In the Acknowledgments the author mentions having to rush the end of this book. Unfortunately, it shows through. This could have wrapped up beautifully a wonderful trilogy, but upsettingly it didn't. Just like the first, a great book other than the ending. ( )

Un año y medio después, Ping y Kai abandonan el Palacio Beibai, donde han estado viviendo con la hermana del emperador, la princesa Yangxin, y el duque de Yan, para seguir el mapa de Danzi, que descubrieron al final de El jardín del Dragón Púrpura.
Ahora, las aventuras continúan para Ping y Kai, que se verán envueltos en una serie de sucesos inolvidables y emocionantes.

I was drawn into this novel the minute I began reading. I do like historic fiction, dragons, and strong girls who are heroines, so these were all appealing. But there was a lot more. The basic plot line is that Ping, an orphaned girl and "Dragon Keeper," needs to find safety for her very young dragon, Kai. Both of these characters are well developed and grow throughout the story. Ping is smart, clever at solving riddles, and devoted to her dragon. Kai, funny and touching, matures as they face new challenges. This is an adventure with some mystery to it, and there was always suspense about what would happen next. It's also an interesting way to learn about some aspects of ancient China and dragonlore.
This was the third in a trilogy and I hadn't read the earlier novels, but it stands on its own, filling in the history as needed. ( )

It was good. I guess I read this series way out of order (now backwards). I've read this book (book 3) and will read book 2. It made sense though. ( )

Following the incident at the Imperial Lodge, Ping must find a new place to raise Kai, the dragon. Nowhere is safe from the hands of the Sorcerer or the Imperial guard.
The fate of maybe the last dragon will depend on whether she can find a safe haven for Kai.
This is a story about courage, compassion, trust and determination. I recommend this story to middle to high school students who have a taste for fantasy and Chinese history.