Module 5 - Forged by Fire

Cross, J. (2007). Forged by fire. New York, ROC.


Summary
Zarg Darquel is a strong willed, independent girl who goes against the laws forbidding females from owning property.  She purchases her own dragon-egg farm and struggles with her own addiction to dragon venom.  Her former Overlord does not let Zarg's rebellion go unnoticed but seeks her out to jail her or, better yet, kill her. Zarq flees to the jungle of dragons with the females dragons protecting her while she looks for an ancient power in order to defeat the Overlord.  


My Impressions
This particular book is filled with action in the fantasy world.  It's written for an older audience, at least high school age due to its issues of sexism, racism, slavery and addiction.  This is not a book I would have read on my own, but I know from the reviews it has its place in the hearts and hands of fantasy lovers.


Review
Lombardo, C. (2002, June) [Review of Forged by fire]. School LIbrary Journal, 48(6), 72.


Sent to live with his firm but loving Aunt Queen when his drug-addicted mother is sentenced to prison for child neglect, Gerald Nickleby's stable existence disappears on his ninth birthday with the sudden death of his aunt, the return of his infantile and ineffective mother, and the entrance of a new stepsister and an overbearing, drunken, and intimidating stepfather. In this fast-paced and emotionally disquieting sequel (S&S, 1997) to Sharon Draper's earlier YA novel, Tears of a Tiger (Atheneum, 1994), Gerald emerges as a courageous young man whose loyalty to his stepsister, Angel, subjects him to physical assault and public embarrassment. Thomas Penny's multi-voiced characterizations add intensity and depth to this Coretta Scott King Award-winning story. He effectively portrays Gerald as he changes from a young child fascinated by fire to an adolescent who realizes that the protection of both Angel and his mother rests on his young shoulders. His narration of this gritty story and portrait of poverty, abuse, and addiction is difficult to listen to but compelling and powerful until the very end.


Suggestion for Library Use
This module is difficult for me to suggest ideas for library use.  I think a display encouraging readings of fantasy, dragons or even powerful women might be the place for this book.