SECRET OF THE DRAGON’S BREATH

In 1941 Crackington Haven, North Cornwall, UK continues to have rationing in support of the war with the Nazis. Gavin Kane feels the impact at his thirteenth birthday party, as there are no eggs or sugar to make a cake. His friends Emily Scott, and “evacuee boy” Bunty Digby, accompany him to see the wise ancient dragon Sir Thaddeus Osbert, the dragon who loves sweets when he is not pretending to be a fireplace. That night Bunty draws a picture of a castle that he fears contains an evil threatening the world

In Schloss Wewlesburg in Germany, Herr Himmler learns his top scientist evil Deiter Gortz is missing, but has somehow created a dragon that the Nazi calls Black Wing. He is unaware that Deiter is actually the dragon. Also in residence is Reinhardt Heydrich as Himmler knows to keep his most vile rivals nearby. He is also unaware that something beneath the castle has begun to control Heydrich who has come up with the “Final Solution”.

The dragon Council meets to discuss humans and their propensity for war and global destruction. Thaddeus makes a pitch in favor of the humans, but several have doubts the species should be allowed to live. Korban Vex, another fellow dragon, warns his friend an evil is coming that could take the “Final Solution” out of their hands.

Besides the fantasy elements, which ring genuine, it is the deep look at life in coastal United Kingdom during WWII that makes SECRET OF THE DRAGON’S BREATH a super read. The birthday cake is a great example of how rationing impacted people throughout the country. The tale is fast-paced and exciting as the danger to England mounts with the human friendly dragon and the three teens on one side while enemies human and supernatural mount on the other. The sequel to SECRET OF THE DRAGON’S EYE is a super historical military urban fantasy.

By Harriet Klausner
Amazon.com #1 Book Reviewer

“Secret of the Dragon’s Breath” is even more magical than the first! With a thrilling combination of both fantasy and history, and the return of Sir Osbert, the dragon who carries the story on his back, readers are sure to be captivated once again.

By Kristina Coia

SECRET OF THE DRAGON’S EYE

When I discovered Secret of the Dragon's Eye 1. is set in World War II Britain and 2. features one of my favourite mythical beasts, a dragon, my curiosity was raised and I couldn't wait to read the novel.

Mr. Hart has done his research well: in the first half of the book, life in wartime Britain is described with a lot of convincing detail and a little (British?) humour thrown in for good measure.

I couldn't wait to meet the dragon, and I wasn't disappointed: Sir Thaddeus Osbert is anything a dragon should be: he has charisma, wisdom, heart, and buckets full of dragon charm. He also has a weak spot (for sugar) which, like his fondness for humans has gotten him into trouble in the past.

It doesn't take long for Thaddeus' young friend Gavin to experience the horror and futility of war and revenge first-hand, and Gavin and his friends learn important lessons about love, courage and friendship as they are caught up in the battle for the legendary sword Excalibur, coveted by both the British wartime government and the Nazis. And just as they think all battles are done, Sir Thaddeus' past catches up with him.

A charming and exciting children's / YA historical fantasy adventure that will also appeal to adults who are young of heart! 

By Wendy Gillissen      

                              
5 out of 5 stars Take That Harry Potter!
Suppose you took Harry Potter and combined him with a history lesson.

Crazy, huh? Especially if you wanted to grab the attention of the junior high school crowd that this book targets. But Derek Hart pulls it off beautifully in his fantasy novel, combined with 1940s Britain, in "Secret of the Dragon's Eye: Book One".

I'm a WWII buff and thoroughly enjoyed Hart's depiction of the war and war time England. Adding a fantasy element to history is an effective and sneaky way to educate kids about history. Parents take note. Get this for your young adults. And as an educator, one of my life's many manifestations, teachers can use this book to teach how it was like to live in war time England to reticent students.

Hart provides and entertaining and - don't let the kids know - historical educational tale that offers a dragon, Sir Thaddeus Osbert, with a sweet tooth, children growing up in war-torn Britain and Nazis who are in search of Excalibur. Your think they would have quit after Indiana Jones denied them the Lost Ark. Anyway, in the process, the three children learn the meaning of friendship and the meaning of sacrifice.

