Review by Colin Credle

In Suri’s Dragon, Canadian author and illustrator Jo Rioux takes us on a journey dismantling first impressions and distrust with generosity and goodwill. As seen in The Mole King’s Lair, Suri is an orphan in the land of Galatea who wishes to be a monster tamer. Byron, a big goofy, lovable dog, is her first conquest. Bystanders continue to run away in fear upon seeing the monster Byron, but Suri knows he really is just a big lapdog. She’s stubborn and hopeful, but not too saccharine in her assessment of the world, while her positive outlook is contagious because it is not unrealistic, just sometimes uninformed.

Suri’s earliest memory is being lovingly deposited by a dragon in a burning forest. She is determined to find this dragon to uncover her origin story. The first goal of this quest is to find the Monster’s Cradle from whence monsters were released by the Spider Witch. Suri travels with Byron, a sarcastic Imp named Caglio and Kolya, a mysterious, suspicious shapeshifter. Kolya hides from everyone his affliction of changing into an anthropomorphic cat, a monster known as a “Caitsmith.” There is tension as Kolya guards his secret, but it’s discovered by Caglio with Kolya concerned about Suri finding out. Added into this mix is the magical Golden Twine that fell into Suri’s possession in the first book, but Suri remains unaware of its magical properties.

In this third book, our adventurers negotiate passage to Bridgetown, escorted by City Councillor Gwendolyn. In Bridgetown, we meet the Guild Master who invents machinery to defend the city from an angry dragon. There is also the “New Inventor’s Guild,” motivated more by curiosity than desire to kill the dragon, while three avaricious Caitsmith’s follow Suri in the hopes of reclaiming the magical Golden Twine. These groups all come together in Bridgetown for intrigue, action, disinformation, prejudice and finally more generous and hopeful intentions.

Rioux’s illustrations do more for the story when the characters are given a chance to interact and express themselves. The dialogue is well executed and the motivations are artfully revealed. The action sequences remain somewhat choppy, but not enough to detract from an entertaining tale for all ages. We like Suri and her persistent goodwill often overcomes the odds to the surprise of her fellow travellers. Although Suri’s Dragon ends with a clear break, there are still unanswered questions and more to explore. No doubt the next stage in Suri’s quest will consist of different friends, but Suri will remain charismatic, observant and positive. For now at least it’s clear Byron is intent on staying by her side.