“How to Seize a Dragon’s Jewel” By Cressida Cowell Review

The Dragon Rebellion has begun, bringing the Vikings’ darkest hour upon them. Hiccup has become an outcast, but that won’t stop him from going on the most harrowing and important quest of his life. He must find the Dragon’s Jewel in order to save his people…but where should he begin? Don’t miss Hiccup’s most dangerous adventure yet!

This book is the 10th book in the “How to Train Your Dragon” series. And I gotta admit that this book is very good in my opinion even thou it is the 10th book in a series. This book is a captivating adventure filled with excitement, danger, and hear felt moments. If you are interested in hearing my thoughts about this book then keep reading this review, my dear reader.

The story in this book plunges us as readers into a world where the dragons have vanished, and the Archipelago is under the tyrannical rule of Alvin the Treacherous. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, now an outlaw, embarks on a perilous quest to find the Dragon Jewel, a legendary artifact with the power to restore peace and harmony between humans and dragons.

The depiction of the Viking world is both expansive and detailed. The bleak landscapes and oppressive atmosphere under Alvin’s rule create a compelling backdrop for Hiccup’s journey. The setting is richly imagined, with each location bringing new challenges and revelations.

Hiccup’s evolution as a character reaches new heights in this installment. His growth from a hesitant boy to a determined leader is portrayed with nuance and depth. The author of this book expertly captures Hiccup’s internal struggles, highlighting his courage, intelligence, and unwavering resolve to do what is right.

When it comes to Toothless, Hiccup’s loyal dragon companion, is integral to the narrative. Their bond is explored with emotional depth, emphasizing themes of friendship, trust, and sacrifice. Toothless’s role in the story underscores the importance of loyalty and the enduring connection between humans and dragons.

The side characters in this book, including Fishlegs, Camicazi, and Stoick the Vast, add richness to the narrative. Each character is well-developed, contributing to the story’s complexity and emotional impact.

This book delves into themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice. Hiccup’s quest for the Dragon Jewel symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the power of hope in the face of tyranny. The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Those themes are technically true to this series, but at the same time the theme we get in this book have also been relevant in the previous books in this series. Which again made me feel like the author of this book just over explores those themes almost like she doesn’t know what to do with this book and is exploring the same themes which have worked for the previous books in this series. 

The Dragon Jewel itself serves as a powerful symbol of unity and redemption. It represents the potential for change and the belief that peace can be achieved through understanding and cooperation. In a way the author of this book uses these themes to craft a narrative that resonates on both personal and universal levels.

The writing itself in this book is engaging and emotive, capturing the adventurous spirit of the series while incorporating moments of introspection and emotion. Her witty dialogue and vibrant narrative voice bring the characters and their world to life, making each interaction memorable.

The pacing of this book is expertly managed, balancing high-stakes action with quieter, character-driven moments. The plot twists are well-crafted and unexpected, which has kept me personally on the edge of my seat. In a way the author of this book has the ability to blend humor with tension adds a dynamic layer to the narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Even thou I liked this book a lot, I’m starting to feel very tired of this series. Because all of the books in this series so far has the same patterns in them which of course is that something good happens at the beginning, then something bad happens, something worse happens towards the end and then at the very end of the book Hiccup and Toothless are able to save the day. Which makes it feel very repetitive and predictable for me personally, which really takes a lot of fun and interested out of this series for me personally at this point. Even thou I like this series a lot, I wont recommend it to anyone because of how repetitive and predictable it feels the deeper someone gets into this series.

I Give This Book 5 / 5

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