James's blog

  • The Dragon Brothers Trilogy now has audio!

    The Dragon Brothers Trilogy now has audio!

    James (and star-studded cast) has recorded The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders. Now, you can follow the action and turn the pages as they're read to you. All you have to do is download the AR Reads app on Google Play or the App Store, open it up and point it at the cover of the books. Tap on 'play' and let us...
  • What kids think about the Dragon Brothers Books!

    What kids think about the Dragon Brothers Books!

    One of the best things about being a children's author is hearing what kids have to say about your books. I've had some amazing video reviews and photos sent to me, so here they are in one video! Thanks so much to the kids who sent them in!
  • 2019 - A Cracking Year!

    2019 - A Cracking Year!

    What a year!2019 has been, without doubt, the busiest and best year ever for Dragon Brothers Books. Over the course of the year, I’ve visited 50 beautiful schools (including Halsey Drive School, above) where I’ve spoken to thousands of wonderful and inquisitive children. I’ve been on book tours to Kapiti Coast, Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch, Taranaki and Waiheke Island. I’ve been to two amazing festivals...
  • How the 'augmented reality' in The Dragon Defenders books is getting kids reading

    How the 'augmented reality' in The Dragon Defenders books is getting kids reading

    That scary looking fella in the picture above? That's the bad guy in The Dragon Defenders novels - The Pitbull. You can see him by downloading a free app onto a device, and holding the device over a certain page. In each Dragon Defenders novel, there are four or five bits of digital content available. When I chose to include augmented reality in my...

Louise Ward

Wardini Books and RNZ critic

"The plot is thrilling, the setting at once idyllic and dangerous. Readers will be inspired to leave their devices and see what they can see from the top of a tree, to go outside, look for dragons, and have adventures as breathtaking as Paddy, Flynn and Briar."

Adele Broadbent

whatbooknext.com

"Part 3 in this heart-pounding adventure is sure to please Dragon Defenders fans. An Unfamiliar Place pounds the young brothers with new challenges, but with their feathered accomplice (Lightning the falcon) along for the ride, they battle through and never give up! The story stands on its own but the digital side of this great Kiwi series is a wonderful bonus. Loved it!"

Charlotte McKay

Judge, NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

"Told at a rip-roaring pace with feats of incredible daring, masterful guile, and heart-stopping action. This is the book the fans have been waiting for!"

Eileen Merriman

award-winning author of A Trio of Sophies and Pieces of You

"A fast-paced action adventure that will have readers hanging on until the last page."

Tom E. Moffatt

award-winning author of Barking Mad and Mind-Swapping Madness

"An earth-shattering adventure of seismic proportions. You might need to feign sickness so you can finish it in one sitting."

Jenna Todd

NZ Book Awards Judge, Time Out Books manager

"I had so much fun reading this. It’s a rollicking adventure with a loveable cast of brave heroes."
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