Kingdom of the Golden Dragon Paperback – May 10, 2005

Isabel Allende is one of my authors that I buy everything she writes. But I am soooo disappointed with this book, that I think it was not written by her. The Kingdom of The Golden Dragon is book #2 of her YA trilogy The Jaguar and the Eagle.The first book, The city of The beast was a 5 stars book. It is full of magic, mystery and fantasy using as a backdrop the Amazon jungle. But the second book is a complete opposite of the first one. While I was reading the book, I was feeling that I had already seen the book in a National Geographic special. There was nothing original in this book, even the protagonists that in the first book were so interesting, in this book were boring.I will not recommend this book and don't think I will read the third book. Sorry...

When I picked up the first part of this trilogy, City of the Beasts, I didn't know what to expect, but was soon enchanted by the spiritual ideas that presented in an easy-to-read novel. The second part, Kingdom of the Golden Dragon, continues to take the reader on a spiritual journey into different cultures, and different ways of thinking. In an age where most people are obsessed by material wealth and technological advances, it is nice to see a novel for young readers that puts this western thinking into contrast with tribal (in City of the Beasts) and spiritual (Buddhism in Kingdom of the Golden Dragon).Like in the first book, the main characters are Alexander, a youth from California, and Nadia, a young girl Alexander met on his first adventure in the Amazon. Together, with Alex's grandmother Kate, who writes for the International Geographic, they venture to the Forbidden Kingdom. Nestled in the himalayas, this kingdom is cut of from civilization as we know it, and is run by a wise buddhist ruler. Legend says that it is home of the Golden Dragon, a statue said to be able to tell the future.Meanwhile, the second richest man of the US, a computer genius, hires "The Specialist" to steal exactly this dragon, hoping to become the richest man in the States. During a ceremony for the king, 6 girls, among them Nadia, are kidnapped. Alexander, who has a hunch that it may be connected with the Golden Dragon, ventures out to find the girls.What unfolds is an adventurous battle between the two young heros with the king's son and master as well as an army of yetis, against the sect of the scorpion and "the Specialist."The book is a beautiful introduction into buddhism as well a shamanism (the two heros are able to separate their spirit from their body and turn into their totemic animals). The only complaint I have is that the main villain was too easily to identify, especially after reading City of the Beasts. Instead of spinning a new plot of the mastermind, Allende basically re-used the villain of the first part.

I absolutely love reading Isabel Allende's books. Her prose is simple yet beautiful. Even though I am no where near being a young adult, I was very entertained by this novel.

Book 2 of a trilogy of adventures. Each story is filled with educationalinformation about culture(s) and the beliefs that inform the society wherethe story unfolds. Purchased more as gifts.

I did not expect to read a young adult fiction when I ordered this book, but it seems clear to me that Allende left behind the complex sociology, interpersonal relationships of her previous epics. The extensive vocabulary is gone, making it easily accessible to young readers. A book of fantasy.

I originally read this in Spanish class in high school. I was so immersed in the book I wound up finishing before others. The details with characters and the story line are amazing! And no I'm not spoiling anything, get this is read for yourself :)

Although written for young adults, this book - and the entire trilogy - took me away from my 52 year old body and into an exquisite adventure. Of course, I also believe that Isabel Allende is a sublime writer with a brilliant imagination. If it's fiction and she's the writer, it will be an exquisite read - regardless of the intended audience.

All of the books in this series are fun easy reads, more for children coming of age. I did enjoy the mature and sometimes paranormal concepts these books have to offer. The characters are engaging and have thought provoking adventures. While this is definitely a read I would have enjoyed more as a young adult, I liked them enough to finish all 3 within a week or so.

I gave this book a 4 star rating as I felt that it was extremely well written,very engaging and although a book of fantasy and fiction there were factors to be learned about Budism and the land of the Himalayas that was fascinating.I'd certainly recommend it to some of my younger friends and family.

I bought a used paperback book for present for 14 years old kid. I already have read it by myself and I liked it. It's an adventurous book and the story of Yetis and Himalaya are a good addition. Kid would be thrilled.

part of a great trilogy, I would recommend them all. About a teenage boy and girl who have adventures in S America, Asia and Africa and tangle with those who dont respect the natural world and indigenous cultures. I think Isabel has moved on, rather than write the next one in the Arctic!

This was recommended to me by someone else but at first I was very disappointed by the basic writing style and almost complete lack of suspense. Only when I got to the end and read the interview with the author did I realise it was a book for children! Not sure if that is clear on Amazon.I'm now reading Maya's Notebook by the same author and that is excellent.

This is an excellent read and is one of a trilogy by Isabel Allende. She illuminates the pages with her detailed writing and I'd say gives Harry Potter a run for its money!! If a film came out of this trillogy i'd be first in line to see it...what an enchanting story!

Excellent as any book from Isabel.

Quite good in its genre

Good!

The cost was most agreeable. Thank-you.