Here, There Be Dragons

[Cymrugirl]

I spotted the sequel to the novel Here, There Be Dragons by James Owen on the shelf the other night at a local bookshop. The cover got my attention because of how similar the ship (Theologica Geographica? I think) is to C.S. Lewis' Dawn Treader in the Narnia Chronicles.

I was surprised to learn in looking at a synopsis of the first book that it is actually a piece of fan fiction featuring the inklings themselves on an adventure - an adventure which forms their characters as the writers they would later become. Lewis, Tolkien, and Barfield - I think - are the three who sail.

Now I'm fascinated. Problem is, I've read so many different reviews that I don't know if it's worth the purchase. Anyone here read it? Is it worth the plunk?

[James A. Owen]

Actually, the characters John, Jack, and Charles, are based on Tolkien, Lewis, and Charles Williams. He was one of the lesser known of the Inklings group (now) but was very influential then, especially to Lewis.

It has its moments - and I think the second book is stronger.

You can take a look at some of the story material and art (as well as other reviews) at the main website:

www.heretherebedragons.net

I hope you'll give it a try!

Best,

James A. Owen

[Cymrugirl]

Well, holy canoli.

[Cymrugirl]

I already had my 17.99 set aside to pick it up this weekend - I decided I couldn't resist even without a response (plus the Amazon.com reviews looked promising). Now it looks like I may to pick up my copy tonight. :D

I'd pick them both up at the same time if I could afford it (the first chapters of book one look very good from what I saw in the store - and the illustrations are wonderful) but it looks like I'll have to go one book at a time.

Thanks for the response. You just made my week.

[James A. Owen]

You're welcome. I hope you like it - book three is coming out in October! (and this one involves Hugo Dyson, and a night that turned out to be hugely significant to John and Jack).

I also post upcoming art, and comics, and other fun stuff on my journal:

http://coppervale.livejournal.com/

That's probably not a bad place to check in on, either!

James

[Cymrugirl]

Fabulous!! Welcome to the site, Mr. Owen!

And....it is the Dawn Treader on the cover, isn't it???

[James A. Owen]

LOL... no, just good synchronicity. It's one of the Dragonships that are a big part of the story. That one (the Red Dragon) was originally the Argo.

I really hadn't considered the Dawn Treader similarity until you mentioned it!

(Although, I'm sure it played SOME role back when I was planning the Dragonships themselves, and knew Jack would be seeing them. But as to the cover - nope!)

[Cymrugirl]

Well, how bout' that?

I must say that your writing is superb. The book intrigued me so much that I went back to the bookshop the first night after posting this message above, and dug it off the back shelf.(where they house the young adult series) The first night I'd only found a paperback, and somehow I knew I would want this one in hardcover. When I opened it and saw the illustrations and read the first few pages, it excited me - to see writing like that. Something old and new working together. It drew me in at once - and I've been thinking of getting my hands on a copy ever since. Just waiting for the money to come along - and now I have it. *rubs hands together*

[Alice]

This sounds good. Thanks for the information. I copied down the title and author. :)

[Cymrugirl]

Well I picked up a copy last night and read my way all the way into the Archipelego of Dreams. Good stuff so far. I love the illustrations. I've seen knights made of wood - half-man, half-beast, Reaver type villains - pirate girls - witches - dragon ships that breathe....and one of the best introductions of a character ever (meaning the little man in the rain).

But most of all I find all three of the inklings characters very interesting - especially Jack, whose proving to be mischievous and flirty. I've never pictured Jack this way before.

Apparently, from the illustration, chapter five will have a parachute-pants man with a turban. I'm excited.

[Tarin]

Hmm, looks good. I added it to my "to read" list. !thumbsup!

[Cymrugirl]

I finished this book over the weekend. Lots of small mythological details and even references to quotes by these famous authors. Inklings fans will probably find it a satisfying read. My favorite part of the tale is what the ring of power turns out to be.

Looks like the film rights were sold before the book was even published.