This book picks up from where "How To Steal A Dragon's Sword" ended. PLOT: Chaos has descended upon the archipelago. The dragon rebellion is in full swing led by Furious who is planning to wipe out the entire viking race as punishment for chaining him up. The vikings, led by the nasty pig-headed Alvin and his scheming, conniving mother Excellinor. Powerless and in exile with his 3 trusty dragons and the slave-mark upon his head, Hiccup has been secretly working undercover undoing all the dragon traps set by Excellinor and surviving by stealing food from local villages after dark. One winter's evening, Hiccup is carrying a map of where the jewel can be found when he is ambushed by Valhallarama on her Silver Phantom -- his own mother who doesn't recognise him and almost tries to kill him. Hiccup manages to escape unscathed with his dragons but he no longer has the map. After the confrontation, Hiccup makes his way to the Amber Slavelands and manages to sneak in to the prison where he is further disheartened to see his banished father in chains also carrying the slave-mark. Added to his problems, Snotlout is now chief of the hooligan tribe (much to Baggybum's horror). Inside the prison (under the alias "Whiffy McSmelly"), Hiccup befriends Eggingarde, a little girl who provides him with clues regarding the whereabouts of his friend, Fishlegs. One night, Camicazi manages to show up after some time to try and release Hiccup from the prison but he seems more interested in finding the jewel. Hiccup's cover is blown the next morning when Alvin and the witch call a "crisis meeting" in the courtyard. Alvin, growing tired of Hiccup's mind games accidentally grabs Snotlout and almost kills him when Hiccup comes to Snotlout's rescue (much to both the boy's horror) and reveals himself. Out on the dunes, Hiccup, Camicazi and Fishlegs get sucked under the sand by a giant dragon. Chaos ensues when he is almost eaten. Back at the prison, things come to a head when Hiccup's mother turns up wearing the jewel on her chest. Excellinor and Valhallarama exchange words until Valhallarama takes a long stick with a 'S' symbol on the end and gives herself what she now calls the ''dragon mark'' and places the jewel around Hiccup's neck. She gives all the tribes a choice between the "lying witch's son" or Hiccup. Chaos ensues which divides the tribes with several choosing Hiccup and the more ruthless tribes siding with Alvin. With divided opinions, they head for the ships with Hiccup's clan going west and Alvin's clan going east. Snotlout is given a choice between east or west. Hiccup, Camicazi, Fishlegs and their pet dragons head for the island of Tomorrow for the final confrontation. SUMMARY: A very well-written book indeed but way darker than the previous few. Apologies for the long-winded reviewRead full review
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