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Book Review By Ursawolf
The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent by Gordon R. Dickson

The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent follows 20th century-born Jim Eckert's latest adventures in a magical version of 14th century England. In this latest installment of Dickson's Dragon Knight series, Jim must face one of the greatest threats of the Medieval world: the Great Plague, now being spread by an army of vengeful of goblins in league with Jim's old enemies, Agatha Falon and the Earl of Cumberland, who plan to kill King Edward and gain power over all England.

After his journey into Lyonesse where he fought alongside the legendary Knights of the Round Table, Jim Eckert is now looking forward to some peaceful time with his wife, Angie, and to the long-overdue marriage of his friends, Sir Brian and Lady Geronde. But Jim is visited by his wizard friend, Mage Carolinus, who informs him that he is now under consideration for full membership into the Collegiate of Magickians. The Mage also gives his apprentice a cryptic warning: the life of the King must be protected, above all else. Jim is soon thrust into a political intrigue, with the return of the fiery and somewhat arrogant young Prince, accompanied by his childhood love, Joan—the Countess of Kent. Young Prince Edward arrives at Malecontri castle to beg Jim for help in reconciling with his father. The ambitious Earl of Cumberland has caused friction between father and son, shaking the stability of the royal family.

But Jim soon discovers that more is on the line than the throne of England when an army of goblins controlling the plague-infested rats arrives at Somerset. For the goblins have an ancient hatred against humanity, and will destroy anything in their way. Once again, the Dragon Knight must seek the help of family and friends, including his dragon allies—and the unexpected assistance from an army of hobgoblins who have a vendetta of their own against the goblins.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - part earth & part fantasy world
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - factions fight within govt for control
War or Invasion Yes
Major kinds of combat: - sword fights
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 20 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - 20's-30's

Main Adversary
Identity: - an entire race
Age: - long-lived adults
Profession/status:
Has magical powers? Yes
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Dumb

Setting
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - some scientific explanation
Sex in book? Yes
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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