A Memory of Dragons

Annabel & Edgar Johnson

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

In a large corporation handling the research and development of military hardware, a young man, suffering from amnesia, finds himself caught between two groups - one that wants the West to secede before all its raw materials are exploited by the East, and another that wants to preserve the union.

Review by Molly Martin (310107) Rating (9/10)

Review by Molly Martin
Rating 9/10
The narrative begin commences with a note from eighteen year old genius Paul Killian to the Department of Western Affairs Division of Information (Subversive Activities). Killian is turning over a set of disks the government has been seeking. Recording of the disks, Project #0014, begins on Monday. Killian is paid a visit by two official looking persons who flash IRS badges. It soon becomes clear that the agents are not interested in taxes he may owe on his salary earned at MARJOMAC R & D Division. When Paul asks to see an authentic ID the pair offer BCI identification cards. Bureau of Coordinated Intelligence is not a group Paul has even heard of before. On the other hand the pair, and BCI, apparently know quite a lot about Paul Killian and his ability to concoct widgets. In fact Paul is asked to snoop around MARJOMAC Corporation, the nation’s largest defence centre and keep his eyes open for signs of subversives. To register for the draft, or not, nightmares, Leslie Sanderman, a special keyring, a bicycle and not a car for transportation, HR pain in the neck Willy Pomeroy, Senator’s son JB Ewell, a mud spattered Fiat whose driver actually understands Paul’s bicycle; all move the account along. Twenty two gelignite charges, a distraught little boy, Thea Sanderman, a determined group wearing green shirts, a man with proven ties to the PLO, and a single casualty to the second civil war are all part of the tale.

Writers Annabel & Edgar Johnson first wrote the manuscript for this book back in the 1980s. It was first published in 1986. A Memory of Dragons is a young adult novel that is as pertinent today as it was when first issued. Paul Killian is a troubled young man, a genius, product of a abusive home, sufferer of amnesia, and possibly the cause of his father’s death. As the United States struggles with thoughts of dividing the country East and West with many wanting the land to remain intact and a determined group bent on western cessation Paul Killian is caught up in a life and death struggle.

Filled with everyday along with out of the ordinary, believable, albeit not always likeable characters, gritty convincing communication, well detailed settings and a gripping storyline A Memory of Dragons is a work sure to please many adults as well as readers in upper grades and high school. Writing is crisp, right on and as relevant today as it was when first offered. The conspiracy, misery and misguided action of those who would thwart our way of life are portrayed in the words of the authors prior to our understanding of 9-1-1, or any of the activity taking place in the world today. The book might well have been written yesterday. A Memory of Dragons is a must read for those who enjoy subterfuge, trickery and intrigue. This book is a good addition to the personal pleasure reading shelf, the middle grade and high school classroom reading list and the school library.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.
Molly Martin (31st January 2007)