AUTHOR BIO
J. S. Burke is an author, artist, and scientist. She's worked as a marine biologist,
studying creatures of the dark abyss and diving on coral reefs.
Her stories blend imagination with real science and author experiences.
She lives with her family, rescue companions, and dragons!
The award-winning Dragon Dreamer series grew from her years at sea,
a fascination with the alien, intelligent octopuses, and a love of dragons.
J. S. Burke is an author, artist, and scientist. She's worked as a marine biologist,
studying creatures of the dark abyss and diving on coral reefs.
Her stories blend imagination with real science and author experiences.
She lives with her family, rescue companions, and dragons!
The award-winning Dragon Dreamer series grew from her years at sea,
a fascination with the alien, intelligent octopuses, and a love of dragons.
Burke has worked as manager of a marine research program and has five published marine research papers. She has degrees in Math, Science,
Marine Science, and Education. Burke has been certified to teach High School Math, H.S. Science, Middle Grades (all subjects), and Gifted students.
CONTACT: jenny.burke8(at)gmail.com or CLICK "more" above.
Marine Science, and Education. Burke has been certified to teach High School Math, H.S. Science, Middle Grades (all subjects), and Gifted students.
CONTACT: jenny.burke8(at)gmail.com or CLICK "more" above.
NEWSLETTER
SIGN UP on 1st Page Recipes, Event links, and the latest news ! We won't share or sell your email address with anyone, ever. J.S. Burke in her underwater fantasy world. There's also an intricate dragon world! |
J.S. Burke Nominated for
GEORGIA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARD! 
DRAGON DREAMER SERIES
FEATURED ON TV twice!!! http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/time-to-hit-the-books http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/great-book-picks |
INTERVIEWS & FEATURED
**DRAGON TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpOMIn09AzI&feature=youtu.be
FEATURED: http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
RADIO INTERVIEW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2018/10/24/red-river-radio-presents-whats-write-for-me-with-jenny-and-mark
INTERVIEW: https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2018/03/28/guest-post-by-j-s-burke/
DRAGON DREAMER FEATURED: https://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/2018/02/february2018-indiebooksbeseen-indie.html
FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK review: https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/fantasy-snowflakes-coloring-book/
**FEATURED on TV!!! http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/time-to-hit-the-books 2017 NBC affiliate WOAI--San Antonio, TX
INTERVIEW: http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/feature-friday-j-s-burkes-dragon-dreamer-interview/
THE DRAGON DREAMER won FIRST PLACE for BEST FIRST NOVEL IAN AWARD
DRAGON LIGHTNING won FIRST PLACE for BEST SCIENCE FICTION IAN AWARD
DRAGON LIGHTNING won FIRST PLACE for BEST SCIENCE FANTASY PINNACLE AWARD
INTERVIEW "Power of words": https://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/here-is-my-interview-with-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW How to make a difference: http://cultureandcreativityblog.blogspot.dk/2017/08/meet-award-winning-author-jsburke.html
INTERVIEW "Writes fascinating fiction": https://denisederrico.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/friday-friends-jenny-burke/
DRAGON LIGHTNING won a 1st Place SIBA AWARD
INTERVIEW Welcome Back: https://caronallanfiction.com/2017/04/05/author-interview-welcome-back-to-jenny-s-burke/
INTERVIEW EPIC WORLDS: https://ourepicworlds.com/2017/03/13/the-epic-dragon-dreamer-world-by-j-s-burke/#more-733
VIDEO INTERVIEW: https://www.facebook.com/clcannonauthor/videos/1332450433465468/?pnref=story
RADIO INTERVIEW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2017/02/03/the-speculative-fiction-cantina-with-js-burke-and-v-r-craft
FEATURED: Dragon Dreamer Series BEST BOOKS 2016: https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2017/02/03/my-favorite-reads-in-2016/
THE DRAGON DREAMER won a 3rd Place SIBA AWARD
