Page 4A
"It is like Harry Potter meets Frodo."
-- Writer's Digest Judge's Commentary, 2005
R E V I E W S
DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Welcome to Dragonia . . . if you dare.
Though in some ways quaint and traditional, the core qualities of the DRAGONIA Trilogy are as new and bold as today's most impressive, most ambitious fantasy fiction. In a dedicated pursuit of developing their own special brand of uncommon dragons, artist and author Robert Anton and co-conspirator Madeline Marie have created an extraordinary vision of a strange, exotic world whose animal residents grow more alive with each turn of every page.
For readers in search of something fresh amid bookshelves lined with fantasy themes that can seem all too alike, they need look no further than the DRAGONIA series. A surprising break from the routine tales of heroic human warriors doing battle with countless varieties of powerful, malevolent villains.
For readers in search of something fresh amid bookshelves lined with fantasy themes that can seem all too alike, they need look no further than the DRAGONIA series. A surprising break from the routine tales of heroic human warriors doing battle with countless varieties of powerful, malevolent villains.
Book I / Season I
A Portal In The Storm
In the ancient realm of Dragonia, it is a time of civil strife. Newborn princess, Boja, rightful heir to the Dragle dynasty, has been forced into exile by the ruthless usurper, Dragragon. An invincible super-dragon, the tyrant king will never rest until the young queen is no longer a threat to his ill-gotten regime. Protected by an appointed guardian, Shelldon, Boja and he have fled to Earth via a mysterious, inter-dimensional portal, temporarily safe from her enemies. Now several seasons later, the princess is grown enough to return home—and face her worst nightmares.
Still unaware of her real identity, of her true destiny, Boja does not want to leave the only home she has ever known. She bears no desire for fame or power. No wish to rule over strangers and fight with others who seek her destruction. With no time left to argue, Shelldon has finally convinced his charge of their need to depart for home. Where the fate of an entire world hangs in the balance. Where, for the princess, only victory or death awaits herself.
Ablaze with intense, dramatic flare, this first leg of the Dragonia Trilogy begins a timeless journey that bridges the gap between typical children's fables and the more sophisticated themes enjoyed by older age groups. All readers should prepare for the unexpected as they embark upon a fast-paced, smile-per-minute voyage filled with magic and charm, endearing, unusual dragons, plus all the action, suspense, and intrigue of a modern cliffhanger.
Still unaware of her real identity, of her true destiny, Boja does not want to leave the only home she has ever known. She bears no desire for fame or power. No wish to rule over strangers and fight with others who seek her destruction. With no time left to argue, Shelldon has finally convinced his charge of their need to depart for home. Where the fate of an entire world hangs in the balance. Where, for the princess, only victory or death awaits herself.
Ablaze with intense, dramatic flare, this first leg of the Dragonia Trilogy begins a timeless journey that bridges the gap between typical children's fables and the more sophisticated themes enjoyed by older age groups. All readers should prepare for the unexpected as they embark upon a fast-paced, smile-per-minute voyage filled with magic and charm, endearing, unusual dragons, plus all the action, suspense, and intrigue of a modern cliffhanger.
"A wonderful book that makes child-like fantasies come alive even for adults . . ."
-- Bowker BookWire Review
-- Bowker BookWire Review
Fig. 1.
BOWKER Books-In-Print
BookWire Review
Title: A Portal In The Storm
"When mundane routine bogs you down and you wish to fly to the beyond, pick up your copy of the Dragonia Trilogy and let the child in you indulge."
"Robert Anton and Madeline Marie have co-written this series of fantasy tales that promise to make your imagination go wild."
"Detailed illustrations by Anton bring to life their already vivid descriptions of fantastic dragon-creatures."
"A wonderful book that makes child-like fantasies come alive even for adults . . ."
". . . a smile will spread across your face and before you know it you are reaching for Book II!"
"Robert Anton and Madeline Marie have co-written this series of fantasy tales that promise to make your imagination go wild."
"Detailed illustrations by Anton bring to life their already vivid descriptions of fantastic dragon-creatures."
"A wonderful book that makes child-like fantasies come alive even for adults . . ."
". . . a smile will spread across your face and before you know it you are reaching for Book II!"
Fig. 2.
Dragon fare with flare!
Book 2 / Season 2
Flames Of Fortune
In this, the second leg of the DRAGONIA Trilogy, the pace quickens and the danger heightens as princess Boja and her guardian, Shelldon, continue along their desperate quest to rid the realm of its merciless despot, Dragragon. As Boja and Shelldon struggle to reinstate the young, untested queen to power, they and their friends must brace themselves for the ultimate, climactic clash of fire, fang, and claw. Each must somehow survive a fateful duel whose outcome will, in its awesome wake, forever change everything – and everyone.
Not just anothere epic saga that blazes forth with unforgettable characters, edge-of-your-seat thrills, humor, pathos, and exciting battles between virtuous heroes and ruthless villains. Okay, so it is.
Not just anothere epic saga that blazes forth with unforgettable characters, edge-of-your-seat thrills, humor, pathos, and exciting battles between virtuous heroes and ruthless villains. Okay, so it is.
