Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde is a story about Alys, a young girl falsely accused of witchcraft and staked out as an offering to a dragon. Instead of being eaten, the dragon, Selendrile, offers to help Alys get revenge on those who wronged her. Together, they embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a deeper understanding of each other's characters and motivations. The book explores themes of vengeance, friendship, and the consequences of seeking revenge, all set within a medieval village backdrop.

The writing style of Dragon's Bait is described as light and engaging, with a focus on adventure and romance. The plot unfolds quickly, keeping the readers hooked as Alys and Selendrile navigate through their quest for revenge and self-discovery. The characters, especially Alys, are portrayed as strong and imperfect, adding depth to the story and making it relatable to young adult readers.

Characters:

Characters display growth and complexity, particularly Alys, although some critics feel supporting characters lack sufficient depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is straightforward and accessible, but at times overly explanatory, which can diminish the sense of discovery for readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a young girl wrongfully accused of witchcraft who teams up with a dragon to enact revenge, leading to unexpected lessons about vengeance.

Setting:

The medieval setting enhances the story's themes of societal betrayal and fantasy elements, particularly with the dragon's involvement.

Pacing:

The pacing is swift, making it easy to read quickly, but this also contributes to a feeling of incomplete development.

She woke to the gray light of dawn and to the sound of her father coughing. Did he sound any better than he had the morning before? Yes, she told herself—just a little bit, but definitely better. And ...

Notes:

The protagonist, Alys, is falsely accused of witchcraft by a jealous neighbor.

Alys is tied to a stake to be sacrificed to a dragon named Selendrile.

The book includes themes of revenge and friendship between Alys and the dragon.

Alys and Selendrile decide to work together instead of Alys being eaten by the dragon.

Characters experience unexpected situations and lessons about revenge.

Selendrile can shape-shift but loses this ability when shackled by the priest Atherton.

The book features a twist where Alys ends up confessing to the village for the blame.

The story touches on important themes like tolerance, difference, and human nature.

Readers find the characters and plot underdeveloped due to the book's short length.

There is a humorous and whimsical tone despite serious themes.

The abrupt ending leaves some readers unsatisfied with character resolutions.

From The Publisher:

Fifteen-year-old Alys is not a witch. But that doesn't matter-the villagers think she is and have staked her out on a hillside as a sacrifice to the local dragon. It's late, it's cold, and it's raining, and Alys can think of only one thing-revenge. But first she's got to escape, and even if she does, how can one girl possibly take on an entire town alone? Then the dragon arrives-a dragon that could quite possibly be the perfect ally. . . .

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

2 comment(s)

rhrie38

Loved It

9 months

I liked the characters the most

funrex232

Did Not Like

9 months

I'm not sure what I thought this was going to be but it wasn't good. The characters were bland, the plot was mindless and the romance was a vague blur in the distance.

I could've like Alys but she was all over the place - she wanted revenge, she didn't want revenge - there was no burning need for vegeance or payback - she just kind of plodded along with whatever the dragon said. As for the dragon, who knows what the hell he wants - it's never explained why he does anything nor are we given any background or explanations about his magic or dragonness. Why can he change into a human when other dragons can't? Why can't he be out during the day? What kind of dragon is willing to give up his hoard? Etc, etc, etc. It was all just kind of a nothing story.

1.5 stars. Because the concept was good if nothing else.

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About the Author:

Vivian Vande Velde has written many books for teen and middle grade readers, including Heir Apparent, User Unfriendly, All Hallow's Eve: 13 Stories, Three Good Deeds, Now You See It ..., and the Edgar Award-winning Never Trust a Dead Man. She lives in Rochester, New York. Visit her website at www.vivianvandevelde.com.

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Dragon's Bait

Vivian Vande Velde