Knight, E. E. Dragon Champion.

KNIGHT, E. E. Dragon champion. (The Age of Fire, book 1.) Penguin, Roc. 369p. c2005. 0-451-46047-2. $14.00. SA

This coming-of-age tale is told from the perspective of Auron, from his beginning as a hatchling and champion of his nest to full dragonhood. Born a scaleless gray dragon, Auron is more vulnerable to injury than his armored counterparts, but he is also far faster and capable of camouflage. Moreover, his lack of scales means he does not have a craving for gold or gems and so does not need the proximity of a hoard. This turns out to be an advantage when dwarves raid his ledge, destroying his family. Auron escapes, and his adventures begin.

In many ways, Auron's story is similar to those of humans facing adversity and living by their wits. He's captured, escapes, lives with wolves, makes other odd alliances and grows up. As a dragon, Auron has no compunctions about snacking on a toddler or torching a pack of enemies. His cold-blooded utilitarianism is jarring at times, even off-putting, although he remains true to his nature. This isn't Puff the Magic Dragon; there's nothing cuddly here.

There is an environmental impact message present as well. Man is crowding out other species such as dwarves, elves, the hominids they call "blighters" and, of course, dragons. Coupled with that message is a social statement as Auron must take on a man determined to wipe out all dwarves, elves and likely, blighters--using dragons. The plot moves relatively slowly and calmly as Auron grows and develops. His character acquires depth as he matures, and he displays a sense of humor. Dragon Champion is competently written and will be of interest to dragon fanciers looking for something solid into which to sink their teeth--or talons. Donna Scanlon, Libn., County Lib., Lancaster, PA