The fourth and final volume in the series. Enjoyable, but more stressful to read because of the tension between Kiron and Aket-ten. I don't know why the author introduced that - it's completely out of the blue, rather secondary to the plot, and rather out of character. I like this book because it continues the series, and we see the Jousters trying to adapt to a new way of life, and find a new role now that they are not a fighting force in a war. She throws in a bit of feminism, which seems mostly to be a vehicle for the author to preach (but I think girl-power is a bit of a favourite theme for her!). It adds an interesting continuation to the plot of the series though, and is a good read. And Aerie - clearly Petra! ( )

This is the fourth book in the Dragon Jousters series. I love this series especially for boys who love dragon stories. I was disappointed in this book compared to the rest of the series. There were many editing mistakes which made areas of the book difficult to read. Overall it is still an interesting read and definitely recommended to finish out the series. ( )

Aerie is the fourth book in the Dragon Jouster series by Mercedes Lackey. While this installment is fairly complete in itself, a better insight to some of the character relationships will be had if you read the first two volumes before reading this one. I did not do my LibraryThing homework and, in fact, thought this was the third installment of the series. While there was some time lag in the storyline between this story, and the second book, Alta, it was not until more than halfway through Aerie that I realized I skipped a volume. This leaves me wondering if I really need that elusive third volume at all.

The main characters have reached a plateau of development, both from a plot standpoint and as people. A new magical threat is introduced and the characters are forced to the next levels of responsibility and maturity. At times though, the plot devices wear a little thin. The reader is almost expecting some of the developments. Lackey does, however, keep the story moving along and keeps the reader entertained along the way.

Two new characters are introduced. Kiron, the central character, is reunited with his mother, lost since before the action of book one. She in turn brings with her a female character that has been promised by the mother, unbeknownst to Kiron, to her son. The mother is played as a combination of comic relief and a stereotypical domineering mother who refuses to accept anything other than what she deems best for her son. The girl is seen as a starry eyed infatuated rival, pitted against Kiron’s heart felt love interest. In the end, the young girl is faced with making a difficult, but essential, choice. The mother is not quite as accepting of her son’s new roles, but she is neatly removed from the story.

All in all, a very enjoyable conclusion to this saga. The story is closed, but there are enough elements that should Mercedes Lackey decide to continue the story, there are lots of opportunities for these characters to continue on with their lives.

If you’ve read any of the other Dragon Jouster books, you will enjoy this one as well. If you enjoy light fantasy mixed with some good, but not outstanding action, you should find this a good read. And of course, Dragon lovers will enjoy the series as well. ( )

Not the strongest of the Dragon Jousters series. I love the rest of it, but this one falls a little short of where the others land. If you've read the rest of the series, of course continue on though! It definitely provides closure to the series, just in an odd way. ( )