PotsandPlots

We are Dragon is the final instalment of Alastiar Chisholm’s science fiction series for readers aged 9-12. Set in a post-apocalyptic universe, it features rival teams that vie for supremacy on huge animal mecha.

Each story is told from the perspective of a different member of the crew. They’re stories of friendship, self-enlightment and the overcoming of difficulties, both internal and external. They are all pacey thrillers that entertain from beginning to end.

Growing Information:

Plant With: Children’s Books, Science Fiction, Found Family

Grows Into: Epic finale of an excellent children’s series.

Rating: Hardy Perennial 🌻🌻🌻 (Check here for rating information.)

Available now in Hardback (affiliate link).

The Review:

As We are Dragon is the final book in the trilogy, make sure you’ve read I am Wolf and I am Raven first. I’ll try to make my review as spoiler-free as possible

There are two strands to the series. The first one is the world in which the book is set. How did it become like it is? This is largely revealed during I am Raven. We are Dragon determines what the crew of Cub are going to do about it.

Characters vs Environment is where we find the series plot and action. The acts of daring and strategy employed to defeat the novel’s antagonists. Chisholm also uses this strand to examine what power does to humanity.

The second strand is arguably more powerful. Each of the books is told from the perspective of a different character: Coll, Brann and, in We are Dragon, Reika. Each of them must overcome a personal difficulty while combating the shocks and dangers the world throws at them.

In Wolf, Coll must learn to work with his limb difference. In Raven, Brann suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, and in Dragon, Reika, a technical wunderkind, must overcome her processing difficulties, and the fact she finds the world and people overwhelming.

It’s these personal battles that make the stories so compelling and relatable. Children (and adults) everywhere will see themselves reflected in the Chisholm’s characters.

We are Dragon brings the story to a close. I’m sad that there will be no more Cub, Wolf or Raven to entertain us, but what a ride it’s been. Ever since reading Chilsolm’s Adam 2, I’ve thought he was one of the most interesting children’s authors writing today. This series further cements that thought.