The Dragon Box [Kindle Edition]

So what did you think of the story?
I didn't like the box because I hate trolls. I hate stinky toenails. I hate swords but I'd love to use one when I'm a grown up. Swords are dangerous for children. I was happy James rescued Mack. I hate witches because when they die they're still stinky. I like dragons because I love riding on them when we're flying and I love heights.

Anyway, did you like the story?
(with a nod of the head) Yeah.

This was my son's first attempt at a review :)
The Dragon Box is a beautiful story. I think my boy is a tad too young for it, but he did enjoy it (he asked to continue the story every night), so I expect children that are 8-12 as advised would really appreciate it (and so would anyone over that age who is still a kid at heart). Katie Stewart writes really well, making, in my case, reading this story both enjoyable for mum and child. There is action and suspense, and it appeals to the child's imagination with knights and witches and dragons (see above - I would have loved to know what was going on in my son's head as I was telling him the story!). The story will keep the child interested, while remaining straightforward and easy to follow/read.

We are definitely looking forward to more stories for youngsters, especially if they,too, have dragons in :) I am giving it a five-star based on my son's experience, who, I must say, is not always that keen on nighttime reading, but obviously was delighted by this one.

Goodbye fairy-tale land, hello computer-game land! This contemporary quest story affords an ideal platform for an alternative reality in which a youngster can face up to his fears, challenge himself and seek his own solutions. James chooses to play the game, believing that he can quit at any time - but can he? The challenges he faces and the decisions he makes in the game have a knock-on effect in his real life.

This fantasy quest is geared towards, but by no means exclusive to, a male readership circa 8 - 12 years. It bears all the hallmarks of a quest novel - puzzles to solve, dangers to be faced, risks to be taken, baddies to be overcome, original characters and fast-paced storytelling. Uniquely, this book also comes with its' own brand of humour - and that's where the target readership comes in!

I'm not male, I'm way out of the target age-range and I'm not very familiar with the genre - so it's a credit to Katie Stewart's story-telling ability that I galloped through this engaging tale in one, albeit lengthy, session. Children will enjoy it but I recommend it to parents as well. It's not only entertaining but also thought-provoking - an ideal story to share.

The Dragon Box is a cracking good read! It tells the story of James who, thanks to his elderly neighbour an inventor called Mack, finds himself at the centre of his own computer game, something that a lot of kids have probably wished for.
The tale , well written and full of fast-paced excitement, has everything to keep the reader interested; a great bunch of friends, a noble quest, a pair of bullies, and the meanest, nastiest evil Queen you can imagine. (She actually reminded me of my grammar school headmistress!) In the end it is the intelligence and character of James who wins through, which is as it should be.
This is without doubt the best children's book I've read all year. All in all it's an excellent 5 star read and highly recommended.