GOODREADS GIVEAWAYS: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/212177-the-dragon-dreamer
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/212175-dragon-lightning
FEATURED: Peachy Insights https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2016/11/18/book-review-dragon-lightening-by-j-s-burke/
**FEATURED on TV!!! http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/great-book-picks 2016 NBC
FEATURED: Dragon Dreamer listed as an ECO-BOOK http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW Denise http://baerbookspress.com/interviews/an-underwater-dreamer/
INTERVIEW Wonderfully Engaging: http://tpkeaneblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-dragon-dreamer-wonderfully-engaging.html
INTERVIEW: BOOK of the MONTH http://alexiastevens.weebly.com/the-tea-room/interview-with-jenny-s-burke
FEATURED: Rose's Blog http://www.gillaribooks.com/book-19-reading-challenge-2016/
FEATURED: Peachy Insight's Blog https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/book-review-dragon-dreamer-by-j-s-burke/
FEATURED: BOOK of the MONTH http://www.gottabeewriting.com/indie-book-of-the-month-the-dragon-dreamer/
FEATURED: Lu's Blog http://lujwhitley.com/2016/04/06/writer-wednesday-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW: Chevoque's Blog http://chevoque.wix.com/chevoque#!Author-Quickie-withJenny-S-Burke/cgcy/56fe46bc0cf2d5ab7777fd96
CYBER CON: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18048709-science-fantasy-adventure-with-dragons-and-an-undersea-world
INTERVIEW: Angela's Blog http://www.angelabchrysler.com/featured-author-j-s-burke/
DRAGON ARAK won the FANTASY COTILLION 2016! bit.ly/ArakWon
FEATURED: Marie's Blog https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/the-dragon-dreamer/
FEATURED: A Reader Recommends http://a-reader-recommends.com/2016/02/19/the-dragon-dreamer/
IN Kimberly's TOP 5 BOOKS: https://mdellert.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/friday-the-thirteenth-question-with-kimberly-vanderbloom/
INTERVIEW: Rainne's Book Blog http://rainnes.blogspot.com/2015/10/an-interview-with-jenny-s-burke.html
FEATURED: Just Books Spotlight http://rainnes.blogspot.com/2015/10/spotlight-on-dragon-dreamer-by-jenny.html?spref=tw …
FEATURED: NEPTUNE 911 Spotlight http://neptune911forkids.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-dragon-story-with-sea-ful-twist.html …
FEATURED: ECO-BOOKS http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
GUEST POST: "How to Make a Difference" http://www.cwhawes.com/2015/10/06/make-a-difference-with-the-illusion-of-power/ …
FEATURED: Marc's blog http://www.marcsecchia.com/2015/03/review-of-dragon-dreamer.html?m=1
FEATURED: Angela's Blog Tour #blogtourhttp://www.angelabchrysler.com/j-s-burke-2/
FEATURED: James' Blog http://bit.ly/1Oso7yJ
HOSTED AT AUTHOR CYBER PARTY: https://www.facebook.com/events/1593368644255592/
INTERVIEW: "Fantasy Authors Unplugged" http://phsolomon.com/2015/07/08/fantasy-authors-unplugged-featuring-jenny-s-burke
GUEST POST: "Climate Change on the Blue Planet" http://timhemlin.com/2015/06/26/climate-change-on-the-blue-planet/
INTERVIEW: Angela's Blog* angelabchrysler.com/honored-guest-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW: The Fountain Literary Journal https://thefountainliteraryjournal.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/interview-with-jenny-s-burke-author-of-dragon-dreamer/ …
INTERVIEW: Caron's blog https://caronallanfiction.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/interview-with-authorillustrator-jenny-s-burke
SEASATION REVIEW: Barbara's blog https://bamauthor.me/2014/12/17/a-sea-sation/
INTERVIEW: http://bit.ly/1Ej4eVJ
**DRAGON TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpOMIn09AzI&feature=youtu.be
FEATURED: http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
RADIO INTERVIEW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2018/10/24/red-river-radio-presents-whats-write-for-me-with-jenny-and-mark
INTERVIEW: https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2018/03/28/guest-post-by-j-s-burke/
DRAGON DREAMER FEATURED: https://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/2018/02/february2018-indiebooksbeseen-indie.html
FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK review: https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/fantasy-snowflakes-coloring-book/
**FEATURED on TV!!! http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/time-to-hit-the-books 2017 NBC affiliate WOAI--San Antonio, TX
INTERVIEW: http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/feature-friday-j-s-burkes-dragon-dreamer-interview/
THE DRAGON DREAMER won FIRST PLACE for BEST FIRST NOVEL IAN AWARD
DRAGON LIGHTNING won FIRST PLACE for BEST SCIENCE FICTION IAN AWARD
DRAGON LIGHTNING won FIRST PLACE for BEST SCIENCE FANTASY PINNACLE AWARD
INTERVIEW "Power of words": https://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/here-is-my-interview-with-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW How to make a difference: http://cultureandcreativityblog.blogspot.dk/2017/08/meet-award-winning-author-jsburke.html
INTERVIEW "Writes fascinating fiction": https://denisederrico.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/friday-friends-jenny-burke/
DRAGON LIGHTNING won a 1st Place SIBA AWARD
INTERVIEW Welcome Back: https://caronallanfiction.com/2017/04/05/author-interview-welcome-back-to-jenny-s-burke/
INTERVIEW EPIC WORLDS: https://ourepicworlds.com/2017/03/13/the-epic-dragon-dreamer-world-by-j-s-burke/#more-733
VIDEO INTERVIEW: https://www.facebook.com/clcannonauthor/videos/1332450433465468/?pnref=story
RADIO INTERVIEW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2017/02/03/the-speculative-fiction-cantina-with-js-burke-and-v-r-craft
FEATURED: Dragon Dreamer Series BEST BOOKS 2016: https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2017/02/03/my-favorite-reads-in-2016/
THE DRAGON DREAMER won a 3rd Place SIBA AWARD
GOODREADS GIVEAWAYS: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/212177-the-dragon-dreamer
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/212175-dragon-lightning
FEATURED: Peachy Insights https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2016/11/18/book-review-dragon-lightening-by-j-s-burke/
**FEATURED on TV!!! http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/great-book-picks 2016 NBC
FEATURED: Dragon Dreamer listed as an ECO-BOOK http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW Denise http://baerbookspress.com/interviews/an-underwater-dreamer/
INTERVIEW Wonderfully Engaging: http://tpkeaneblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-dragon-dreamer-wonderfully-engaging.html
INTERVIEW: BOOK of the MONTH http://alexiastevens.weebly.com/the-tea-room/interview-with-jenny-s-burke
FEATURED: Rose's Blog http://www.gillaribooks.com/book-19-reading-challenge-2016/
FEATURED: Peachy Insight's Blog https://peachysinsights.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/book-review-dragon-dreamer-by-j-s-burke/
FEATURED: BOOK of the MONTH http://www.gottabeewriting.com/indie-book-of-the-month-the-dragon-dreamer/
FEATURED: Lu's Blog http://lujwhitley.com/2016/04/06/writer-wednesday-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW: Chevoque's Blog http://chevoque.wix.com/chevoque#!Author-Quickie-withJenny-S-Burke/cgcy/56fe46bc0cf2d5ab7777fd96
CYBER CON: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18048709-science-fantasy-adventure-with-dragons-and-an-undersea-world
INTERVIEW: Angela's Blog http://www.angelabchrysler.com/featured-author-j-s-burke/
DRAGON ARAK won the FANTASY COTILLION 2016! bit.ly/ArakWon
FEATURED: Marie's Blog https://authorauzzell.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/the-dragon-dreamer/
FEATURED: A Reader Recommends http://a-reader-recommends.com/2016/02/19/the-dragon-dreamer/
IN Kimberly's TOP 5 BOOKS: https://mdellert.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/friday-the-thirteenth-question-with-kimberly-vanderbloom/
INTERVIEW: Rainne's Book Blog http://rainnes.blogspot.com/2015/10/an-interview-with-jenny-s-burke.html
FEATURED: Just Books Spotlight http://rainnes.blogspot.com/2015/10/spotlight-on-dragon-dreamer-by-jenny.html?spref=tw …
FEATURED: NEPTUNE 911 Spotlight http://neptune911forkids.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-dragon-story-with-sea-ful-twist.html …
FEATURED: ECO-BOOKS http://eco-fiction.com/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/
