Part of our Read-a-Thon 2010 highlight posts.

Today we’re highlighting one of our prize sponsors. Bryan Davis is an author who writes some great fantasy books. He has written several series and also has the distinct honor of a nearly perfect five-star record here on Incredibooks (we’ve only rated two of his books lower: four-and-a-half stars). Here are the first books of three of his series:

Raising Dragons

Raising Dragons (Dragons in Our Midst, Book 1) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0899571700

Price: USD 10.19
104 used & new available from USD 2.47

Two teens discover that they have dragon parents, which gives them some unique dragon abilities. Billy can breath fire and Bonnie has dragon wings. They quickly find out that there are dragon slayers dating back to King Arthur’s day who will stop at nothing to kill them and their families. Older readers.

This is the beginning of a four-book series, which is followed by a sequel four-book series, Oracles of Fire.

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge (Echoes from the Edge) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0310715547

Price: USD 10.39
57 used & new available from USD 0.10

Nathan Shepherd is launched into a race against time to save the world in this first book in a series about three parallel worlds. Some good spy-type action going on here. Older readers.

Starlighter

Starlighter (Dragons of Starlight) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0310718368

Price: USD 9.99
57 used & new available from USD 3.34

There have been legends of dragons stealing humans and taking them to a dragon planet, where the humans are enslaved. Jason Masters doesn’t really believe these tales until his brother entrusts him with a mission involving the dragon planet and the fate of the human race. Older readers.

These are all wholesome, edge-of-your-seat fantasy novels, and most of the books are about 400 pages (some are longer). So not only are they some great books, but they’ll also go a long way toward boosting your page count.

Starlighter (Dragons of Starlight) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0310718368

Price: USD 9.99
57 used & new available from USD 3.34

Dragons from another world who kidnapped humans into slavery? Jason Masters has never held much regard for the old myths, but when his temporary promotion to castle guard takes an unexpected turn, he discovers more than enough evidence to sway his views. In danger and determined to solve the growing mysteries, Jason sets out with a few others to find the hidden portal and rescue the captives. Meanwhile, Koren, a slave girl on the dragon planet, discovers that her unique storytelling ability is very powerful—and very dangerous. Events propel her into a tangle of intrigue, dragon secrets, and prophecies. Her desire to help the slaves is strong, but it could come at great cost.

Excellent start to a brand-new series! I’ve been looking forward to Starlighter for some time, and the combination of Mr. Davis’s familiar writing style with new characters and a new story was delightful. The pacing was good, and I enjoyed the “double fantasy” feel with both Jason’s world and the dragon world. Worthwhile for fans of Bryan Davis and newcomers alike. Can’t wait for the next book!

Bryan Davis has posted tour dates and locations for his Starlighter book release tour.

Check out his tour site or Facebook event for more information.

I Know Why the Angels Dance (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0899578403

Price: USD 10.19
39 used & new available from USD 5.00

Two fathers, one an atheist, the other a former pastor, must deal with the reality of death. This book explores how they respond to suffering, and how each of them is ministered to by a young girl’s passionate faith in God.

The story contained within these pages will not fail to move you. As Bryan Davis brings this touching narrative to a close, you will be hard put to keep your eyes from brimming with tears of sadness and joy. Curl up with this powerful book and discover why the angels dance — and come away with a desire to make them dance again.

Nightmare’s Edge (Echoes from the Edge) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0310715563

Price: USD 10.39
41 used & new available from USD 0.99

Due to events that can only be understood by reading the first two books, Nathan Shepherd must travel to the dream world to find his father. Preventing Interfinity, a merging of the three Earths, is his goal. But events take a turn for the worst as previously-safe Earth Red heads back into a collision course. Nathan must decide between sacrificing the remaining supplicants (the strange powers behind dimensional mirror travel), playing the giant violin that previously almost killed him, or a third option which may be the most dangerous of all.

Hold onto your hat as you read this final installment! Themes of sacrifice, courage, and love are demonstrated over and over before your eyes as the story races to its conclusion. We finally learn the answers to most of the mysteries from the previous books. The ending is satisfying, yet things feel a bit rushed as the final chapter hurtles to a close. I was more emotionally involved in the previous two books than I was in Nightmare’s Edge, but with so much ground to cover it’s no wonder.

If you’ve been following events around here recently, you know that Incredibooks is hosting a Read-a-Thon. We’d like to say thank you to the three authors who have graciously agreed to offer their books as prizes.

Bryan Davis is our first sponsor. He is a teen fantasy author who speaks at events about reaching children with fantasy.  For more about Mr. Davis and his books, visit his blog, Web site, or the interview Incredibooks did with him last year.

