Orin is courageous and modest. With his friends Beatrix and Pascal, he goes in search of a missing villager. They are well equipped for any attack by the goblins who have recently overrun the village, due to their their mentor Bruno, who has been training them for the Village Guard.
But life has other plans for them all.
When Orin and friends lead an attack on the fiends sent to destroy Draeland, a power is released in Orin.
The friends become convinced that he is the new Champion, as they marvel at his power, then discover a mark has appeared on the back of his hand.
But Orin questions himself. He is just a normal boy. He can’t imagine being worthy enough to be the Champion.
Margo, Lorekeeper and wizard, appears looking for a person with a special mark. That’s how she recognises Orin.
Sent by the Goddess Draela, Margo, an outspoken, confident person, is commanded to accompany and protect Orin on a quest reclaim the Divine sword and shield which lie within a shrine, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. These are to be reclaimed and used to restore Draeland to its former safety and glory.
He must leave his family and friends, without knowing if he will ever return.
Obstacles present themselves continuously, testing Orin and his commitment.
They encounter some powerful slime, get caught in an illusory inn where they are swallowed by the owner, a magician, along with several other travellers, and fight against skeleton crews sent to destroy them.
But it's obvious that all the obstacles have a humorous ending.
The pair are shown unusual kindness by a family of mimics who offer supplies and company.
This journey increases Orin’s feelings of inadequacy, but with Margo’s strength, protection and encouragement, he continues forward, hoping his temporarily lost power will reactivate and make him what others already see in him.
Can Orin become who he is meant to be? Is he capable of recognizing that this, the greatest adventure of his life, is the purpose for which he has been searching.
This exciting, optimistic, entertaining odyssey is full of vivid and flowing fantasy, magic, humour, and the impossible made possible. Ideal for graphic book lovers.
Eric Lide offers deeper understanding of his work by analysing his illustrations and their method of creation, step by step, at the end of the book.
Title: Dragon Forged: Sword of the Champion
Author/Illustrator: Eric Lide
Publisher: NewSouth Books, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781454947752
For ages: 8 – 12
Type: Graphic Novel
