Last updated on May 14th, 2018
Yanka and the Dragons is an interesting short story about dragons, specifically for those of a younger age, although fans of all ages could enjoy this.
The Good
- Great idea to start the short story with tension.
- “None of us moved while we watched the great beast furrow its goat-like snout in the sand.”
- Fast-moving tense and slow descriptive moments throughout the story creates a nice ebb and flow.
- I could imagine a girl describing this story. That is to say, I believe Russell J. Fellows did well bringing the main character, Yanka, to life.
- Although I do not have an interest in dragon stories, this story is overall well-written.
- This is important because people are more likely to read, or continue reading, an enjoyable story.
The Bad
- I am biased against dragon stories (I’m not sure why), so I would not have interest in reading more.
- In fact, my least favorite book from C.S. Lewis is the “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” because of the dragon.
The Unsure*
- Although, the story begins well with the second paragraph, I did not like the first paragraph. This is probably because the character Yanka mentions what is already going to be described in the next paragraphs. In this case, I would recommend jumping right into the action of the second paragraph (“show” aspects of the story), which creates even more mystery and suspense.
- In short, the first paragraph is a good example of telling, but not showing the story.
- Example: “I saw my first dragon today. My brothers and I hid in a cave of a rock outcropping south of our village.” versus “None of us moved while we watched the great beast furrow its goat-like snout in the sand…My hands trembled…” The first one tells, the second example shows. I can feel the action and tension of the second example, but the first leaves me in the distance as a reader.
- Although, I imagine Russell J. Fellows wanted to add the whole “Papa” mystery at the beginning in the first paragraph.
- In short, the first paragraph is a good example of telling, but not showing the story.
*My opinion: what I didn’t care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating unless it overly distracts from the story.
Anyone a fan of dragons, fantasy, or “come of age” stories will enjoy Yanka and the Dragons. Check out the book here.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
