"Thrilling and action-packed.... Russell uses elegant prose and well-timed humor"
Publishers Weekly
"I couldn't get my son to turn out the light!"
Elisabeth Easther, playwright, actor, critic
"Action-packed, and truly charming."
Radio New Zealand
A best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning tale of dragons and their brave child guardians, with mind-blowing, interactive augmented reality content accessible via free app AR Reads.
The Dragon Defenders novel series follow the adventures of Flynn, Paddy, Briar and Beth as they strive to protect their paradise island home - and the dragons that live there - from the clutches of an evil boss.
Book One:
Flynn and Paddy's family live on a paradise island in the middle of the ocean with their dog, Coco, their horse, Clappers, and Lightning, their pet falcon.
But their island also holds an incredible secret: dragons live there!
When evil boss The Pitbull finds out, he decides that he wants one for himself. Get ready to be swept away on an unforgettable journey as Flynn and Paddy's world is turned upside down. Will their bravery and skill be enough to protect the dragons from The Pitbull's clutches? The Dragon Defenders series is an adrenaline-fueled saga of epic proportions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the following four books, the brothers are joined by the brave, fierce and wonderful Briar, who helps the boys thwart The Pitbull's evil plans. Read them all!
Not just a book...
Prepare to unlock a whole new level of immersion through the awe-inspiring augmented reality experiences found through the free AR Reads app. Eavesdrop on conversations, crack codes, meet the bad guy face-to-face, all the while interacting with a book like never before.
Experience the phenomenon that has captivated readers across New Zealand, where The Dragon Defenders has soared to incredible heights, selling over 50,000 books in that country alone. Author James Russell weaves a tale that embraces themes of family, resourcefulness, teamwork, conservation, and the power of standing up for what you believe in. If you're a fan of Tui T. Sutherland's Wings of Fire series or Christopher Paolini's Eragon, get ready for a new adventure that will ignite your imagination and leave you breathless.
Note: the app is not necessary to enjoy the books; they're designed to be read either with or without the use of the app - it's your choice.
One more thing to note: This book has a dyslexic friendly font, developed with advice from the Dyslexia Association of New Zealand.
"An utterly charming story about two young boys who live off the grid, in a way most kids couldn't imagine. They are, of course, independent, brave and resourceful, and completely admirable. The interactive app helps build a spellbinding world."
Joan Mackenzie, head book buyer, Whitcoulls
"A rollercoaster, laugh-out-loud adventure!"
Rachel Eadie, book critic
"The best books imaginable to encourage kids to read."
Melissa Haslam, parent.
"Catnip for reluctant readers."
Sheila Shelford, parent
"Incredibly exhilarating!"
Doris Mousdale, Arcadia Books
“So gripping...”
Finn Buckley, age 11
“The bomb!”
Seamus O’Sullivan, age 11
“Awesome!”
Ari O’Malley, age 10
“Exciting from the very start!”
Theo Head, aged 11
“As good as Harry Potter...”
Pippa Montgomerie, aged 9
James Russell is a best-selling children's author of eight books. Previously a journalist on New Zealand's largest newspaper, he is now a full-time author and his books are published in a dozen countries in multiple languages. He lives in Auckland with his wife and two young children.
