From Publishers Weekly
The final volume in the Pit Dragon trilogywhich began with Dragon's Bloodconcludes a riveting saga that intertwines elements of fantasy and science fiction. The planet of Austar, whose climate and history have much in common with Australia's, serves as backdrop to the social hierarchy of the descendents of the original criminal/warden settlers. This book forces Jakkin and his friend Akkiwho became part dragon in the last book, Heart's Bloodunderground, where they encounter a horrifying race of not-men, whose society is also based on the breeding and destruction of dragons. Yolen's tightly plotted, adventurous trilogy constitutes superb storytelling. She incorporates elements of freedom and rebellion, power and control, love and friendship in a masterfully crafted context of a society sick with perversion. All phenomena relating to dragonsbirth, mating, physiology, telepathy, their training, breeding and careare meticulously evoked. The world of the dragons, which are complex creatures, provides a unique foundation for this compelling trilogy. Ages 12-14. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up Here is the third and concluding volume in the indefatigably creative Jane Yolen's ``Pit Dragon'' trilogy. Jakkin and Akki, whom readers met in the two preceeding volumes, have survived in the Austarian wilds through bonding with the dragon Heart's Blood, and in this volume continue their harrowing journey to freedom and spiritual enlightenment. Like the two volumes preceeding it, A Sending of Dragons ' particular strengths are in the almost encyclopedic detail which Yolen has lavished upon her fully realized alternative world of Austar IV, in her sympathetic portrayal of the dragons as both victims and telepathic partners, and in the symbolic sub-text which enriches her narrative and reinforces her universal theme of the inter-dependency and unique value of all life forms. Similarly the shortcomings reflect those of the two companion volumes: these include certain stylistic shortcomings and a tendency toward one-dimensional characterization. Nevertheless the trilogy remains an ambitious and rewarding work of speculative fiction. The two previous volumes should be read for a more complete understanding and appreciation of this concluding volume. Michael Cart, Beverly Hills Public Lib .Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Jakkin and his girlfriend, Akki, discover a primitive cult that sacrifices dragons.


Card catalog description
Falsely accused of sabotage, Jakkin and Akki are left to certain death in the wilderness of the planet Austar IV but, with the aid of five baby dragons, manage not only to survive but also to gain unusual powers and insights.

About the Author
JANE YOLEN has written more than two hundred books for children and adults, including the three volumes in the Young Merlin Trilogy: Passager, Hobby, and Merlin. She has won several of the most prestigious awards in children's literature. Ms. Yolen lives in western Massachusetts and Scotland.

ANNOTATION

Falsely accused of sabotage, Jakkin and Akki are left to certain death in the wilderness of the planet Austar IV but, with the aid of five baby dragons, manage not only to survive but also to gain unusual powers and insights.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jakkin and his girlfriend, Akki, discover a primitive cult that sacrifices dragons.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The final volume in the Pit Dragon trilogywhich began with Dragon's Bloodconcludes a riveting saga that intertwines elements of fantasy and science fiction. The planet of Austar, whose climate and history have much in common with Australia's, serves as backdrop to the social hierarchy of the descendents of the original criminal/warden settlers. This book forces Jakkin and his friend Akkiwho became part dragon in the last book, Heart's Bloodunderground, where they encounter a horrifying race of not-men, whose society is also based on the breeding and destruction of dragons. Yolen's tightly plotted, adventurous trilogy constitutes superb storytelling. She incorporates elements of freedom and rebellion, power and control, love and friendship in a masterfully crafted context of a society sick with perversion. All phenomena relating to dragonsbirth, mating, physiology, telepathy, their training, breeding and careare meticulously evoked. The world of the dragons, which are complex creatures, provides a unique foundation for this compelling trilogy. Ages 12-14. (October)

Children's Literature - Kathleen Karr

Book Three of the prolific Yolen's fantasy series, "Pit Dragon Trilogy," opens with Jakkin and his soul mate Akki hiding out in the mountains of Austar IV with the dragon Heart's Blood's rapidly maturing hatchlings. One would think it an idyllic life—except the two would-be lovers find their relationship rapidly deteriorating. It seems the gifts Jakkin's beloved dragon left them at her death—the ability to really communicate with dragons, as well as the ability to survive the planet's brutal "Dark After"—are literally driving them crazy. Too many differences, too many voices bombarding their minds. And then they are captured by a tribe of Neanderthal-like cave dwellers straight out of Jules Verne. It is at this point one's willing suspension of disbelief begins fading. As for the characters—Jakkin's vibrant dragon master turns into a rather wimpy vegetarian, and the rebel-rouser Akki shows none of her former fiery spirit. Here is a case in which a trilogy were better ended in Book Two. 2004 (orig. 1987), Magic Carpet/Harcourt, Ages 12 up.

School Library Journal