Susan Brocker Eye of the Dragon              

 

Eye of the Dragon                  
Susan Brocker
Scholastic (2025)
Young novel.
Paperback, 120 pages
ISBN 978 1 77543 686 7
Ill. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

 

 Thomas (13) has problems. Not only does he stutter when he’s stressed but he also faces bullying at school. Ever since a fishing accident with his father, he has had a mortal fear of the sea. His new step-father, Tim, doesn’t like him.  Sometimes it seems that Thomas’s only friends are his classmate Huhana and his dog Lucy. Walking on the beach with Lucy, Thomas investigates some strange noises and lights in a cave. What he finds is an injured dragon, which reminds him of a song his mother used to sing to him. [Hint: Google ‘Puff the Magic Dragon lyrics’]

When Thomas tells Huhana about the dragon, she decides it must be a taniwha, so Thomas (and the reader) learn about taniwha and their eating habits. Huhana helps Thomas to gather food (kumara and vegetation) for Puff, as Thomas has named the dragon. Thomas treats the dragon’s injuries, pulling out the branch which had impaled her. Then he finds Puff can communicate with him. It is the beginning of an unusual partnership.

Susan Brocker is a skilled writer, so she keeps the tensions between Thomas and the school bullies rising. There are also some lively comic moments. For example, it turns out that dragons are frightened of mice.

 Susan Brocker’s descriptions are gems. Thomas is enthralled by how soft Puff’s hide feels when he is perched on her neck. ‘Even though she had a coat of green scales, they were soft like silky peacock feathers.’

 There are also some subtle hints embedded in this exciting, fast-moving story. (Young readers will soon work out their significance.) Thomas seems to lose his stutter when he is around Puff. Huhana never enters the dragon’s cave. Nobody but Thomas sees Puff.  Puff certainly acts to protect Thomas, but sharp readers will spot that only Thomas actually sees Puff. How then is it that Thomas is able to fly on Puff to spot the environmental destruction threatening his home-town? 

 When Huhana reminds Thomas about the role of taniwha as ‘Kaitiaki – protectors of the land’, it is clear that action is needed. Can Thomas conquer his fears and measure up?  The conclusion is poignant but satisfying.

The striking cover illustration of Puff is by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. Her magnificent conception dominates the cover with its golden eye. A smaller version decorates the chapter headings.

Trevor Agnew 
12 Mar 2025     [Review 3744]

Restless Spirit

Restless Spirit Te Wairua Whakariuka Susan Brocker, HarperCollins, 2007, 172 pages, paperback, NZ$17.99ISBN 1-86950-623-5

A striking white stallion, one of the horses roaming the Kaimanawa area, is the restless spirit of the title in Susan Brocker’s Restless Spirit Te Wairua Whakariuka. Part of the story is told from the viewpoint of various horses that have contributed to the wild herd in the past: a pit pony, an Arab thoroughbred and an artillery horse. Each has its own dramatic story and it is easy to see why Lara is entranced when she first sees the wild horses, soon after moving to Waiouru. Her new friend Kahu teaches her to ride and they soon become involved in trying to stop a local hunter, Tusker, from ill-treating and killing the white stallion.
This is not just another horse story (although it is a good one). It is also a portrait of two young people – both loners – achieving friendship and each becoming aware of the other’s special talents. Lara finds she works well with animals and Kahu learns to appreciate his artistic skills. This is an excellent first novel, with vivid writing, interesting characterisation and a poignant ending.

Trevor Agnew

This review first appeared in The Press, Christchurch on 31st March 2007.