The Dragon of Trelian    by Michelle Knudsen Order:  USA  Can Candlewick, 2009 (2009) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Lonely apprentice mage Calen only wanted to watch the procession as a delegation from Kragnir brings Prince Ryant to wed Princess Maerlie of Trelian and so make peace between the warring kingdoms. Instead Calen makes a new friend (after she kicks him) - of tomboyish Princess Meglynne, who offers to share a secret with him. It's quite a secret - on one of her escapades, Meg met and bonded with a baby dragon, whom she's hidden in a cave. She dares not tell anyone, but somehow trusts Calen, and asks him to research dragonkind for her. He does so and helps Meg better understand how to handle the bond, but he worries about a recent divination he performed for his distant master, mage Serek. He foretold 'Danger and sorrow, and the victory of someone or something who should never be victorious.' In the meantime, attending celebrations of her sister's upcoming wedding, Meg meets, and falls hard for, Wilem, son of Kragnir's senior advisor, Sen Eva Lichtendor. Then a dreadful monster kills castle guards and almost makes a meal of Meg and her younger sister. When Meg and Calen overhear a plot to murder Maerlie and destroy all chance of peace, they're attacked by a secret mage and Calen's defence yanks them somewhere very far away. How do they survive, find their way back to Trelian, and foil the dire plot against the kingdom? You'll have to read the book yourself to find out, but it takes great courage and the honing of both Calen's magical skills and Meg's dragon bond. The Dragon of Trelian is an exciting, gripping read. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews