Welcome Harry Gilleland

I want to welcome Harry Gilleland to The Writing Jungle. Today we're going to find out about Harry's Young Adult novels, Bob the Dragon Slayer.

As a Young Adult author myself I have to say this age group is most exciting. Why? Because young adults are spontaneous and writers use this advantage to offer exciting adventures to one and all, regardless of age. Look at the Harry Potter series. There were readers of all ages enjoying those books.

And now without further delay, I like to welcome and present Bob the Dragon Slayer by Harry Gilleland.

Author: Harry Gilleland:

Bob the Dragon Slayer

Paperback: 108 pages

Publisher: Lulu.com (April 25, 2005)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1411633156

ISBN-13: 978-1411633155

Bob, a mere peasant lad, sets off to see a dragon that is terrorizing a village and soon falls in with a wizard named Stephen. Thereafter, his life is filled with adventures that involve dragons, knights, damsels in distress, castles, a fair lady, friendship, true love, an evil king, civil war, and lawyers. This rollicking tale belongs not to history but to legend. Written with wit and humor, this novella will delight readers from teenagers to octogenarians.

This novella will entertain and delight readers from mid-teens to elderly. It is a fantasy with a heart and lots of humor. It is appropriate as a Young Adult (YA) book, especially for those teenage male reluctant readers. Its brevity, short chapters, humor, and fast pace will keep even reluctant readers engaged. This is not to say that adults won’t enjoy this novella also. This book should appeal to any reader above the age of 13.

Reviews for Bob the Dragon Slayer have been uniformly positive. Please visit Amazon.com to read the nine reviews posted there.

http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Dragon-Slayer-Harry-Gilleland/dp/1411633156/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

Other reviews may be read at the book’s Lulu site:

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/bob-the-dragon-slayer/118897

Here are two reviews from YA book review sites:

“Bob The Dragon Slayer” by Harry Gilleland

Young adult 108 pages Lulu Press May 2005 Paperback

Quirky humor makes Bob the Dragon Slayer downright funny. Author Harry Gilleland successfully combines the chivalry of knighthood with the casualness of a modern neighborhood to spark a laugh on every page.

The story of Bob is narrated by the patriarch of the McClair family during a Thanksgiving reunion. It is described as a “grown up tale of adventure” - Granddad even cautions fifteen-year-old Katie to cover her ears in spots. Readers would do well to heed this warning, because this is definitely not a children’s book. Some sexual innuendoes and swear words make parts of this story inappropriate for younger readers.

Bob the Dragon Slayer is a legendary hero of humble beginnings. Raised in a barn, he sets off one day to kill dragons and earn some fame and fortune. A wizard named Stephen gives him some much-needed help, and soon Bob has a reputation for being fearless. As certain secrets are revealed, Bob learns that he is not really a peasant but of the royal line. What follows next is nothing short of hilarious as Simple Bob becomes Sovereign Bob, and all his loyal subjects have big smiles on their faces.

This is a terrific book written with a huge dose of humor. Bob’s unique, entertaining adventures borrow some ideas from medieval history and the rest from a very active imagination; Gilleland weaves a story that is fast-paced and fun. These pages are filled with dragons, damsels in distress and even a war with an evil king. Friendship, love and honor are also explored through the actions of the characters.

Readers will feel an instant empathy with Bob, probably because he is more like a next-door neighbor than a legendary hero. And that’s the beauty of this story: Bob is someone worthy of our time because he is one of us. Although he’s a bit goofy and bumbling, his heart is in the right place - and that’s what counts.

-- Joyce Handzo/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book

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The Latest YA Book Reviews

Bob the Dragon Slayer by Harry Edward Gilleland

Bob, Spot, and Bruce save the day.
a review by Kimberly Pauley (YA Books Goddess)

More of a novella than a novel, Bob the Dragon Slayer is a fun, very tongue-in-cheek fantasy novel. Given the length and the humor, this is a very fast read that will bring a smile to your face more than once.

Bob, a simple peasant lad who also happens to be an orphan, sets out to seek his fortune. He’s heard that the king has offered both riches and his oldest daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who can defeat a particular dragon bent on terrorizing the countryside.

Against all odds and with the help of a fledgling wizard named, of all things, Stephen, Bob actually defeats the dragon (his new sword, which he promptly dubs “Bruce” is also a huge help). However, the king and his daughter have no desire to associate or reward a peasant and they manage to legally wrangle out of Bob’s promised reward.

Upset, but without any recourse, Bob continues his travels and soon finds himself slaying dragons left and right, and (sometimes) actually collecting the promised reward. After killing a particularly monstrous beast, he falls in with Wilfred (or Willie, as he likes to call him), a true knight who pledges to help and educate Bob.

This friendship truly changes Bob’s life, especially after Willie discovers that Bob is actually the only surviving progeny of the rightful king. The other thing that really changes Bob’s future…? Meeting Lady Katherine, a woman of, er, ample delights.

With further interference from Stephen, support from Willie, and with thoughts of the lovely Kate always on his mind, Bob soon finds himself working on unseating the current nasty king (yes, the same one that denied him his reward) and getting himself crowned The Peasant King.

This is a fun little fable and Bob’s peasant attitude is sure to please reluctant readers. Recommended for readers aged 14 and up, primarily due to a bit of off-color-ness revolving around Bob & Kate’s romance, though it isn’t particularly racy (especially if compared to many of today’s most popular YA novels). Adults will also enjoy this one.