they will be defending their island home, dragon eggs, and many huntsman skills that they never had to put into practice before the thieves came to their island.

Be forewarned, hearing the magnificent "whoosh" of a dragon overhead is not for the faint of heart. These mighty and powerful creatures have personalities that can befriend or strike you with talons so sharp... well you get the picture!

Most of us have some information or experience with thieves. Usually, thieves are cunning and dangerous. The thieves that Pitbull sends to the island, appear to be seriously dangerous, that is until they get discovered by the brothers. Will they get the dragon egg for their boss? Will they get close enough to kill a dragon for the Pitbull's infamous museum?

That's up to you... you have to open the covers of this book to discover the test of the quest!
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/

[Jacklyn (ReadingBliss) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

I didn’t finish this book because I was prereading it for my children to check it’s content. I really wanted to like it enough to share with my 9 year old son. It wasn’t what I expected as I thought it would’ve had more dragon scenes, but I was still enjoying it. While I would’ve given it 4 stars for the parts I read, had I been able to get over one detail in the story so far, I had to stop because it wasn’t meeting my purpose. While it advertised strong, positive family unity and love- which I always adore in books- I could not get over the fact that it had them sneaking out of the house and lying to their parents. To add insult to injury, the kids were taking on responsibility of things they shouldn’t and endangering themselves needlessly. That was the parents job to figure out what to do. I knocked off a star for that reason. Authors, write me more stories about appropriate, healthy dynamics and boundaries where the children don’t assume into dangerous or toxic territory in any scenes and can just be children. I would be much more interested in finishing those wholesome, innocent, positive-role-modeling books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adventure story about two boys, Paddy and Flynn, who live with their parents on an isolated island that happens to have dragons on it. The boys are very good at surviving in the outdoors, as are their pets - Clappers (their horse), Lightning (their falcon) and Coco (their dog).

Paddy and Flynn need all their considerable skills with a slingshot and a bow and arrow when evil men arrive on the island, determined to kill a dragon and bring back a dragon's egg.

The book comes with an app that you use to enhance certain parts of the story. There is lots of white space between the lines and the chapters are short, making it a book that I can see appealing to less confident readers. I know I will be recommending this book often.

[Dylan Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old daughter has always found reading challenging and has never really enjoyed the process infact she outright hated reading. She loves having stories read to her since a young age. This is the first chapter book that she has read the whole thing herself, and now she is onto the second book! The two main reasons for her loving it are that the chapters are really short, so she says i just read a chapter, and for her, that is a big win. Also, there are a large amount of 'easy' words with the odd tricky one so she can actually get the story flowing instead of just stumbling from one word to the next. This one book has made all the difference. She now sees herself as a reader, which is really empowering for her.

[Anna Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early chapter book for elementary readers - this is the first in a series by the author. Two middle school aged brothers, Paddy and Flynn, live on an isolated island that is the home of hundreds of fire breathing dragons; far away from all the distractions and technology of the current world, the boys spend most of their time outside and are sharp shooters with their slingshots and use their wits to outsmart a group of egg and dragon poachers who come to the island. Easy plot structure, a brother adventure, a little suspense, and a happy ending make this a great intro to a series that I will read (if for no other reason to know whether to recommend to our grandsons)

[Kate]

An exciting adventure set on a beautiful island. Two young brothers, Flynn and Paddy, use their skills with a slingshot and a bow and arrow in an attempt to defend the island's dragons from evil poachers who are after an egg and a dragon trophy. With the help of their faithful pets (including a tame dragon), they will need to be brave if they can overcome Pitbull and his ghastly team. The author has cleverly used an app to add interest. A choice book for reluctant readers wanting a chapter book adventure, similar to the Famous Five adventures.

[Seth J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read every day, usually a few chapters a day and that’s it but I read 70 pages of this book in a day and finished the full thing in only 4-5 days !

It’s such a great book that you can get completely lost in the story, lose track of time and any worries. The AR parts of the book were SO COOL too, videos and 3D images.I’m definitely asking for the rest of the series for my birthday/Christmas this year.

Highly recommend for dragon and adventure book fans. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

[J R P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of adventure and peril to keep my dragon-mad 8 year old up late begging for one more chapter. But it is all light-hearted and moves swiftly along. No one gets hurt, despite some cliff-hangers at the end of the chapter. Even the bad guys are ultimately rescued by the resourceful brothers. Also - short chapters (some only a page) and wide line spacing - great for developing readers. The app helped keep him engaged. We read the related picture books when he was little and the continuity with the earlier story was nice.

[Maddie Settle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my son who is a struggling reader and he loves this book. The story had him laughing and interested, was simple enough for him to comprehend what was going on without getting lost in detail (the kind of books I love are often too rich for him in that department). He thought the tech aspect was really neat although the app often glitches. I’m also thankful that the book was clean and free of questionable ideology. This book definitely gave him confidence and he was excited to read it and finish it!