by Ryan Eshoff

            Tolkien had The Silmarillion. Eddings had High Hunt. Stanek had At Dream’s End. And Blake Garrett Anderson had The Dragonheroes. What do all the aforementioned pieces of literature have in common? Each work was the first by their respective author, including The Dragonheroes, by Valley Christian’s own senior, Blake Anderson. Anderson, who began the novel seven years ago, originally composed a 700-page manuscript before dividing it into separate novels.

            In The Dragonheroes, Anderson elegantly weaves a tale of five young, seemingly unrelated youths, each approaching their sixteenth birthday in the land of Terralax. The balance of this very land has fallen into shadow in the last decade, as the Darian invaders from the North have covered all in a black shroud. However, hope springs eternal, as the connections between the five young heroes gradually become more and more clear.

            Although the beginning chapters are at the very worst a tad scattered, due to the numerous points of view that Anderson incorporates, the storylines of the characters soon become intertwined in an extravagant tapestry of treachery, friendship, heroism, and intrigue. In gorgeous detail Anderson describes the magical world of Terralax, the legendary land of grand battles and magnificent beings. Many times throughout the reading, it was difficult to remember that this was the first work of a high school student. Anderson’s ability to develop his characters and plot is captivating.

            Anderson will continue with the subsequent two books in his trilogy, The Birth of Terralax. He will look to further enhance his already superb talent when he majors in Creative Writing at Chapman University. My friend, your summer is not complete without The Dragonheroes, available at www.Terralax.com.

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