I won't spoil that part for you but the children learn an important lesson from rescuing their fire-breathing friend from his pre-ordained fate.

Oh, and by the way. See that "Book One" in the title? Thaddeus the dragon will return in the next book to wreak havoc on those nasty Nazis. The Bismarck, the terror of the seas at the time, will be located - with the help of a wily dragon.

If Harry Potter was getting a real education, this would be it.

By Frank F. Fiore

Derek: Tonight I put my girls to bed, and sat down to read Secret of the Dragon's Eye...I'm on page 18 where Richard is going to RAF Medmenham in Buckinghamshire.  My parents LIVED in Buckinghamshire for 16 YEARS!!!  I've been there a dozen times, and have EATEN at Danesfield House?!!!!!  In fact, when my x-husband, Dan, stepped out on to the balcony at that incredible estate, saw the amazing gardens and unbelievable view, he said "please Hil, make sure I get to see this one more time before I die".  I'm not even kidding.  It truly is the most beautiful, breathtaking place I've ever been!  And here it is in YOUR BOOK?!!!!!  Just crazy.

I'm sooo excited to read the rest of this I must go!  My father, who is a history FANATIC, has probably been to every pub and village you'll be mentioning (I've also been to Cornwall).  I can't wait to tell him about the books.  The reason he retired to England back in the 90's, was because he wanted to visit and study each and every battlefield, and its story.  He began with the Wars of the Roses, and then moved to the British War and others.  Countless times as a kid (we lived there for 3 years when I was 7-9 years old) I would be sitting on a blanket in some field, eating a picnic lunch, surrounded by cows, and he would stand up and say "Rootie, this spot is where King Richard III blah blah'd"...I must say that at the time, I didn't appreciate the experience as much as I should have!  He is going to absolutely LOVE reading your books, as am I!

By Hilary
Eagan, MN

I liked the overlapping action of WWII and medieval mythology. It makes me wish we'd actually had a dragon to help stop the Nazis! I thought you did a great job of blending historical research with existing legends. That can be a tricky thing to do and yours came off genuinely.

Some of the specific things that stuck out were how Gavin ran into Thaddeus in Tintagel Cottage (as opposed to the Castle, which I was expecting) and how he obtained & returned Excaliber were all very engaging extensions of other dragon/Arturian legends I have read. I thought your dialog was authentic and could almost hear the children's English accents sometimes. I also really enjoyed Bunty as a character. I felt badly for him from the start given the personal trauma of losing his "mum", but thought that helped make him a very 3-dimensional character later on.

By Chris Mahoney

It's 1940 and the Luftwaffe has begun bombing the civilian population of England. 

On top of that, Hitler is hatching a plot to steal Excalibur, the sword of Arthurian legend. 

What's a 12 year old English lad to do?  Well, he better get on the case and fast! 

With the help of a kindly dragon he just might have a chance to stop the Nazis.
You can add Secret of the Dragon's Eye, by Derek Hart, to the recent appearance of well-written dragon novels.  It's a wonderful book!

By Dan Hubbs
Head of Adult Services
Saratoga Springs Public Library

Hi Mr. Hart,

My name is Piper, and I am Hilary's 10-year old daughter.  I LOVED your book, The Secret of the Dragon's Eye!  You did an awesome job.  You put a lot of twists on the ending, and I was very surprised.  I would love to see an illustration of the bad dragon (the black one).

Where did you get the idea that Thaddeus would be from Iceland?  Anyway, I'm gonna let one of my friends read it, and I'm sure she'll love it!

By Piper

"Secret of the Dragon's Eye is a wonderful mixture of historical fiction and timeless fantasy. I found it exciting, for both adventure lovers and those who enjoy a good fairytale. I would definitely recommend it!"

By Kristina Coia

FLAG OF HER CHOOSING

Rating: 5 of 5 stars Contains "No Spoilers":
My stars of Flag of Her Choosing-- Six Stars!

