Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Troy Lee Henderson

This is an engaging, fun adventure listen.
Erian's Lair #2
by Troy Lee Henderson
Read By: William Dufris


ISBN: 9781611141023
(The Hill Brothers Trilogy)
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (December 4, 2013)
ebook: File Size: 247 KB
Print Length: 59 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Simon Hill has been away studying for the past two years. When his parents die suddenly, he returns home to find that he and his two young brothers, Darien and Edwin, have been evicted from their farm. Simon convinces his brothers to join him in an effort to find Erian, the daughter of Eathed, an old dragon who once befriended Simon. The three brothers enlist the aid of Deandra leBec, a dragon hunter whose father was killed by a dragon and setoff to find Erian. [A Novella] -–Book 2 of The Hill Brothers Trilogy.

Review:
Simon was a boy who looked beyond the immediate surroundings to wonder what more there was to explore. He curiosty led him to became friends with a dragon in Eathed. He has been studying away from home but returns to discover his parents died of a plague and his younger brothers are about to be evicted. Instead of remaining to slave for the new farm owner, Simon convinces his brothers to join him in a quest for Eathed’s daughter, Erian.

The journey is long but they push on led by Simon’s determination. When they come to the town where Simon planned to hire a famous dragon killer as a guide he learns that the man has been killed by a dragon. The man’s daughter, Deandra, is now intent on hunting the dragon for revenge. Simon tries to convince her that dragons and humans can be friends but she doesn’t want to give up her anger.

The four young people experience adventure and face danger as they travel to the island of the dragon. Simon knows he will have to act quickly to keep the girl and the dragon from killing each other but he believes he will succeed.

This is an engaging tale of tolerance and friendship. I enjoyed the sense of danger and especially enjoyed the surprises the author includes. It is an easy listen that can be enjoyed by young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job of narrating. He is able to infuse the wonder and nature of children into the voices of the characters. This is a fun, quick listen.

I received this book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. 

Audio Book Review and Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson

This is a delightful, imaginative, short tale. 

Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

Troy Lee Henderson
Format: MP3 Download

Narrator: William Dufris

• Label: Mind Wings Audio
• Total Length: 1:18:00
• ASIN: B006QSXOHQ

Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.

Review:
This is a charming short story.
Eathed is a tired and bedraggled old dragon, the last of his kind. All he wants is peace and quite to rest out his last days. He thinks he has found a quiet spot until three young boys from a nearby village discover his cave.

The boys are frightened and race home to tell their father who takes them to the local authority. The Lord isn’t convinced that they really saw a dragon, but in caution he calls in an old knight who used to fight dragons. It so happens that the knight, Sir Allistair, is the boys’ grandfather. The eldest boy, Simon, talks Sir Allistair into allowing him to go along as his squire. The first visit is only supposed to be investigative but instead a rather disastrous battle ensues. Simon helps his injured grandfather home and comes back to check on the dragon. Simon is stunned when Eathed starts to talk to him and slowly they develop a friendship that pulls the listener in to share.

This gem is just over an hour long and it is completely engaging and entertaining. The story is imaginative and emotionally warm as well as offering a lesson on not stereotyping humans...or dragons. The narration is effective with a deep, resonant voice for the dragon, a young boy’s voice for Simon and an appropriately gruff, elderly voice for Sir Allistair. Drufis manages to convey the emotions of the scenes, whether excitement or sadness, with good tonal control and pacing.

This is the second short audio I have had the pleasure to review for Mind Wings Audio. If you want a short, quality listen I suggest you take a look through their offerings. You do not need an MP3 player to listen to this as you can download it to your computer and enjoy listening through Windows Media Player or other audio player. I am going to share the joy of listening to this delightful story by gifting a download to one lucky commenter.

Thank you to Mind Wings Audio for providing this download through the review program at Audiobook Jukebox.

I will add this to my New Authors and Audio challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an MP3 Download:
1. Visit Mind Wings Audio site and tell me a story you might like to listen to. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 4.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.