GUEST POST: "How to Make a Difference" http://www.cwhawes.com/2015/10/06/make-a-difference-with-the-illusion-of-power/ …
FEATURED: Marc's blog http://www.marcsecchia.com/2015/03/review-of-dragon-dreamer.html?m=1
FEATURED: Angela's Blog Tour #blogtourhttp://www.angelabchrysler.com/j-s-burke-2/
FEATURED: James' Blog http://bit.ly/1Oso7yJ
HOSTED AT AUTHOR CYBER PARTY: https://www.facebook.com/events/1593368644255592/
INTERVIEW: "Fantasy Authors Unplugged" http://phsolomon.com/2015/07/08/fantasy-authors-unplugged-featuring-jenny-s-burke
GUEST POST: "Climate Change on the Blue Planet" http://timhemlin.com/2015/06/26/climate-change-on-the-blue-planet/
INTERVIEW: Angela's Blog* angelabchrysler.com/honored-guest-j-s-burke/
INTERVIEW: The Fountain Literary Journal https://thefountainliteraryjournal.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/interview-with-jenny-s-burke-author-of-dragon-dreamer/ …
INTERVIEW: Caron's blog https://caronallanfiction.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/interview-with-authorillustrator-jenny-s-burke
SEASATION REVIEW: Barbara's blog https://bamauthor.me/2014/12/17/a-sea-sation/
INTERVIEW: http://bit.ly/1Ej4eVJ
SYNOPSIS
THE DRAGON DREAMER is a young adult science fantasy/adventure with flying dragons and an undersea world, layered for readers age 9 to 99. A secret gift. An unlikely friendship. A dangerous quest.
Arak is bullied as a worthless dreamer. Determined to prove himself, he leaves on a quest, flies far over the sea . . . and crashes. Badly wounded, he faces death. A fearless, undersea shape-shifter named Scree finds and heals him, and an unexpected friendship begins. Arak returns to the Winter Festival, where dragons carve glaciers with fire and toss lightning bolts in the clouds. But a devastating illness strikes the clan. Then an undersea volcano erupts! This triggers a towering tsunami and a deadly chain of events. Can Arak use his hidden talents to save the dragons?
THE DRAGON DREAMER is a young adult science fantasy/adventure with flying dragons and an undersea world, layered for readers age 9 to 99. A secret gift. An unlikely friendship. A dangerous quest.
Arak is bullied as a worthless dreamer. Determined to prove himself, he leaves on a quest, flies far over the sea . . . and crashes. Badly wounded, he faces death. A fearless, undersea shape-shifter named Scree finds and heals him, and an unexpected friendship begins. Arak returns to the Winter Festival, where dragons carve glaciers with fire and toss lightning bolts in the clouds. But a devastating illness strikes the clan. Then an undersea volcano erupts! This triggers a towering tsunami and a deadly chain of events. Can Arak use his hidden talents to save the dragons?
AUTHOR Q&A
WHY DO YOU WRITE ?
It's very satisfying to create something new. I love to write and draw!
My Crystal books are an interesting challenge, presenting advanced information
with clear activities for beginners.
I learned a new set of skills to write the DRAGON DREAMER series. It's immense fun
combining imagination with science, creating worlds in the clouds and in the sea,
and developing characters who find their own voices.
(Dragon flake © 2014 J. S. Burke.)
It's very satisfying to create something new. I love to write and draw!
My Crystal books are an interesting challenge, presenting advanced information
with clear activities for beginners.
I learned a new set of skills to write the DRAGON DREAMER series. It's immense fun
combining imagination with science, creating worlds in the clouds and in the sea,
and developing characters who find their own voices.
(Dragon flake © 2014 J. S. Burke.)
WHY DID YOU WRITE DRAGON LIGHTNING?
My readers wanted a sequel.
I was so pleased when a new story grew in my mind!
Dorali is a golden dragon who was badly wounded in Book I.
Now she becomes a young Healer while struggling to cope with her terrible scars.
Drakor is a young ice dragon who feels the changing heart of his island volcano
and foresees their doom, but none will listen.
Will he find the courage to challenge his leader?
Arak, a golden dragon, and Scree, a shape-shifter octopus, face new challenges.
My readers wanted a sequel.
I was so pleased when a new story grew in my mind!
Dorali is a golden dragon who was badly wounded in Book I.
Now she becomes a young Healer while struggling to cope with her terrible scars.
Drakor is a young ice dragon who feels the changing heart of his island volcano
and foresees their doom, but none will listen.
Will he find the courage to challenge his leader?
Arak, a golden dragon, and Scree, a shape-shifter octopus, face new challenges.
WHY DID YOU WRITE THE DRAGON DREAMER?
Once upon a time I put an odd, roundish rock in a blue ceramic bowl.
This rare rock with lumpy crystals seemed like a dragon's egg.
Suddenly I knew that a dragon made this ceramic nest
so she could warm it with her fire, to incubate the precious egg.
I also knew how dragons courted with colored lightning.
And I knew their legends . . .
Once upon a time I put an odd, roundish rock in a blue ceramic bowl.
This rare rock with lumpy crystals seemed like a dragon's egg.
Suddenly I knew that a dragon made this ceramic nest
so she could warm it with her fire, to incubate the precious egg.
I also knew how dragons courted with colored lightning.
And I knew their legends . . .
WHY WRITE ABOUT DRAGONS AND OCTOPUSES?
Why not? There are hippo and tortoise friends. Lion-tiger-bear friends.
Octopuses are very intelligent, have individual personalities, and change colors to show emotions.
These natural shape-shifters have color cells and simple eye cells in their skin.
They can change body color cell-by-cell to match almost anything!
Some octopus types perfectly mimic more than a dozen other sea creatures.
When Arak crashed at sea, someone had to save him, so Scree the Octopus was born.
This was an opportunity to write something new and to explore the benefits of acceptance of differences.
Why not? There are hippo and tortoise friends. Lion-tiger-bear friends.
Octopuses are very intelligent, have individual personalities, and change colors to show emotions.
These natural shape-shifters have color cells and simple eye cells in their skin.
They can change body color cell-by-cell to match almost anything!
Some octopus types perfectly mimic more than a dozen other sea creatures.
When Arak crashed at sea, someone had to save him, so Scree the Octopus was born.
This was an opportunity to write something new and to explore the benefits of acceptance of differences.
WHY WRITE ABOUT CRYSTALS?
My Crystal and Snowflake books are active, artsy, and educational.
Crystals, including snowflakes, have perfect angles. Kids love them!
The angles of the crystals are the angles of the chemical bonds.
CRYSTAL GEOMETRY and CRYSTAL COLORS were made
to help people understand and appreciate math and science.
My Crystal and Snowflake books are active, artsy, and educational.
Crystals, including snowflakes, have perfect angles. Kids love them!
The angles of the crystals are the angles of the chemical bonds.
CRYSTAL GEOMETRY and CRYSTAL COLORS were made
to help people understand and appreciate math and science.
WHAT'S SCIENCE AND WHAT'S FICTION?
Science Fiction becomes real when science and fiction blend seamlessly.
This is such a fun way to write! I love it!
In THE DRAGON DREAMER, most of the chemistry is real.
Flames can be colored by chemicals, but only dragons should play with colored lightning.
Coral reefs are an alien world that we seldom experience, so why change that?
Scree the Octopus can match almost anything, so she could make any picture on her skin.
Other beings have senses that we don't have, and scientists believe that birds can actually see magnetic lines.
Birds are feathered reptiles; dragons are fanciful reptiles. Therefore, Arak can see magnetic lines.
The book’s glossary defines some of what is “real or not real”.
Science Fiction becomes real when science and fiction blend seamlessly.
This is such a fun way to write! I love it!
In THE DRAGON DREAMER, most of the chemistry is real.
Flames can be colored by chemicals, but only dragons should play with colored lightning.
Coral reefs are an alien world that we seldom experience, so why change that?
Scree the Octopus can match almost anything, so she could make any picture on her skin.
Other beings have senses that we don't have, and scientists believe that birds can actually see magnetic lines.
Birds are feathered reptiles; dragons are fanciful reptiles. Therefore, Arak can see magnetic lines.
The book’s glossary defines some of what is “real or not real”.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS?
Thumper and Snowflake are rescue rabbits. Thumper is a genius.
