The Dragon's Tooth

Cyrus and Antigone Smith live with their older brother Dan in a run-down Wisconsin motel near Lake Michigan. When a mysterious guest entrusts Cyrus with strange objects and is killed the same night, the siblings are thrust into a hidden world of danger and ancient secrets. The Order of Brendan, a centuries-old society of explorers and guardians, becomes central to the Smith siblings' new reality. Within this organization's walls at Ashtown, they encounter both allies and enemies while learning to navigate their newfound responsibilities. The story combines American settings and sensibilities with elements from worldwide mythology and history. The physical challenges and real-world locations ground this fantasy narrative, creating a unique blend of adventure and cultural heritage. This first installment in the Ashtown Burials series explores themes of family loyalty, courage, and the intersection of myth with reality. The story presents a distinctly American take on the classic hero's journey, emphasizing practical skills alongside supernatural elements.

Readers describe The Dragon's Tooth as a fast-paced adventure story that appeals to fans of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, though not reaching the same level of polish. Readers highlight: - Complex mythology and historical elements - Strong sibling relationships - Creative world-building - Unpredictable plot twists Common criticisms: - Confusing plot developments - Too many characters introduced quickly - Pacing issues in first third of book - Some find the writing style choppy One reader noted: "The mythology feels fresh compared to the usual Greek/Roman fare." Another wrote: "Takes too long to explain basic plot elements while rushing through important scenes." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (240+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 The book resonates most with middle-grade readers ages 10-14 who enjoy complex fantasy worlds, though some parents note it may be too intense for sensitive children.

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🔍 The Order of Brendan in the book is loosely inspired by the real-life Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk famous for his legendary sea voyages. 🏨 The motel setting was influenced by Wilson's childhood experiences of staying in roadside motels during family road trips across America. 📚 N. D. Wilson is also known for his "100 Cupboards" series and comes from a family of writers - his father is theology professor and writer Douglas Wilson. 🗺️ The book incorporates elements from the real-life historical mystery of the Oak Island Money Pit, a famous archaeological site in Nova Scotia. 🎬 The novel's film rights were optioned by Beloved Pictures in 2012, though no movie has been produced yet.