The Dragon of Trelian

The Dragon of Trelian
by Michelle Knudsen
407 pages
age 10+
Cambridge, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2009

Calen was an orphan working at a roadside inn until Mage Serek discovers him and takes him on as his apprentice. Calen is excited at the prospect of being able to cast spells. He learns quickly that being a mage involves lots of study time and not so much spell-casting. When Serek becomes the King of Trelian's Royal Mage life becomes a little more interesting for young Calen.
Princess Meglynne is Royal Daughter Number Three. The castle is in an uproar preparing for her older sister's impending wedding. The marriage was arranged to put an end to the century long feud between the two kingdoms. Princess Meg retreats to an upper floor guest room to watch the groom's Royal Procession enter the castle grounds. She stumbles upon Calen doing the same thing. She instantly decides he is someone she can trust with her biggest secret - the young dragon she found orphaned in the forest. Calen wholeheartedly bends to the task of helping Princess Meg even if it puts both of their lives in jeopardy, several times.
This book has it all, princesses, magic, dragons, monsters and even a little romance. I was pleased that this book ended well on its own yet could have a sequel if the author feels so inclined. There were a couple of little things at the end that seemed out of place, rather like the author was trying to wrap things up quickly. Overall an enjoyable read. It's hard to go wrong with an exciting fantasy novel filled with intriguing characters.