"As exciting as its predecessor . . . keeps readers bewitched."
-- Bowker BookWire Review
-- Bowker BookWire Review
BOWKER Books-In-Print
BookWire Review
Title: Flames Of Fortune
"As exciting as its predecessor, Book II of the Dragonia series keeps readers bewitched."
"While it is true that some magic works only in tales like this one, the magical pull you’ll feel while reading it will be genuine."
"While it is true that some magic works only in tales like this one, the magical pull you’ll feel while reading it will be genuine."
Fig. 3.
Book 3 / Season 3
The Hope For Zargahn
Children's fables aren't just for kids anymore!
The third and final episode of the DRAGONIA Trilogy
continues to blaze new trails for readers of fine fantasy fiction -- of all ages.
In Dragonia, the worst has passed, but much work remains undone, much business still unfinished, scores unsettled and injustices unavenged. Finally restored to power, Queen Boja is faced with grave decisions of life and death as she struggles to amend the hatred and dishonor of the deposed tyrant, Dragragon. Surprises abound at every turn, with the appearance of the unlikeliest of heroes, and the most cowardly of villains. In the end, a final spark of life breaks forth and sets fire to the best laid plans of everyone. Unknown to all, even the father, the exiled former king has a son, kept from him, who will be raised by his adopted mother -- none other than the queen herself.
Drifting into much needed sleep, Boja recalls the many startling events that have set the stage for the dawn of an uncertain but hopeful future. For a Dragonia both renewed and reborn. The new sovereign wonders if it was a just a dream. Home, she decides, is not defined by where someone has been, but more by where one chooses to live.
Drifting into much needed sleep, Boja recalls the many startling events that have set the stage for the dawn of an uncertain but hopeful future. For a Dragonia both renewed and reborn. The new sovereign wonders if it was a just a dream. Home, she decides, is not defined by where someone has been, but more by where one chooses to live.
". . . a book that you won't want to put down until it's over."
-- Bowker BookWire Review
-- Bowker BookWire Review
BOWKER Books-In-Print
BookWire Review
Title: The Hope For Zargahn
"All good stories must come to an end . . . Book III -- The Hope for Zargahn, is just that."
"A story to be relished for years to come."
". . . it is clear that the author duo of Robert Anton and Madeline Marie has done a superb job with their marvelous story and uncommon illustrations."
"This is a book that you won't want to put down until it's over."
"A story to be relished for years to come."
". . . it is clear that the author duo of Robert Anton and Madeline Marie has done a superb job with their marvelous story and uncommon illustrations."
"This is a book that you won't want to put down until it's over."
Fig. 4. Brimstone, a Trueblood dragon.
|
Fig. 5. Lucent, spectral overseer of Darcklan.
|
Fig. 6. Dragragon, usurper of the realm.
|
". . . lovely writing. I’d like to see this book on the big screen!"
W R I T E R ' S D I G E S T
www.writersdigest.com
The 12th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards
Judge's Commentary / April 15, 2005
Category: Children's & Young Adult
Title: DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Season I
A PORTAL In The STORM
“The authors really know how to write fantasy.
It is like Harry Potter meets Frodo.”
“I absolutely love the author’s way with words.
It’s like honey dripping onto the pages.
The author puts the reader right there.”
Title: DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Season II
FLAMES Of FORTUNE
“I very much like the artwork/drawings throughout the book.
It enhances the overall feel of the book.”
“I love the rich imagery and description.
. . . lovely writing. I’d like to see this book on the big screen!”
“Like the Harry Potter books, adults will also grab onto these books.”
Title: DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Season III
The HOPE For ZARGAHN
“It’s nice that the author shares the vision and how it was carried out.
Very good. I also like the ‘Draglossary’.”
“I like the way each chapter begins with a pertinent quote.
It puts the reader in the right mindset to enjoy the next chapter.”
“Of course, the interesting artwork is outstanding.”
Fig. 7.
Sleep with swans,
dance with fairies and elves.
Dream of memories yet to come,
Soar from a cliff where the eagle dwells.
Awaken as a flower blooming,
Drink from the morning dew.
Fear not the dark cloud o'erhead that is looming,
Or lightning that flashes while thunder is booming;
They are only passing through.
T h e D R A G O N I A S y n o p s e s
Promoting a Mini-Saga
Fig. 8. The baby Trueblood, Timtu.
Designed as an atypical adventure fable, DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon reads like a cross between George Orwell’s Animal Farm and a children’s Golden Book with a distinctly dark sense of humor. A young dragon princess, living on Earth since birth, accompanied by her devoted guardian, return to their home world of Dragonia where they must defeat the fierce tyrant who usurped the throne and forced them both into exile. Told as a trilogy with an emphasis on action, humor, and its forceful, female protagonist, this author-illustrated, allegorical fantasy is suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Set in the present, three full-length novels relate the hardships and triumphs of Boja, the banished, endangered heir, and Shelldon, her appointed male protector, mentor, and friend. Over the course of the trilogy, readers are taken on a series of fast-paced, episodic quests that begin on Earth, move to Dragonia and, in search of the new queen’s family, travel the land above and below, from one end to the other.
