Dragon Defender by J. A. Blackburn

His mother left him with his grandmother when he was five and went away.  She never came back.  His grandmother won't talk about her or why she left; she just says his mother loved him very much.  That doesn't help much.

Pip and Grey and Net Galley allowed me to download an ebook of this story to read for review (thank you).  It was published last October, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

When his grandmother is working, he gets a visitor.  Uncle Dominick is at the door and he hasn't seen him since he was very little.  He lets him in despite his grandmother's warnings.  Then his uncle asks him not to tell her he's been there.  It's getting curiouser and curiouser while Peter develops more and more questions.

This is an adventure story written for middle graders.  There's a bit of magic, some poachers, a magnificent quest, and travel to other countries involved.  At twelve, Peter is old enough to be told about his heritage.  The letter from his mother says he's from a long line of Dragon Defenders.  Peter didn't even know dragons still existed.  His grandmother is livid and refuses to let Dominick have him for training.  She's already lost her daughter, she doesn't want to lose her grandson!  However, when Peter says he'll go with Dominick, she knows she has already lost the argument.

The story is exciting and it doesn't take long to read.  Peter makes some new friends along the way and needs them to finish up his quest.  I think we may see Peter back again in another book; I'd like to see that.

Happy reading.