Fantasy books about dragons combine the wonder and terror of these powerful, scaly creatures with an often epic story.
Are you looking for a story that introduces them? if so, look no further.
You are reading: Fantasy books with dragons
Here are 20 fantastic dragon fantasy books to read:
- dragon slayer by duncan m. hamilton
- the dragon slayer and wizard from v.r. cardoso
- ice dragon from d.k. holmberg
- eragon by christopher paolini
- legends of the dragon kingdom by richard a. knaak
- the nightmare of the elves by andre norton and mercedes lackey
- the dragons by douglas niles
- her majesty’s dragon by naomi novik
- fireborne by rosaria munda
- justa by mercedes lackey
- burned by mari mancusi
- a desert dragon by william king
- dragons of autumn twilight by margaret weis and tracy hickman
- dragon weather by lawrence watt-evans
- the legend of huma by richard a. knaak
- blue moon rising by simon r. green
- the dragon stone by dennis l. mckiernan
- the dragon and george de gordon r. dickinson
- robin hobb’s dragon keeper
- e.e. dragon keeper gentleman
I’ve included book descriptions, reader ratings, and summaries of positive and negative reviews for each book.
On the other hand, if you want a quick summary, here is a comparison table.
dragon slayer by duncan m. hamilton
description
once a member of the king’s personal guard, guillot dal villevauvais spends most days drinking and mourning his wife and son. he is amazed, and wary, when the prince-bishop orders him to find and destroy a dragon. He and the Prince Bishop have never exactly been friends, and Gill left the capital in disgrace five years ago. so why him?
And more importantly, how do you fight a dragon when the ancient knights of the silver circle hunted the beasts to extinction centuries ago?
On the way to the capital city, Gill rescues Solène, a young waitress who is about to be burned as a witch. he believes her to be innocent…but she soon proves that she has a lot of raw and inexperienced power, a problem in this land, where magic is forbidden.
However, the Prince Bishop believes that magic will be the key to both destroying the dragon and replacing the young and inexperienced king he intends to serve with a more malleable figurehead.
Between gill’s rusty sword skill and solene’s unstable magic, what could possibly go wrong?
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.95
Most common score: 4
positive comments
First on our list of fantasy books about dragons is dragonslayer. this fantasy novel entertained readers with its plot full of intrigue and action.
Surprises abound, not to mention the fast pace and betrayals. fans were delighted and said this made the book go round and round, capturing their attention and making them eager to find out what would happen next.
Other than that, fans praised dragonslayer for presenting both the dragon slayer’s point of view and the dragon’s point of view. while the dragon slayer story involved a poignant tale of redemption, the dragon’s perspective intrigued them.
Fantasy books may have fantastical creatures, but their story is usually told through the eyes of a human. Not so in dragonslayer, where readers got a glimpse of the world from a scaled, flying dragon and the last of its kind. plus, since they were both likeable characters, it created a bittersweet ending not often seen in “murder” stories.
negative comments
If readers didn’t like dragonslayer, they usually said it was because the book was too familiar. critics said that the overall plot and characters did not deviate much from what they expected from the prototypical dragon-slaying story.
In particular, these readers focused on the characters and said that because they were standard character types, they were hard to get attached to.
the dragon slayer and the wizard from v. r. thistle
description
magic can make you invincible. if he doesn’t get you killed first.
aric and fadan are half brothers. both sons of the empress, but only one of them son of the emperor. a decade ago, the powerful father of fadan split the empire in two by banning the use and practice of magic.
Forbidden to see each other, aric and fadan defy the emperor and wander the vast imperial citadel until one night they stumble across an ancient manual of magic. they are faced with a choice: take the book directly to the emperor or see if one of them has the forbidden magical talent.
Their world is turned upside down and the half-siblings are swept up in the tragedy and conspiracy that drives them apart, sending them to both ends of the empire.
In a world of dark wizards, massive creatures, and vengeful gods, one will train as a dragon slayer while the other harnesses magical powers that could mean his execution.
Dark forces move in the shadows and no one in the empire is prepared for what is to come. Will Aric and Fadan survive to see each other again?
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.10
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Second on our list of fantasy books about dragons is The Dragon Slayer and The Wizard. this coming-of-age novel features two main characters that readers loved following.
Watching the two brothers discover their gifts and grow into adults gripped them. at the same time, fans said that both the main and supporting characters were well developed, and they all added to the story.
negative comments
what did the critics say? in general, they said that the dragon slayer and wizard had a slow start. others said that the book occasionally used modern terminology that they did not think matched the medieval-inspired world.
ice dragon by d. K. holmberg
description
When a mysterious stranger brings news of a dragon, Jason’s entire world changes.
The northern mountain town offers protection from the dragon menace, but it’s a tough place, especially for a misfit like jason dreshen.
He spends his days foraging for food for his family, praying for warmth, and trying to hide his strange silver eye that grants him dragon sight.
When a stranger visits during the local freedom festival looking for a different kind of dragon, everything changes.
Forced down the side of the mountain, Jason learns the truth about powers he’s only heard about in rumours. As he flees from the mortal souls of dragons, he discovers that he may have more to do with magic than just the dragon’s sight.
To save himself and stop the dragon souls, he must learn a truth about himself that brings him closer to what he fears most: dragons.
Somehow, he might be the only one able to protect them from the dragon souls, but how can he protect what he hates?
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.38
Most common score: 5
positive comments
The Ice Dragon is next on our list, one of our newest dragon fantasy books released in late 2019. Fans of this action-packed fantasy tale praised the story overall, saying it was electrifying. with suspense, intrigue and of course. ! – dragons.
These readers often said that this book is a dragon lover’s delight. In addition to the adventure plot of the ice dragon, the characters won over fans. their motivations and through whom they shone. readers often said that the more they read, the more they came to know and like the characters.
negative comments
what did critics say about the ice dragon? They had two main comments. first was that the beginning of the book was slow. the second was that they felt that the characters were hiding information. this meant that critics felt that the story world could have been explained more or that the cast of supporting characters seemed flat.
eragon by christopher paolini
description
a boy… a dragon… a world of adventures.
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it’s the lucky find of a poor farmer; he may buy meat for his family for the winter.
But when the stone brings forth a young dragon, Eragon soon realizes that he has stumbled upon a legacy almost as old as the empire itself.
Overnight, his simple life is shattered and he is thrust into a dangerous new world of fate, magic, and power.
With only an ancient sword and the advice of an ancient storyteller to guide, Eragon and the budding dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.
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can eragon take up the mantle of legendary dragon riders?
The fate of the empire may be in your hands.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 3.89
Most common score: 5
positive comments
eragon: A fantasy novel famed on its first release for taking beloved fantasy elements and turning them into a dragon-filled adventure.
Readers appreciated that much of what they loved to see in fantasy books appears in this epic: supernatural abilities, sword fighting, dragon riders, prophecies, elves, hidden kingdoms, and of course, the hero facing off against a seemingly invincible empire.
Readers said that eragon took them into the world of alagaësia and its many interesting characters. They often commented that fans of the Lord of the Rings would find elements in this story that they would enjoy.
negative comments
Unfortunately, the same reason fans loved this fantasy book was the same reason critics didn’t: the familiar tropes.
Its similarities to Lord of the Rings and Star Wars frustrated critics. While “Lord of the Rings Meets Dragons Star Wars” delighted fans, these readers thought Eragon was too predictable for their liking.
Because of this, several commented that the book might be more suitable for first-time fantasy readers.
legends of the dragon kingdom by richard a. scoundrel
description
an omnibus of the first three novels by new york times bestselling author richard a. knaak’s dragonrealm epic fantasy series, collected for the first time in one incredible volume.
In addition to writing one of the best-selling Warcraft novels of all time, Day of the Dragon, Richard A. knaak is the author of the legendary dragonrealm fantasy series.
Now available for the first time in one fantastic collection, the first three novels in this fascinating series include:
fire drake:
In the ultimate war between humans and fierce shape-shifters, Duke Toma has unleashed every imaginable evil upon the world of the Dragon Kings.
Only one dares to challenge him: Cabe Bedlam, a young man with a magical sword that promises its wielder total dominion over man and beast alike.
ice dragon:
pitting his magic sword against the gleaming scaled armor of the dragon kings, the young cabe bedlam drove the shapeshifters back to their origins.
But from the wastelands of the north, the ruthless ice dragon implements a deadly plan to bring humanity to oblivion. now cabe must embark on a dangerous journey towards an epic confrontation.
wolf helmet:
The death of the dragon emperor leaves both the dragon kingdom and the human kingdom in ruins. the hope of tomorrow, the emperor’s young, alive, protected by the human warrior cabe bedlam.
but the future teeters on the brink of disaster, and only cabe and his good friend, the gryohon, can save the dragons from losing their magic forever.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.97
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is legends of the dragonrealm. This novel takes classic fantasy tropes and uses them to dazzle readers: a European-inspired world; elves, dwarves and dragons; and a great quest to kill dragons to save a nation.
These ‘old favorite’ tropes also had enough of a twist that readers commented on how interesting they found the world, the cast, and the different creatures.
They also said the story starts off with a bang, they were immediately invested in cabe and its story, and they kept a satisfying pace throughout.
negative comments
some readers didn’t think legends of the dragonrealm was the right book for them. these readers often described the book as riddled with inconsistencies in worldbuilding. the book would establish a rule but then break it. this was often true when the rule involved the main characters.
Other readers, however, said they couldn’t connect with the characters. as such, they were not involved in them or their stories. some mentioned that the main characters seemed like stereotypical fantasy protagonists. cabe, they said, is a brave and decent sword-wielding standard hero.
on the other hand, gwen is your standard insanely beautiful love interest who is constantly in need of rescuing. In her case, readers said this bothered them because it has been established that she has much more experience and skill than she fits.
elvenbane by andre norton and mercedes lackey
description
This is the story of Shana, a half-breed born from the forbidden union of an elven lord father and a human mother.
Her exiled mother died, she was rescued and raised by dragons, an ancient and proud race that existed unknown to elves or mankind.
Since her birth, Shana was the embodiment of prophecy feared by the mighty elven lords. her destiny is the exciting adventure of her life.
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.95
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list is the elvenbane. this coming-of-age story captivated readers with its believable characters and nuanced characterization.
Fans commented that the characters, which include characters from various age groups and species, were all unique. Plus, as they interact with their world, they grow and learn from each other.
Along with this, fans often said that the world building of the story was complex and rich. not only was it immersive in itself, but seeing the characters interact with it made both the cast and the world wonderfully complex.
negative comments
If the readers didn’t like the nightmare of the elves, what did they say? critics tended to have a common reason: the pace of the book. several of them mentioned that it was slow and that not much happened, plot-wise.
douglas niles dragons
description
See Also: Top 40 Best Dark Fantasy Books Of All Time Review 2022
“when dragons wage war, krynn can only tremble in the shadow of furious wings.” – lore keeper astinus
aurican and darlantan, powerful serpents of gold and silver, have been nurtured in a world of wisdom, meditation and sublime faith.
On the other side of Ansalon, Crematia, a red dragon, inherits the Dark Queen’s legacy of betrayal, violence, conquest, and plunder.
The advent of a world war drags these powerful beings and many more into a desperate fight. Battles rage on Krynn with a fury that threatens to annihilate entire races and nations, even dragons.
As campaigns come and go, generations of little mortals come and go, and the great serpents remain to determine the fate of the world.
Your triumphs can create an all-encompassing destiny of light or cast the world under the shadow of ultimate darkness.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.97
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is The Dragons, a story whose main cast consists entirely of dragons in brutal and epic wars with each other.
While the novel is sixth in the Dragonlance franchise’s series of lost stories, readers have reported that this book also makes an excellent stand-alone book. familiarity with the dragonlance universe is also not required, but is a bonus.
So what did the fans say? First, readers said that dragon lovers have a treat in this book. the story covers several generations of dragons, magnifying the story to one of epic proportions.
Furthermore, fans said this broad scope didn’t come with a trade-off in character development – each dragon had their own distinct personality and perspective and gave readers a reason to love or hate them.
negative comments
If readers didn’t think dragons were the right story for them, what did they say?
Several reviewers said that while the story was epic in scope and action, it ultimately lacked tension. instead of suspense or drama, the battles felt routine and identical. as a result, they found the book slower than they expected.
Other readers said the story’s time scale came at the cost of its characterization. unlike fans, these reviewers said that the dragons did not appear multi-dimensional or that their characterization did not carry over through the demo. instead, the book informed readers about the characteristics of dragons.
her majesty’s dragon by naomi novik
description
Aerial combat brings an exciting new dimension to Napoleonic wars, as brave warriors ride mighty battle dragons, bred for size or speed.
When the HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life to an uncertain future and an unexpected kinship with an extraordinary creature.
/p>
Entered into the rarefied world of airborne corps as a fearless dragon master, you’ll face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle.
As France’s own dragoon-borne forces unite to break through British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must fly into their own baptism of fire.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.06
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is Her Majesty’s Dragon. This character-driven story changes the concept of the dragon rider by transforming the lone warrior into a fleet.
Readers said the team atmosphere, camaraderie, and heart-warming bonds between dragonriders and dragons warmed their hearts. they entered history to experience the slowly building relationship between dragon and dragon rider, and his majesty’s dragon delivered.
