CBB Review: St. George and The Dragon

My oldest daughter Katie just finished reading St. George and the Dragon by Michael Lotti. Here is her review:

St. George and the Dragon by Michael Lotti is an exciting and creative retelling of the popular myth of St. George. This is not the story of St. George, instead it is a story – woven from the many myths and the few facts of St. George who lived in the Roman Empire in 300 A.D. This story shows the reader how real and cunning Satan is in the world of St. George, and that he is ever present in the world today. Young Marcellus, or later known as St. George, must make a difficult decision – choose between the Empire he loves by obeying the dragon, or join the group that the Empire has labeled as “outlaws” – the Christians.

Marcellus is a young soldier in the Roman army. His father was once a proud soldier in the army himself, so Marcellus has been trained for the life in the army since he was a boy. Marcellus holds a high position in the army and hopes to one day be even higher. He is preparing to return home to marry his fiancee – Regina. Upon his arrival home, he decides to visit the house of his bride-to-be. During his visit, Regina tells him about a strange dragon that lives nearby. She says how the dragon must be honored and respected. Under her pressure, Marcellus decides to go and meet this “dragon” she speaks of. He is in utter shock to find that the creature she spoke of truly exists. Seeing the dragon is almost a comfort to Marcellus after he overcomes his fear of it. However once he has left the dragon’s side and gaze, he begins to understand its true evil. The dragon is a hater of Christians, many of whom are slaves on Marcellus’ father’s estate. The dragon slyly orders Marcellus to get rid of the Christians and bring him a sacrifice in sheep. Marcellus agrees, but deep inside realizes that it is wrong. Many times he almost gives in, but he never gives himself in to the temptation fully.

When the dragon realizes Marcellus has disobeyed him, he attacks Marcellus’ father’s estate. Marcellus soon receives the hatred from Regina for not sacrificing. He finds the Christians on his father’s estate to be a peaceful people, full of love and a longing for peace. Marcellus must choose between pleasing his bride-to-be by sacrificing to the dragon, or he must overcome his fears by pleasing his new friend Bishop Agathon and becoming a Christian. Marcellus must overcome the temptations and pleas to join the group of people he most understands – God’s Church. Can Marcellus defeat the dragon, or will he die trying – leaving his father’s estate to the mercy of the beast?

This book tells the story of St. George and his battle with the dragon from a new angle. It combines the myth with fabric of the author’s own making to create a beautiful and compelling tale that can’t be put down. Tweens and teens alike will both enjoy this amazing book. The writing style is easy to understand, yet beautiful enough that it reads smoothly across the pages. This exciting and fast-paced novel will hold its readers in its grasp from the beginning to the final pages. This adventure of St. George will captivate it’s readers and show them the story of St. George’s battle with the dragon to triumph for God and his Church.
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