I didn't finish this. Not because it was bad, but because I have a ton of other books I'd rather be reading. I didn't even make it to the dragon part! ( )

All of the fantastical adventure one looks for in this genre told from the perspective of Roshko, a young prince who is misunderstood by his family. This story deals with ancestry, coming of age and lots of sword fighting all wrapped up with a lot of humor. Recommended for ages 9-12, might especially appeal to boys but anyone who likes rousing adventure will like this book.

From August 2011 SLJ:
Gr 5-8–Prince Rashko, 15, loves his parents and his older brother, Paulek, but is often vexed by their trusting natures and apparent simplemindedness. When the king and queen disappear and sinister Baron Temny shows up at Hladka Hvorka, Rashko feels the full weight of protecting the family castle. Paulek is besotted with Temny’s beautiful daughter and accepts the Baron’s claim that his entourage is here at his parents’ invitation. Rashko sees through the thin ruse but must go along with the charade so as not to provoke an open attack. As Rashko uses his wits to keep the castle safe, he finds himself increasingly drawn to his ancestor Pavol, who defeated the Dark Lord in generations past. Indeed, as Temny’s men entrench themselves, it is soon apparent that Temny is the incarnation of the Dark Lord. Drawing on Pavol’s wisdom, Rashko is thrust into his own quest to save the kingdom from takeover by evil forces. Along the way, he realizes that he has been too quick to judge his brother and parents, and that their gifts will be just as important in saving the kingdom as his own. While Bruchac’s stories often celebrate his Native American roots, this novel, set in the Black Forest in medieval times, honors his Slovakian heritage. The large cast of characters and the generous sprinkling of Slovak vocabulary may deter some readers, but the book is a solid choice for readers looking for fantasy complete with dragons, swordplay, and meeting the right girl along the way.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA ( )

Prince Rashko can't believe his family, no one ever thinks except for him. Now his parents have abandoned the castle and his brother Paulek is under the spell of the evil Barron Temny, Prince Rashko takes it upon himself to save the castle. Yet he realizes that things are not always the way they seem. If you're looking for a story filled with flying dragons, then look elsewhere; there is only one dragon in this book and its in the past. The story switches from Rashko's tale to his ancestor Pavol's rise to power. The tale is exciting and will have you just as frustrated as Rashko until the end. This book is recommended for fantasy lovers ages 10-13. ( )