First of all, let me just say, you must set time aside to read this novel, Flag of Her Choosing by Derek Hart. I took my time and read and reread sections to soak in the plot...which BTW got it its first star! The second star is for the fact that this was very intriguing (I won't give any spoilers away here). But, then again, so were the last three books I've read from this author, as now I can say, I've become quite the huge fan! The third star is for this author's talent for setting a scene in the important parts of the plot, which again, is most impressive. The fourth star I gave for the fact that Derek's novel Flag of Her Choosing, he makes a point to lead you down paths you would not have thought of, leaving you excited, and wanting to read on for answers to tidbits here and there. I love that! The fifth star I gave this author was for his infamous historical accuracy, and language that carried clear, understandable sentences. That meant not having to stop to check words often for what the author meant to say to his readers. Derek, as usual, got his point across without too many details that can bore a reader. This novel got another star (sixth), for the love scenes! Unfortunately, there is no SIXTH STAR to give this wonderfully talented author.

Derek Hart, once again, comes through here, answering all red herrings and leaving no stones unturned! I will read this one again, just as soon as I've read Seas Aflame by Derek Hart, which I can assume will be just as exciting if not more...

In final: Another excellent read by Derek Hart, that kept my attention longing for more, as it gave me that same "completed it and loved it" feeling, that wrestled my mind for days!

PS. I believe this would make a great movie. It would be interesting to see what Derek would do with it in the film script version.

By Janie Pendleton, Novelist
The Gates to Love and War

FOR LOVE OR HONOR BOUND

Dear Derek Hart: I just had to write again. For Love or Honor Bound is a wonderful book! This is one that can be read over and over.It has plenty of action, romance, accurate depictions of Civil War battles and places and events that happened during that time.This novel is a real “page-turner.” You’ll lose sleep because it’s hard to put down. I’ve read it once but plan to read it again and again!Please write more like this one and set it during the Civil War.

Sincerely,

Anne Burgamy

Dear Mr. Hart: Thank you so much for donating the book For Love or Honor Bound to the Luther Village Library.  The residents of our community, particularly the members of the Civil War Group, will enjoy reading this historical novel.  We appreciate your thoughtfulness and wish you great success in your future writing endeavors.

Sincerely,

Patsy Biddinger
Activities Director

                                            CROOKED CROSS FACTOR

Derek: Hey, well, I was watching the news just now and your book, Crooked Cross Factor was on the Icelandic news! I was so amazed since it's not even out yet! They hyped it up for you and all, you managed to let them know, or maybe they learned of it in another way, just curious but it was interesting nonetheless! The news story was on Stod 2, the second major TV station here, they have about 50% viewing of their news.  Well done!

By Gudmundur Helgason

Derek Hart excels in bringing richly-passionate war scenes together with emotionally charged romance. His tales of heroism come to life in any historical setting. Both 'Ice Flotilla' and 'Crooked Cross Factor' bring you the harsh beauty of Iceland, while his mesmerizing, yet realistic characters, rock your emotional senses. A big fan of Derek's for some time, as his novels reveal deep rooted plots and intrigue, both on the high seas or inland. His adventures will fill your senses with many hours of passion, honor, and betrayal!

Janie Pendleton, Novelist

The Gates to Love and War

       


Dear Derek HartI ordered Crooked Cross Factor online and thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband has his nose in it now and that is about all you get out of him. It was very suspenseful and so interesting to read so much about Iceland. I was totally enthralled with the country and wish I could see it, but I can in my mind.  You did a fabulous job with your descriptions. Not so much that I lost interest, but just enough to picture it in my mind.

Sincerely,

Joyce

                               TALES OF THE YELLOW SILK

Derek: Met a guy who was with the 46th Special Forces when I was in Southeast Asia.  He was very reluctant to talk, but did say he was with a Snakebite team operating out of Thailand into “other places.”  Mentioned your Tales of the Yellow Silk and all the things that never happened, no way, no how.  He told me he was told that he was NEVER to talk about any of the things he did.  Still, it was a great book, which I read over and over.  Fiction, right?

(Last name withheld by request)

Derek Hart: Was another great Derek Hart adventure!  Do all of your adventures include an indescribably beautiful woman intrinsically involved in the action, always being made love to by the hero, of course, usually while dodging bullets?  My only complaint about this book is its brevity!  I started and finished it today!  Great book, though, it certainly held my interest and attention.

Later,

Steve Gilbert