The second book in the series is certainly darker than the first, though no less entertaining.

If you are expecting a rideable black dragon that acts like a cat and Vikings becoming partners with dragons, you will be disapointed. Cressida Cowell's books are not at all like the critically acclaimed (and family loved, including ours) movie series that inspired three tv series and a new live-action movie. But that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic book. There's a reason it became a movie, after all.

Review: Toby's best friend has just become the chosen one. Now they must figure out how to stop the villain from turning all the kingdoms against each other in a war that would destroy them all, leaving only the villain to rule the war-stricken land!