Our second author is Donita K. Paul, who also writes fantasy books. She speaks in schools and libraries, conducts weekly writing chats online with fans, and also devotes one a chat per month to answering questions about herself. Find out more about Mrs. Paul and her books at her Web site, dragon blog, and our interview with her.

Last alphabetically, but certainly not least, is Eric Reinhold. He just released his brand new book Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith, which is one of the prizes for the Read-a-Thon this year! For more about Mr. Reinhold and his books, see his official site, his blog, and our interview with him.

Thanks to all three of you! We really appreciate your willingness to help out.

For everybody else who’d like to extend their thanks, please leave a comment. And be sure to join the Read-a-Thon and participate in the fun this summer. Registration closes June 7th, so sign up now!

Eternity’s Edge (Echoes from the Edge) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0310715555

Price: USD 10.39
54 used & new available from USD 0.10

Despite all hinderances, Mictar’s scheme is rolling forward and Interfinity approaches—bringing with it destruction. Nathan and Kelly must renew their efforts to stop the evil stalker, but there is already so much to repair, and Nathan’s parents still need rescuing. With the help of their friends, they travel between the dimensions to put a complex plan into action. Mysteries abound, new pieces of the puzzle come into play, and Nathan is faced with increasingly difficult choices.

The setup of the multiple dimensions and multiple characters in the first book, Beyond the Reflection’s Edge, serves to keep you oriented during Eternity’s Edge, but you’ll still need to keep your wits about you to stay on top of the twists and turns of this roller-coaster of a book. It really is incredible, and I enjoyed just as much—if not more—than I did the trilogy’s starter. I love the way music continues to tie into the story, and some of the new explored places are fascinating. But the characters are what really keep me reading. Can’t wait for the conclusion to be found in upcoming Nightmare’s Edge!

The Bones of Makaidos (Oracles of Fire) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0899578748

Price: USD 10.19
42 used & new available from USD 6.00

As war looms in Second Eden, Billy and Elam try to prepare their small army for battle. They desperately need the help of Makaidos, king of the dragons. Before they can call him, two sinister figures arrive to interfere with Elam’s plans, but are they really as bad as they seem?

Meanwhile, Bonnie, Sapphira, Billy’s mother, and Gabriel attempt to open a portal to Second Eden. When enemies attack, causing them to separate, things get even more complicated as Bonnie and Sapphira end up in a strange new dimension. Add to that mix a few unfulfilled prophecies that have been floating around since Raising Dragons, and the stage is set for the final chapter of Oracles of Fire.

It is always difficult to write a review of the final book in a series that you have thoroughly enjoyed. You know it’s the end, and that makes you sad, but you also know that everything will finally be put right. Bryan Davis effectively ties up all the loose ends remaining from both Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire, while still (delightfully) leaving a couple small things hanging. Nothing has disappeared from his usual style which convicts as often as it captivates. Themes of unending love and selfless sacrifice abound, often bringing tears to the eyes of the reader. Although I was sad to see the story end, the final chapter left me grinning from ear to ear.

Bryan Davis has announced on his blog that the cover for Nightmare’s Edge has been revealed. Nightmare’s Edge is the final book in the Echoes from the Edge series (the first of which is Beyond the Reflection’s Edge).

The Last of the Nephilim (Oracles of Fire, Book 3) (Paperback)
by Bryan Davis
ISBN: 0899578721

Price: USD 10.19
36 used & new available from USD 8.49

If a sin is committed in Second Eden, a way will open for evil to get in. Oracle of Fire Acacia, son of Shem Elam, and former underworld slave Paili all arrive in Second Eden to stop such a crisis. Meanwhile, Ashley, Walter, and dragon Thigocia have all come to Second Eden as well. All of them realize how crucial the success of their mission is to the survival of the universe. But will they recognize the threat before it is too late?

At the same time, Billy Bannister tries to find out why his friend Bonnie and her mother have both taken off for fear of dragon slayers. It will take a trans-dimensional journey and many old friends to unravel the mystery that ultimately will bring them back to an ancient enemy.

I’m always left with a sense of just having gotten off a roller coaster when I finish these books. All of the characters have something to learn, something to accomplish, and are all important to the story. This may be overwhelmingly complicated, but that’s what makes this so good. It’s a depth of story that I don’t usually see in fantasy. Although Last of the Nephilim is a little bit slower than Bryan Davis’ other books that I have read, it is still well worth reading. I’m looking forward to the hair-raising conclusion that must be coming in Bones of Makaidos.