To save the eggs of the last Pegasus, 14-year-old Ben Greenbloom seeks a griffin's sun feather e only hope for the foals' survival. Although he longs to be with Firedrake the dragon, Ben keeps his quest secret to avoid endangering his friend. Ben journeys with Barnabas (his "adopted" father), Twigleg the homunculus, Hothbrodd the troll, and rat aviator Lola Graytail to search for the elusive griffins in the islands of Indonesia. The few griffins who remain are dominated by megalomaniac Kraa, who captures Ben and his friends and threatens to sell or kill them. Though the protagonist and his companions have strengths as well as quirks, Kraa seems over-the-top evil and is not especially compelling. Black-and-white drawings complement this story, for children who enjoy adventures with fantastic creatures. Those who have read Dragon Rider (2004) may have an easier time tracking the many characters (the appendix is more than 20 pages long!). A conservationist message is made explicit throughout the book, and the occasionally preachy tone may distract from the story.

When the last Pegasus mare dies, leaving behind three eggs, Ben (Dragon Rider) and his father Barnabas journey in search of a griffin feather--their only hope for a successful hatching. But Ben must disguise their quest from his dragon Firedrake, fearing an old dragon-griffin feud will reignite. Funke successfully juggles a large cast and adds notes of humor to this second fantastical adventure.

Gr 3-6 Dragon rider Ben Greenbloom feels an emptiness in his heart being away from his silver dragon, Firedrake. But when he and his family discover the last Pegasi in the world who need the precious sun feather of a Griffin to hatch, he must lie to the dragon. Griffins and dragons are mortal enemies. Ben and his father Barnabas along with a motley crew including a troll, a rat, and a homunculus (the last of his kind), attempt to complete this dangerous quest which takes them to a remote island ruled by the cruel "lion birds." Most of the characters are familiar from Funke's Dragon Rider and this book does not disappoint as a sequel with suspenseful adventure, creative characters, and the mixing of the modern world with the fantastical. Even those who have not read the previous work will enjoy delving into this world, as enough background is given for it to be a standalone. Detailed black-and-white drawings curve around and throughout the text, adding visual context for the story. Well-chosen quotes from various famous modern and ancient literary works perch on each chapter heading. A glossary of the myriad human and animal characters allow readers easy reference as needed throughout. VERDICT A not-to-be-missed fantasy by an author who is master of her craft. Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA