Silvana De Mari

Silvana De Mari is an Italian author, former surgeon, and psychotherapist born in 1953 in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy. Before focusing on writing, she practiced medicine in both Italy and Ethiopia and later established a psychotherapy practice in Turin. De Mari gained international recognition for her fantasy novel "L'ultimo Elfo" (2004), published in English as "The Last Elf" in the UK and "The Last Dragon" in the US. The book received multiple accolades, including the Italian Premio Bancarellino and Premio Andersen awards, as well as the French Prix Imaginales in 2005. Her work has been translated into 19 languages and distributed across 23 countries, establishing her presence in children's fantasy literature. "L'ultimo Elfo" was her third children's book and marked her breakthrough into English-language markets. De Mari's career spans medical practice, psychotherapy, and literature, though in recent years she has become known in Italy for controversial public positions on various social and medical issues.

Readers connect with De Mari's ability to blend serious themes with moments of humor in her fantasy works. Many reviewers note her unique approach to traditional fantasy elements like elves and dragons, highlighting how she subverts common tropes. Liked: - Character development and emotional depth - Balance of darkness and light in storytelling - Unconventional take on fantasy creatures - Integration of social commentary One reader on Goodreads noted: "The story tackles heavy themes while maintaining hope throughout." Disliked: - Pacing issues in early chapters - Some find the tone shifts jarring - Translation quality varies between editions A common critique mentions that "the narrative takes time to find its rhythm." Ratings: - Goodreads: 3.8/5 (The Last Dragon/The Last Elf) - Amazon Italy: 4.2/5 (L'ultimo Elfo) - Amazon UK: 3.9/5 (The Last Elf) Most reviews focus on "The Last Dragon/Elf" as her best-known work, with limited English-language reviews available for her other books.

The Last Dragon (L'ultimo Elfo) A fantasy novel about an elf and a hunter who must save the last dragon while navigating a world filled with rain, war, and darkness.

L'Ultima Profezia (The Last Prophecy) The sequel to The Last Dragon follows the young elf Yorsh as he confronts the meaning of an ancient prophecy.

L'ultimo Orco (The Last Ogre) The final installment of the Last Dragon trilogy chronicles the fate of the remaining ogres in a changing world.

La nuova squadra (The New Team) A story about a group of children who form an unusual soccer team in their town.

Il Drago in Discarica (The Dragon in the Dump) A tale about a small dragon discovered living in a city garbage dump.

Io mi chiamo Yorsh (My Name is Yorsh) A prequel focusing on the early life of Yorsh, the elf from The Last Dragon.

Diana Wynne Jones creates fantasy worlds that blend everyday life with magical elements and explores complex character relationships. Her works like Howl's Moving Castle and Chrestomanci series feature young protagonists discovering their identities through magical adventures.

Patricia A. McKillip writes lyrical fantasy with intricate world-building and quests involving elves, dragons, and wizards. Her books The Forgotten Beasts of Eld and The Riddle-Master trilogy focus on transformation and the price of power.

Robin McKinley specializes in reimagined fairy tales and fantasy stories with strong character development. Her works The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown feature protagonists who discover their strength through encounters with magical creatures and ancient prophecies.

Cornelia Funke creates fantasy narratives that bridge real and magical worlds, often featuring young characters facing supernatural challenges. Her Inkheart trilogy and Dragon Rider series incorporate mythical creatures and explore themes of courage and destiny.

Michael Ende writes fantasy that blends reality with imaginative worlds and focuses on personal growth through magical journeys. His works The Neverending Story and Momo feature protagonists who encounter fantastic beings while dealing with profound life questions.