She can eyeball a small opening in a rabbit fence, several feet above the ground,
and leap gracefully through the hole with millimeters to spare.
Thumper has a Zen-like acceptance of life and makes the best of any situation.
Thumper and Snowflake are rescue rabbits. Thumper is a genius.
She can eyeball a small opening in a rabbit fence, several feet above the ground,
and leap gracefully through the hole with millimeters to spare.
Thumper has a Zen-like acceptance of life and makes the best of any situation.
REVIEWS
A few reviews of THE DRAGON DREAMER from:
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886684-the-dragon-dreamer
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke-ebook/dp/B00K9DHTU2/ 125+ Reviews!
Anna K.: "A tale of two worlds"
This is an extremely unique book that combines action and adventure with a deep understanding of real ocean life and a highly imagined dragon world. It is both fascinating and educational. For anyone who has ever been curious about the mysteries of the depths or enchanted with dragons, this book will engage you. If you are drawn to both, the Dragon Dreamer will become your favorite book ever.
Brian L.: "Truly refreshing and enjoyable."
First, this book is a real page turner. Yes, it is written for a younger audience but this reader feels it is best read by all ages. This author has touched the heart of all things real: friendship, honor, caring, and kindness.
As for the writing in this book, I was amazed. The amount of information given to the reader is crafted so well you feel as if you are in this world. Character development and communication refreshing and clear. Also, the underwater world which this author is very familiar with is expressed and explained to give the reader a clear understanding and appreciation for marine life.
I will personally recommend this book to all readers.
Maranda R.: "Good Read!"
I really enjoyed this fantasy journey. The plot was good, filled with lots of action and excitement to keep things moving along, but my favorite things about the book were the characters and the author's gift for detail.
To me, characters are what truly make a book engaging, regardless of the genre, and I immediately found myself invested in Arak and Scree. As the book went on, many other characters appeared but I think Arak and Scree remained my favorites throughout. I have always been fascinated by "healers" so that element about Scree appealed to me greatly. I found it kind of unique to have an octopus as a main character in a fantasy book about dragons, but I felt that it worked well.
As for the detail, I mention that because the author truly has a gift for painting scenes with words. I love books where I can really picture what is going on in my head and for some reason, that definitely worked for me with this book. Even though this book is technically a middle grade fantasy, I think young adult and adult audiences would greatly enjoy the tale as well!
Jason W. : "Magical story for all ages"
This is a fun and imaginative book. Though written for children, it is also a quick and enjoyable read for grown-ups! The peppering of science tidbits throughout is a nice bonus which highlight the author's research and dedication. Highly recommended.
Susanna E.: “What would be would be. And then she’d fix it.”
The Dragon Dreamer is a fantasy written in lyrical, perceptive prose by one who clearly knows a lot about science. To quote Scree the Octopus: “Who knows where that leaf will go? Who knows where a thought will lead?” This book leads you to a magical world where marine biology, geology, and herbology intertwine with imaginings of a world where dragons and octopi find common ground and where problems are solved by courage and cooperation.
The book is immensely quotable. Here is my favorite line. The octopi are facing a dire situation. Scree, undaunted, muses, “What would be would be. And then she’d fix it.” You can’t defeat an octopus (or a person) with that attitude!
Marc S.: "Authentic and moving fantasy tale"
An authentic and moving friendship develops between a dragon and an octopus in this beautifully crafted tale for all ages. Arak the dragon is a dreamer and adventurer. Scree the curious octopus is a healer willing to rick it all to help those in need. My 10 year-old bookworm daughter (who is quite a discerning reader and not often lavish with her praise!) says, "The story's fabulous!" and I fully agree. This is a story to dive into, literally, because there's so much more to this tale than meets the eye.
Author J. S. Burke brings the undersea world to dazzling life, using her background in marine biology to salt her world-building with just the right amount of authentic and fascinating detail. As someone who grew up beside the ocean I can attest to that! Further, she tells a gripping yarn. While the story at its surface level follows the unfolding of friendship and cooperation of a most unusual kind between two different species, there is tension well sustained throughout and wonderfully imaginative descriptions of octopus and dragon art forms and dance, accompanied by a flawless depth and growth of the main and supporting characters in the tale.
