After reading the synopsis, I knew immediately that I’d have to add it to my TBR list. This is not only a well-researched, thrilling historical adventure that takes the reader, quite literally, around the world, but it also tells the story of how Darwin came upon the theory of evolution. It's a brilliant middle-grade read that I imagine will be enjoyed by everyone. Animals, adventure, daring and... well, DRAGONS. What more could you ask for? This tale is a rich tapestry of storytelling. It sews fact and fiction together in a seamlessly written plot that involves volcanic eruptions, dragon's eggs, a fiddle and Queen Victoria. Covington and Darwin are strong and likeable characters with an interesting master/servant dynamic but, for me, it is the lizard, Farthing, that steals the show in terms of character. Sharply intelligent, lively and adorable, she is definitely the teacher of this lesson- allowing the reader and Covington to uncover surprise after surprise and to discover more and more about this magical species. Despite being grounded in fact, this story was highly unpredictable, with a brilliant twist. It followed the journey and the work of Charles Darwin more closely than I'd anticipated, giving it a feeling of deep authenticity. There are strong themes of ecology, friendship, loyalty balanced with the exploration of right and wrong. I particularly loved what Queen Victoria brought to the plot and it was lovely to see her in her younger years. The historical side of this story made all the difference when reading it. Set in 1835 the story then takes flight, using imagination to explore what could have happened! Which I felt was a nice balance throughout my read.

Exciting and original historical fiction charting the discoveries of a cabin boy aboard Charles Darwin's Beagle. It’s probably one of the reason why I just couldn’t put this book down, I didn’t want to do anything else until I could say the characters, I had come to love and adore, where out of harms reach! The author tries to show how mistakes are often made by trying to do what is “best” to make things right in our own understanding but without all of the facts it can end up making things worse. In the world of children’s literature, there seems to be an ever-growing market for books about dragons, and therefore it is lovely to see a take on dragons that brings them more into real life. Lindsay Galvin has thoroughly researched the real-life dragons and historical context of the story, and this makes this book stand out from other dragon-themed books. It would be a great book for those children that are slightly older and may have previously loved dragon books but wish to find something more mature. It also leaves plenty to think about, in terms of how the complex interrelationship between the humans and the animal kingdom, and about the ethics of dealing with creatures both familiar and unknown as humans go about exploring animal habitats.Syms’ life is saved by a lizard that he names Farthing – named after a shiny copper coin that he received as a reward for his fiddle playing, and Farthing becomes his saviour, friend and talisman. The teenager spends several terrifying days on the island before he is reunited with HMS Beagle and its crew. At first Fathering was just an intelligent lizard, (or is she?) but soon Fathering became much more! She became Stym’s friend; imagining their tight nit relationship grow over the course of the story was so magical and wonderful to read about. Darwin’s Dragons is a wonderful read. Crystal clear writing and a very clever concept. For indeed there was a cabin boy on Darwin’s journeys, with whom he formed a lifelong friendship. But there’s a documented gap in their correspondence, and this is a period in history that Lindsay Galvin has plumbed with her brilliant imagination to ask ‘what if’? What if the boy discovered something new, something so incredible, something he was so passionate about that it drove a wedge between him and the clinical-minded scientist? Cue Darwin's Dragons, a stunning middle grade novel, where these mythical creatures are woven into the fabric of real historical fact. This is a history and a science lesson with an extraordinary magical twist- where imagination takes flight in the form of golden, fire-breathing creatures and where the reader can walk in the footprints of one of the most famous scientists ever known. I found the plot very exciting as I just wanted to find out what was going to happen next. Additionally, I would say the part of the story that most stood out to me was where Farthing was trying to help the servant survive on his island and saved him from death. To add to that, I found it interesting how the mother dragon was trying to kill him even though he was saving the eggs and Farthing from the lava. I would recommend Darwin’s Dragon to everyone as I could barely stop reading it. Furthermore, I would highly recommend this book as it is full of adventure and just drags you in on the first few words.

Eeleven-year-old Syms Covington is a fiddler, a cabin boy, and now assistant to Charles Darwin during his 1831 voyage on the HMS Beagle. There Syms becomes a keen observer describing his adventures with charm and humor. As I was reading this, it was difficult not to see glimpses of ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ by Michael Morpurgo and should definitely be added to the TBR pile of those who enjoyed Morpurgo’s take on finding yourself on a deserted island. Syms is a wonderful character full of grit and as a reader, you are able to gain a real insight into the motivations of the character and his inner battles. Children will really love following his story and will understand some of the trials and tribulations he is faced with. The Galapagos Islands landscape is drawn as a rough but remarkable jewel with its stark terrain and abundant wildlife, and the characters are great. We have the brave but sympathetic Syms, with his companions, Scratch the violin and Farthing the lizard, and the kind but firm Charles Darwin, who is generous yet so intensely focussed on his work that he is quite immovable. Other personalities muscle into this story too - some quite special - but I won't give it away. Just know that there are conflicts and friendships and that you'll love every one of them. Using 19th century language and attitudes, scientific observation and unbridled curiosity, Galvin makes this fictional event during a documented journey seem real.

About Lindsay Galvin

The plot was very daring and adventurous, as there is a beast that hovers over the island. There was also the mystery is to if Syms was the first person ever to have been stranded on the island, and if he will ever get rescued by the HMS Beagle. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure and the thrill of the unknown and uncertain. If you are a fan of Darwin or his work then this is the book for you! The only thing that nags me is what Lindsay Galvin will write next!

Syms Covington, a real-life thirteen-year-old cabin boy in 1835, tells the story from his perspective. A cabin-boy and ship’s fiddler on HMS Beagle, he uses hard work and natural ability to become Charles Darwin’s trusted assistant during the epic five-year voyage. Whilst exploring with Darwin in the Galapagos Islands, Syms is swept overboard during a violent storm and is washed up on an uninhabited, volcanic island called Narborough. From this outstanding book, I learnt that they we have had zoo type places for a very long time. The time it was set in, which made the book more interesting as many people did not really know what dragons looked like. So when the servant was trying to explain to his master that he had seen a dragon, which was also trying to hurt him, it took him a very long time to persuade his master that he did see a dragon. Also, it made the servant even more baffled at the sight of seeing the dragon soaring through the sky.Lindsay Galvin's writing style is wonderful, drawing readers into Syms Covington's world from his early days as a cabin boy to his awe-inspiring survival journey. The language is vivid and evocative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and perils of the Galapagos Islands. The novel delves into the importance of curiosity, scientific exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge and highlights the fragile balance of ecosystems and the need for responsible stewardship of our planet. Lindsay Galvin spins an exciting tale of exploration, adventure, and the marvels of science in “A Discovery of Dragons.” Through youthful Syms storytelling, you’ll learn about the natural world, friendship, and trust. Best of all, you will learn where dragons may dwell. How often do we assume one thing and it turns out to be something totally different? A boy, who ends up stranded on an island after a storm, finds a new species of animals that are unlike any he has ever encountered. Some are very dangerous and quite fierce, but others are friendly and selfless. The question is does he eliminate the dangerous ones or do they maintain balance on the island? The relationships between Syms and Darwin and his fellow shipmates are well handled and the bond forged between the boy and Farthing is convincing and at times moving. Young readers will appreciate the powerful emotions at work here. The story storms along at a great pace and Lindsay Galvin’s attention to historical and geographical detail gives the fantasy a realistic dimension. As the author tells us, ‘This planet was once home to magnificent dinosaurs, so why not dragons?’ Darwin’s Dragons would be a perfect book to read alongside a unit on evolution or study of Charles Darwin.