Children’s Bookwatch

The second book in the “Will to Conquer” series, Len Lamensdorf’s The Raging Dragon is a fantastically conceived and excitingly presented novel for young adults and concerns two young people who must fight and think their way through the events of history in the 1960’s. Life-threatening challenges, vicious enemies, and intrigue on the streets of Paris await young Willi and Louise, who meet with their French Resistance allies in a famous bistro called the Raging Dragon. An assassination plot against President John F. Kennedy and his wife threatens to change history, unless Willi and Louise are up to the task! Also very highly recommended is the first volume in “Will To Conquer” series, The Crouching Dragon. The third volume comprising this outstanding trilogy will be The Flying Dragon.

ForeWord Magazine

"In other parts of the world...the dragon is respected as a sign of prosperity and well-being—a force for good. I think the DragonSlayers hate what is good and want to destroy it.” That's exactly what one discovers has been happening in William Montreaux's world since his first exploits in his hometown of Bonville, France, led him to national fame (The Crouching Dragon, 1999). Now, though, a much more ominous danger has appeared, and it threatens to tear the political fabric of France apart at the seams. Continuing in his father Antoine’s evil ways, Tony Bersault and his group of thugs, the DragonSlayers, believe that Algeria's independence from France must never be allowed to happen and plan to overthrow President De Gaulle's regime. It takes until William and his friends from home, Louise and Roger, are immersed in events in Paris before they realize what the DragonSlayers are up to—and that the earlier attempts on their own lives weren't just motivated by Tony Bersault trying to avenge his father.

This second book of the "Will to Conquer" series wraps fictional intrigue and adventure around historical events that occurred in France from 1958 to 1961, from De Gaulle's first year in power and the beginnings of Algeria's move toward independence through the state dinner for the Kennedys in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Although at times too heavily detailed, Lamensdorf does an admirable job of taking his readers through an informed tour of Paris' historical monuments and history as the story unfolds; including descriptions of the Metro, the Catacombs, and the Chateau of Versailles.

Lamensdorf, aiming his story at those who are twelve to eighteen, has brilliantly mastered the subtle yet appealing way of teaching real history as a backdrop to the escapades of William and his friends. Also, his way of portraying teen attractions in respectable courtships is a refreshing bonus not often found in today’s sexually explicit world. (October)

—Nelly Heitman

Heartland Reviews

The Raging Dragon is a young adult historical adventure story and the second in a trilogy. This is a most unusual book, focusing on post WWII France; however, the events of the story take place within a year real-time, compressed down from about seventeen years of actual historical events. This was not a mistake on the author’s part however, he used poetic license to create an interesting background for teaching history while making the story as exciting as possible.

The author manages to teach many everyday French phrases, history, geography, political affairs, and considerable aeronautical scientific knowledge. Anyone reading this book will come away with considerable more knowledge than he began with. This was a most interesting vehicle for teaching that sneaks up on the reader, implanting numerous concepts without the reader even realizing it. We rated this book four hearts.