The art of this tale for me, lies in how the author brings these disparate threads together while never allowing the narrative pace to slacken. Engrossing, uplifting and superbly crafted, this book is a keeper. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Website Copyright © 2014 Jenny S. Burke, all rights reserved.
A few reviews of THE DRAGON DREAMER from:
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886684-the-dragon-dreamer
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke-ebook/dp/B00K9DHTU2/ 125+ Reviews!
Anna K.: "A tale of two worlds"
This is an extremely unique book that combines action and adventure with a deep understanding of real ocean life and a highly imagined dragon world. It is both fascinating and educational. For anyone who has ever been curious about the mysteries of the depths or enchanted with dragons, this book will engage you. If you are drawn to both, the Dragon Dreamer will become your favorite book ever.
Brian L.: "Truly refreshing and enjoyable."
First, this book is a real page turner. Yes, it is written for a younger audience but this reader feels it is best read by all ages. This author has touched the heart of all things real: friendship, honor, caring, and kindness.
As for the writing in this book, I was amazed. The amount of information given to the reader is crafted so well you feel as if you are in this world. Character development and communication refreshing and clear. Also, the underwater world which this author is very familiar with is expressed and explained to give the reader a clear understanding and appreciation for marine life.
I will personally recommend this book to all readers.
Maranda R.: "Good Read!"
I really enjoyed this fantasy journey. The plot was good, filled with lots of action and excitement to keep things moving along, but my favorite things about the book were the characters and the author's gift for detail.
To me, characters are what truly make a book engaging, regardless of the genre, and I immediately found myself invested in Arak and Scree. As the book went on, many other characters appeared but I think Arak and Scree remained my favorites throughout. I have always been fascinated by "healers" so that element about Scree appealed to me greatly. I found it kind of unique to have an octopus as a main character in a fantasy book about dragons, but I felt that it worked well.
As for the detail, I mention that because the author truly has a gift for painting scenes with words. I love books where I can really picture what is going on in my head and for some reason, that definitely worked for me with this book. Even though this book is technically a middle grade fantasy, I think young adult and adult audiences would greatly enjoy the tale as well!
Jason W. : "Magical story for all ages"
This is a fun and imaginative book. Though written for children, it is also a quick and enjoyable read for grown-ups! The peppering of science tidbits throughout is a nice bonus which highlight the author's research and dedication. Highly recommended.
Susanna E.: “What would be would be. And then she’d fix it.”
The Dragon Dreamer is a fantasy written in lyrical, perceptive prose by one who clearly knows a lot about science. To quote Scree the Octopus: “Who knows where that leaf will go? Who knows where a thought will lead?” This book leads you to a magical world where marine biology, geology, and herbology intertwine with imaginings of a world where dragons and octopi find common ground and where problems are solved by courage and cooperation.
The book is immensely quotable. Here is my favorite line. The octopi are facing a dire situation. Scree, undaunted, muses, “What would be would be. And then she’d fix it.” You can’t defeat an octopus (or a person) with that attitude!
Marc S.: "Authentic and moving fantasy tale"
An authentic and moving friendship develops between a dragon and an octopus in this beautifully crafted tale for all ages. Arak the dragon is a dreamer and adventurer. Scree the curious octopus is a healer willing to rick it all to help those in need. My 10 year-old bookworm daughter (who is quite a discerning reader and not often lavish with her praise!) says, "The story's fabulous!" and I fully agree. This is a story to dive into, literally, because there's so much more to this tale than meets the eye.
Author J. S. Burke brings the undersea world to dazzling life, using her background in marine biology to salt her world-building with just the right amount of authentic and fascinating detail. As someone who grew up beside the ocean I can attest to that! Further, she tells a gripping yarn. While the story at its surface level follows the unfolding of friendship and cooperation of a most unusual kind between two different species, there is tension well sustained throughout and wonderfully imaginative descriptions of octopus and dragon art forms and dance, accompanied by a flawless depth and growth of the main and supporting characters in the tale.
The art of this tale for me, lies in how the author brings these disparate threads together while never allowing the narrative pace to slacken. Engrossing, uplifting and superbly crafted, this book is a keeper. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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