Dragon Wars

Horrible Harry and the Dragon War (Puffin Chapters)
$3.99
Great book and series of books for the younger reader in the family. Also a great way to get that younger person interested in reading.

Dragon Wars - Bard's Tale Series
$67.00
A role-playing fantasy adventure game in the tradition of the Bard's Tale series.

Larry Bond's Red Dragon Rising: Shadows of War
$25.99
Larry Bond's "Red Dragon Rising" is set in the year 2014. China is suffering from food riots brought on by three years of record drought. As a result, they are invading Vietnam (which has more food than they do, as well as a recently discovered new source of oil), with the plan of using that as a spring board to invading the rest of the world. They have cleverly staged an "attack" which is intended to dupe the rest of the world into believing that they were attacked by Vietnam. The hero of the story, Josh MacArthur, is a scientist stationed in a remote part of Vietnam when the rest of the scientists he is with are executed by Chinese soldiers crossing the border. These soldiers are killing anyone who comes across their path as they prepare for their attack on Vietnam. He obtains video footage which proves that the Chinese are the aggressors, and is chased through Vietnam as he attempts to escape.

Larry Bond is a skilled thriller writer. He has a clean, professional style, and shares just enough information about the characters to make them unique without slowing down the action. If you are looking for non-stop action, this book is for you.

I did wish that he went a little deeper with the character development. Some of the characters, like Jing-Yo, the Chinese soldier charged with hunting Josh MacArthur, are quite well developed. I enjoyed learning about this very smart, strong, and very worthy opponent capable of shutting out pain in order to do his duty. But other characters seemed to be lacking for me. I think most who read this book would disagree, but personally, the book was a little lacking in what makes me interested in reading. He only touched lightly on the CIA agent charged with tracking down and rescuing Josh, and I wished to get to know her a little more.

All in all, a worthy read. It will keep most entertained.

Dragon Wars - D-War [Blu-ray]
$38.95
Is one's life preordained? Can one's destiny be changed without consequences? Can Fate be reasoned with? Is death the end of hope? These are philosophical questions that permeate this film.

From a tranquil Korean village lost in the centuries of time to a modern metropolis, the Story of Buraki and the Good Imoogi unfold. This is the story of two ancient Korean serpents who sought the Yeouiju, a mystical orb from heaven which would transform one of the serpents into a dragon.

You have the love story of Ethan and Sarah which began in that Korean village when they first faced their destiny as young lovers, Haram and Narin. Unfortunately, their decision to defy their destinies ended in tragedy and allowed Buraki time to create an invincible army.

The war between good and evil waged as Ethan and Sarah fought to survive. Finally, the epic, climactic battle between Buraki and the Good Imoogi came down to Ethan's bravery and Sarah's ultimate sacrifice.

In the end as Ethan watches the Celestial Dragon ascend to the heavens, he says good bye to Narin, his true love and Bochun, his old master and friend. Now, he faces his destiny alone for the first time.

Hyung Rae Shim wrote and directed this film. Steve Jablonsky composed the musical score.

The film ends with Arirang, an old Korean folk song, played by the Seattle Orchestra and sung by a choir of ninety members. It was an appropriate way to end this film.

In ancient myths and legends, the hero does not always live happily ever after. At the end of the story the hero is scarred and faces an uncertain future. His song of life takes on a different cadence.