I always approach the last book of a series with a certain amount of trepidation. Writing a review for one is also a source for anxiety. Somehow I need to convey how amazing a book is without giving anything away for its preceding books. So, for my review of the conclusion to Bryan Davis’ Dragons of Starlight quartet, I’m going to try to focus on what I thought of Liberator itself and not just as part of the series. I will simply note that once again Mr. Davis has managed to avoid both having his ending leave the reader with more questions and having everything wrap up too conveniently, leaving readers with the warmth of a series well done.
In Liberator, the war between the dragons and the humans is escalating. In attempt to halt the army of rescuers, the dragons have infected various slaves with a deadly disease. Among the sick is Koran, the Starlighter, and suddenly the rescue efforts becoming divided. Some are racing to find a cure, and others are continuing on a march to overthrow the evil dragon Taushin. And time is running out.
When you read books by Mr. Davis, there are always two strengths you can count on: an ensemble cast of vividly well-rounded characters, and strong Biblical truths flawlessly incorporated in stories of swords and dragons. In the case of Liberator, some of these truths were much harder to reconcile than usual. Namely the line, “Sometimes justice triumphs over mercy.” In many ways, I think all four books have been leading to that line and that idea. Mercy and grace are at the heart of Christianity, and extending mercy is often portrayed as a Christian trait. So it’s hard and little scary to consider the idea that justice might come first. However, as I thought it over, I realized that even in the case of God’s mercy, it occurs after justice has been served, and I felt Mr. Davis showed this clearly as justice was served on the slavers and destroyers, and not the entire race of dragons.
As for the characters, all of the main characters are wonderful examples of the distinction between young adult and teenager. Even though they are young, the Masters boys, Elyssa, Koran, Walter, and all the others, never once turn away from the adventures and destinies set before them. Honor, courage, loyalty, and love are traits they learn to rely on as they set out to free an entire world. While I would say that overall, the intended audience for Dragons of Starlight is probably a bit older than a series like Raising Dragons, these are the sorts of books you read aloud to the kids and look forward to seeing reenacted in the living room.
My thanks to Zondervan for providing me a review copy of Liberator, in return for my honest opinion of this book.