I found another reader for this book review of Lion Warrior by James R. Hannibal: my oldest. He loves the series it belongs to, Lightraider Academy, which is aimed at teens. Who better to review YA fiction than a YA?

Lion Warrior, Third and Last Book in Lightraider Academy

The dragon war has breached the barrier.

The forces of the Liberated Land are near to breaking. Without a heavy and rapid shift in the Assembly’s strategy, a dragon invasion will be unstoppable.

Connor and Kara have kept the full knowledge of the Red Dagger’s location secret for almost a year. A chance to destroy Heleyor and end the war is within the Lightraider Order’s grasp. They must now reveal what they know and call for action.

With time running out, Connor, Teegan, and Aaron attempt to recover the dagger, and Kara helps the Airguard train a new corps of soldiers—windfighters—in their own bid to change the war’s tide. Meanwhile, Lee and Zel search for Heleyor’s army of tortured Aladoth. This force, thousands strong, has vanished. They’re heading for a hidden portal, and may emerge at the heart of Keledev at any moment.

Every path that lies before the cadets seems a great risk. The slightest misstep may cost them their lives, their loved ones, and their homeland. But to do nothing means certain failure. To succeed, they must charge ahead into dark uncertainty and trust the Rescuer.

My Son’s Review

“I like the characters in Lion Warrior because they aren’t annoying or mushy, although there’s a romantic subplot. I also like how it wraps up The Lightraider Trilogy but leaves the possibility of more books. Action scenes are the author’s strong suit, gripping you throughout the whole scene. All of the characters, whether they are good guys or bad guys, act logically and not stupidly. I don’t like slap-you over-the-head-with-religion books, but the fantasy setting makes the faith element work.”

For more reviews of YA books, check out Smoking Flax and The Outsiders.