So you want to be a Dragon Slayer, do you? Well then, you have picked the right book.

So begins Sir Wyvern Pugilist's new guide for preparing the young to engage the snarly and slimy monsters presently inhabiting our world. Lest you think, however, that this is a manual for anyone casually contemplating a match with a dragon, read on. Pugilist, an experienced Dragon Slayer, makes it clear that this is no small task, and he pulls no punches. He alternately yells and cajoles, pleads and flatters—whatever it takes to grow his students into bona fide Dragon Slayers. But be careful: This is only for those who are most serious about facing the malicious monsters (sin!) head-on! Sir Wyvern includes the essentials on the armor (of God!) and powerful prayers to ward off attacks from dragons.

"Would that all Dragon Slayers wrote like this! Wyvern Pugilist, where have you been all our lives?" The Boston Post and Intelligentsia

"It was not until I read this guide that I discovered I have used all the wrong methods in fighting dragons." An Anonymous Dragon Slayer in California

"There is no doubt that Sir Wyvern Pugilist's detailed guidebook will spring to the top of the bestseller lists in no time. I suggest you buy yours now, before the title sells out and you have to wait in line for more copies. Because wait-in-line you will!" Joanne de Arc, Director Emeritus, French Institute for the Slaying of the Dragons

"Congratulations to Paraclete Press for successfully persuading Sir Wyvern to put pen to paper and for giving us this new manual on Dragon Slaying with the armor (of God!)! It is long overdue! We enthusiastically recommend this guidebook for young and old alike, it's just that good." Slayers' Weekly

What if sins were dragons and good Christians were dragon slayers? Writing as Sir Wyvern Pugilist, author Denham (Stories of the Saints) presents a handbook for brave children to join the “Ancient and Ever-Forgiving Order of Dragon Slayers” headed by the Chief Dragon Slayer, Jesus. Pugilist’s voice engages readers with its conversational tone and touches of humor as he describes dragons such as Bilgewater and Avarus and their sneaky methods of ensnaring the unsuspecting. No one is safe from their wiles, neither narrator Pugilist, who is tormented by Braggen, nor the slayers, who need special armor to protect themselves, including a “helmet of salvation,” a “belt of truth,” and a “shield of faith.” Snure’s full-page illustrations of dragons and slayers, done in rich earthy colors and jewel tones and mimicking the style of an ancient handbook, will gratify readers’ imaginations. An extensive “Compendium of Senior Dragon Slayers of Old” describes the lives of saints, such as St. Cuthbert and St. Francis of Assisi, as well as some modern-day Christian heroes, such as Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr. Entertaining and engaging for Christian readers. Ages 6–12.

Publishers Weekly, October 2011

Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters, Based Wholly on the Practice of the Great Dragon Slayers of Old and the Wisdom of Their Ancient Manuel
Sir Wyvern Pugilist //aka Joyce Denham (Paraclete Press) $23.99

This is one hard book to describe, but once you see it, feel it's texture and heft, see the full color maps and spooky pictures--the illustrator must have been studying old Tolkien editions---you'll see the bookish glory of this creative work. Although it sneaks up on you, this artfully told tale is, in fact, a serious guide to what the Bible calls "spiritual warfare" and it is rooted in mature, contemplative spiritual formation. There is the fiction piece, here, first rate fantasy writing, the tale of the aforementioned Sir Wyvern. (Yes, the Pugilist name is good one, eh?) But then there are some helpful, if playful, nonfiction sections, explaining great saints from church history---Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. Want your kids to fight gossip and greed, anger and laziness. This spiritual warfare guide will help, in a way they'll find fascinating. (For this last issue, see the character "Slackbottom." 'nuff said.) Good for ages 9 or 10 and up. -- Byron Borger, Hearts & Minds Bookstore