Successor to the seized matriarchy, princess Boja is equal parts eagle and dragon; she is a hybrid creature known as a dragle. Called a dragurtle, her companion and guardian, Shelldon, is half turtle and half dragon. The world of Dragonia is inhabited almost exclusively by similar crossbreeds, each of whom possesses wings and the ability to breathe fire. Ill-prepared for the responsibilities she has inherited by virtue of her golden talon, the princess is reluctant to reign as queen of a realm that seems foreign to her. But caught up in dire circumstances beyond their control, she and her faithful compatriot join with others who help them wage battles of will and flame against the powerful despot, Dragragon -- a gigantic, purebred super-dragon known as a Trueblood.
With its strong focus on vocabulary skills, the DRAGONIA Trilogy challenges younger readers to not only tackle today’s longer, larger novels, but to enjoy the colorful miscellany of English prose itself. It is hoped that all readers will appreciate the intelligent, mature presentation of an “old fashioned” fairy tale filled with an assortment of unusual animal characters coping with contemporary, very human challenges.
Set in the present, three full-length novels relate the hardships and triumphs of Boja, the banished, endangered heir, and Shelldon, her appointed male protector, mentor, and friend. Over the course of the trilogy, readers are taken on a series of fast-paced, episodic quests that begin on Earth, move to Dragonia and, in search of the new queen’s family, travel the land above and below, from one end to the other.
Successor to the seized matriarchy, princess Boja is equal parts eagle and dragon; she is a hybrid creature known as a dragle. Called a dragurtle, her companion and guardian, Shelldon, is half turtle and half dragon. The world of Dragonia is inhabited almost exclusively by similar crossbreeds, each of whom possesses wings and the ability to breathe fire. Ill-prepared for the responsibilities she has inherited by virtue of her golden talon, the princess is reluctant to reign as queen of a realm that seems foreign to her. But caught up in dire circumstances beyond their control, she and her faithful compatriot join with others who help them wage battles of will and flame against the powerful despot, Dragragon -- a gigantic, purebred super-dragon known as a Trueblood.
With its strong focus on vocabulary skills, the DRAGONIA Trilogy challenges younger readers to not only tackle today’s longer, larger novels, but to enjoy the colorful miscellany of English prose itself. It is hoped that all readers will appreciate the intelligent, mature presentation of an “old fashioned” fairy tale filled with an assortment of unusual animal characters coping with contemporary, very human challenges.
I've obviously been watching too many DVDs
Over the course of many years of near-constant refinement, the artistic side of DRAGONIA has always demanded equal time with the project's literary component. Often the overt conflict between the two resulted in distractions, delays, and diversions which sometimes hindered progress, while other times whole new avenues of approach led to interesting discoveries, both artistically and literarily.
Shown below are only the first of what will eventually be a more expanded display of what worked and what didn't. Emphasis on the "didn't". As one might imagine, the possibilities soon became endless, the potential for variation unlimited, and hard decisions (and analysis) were required to determine what paths were likely productive and which were dead-end wastes of time. Still other themes and schemes showed comparable worth to what was already in-progress, and these were simply discontinued for one reason or another. More often than not, time constraints cut short the exploratory process.
Shown below are only the first of what will eventually be a more expanded display of what worked and what didn't. Emphasis on the "didn't". As one might imagine, the possibilities soon became endless, the potential for variation unlimited, and hard decisions (and analysis) were required to determine what paths were likely productive and which were dead-end wastes of time. Still other themes and schemes showed comparable worth to what was already in-progress, and these were simply discontinued for one reason or another. More often than not, time constraints cut short the exploratory process.
Fig. 9. Design by Brock Munson.
|
Fig. 10. Application for Dragonian citizenship.
|
Fig. 11. Early version of the Lucent figure.
|
Fig. 12. Map: To Earth and Points Beyond.
|
Fig. 13.
|
Fig. 14. This reminds me; get new business cards.
|
Fig. 15. Undeveloped logo designs for Timtu Ink.
|
Fig.16.
|
Fig. 17. Dabbling with negative color inversion.
|
Fig. 18. Block stamp trials.
Fig. 22. The embellished Book Antiqua font.
|
Fig. 19. More block stamp trials.
Fig. 21. Don't even ask.
|
Fig. 20.
|
Fig. 23. Playing with Rockstone, an alternate type font.
Fig. 24.
|
Fig. 25.
Fig. 26.
|
Fig. 27.
|
Fig. 28. An obvious alternative to other alternates.
|
Fig. 29.
Fig. 30.
|
Fig. 31.
|
Fig. 32. More of the original Book Antiqua font.
|
Fig. 33. In-progress: Lucent figure.
|
Fig. 34. Unused website logo using Rockstone font.
|
Fig. 35.
|
Fig. 36. My new official DRAGONOPOLIS business card.
You're currently on page DRA4
listed under DRAGONOMICON.
The detailed deconstruction of DRAGONIA
continues on page DRA5.
I have no idea where this link goes.
Where it stops, nobody knows.
