The Book Dragon

12/08/2026

What if things had been different?

Perhaps there's a moment in your life you've sometimes wondered about. A decision you could have made differently, a path you didn't take, or simply a time when you've wondered, "What if...?"

On Saturday 26th September, join Dahlian Kirby at Chapters & Chai for Once Upon a Different Ending, a special Writing for Wellbeing session exploring the possibilities of a different ending.

You don't need to consider yourself a writer to take part. No writing experience is necessary – just bring an open mind, put pen to paper and see where the possibilities take you.

Saturday 26th September
1pm–4pm
Chapters & Chai, Stockton-on-Tees
£30 per person
Includes a drink of your choice, a sandwich and cake

Places are limited to just 10 people, so don't leave it too late if you'd like to join us.

Book your place here:
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/product/once-upon-a-different-ending-writing-for-wellbeing-with-dahlian-kirby

11/08/2026

This week's Book of the Week is Fran and the Canine Chase by Julie Day

Fran is a non-speaking autistic child who shares a special bond with her assistance dog, Barnaby. When Barnaby is stolen, Fran is understandably distressed – but she's also determined to help find him.

Communicating through her device and with support from her mum, Fran asks Pete from the Pet Rescuers for help and becomes part of the search to bring her beloved companion home.

Fran and the Canine Chase is a positive and empowering children's story exploring communication, confidence, friendship and independence, while giving young autistic readers the opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they read.

Available from our website:
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/product/fran-and-the-canine-chase-by-author-julie-day

Or in-store at Chapters & Chai, Stockton-on-Tees.

And there's a special offer this Saturday! If you purchase Fran and the Canine Chase or any of the other titles in the Pet Rescuers series at Chapters & Chai between 10am and 3pm, you can pick them up for the very special price of £5 each!

11/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C2tC6QxTp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Starting September 2026. If you have always fancied playing D & D but didn’t know where to start come and join in the fun and game play with Of Dice and Them at Chapters & Chai. Please drop a comment so we know how many are interested in playing or message for joining instructions. Thanks ☺️

10/08/2026

Do all the pieces of your story fit together?

Even the smallest inconsistency can pull a reader out of the world you've created. As your story develops, it's easy for details to change or contradictions to creep in.

When editing, check:
• Do your characters behave consistently with what we know about them?
• Does your timeline make sense?
• Are important details consistent throughout the story?
• Do characters know only what they could realistically know?

Keeping notes on characters, locations, timelines and key events can make inconsistencies much easier to spot.

Your readers don't need to notice every detail—but they should be able to trust that your story holds together.

09/08/2026

It's Sunday, which means it's time for another Author Confessions!

Every writer knows the feeling of telling themselves, "Just one more chapter…" or "Just one more page…" before realising it's far later than expected.

This week's confession:

Have you ever stayed up far too late because you couldn't stop writing?

Tell us your answer in the comments. We'd love to hear about the moments when your creativity simply wouldn't let you call it a night!

08/08/2026

This Saturday, we're celebrating both the launch of Trevor Cowan's new memoir and the relaunch of his inspiring guide to contemporary shamanism.

Trevor's books offer two complementary perspectives on a remarkable spiritual journey. Change Your Life! introduces readers to contemporary shamanism, offering practical guidance for personal growth, healing, and discovering a new direction in life.

His new memoir, How I Changed My Life! A Journey From Engineering to Shamanism, tells the deeply personal story behind that journey, tracing his path from a career in engineering through the signs, synchronicities, challenges, and discoveries that ultimately led him to embrace shamanism as his life's calling.

To celebrate, we've created a Trevor Cowan Book Bundle, bringing both titles together for readers who want to experience the complete journey—from the personal story to the practical wisdom.

Save £3.98 when you purchase the bundle from The Book Dragon website:
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/product/book-bundle-change-your-life-how-i-changed-my-life-by-author-trevor-cowan/

Prefer to browse in person? The bundle, along with both individual titles, is also available at Chapters & Chai Ltd

You can find out more about Trevor at his website:
https://shamanichelp.org/

08/08/2026

AUGUST SAVE A TENNER DEAL

Save £10 per person off the normal booking price of our ESCAPE Room this August Only.

Bookings must be held between 14th and 31st August 2026 to qualify for the deal.

Our Lunatic Sage DARES you to Challenge him…

Do you have what it takes to beat the clock and save the world???

Chapters and Quest offers an immersive escape room in Stockton-on-Tees, challenging groups with thrilling puzzles and captivating quests that promise an unforgettable adventure. Welcome to The Prison of the Lunatic Sage — a story-driven escape room where puzzles, secrets, and a touch of madness aw...

07/08/2026

Looking for a read that's equal parts mystery, folklore and psychological suspense?

This week we're highlighting Sorrowsmile Meadows by L Philipp Naughton

What begins as a family holiday in the picturesque village of Begin Again soon becomes something far darker. With strange traditions, unsettling secrets and a village seemingly trapped in time, this is a story that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Read the full review via the link below:
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/book-reviews/sorrowsmile-meadows-by-author-l-philipp-naughton-book-review

You can purchase it here:
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/product/sorrowsmile-meadows-by-l-philipp-naughton/

Or in store at Chapters & Chai Ltd

06/08/2026

Have you been following this week's Book Dragon book tour for The Adventures of Cookie and Were-rabbit by Puviyal Sri?

Our reviewers have been sharing their thoughts throughout the week, celebrating this charming children's adventure. If you've missed any of the stops along the tour, there's still time to catch up before tomorrow's final roundup, when we'll reveal the overall reviews and scores from our Book Dragon reviewers.
https://thebookdragon.co.uk/book-tours/the-adventures-of-cookie-and-were-rabbit-by-author-puviyal-sri/

Tomorrow, we're also delighted to be celebrating The Adventures of Cookie and Were-rabbit with a Book Showcase at Chapters & Chai Ltd between 11am and 2pm.