Review
"August 2017 Book of the Month!"- Long and Short of it Reviews -longandshortreviewsya.com"Underground Certified "- Underground Book Reviews"JAKE & THE DRAGONS OF ASHEVILLE is original, and exciting ~ It is a fresh take on the well-explored dragon fantasy, and a twist at the end hints at additional adventures for Jake and his family"- Rachel Seigel for IndieReader"In Jake & the Dragons of Asheville, author Brian Kacica delivers a fun and memorable novel that both young readers and adults will enjoy."- John Staughton - Selfpublishingreview.com"Kacica's writing is wonderfully descriptive, and the characters shine with originality and humor. He has a terrific ear for dialogue-- especially for the playful, sometimes off-colorbanter of adolescents. While a strong suspension of disbelief is necessary, once readers get used to talking dragons, ridiculously inept agents, and flying orbs, they'll find the storydelightfully quirky ~ the book is a fun combination of the movie Super 8--with its smart teen cast and undertone of danger--and the Keystone Cops, with pratfalls by dull-witted characters. Readers may sense a hint of a sequel in the surprise ending."- BlueInk Review "This is a finely wrought, well-crafted and meticulously edited story with wonderful humor and relatable characters of all ages. Even though it's clearly geared for a Young Adult audience, just about anyone can get easily wrapped up in Jake's improbable quest -- which is skillfully rendered very believable by the author."- Publishers Daily Reviews"As an NC librarian, I'm always on the lookout for local writers, both juvenile and adult, and was delighted to discover this book. I liked it, but, more importantly, my 11 year old grandson liked it a lot! This is a fine book for 10-14 yr old kids who want adventure and well-paced action." - Jan Martin - Southern Pines Public Librarian"Jake is an unusual kid. If he gets upset, he can blow smoke out of his mouth. And, if he's not careful, he can also blow fire...Dragons fascinate me. I read a lot of fantasy. This one is written for middle graders and it has a good plot. It begins with odd things happening in the woods. The land belongs to the richest man in town and he has allowed the government to do some exploration and testing there. Of course, they both want the same thing: They are after dragons...The soldiers are trying to find Jake, he meets an old dragon and finds he's the relative of a long-ago legend, and he has magic to use in the fight against the dragon killers. He even develops a girlfriend along the way. The story is busy and exciting and I found it an enjoyable read. Dragon lovers will like this book." Rating: "Highly Recommending"- Jo Ann Hakola - The Book Faerie"This book, which I would recommend for children thirteen and up, is very inventive and never predictable. Thanks to this talented writer Marc was immersed in this entirely different, environmentally complex, yet easy to follow imaginative story. The believability of the characters and environment is in part thanks to the overall structure and work that into creating a flawless read. Proofing and editing of this story are immaculate throughout." - Paula Stewart - Sweetsouthernsavings.com"This is the first fantasy book that I have read and what a treat. There is a lot of action and adventure in the story. For those of you who enjoy fantasy books you should pick up a copy. This book is great for pre-teens and up. Just the cover should get their interest... it's kind of cool. There is a surprise in the book but I am not going to tell you where it is. You will have to find out for yourselves." - Erin Lonsford - Justagirlkindleing.blogspot.com
From the Inside Flap
In Brian Kacica's debut novel, a 13-year-old boy discovers he has special genetically-inherited powers--and when the government finds out, the chase is on.Jake Winston lives with his family in the town of Asheville, and he's heard wild stories aboutthe town's history, complete with flying dragons and the myth that some of Asheville'sancestors are Destovans--humans with dragon blood. One day, Jake's best friend Arnie, acomputer genius, shows him a program he created to locate drones. When Arnie spots amilitary drone, the boys follow it through the nearby woods. Suddenly, another droneappears and, in a computer voice, warns them to leave the restricted area. The boysskedaddle.Beyond the woods is a guarded facility where a covert governmental operation is underwayto develop a weapon from a nearly extinct dragon species. Although the scientists possessa dragon, they don't have the right genetic material. Then one fateful day, Jake coughs--and smoke and sparks go flying. Word travels to the agents that Jake is a Destovan, andhis blood is the missing ingredient, and the plot thickens.Kacica's writing is wonderfully descriptive, and the characters shine with originality andhumor. He has a terrific ear for dialogue-- especially for the playful, sometimes off-colorbanter of adolescents. While a strong suspension of disbelief is necessary, once readersget used to talking dragons, ridiculously inept agents, and flying orbs, they'll find the storydelightfully quirky ~ the book is a fun combination of the movie Super 8--with its smart teen cast and undertone of danger--and the Keystone Cops, with pratfalls by dull-witted characters. Readers may sense a hint of a sequel in the surprise ending.- BlueInk Review
From the Back Cover
Jake Winston is just your ordinary thirteen-year-old boy who breathes fire.
Seriously?
He discovers his unique talent one beautiful fall day in Asheville, N.C., and finds his life forever changed. YA standout author Brian Kacica has penned a stellar new novel, Jake and the Dragons of Asheville, and it's spellbinding.
He provides a startling start to Jake's journey in exploration of his singular heritage, which is native American infused with dragon blood -- known as Destovans. Jake's grandfather, Don, a rugged ex-cop who also happens to share the awesome bloodline, begins teaching Jake about his newfound powers -- then is sidelined by a disabling stroke.
After that, Jake must go it largely alone, relying on best friend Arnie to help him get through the myriad of mystery surrounding his quest to find the Dragon King deep inside the Forest of Asheville.
It's a harrowing, adventure-rich odyssey as Jake probes the depths of both the storied forest -- filled with talking animals and sinister military drones -- and his own emerging manhood, into which he's been forced to grow way too early because of an incident involving his father early in the book.
However, best bud Arnie is also put out of the action just before Jake begins his greatest task and dons the almost messianic mantle for which he is destined -- the saving of the world's remaining dragons.
This is a finely wrought, well-crafted and meticulously edited story with wonderful humor and relatable characters of all ages. Even though it's clearly geared for a Young Adult audience, just about anyone can get easily wrapped up in Jake's improbable quest -- which is skillfully rendered very believable by the author.
Some of his colorful dialogue and turns-of-phrase are priceless, such as this gem, hidden within a fortune cookie:
"A statue will be erected for you one day. Be kind to pigeons."
In a great read that abounds in precarious situations, noble quests and dry humor, this novel never disappoints. Five-plus stars to Jake and the Dragons of Asheville. We hope there's a sequel in the wings.
- Publishers Daily Reviews
About the Author
Brian Kacica doesn't exist. He is a creation of calculated minds, attempting to birth creative content for the yawning, bored masses, who don't deserve his effort. If you're lucky, you'll read one of his stories, if not, you're just a pawn, devoid and incapable of original thought.
