From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Two rules one must always remember when traveling in the Enchanted Forest: always be polite and never say yes to a favor until you know what you're being asked to do. So begins this delightful rendition of Patricia C. Wrede's Talking to Dragons (Harcourt, 1985). In book four of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, the next generation starts as Queen Cimorene sends her 16-year-old son, Daystar, into the forest with nothing but a magic sword. His mission is to help King Mendanbar escape from an evil wizard's spell. But Daystar has yet to learn that the King is his own father. As the youth wanders around, he meets Shiara, a high-strung but loveable fire-witch, and a host of new and old characters from Cimorene's past. Produced and directed by Bruce Coville, the full-cast performance features sparkling dialogue, charming characters, and excellent sound quality. Listeners will not be disappointed in Daystar, the new main character and his companion Shiara, who has all the makings of a future princess. While this work can satisfy on its own, listeners may want to brush up on the previous novels in the series: Dealing with Dragons (Harcourt, 1990), Searching for Dragons (Scholastic, 1991), and Calling on Dragons (Scholastic, 1994). This energetic presentation shimmers like Daystar's magic sword.Celeste Steward, Contra Costa County Library, Clayton, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Delightful writing and marvelous characters combine with a talented cast of voices to charm listeners in the fourth addition to the Enchanted Forest series. Daystar's mother gives him the "sword of the sleeping king" and sends him into the Enchanted Forest. Unsure of his mission or purpose, he is joined by quick-tempered Siara, a fire-witch, and they encounter several wonderful creatures and adventures. The characterization of Daystar, who is also the narrator, perfectly sets the tone and pace of this fantasy adventure. Voices delight, from the clear tones of young Daystar, to the squeaky voice of an elf, the goofy voice of a young dragon, and the fiery range of Siara's temper. F.J.F. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Kirkus Reviews
According to the jacket, this is the ``conclusion to Wrede's Enchanted Forest Series''--but don't bet on it. Volume number four opens 16 years after Calling on Dragons (p. 382), with King Menenbar still imprisoned in his castle by wizard's spells, and Queen Cimorene living quietly at the Forest edge, raising their son Daystar (who narrates) until he's old enough to wield the magic sword and free his father. Does Daystar succeed, despite wizards, bad elves, witches, and a rock-crunching quozzel? You can bet on that. In the process, he acquires as companion--and likely future princess--the young fire-witch Shiara; so, as they say, the story continues. The series is getting a little formulaic, and--despite the title--the dragons are now distinctly minor players here; still, the characters and their effervescent dialogue continue to charm. (Fiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
One day, Daystar's mom, Cimorene, hands him a magic sword and kicks him out of the house. Daystar doesn't know what he is supposed to do with the magic sword, but knowing Cimorene, he's sure it must involve a dragon or two!



Card catalog description
Queen Cimorene sends her sixteen-year-old son Daystar into the Enchanted Forest with the only weapon that can combat an evil wizard's magic in an effort to restore the balance of power in the kingdom.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

One day, Daystar's mom, Cimorene, hands him a magic sword and kicks him out of the house. Daystar doesn't know what he is supposed to do with the magic sword, but knowing Cimorene, he's sure it must involve a dragon or two!

SYNOPSIS