Review: The Vanishing Sculptor, by Donita K. Paul

The Vanishing Sculptor, by Donita K. Paul

The Vanishing Sculptor, by Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Press, 2009)

In the land of Chiril, a young woman named Tipper tries to keep the dwindling family estate together. Her father, famed sculptor Verrin Schope, disappeared a long time ago. Her mother claims he talks to her at night, but Lady Peg is scattered at best. Tipper is reduced to selling household furnishings and her father’s beloved statues to meet expenses. It doesn’t help that Lady Peg will buy back everything she sees in the market because it’s “just what I’ve always wanted.”

Verrin Schope reappears—out of thin air—with two companions who will bring smiles of recognition to readers of the author’s DragonKeeper series: wizard Fenworth and his librarian, Librettowit. Tipper, her trusted guardian Sir Beccaroon (a talking Great Parrot), a struggling artist and four minor dragons join them on a dangerous quest.

It seems three of the statues Tipper sold must be reunited… to save her father’s life and the land itself. The questing party is completed by a dragon keeper and four riding dragons.

The novel isn’t all swashbuckling adventure, although these moments do come in satisfying fashion. As with a true quest, it begins with preparation, travel and searching. In the process, it binds this group of diverse characters into a team.

The Vanishing Sculptor is described as “a fantastic journey of discovery for all ages.” It’s rich in language and setting, yet presented in a straightforward young adult style. Wizard Fenworth’s robes shed small creatures whenever he moves, and there are enough bugs to please the young and young at heart.

The tale is also woven with threads of spirituality, truth and character. It’s not a fast read, but very pleasing.

My 12-year-old son and I both enjoyed it. My only complaint is that I took a liking to Hue, the purple singing dragon. Dragons are never pets, but I’d very much like for him to come live with us. My son says this will not happen.

Perhaps I’ll see Hue in a sequel to The Vanishing Sculptor. Donita K. Paul’s first series, DragonKeeper, spanned five books. You can read the first chapter of The Vanishing Sculptor here.

5 thoughts on “Review: The Vanishing Sculptor, by Donita K. Paul

  1. Donita K. Paul

    Thank you for the review, Joanna. No amount of advertising is as valuable as a reader who likes the book and is willing to take the time to tell someone else. I’m glad you liked Hue. I have a stuffed purple dragon but that is as close as I can get to having a minor dragon for a pet.

    Reply
  2. Dana

    I really love The Vanishing Sculptor. the book is a perfect addition to the Dragon Keeper series. Donita K Paul uses the imagination to bring across the concepts of God and Jesus Christ. The love that is brought through her writing is astounding

    I love books about Dragons and people interacting with one another.

    The book leaves you wanting more. What happens after the end do they stay in their home land or do they go with the Wizard to his? Also, Does the new Paladin ever go on to spread the news about the creator, ( forgot his name)?, and Does the princess ever tell him how she feels about him or does he realize her feelings? These are just some of the questions I have and I think any might have when they read the book too.

    I look forward to the possibility of their being more. I really love the book and all the Dragon keeper books. Donita K. Paul is an astounding author, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

    Reply
    1. joannamallory

      2010 sounds like it’s years away — I can’t believe it’s only a few months.

      Glad to hear about the new books, and that they aren’t really that far away. May the writing go well!

      Reply

Leave a Reply to joannamallory Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.