In addition, readers also praised the depiction of the story’s dogfight. they described them as detailed and considered, keeping in mind the technological challenges arising from the historical influence of the story.
negative comments
What about the readers who didn’t enjoy the novel? critics generally said the story had little tension or conflict. while His Majesty’s Dragon focuses on the relationship between the dragon rider and the dragon, even that seemed to these readers to progress too easily.
On the other hand, some readers said they found the characters themselves to be bland. because of this, they were unable to commit or invest in them.
fire by rosaria munda
description
Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world and gave everyone, even the lowborn, a chance to prove themselves to the ruling class of dragonriders.
Both are now rising stars in the new regime, despite their backgrounds that couldn’t be more different. Annie’s humble family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee’s aristocratic family was killed by revolutionaries.
Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training has made them rivals for the top spot in the dragonriding fleet.
But everything changes when the survivors of the old regime emerge, determined to take back the city.
With war on the horizon and his relationship with Annie rapidly changing, Lee must choose to kill the only family he has left or betray everything he’s come to believe in.
and annie must decide whether to protect the boy she loves. . . or step up to be the champion your city needs.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.16
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is fireborne. fans reported that this fantasy novel was already full of suspense, excitement, and constant twists. reading about the characters’ journey from raw recruits to mighty warriors sucked them in.
Those who love dragons also praised the book for its depiction of these creatures. on the one hand, they are companions and companions in battle. but on the other, they are symbols of the political and military power of the state, for better or for worse.
Speaking of politics, many readers mentioned that the story’s more nuanced portrayal of regime change, its thorny conundrums and implementation challenges, made this story a joy.
negative comments
While fireborne had its supporters, it also had its detractors. So what did they say?
The most common reason critics didn’t enjoy the novel was that they didn’t think enough attention was paid to dragons. The story may have them, but Annie and Lee, the human leads, and their relationship with each other took center stage. the dragons, critics said, struck them as more of a setting than characters in their own right.
Others mentioned that they found the romance between annie and lee unsatisfying. these readers either didn’t find them convincing as a couple or just didn’t feel the relationship was strong enough to support it.
jousting mercedes lackey
description
Mercedes Lacayo, the national best-selling fantasy author, creates a vivid and dynamic fusion of the cultures of ancient Egypt and fabled Atlantis with the most exciting and believable depiction of dragons ever imagined.
The first book in this exciting new series introduces us to a young slave who dreams of becoming a joust, one of the few warriors who can actually ride a flying dragon. and so, in secret, he begins to breed his own dragon…
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.02
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of dragon fantasy books is joust, a coming-of-age tale set in a lush, simmering desert world. Inspired by ancient Egypt, the setting was part of why readers said they were seduced and intrigued by this story. the construction of the world, especially of the cultures and the dragons, impressed them with its development and its fascination.
In addition, fans praised the main characters for seeming multifaceted and real. In particular, Vicia grew personally, but also in her understanding of the larger political and ethical realities of being a dragonrider. readers found her moral struggles and her development in later parts of the book exciting.
negative comments
some readers thought that just wasn’t the right book for them. Overall, critics generally had two reasons why they didn’t enjoy the novel.
The first was that they didn’t connect with the pea, the main character. for them, he came across as too sanctimonious, while all of his efforts proceed smoothly. history seemed to favor him unduly.
Other readers, however, said the book itself was slow. they didn’t think much happened and expected more excitement, twists and turns.
scorched by mari mancusi
description
trinity
don’t leave me here…
starts with a whisper. At first, Trinity thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise: Her grandfather firmly believes that there is a genuine dragon egg in his dusty little West Texas town.
but this voice is real and is begging for your protection. even if no one else can hear it…
connor
comes from a future scorched by dragon fire. his mission: find the girl. destroy the egg. save the world.
caleb
He’s everything his twin brother Connor hates: cocky, undisciplined, and obsessed with saving dragons.
trinity has no idea which brother to believe. all she has to do is the voice in her head: a dragon that will not be tamed.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.78
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books about dragons is Scorched. Readers often described this fantasy novel as a “Terminator with Dragons”, a unique combination of time travel and dragons that they loved!
reported that the fast pace of the novel kept them glued to the pages. Action-packed and exciting, the book also featured a mystery about the true motives and pasts of the two brothers that drew readers in. several commented that discerning between truth and lies was one of the highlights of scorched.
others added that they appreciated the depiction of emberlyn, the dragon. while some stories characterize the allied dragons as friendly and pet-like, Scorched portrays the dragons as deadly and magnificent. These readers enjoyed this intriguing and dangerous atmosphere surrounding Trinity’s flame-breathing ally.
negative comments
Although Scorched has a large following, some readers didn’t like it. what did the critics say?
His comments were consistent: despite its apocalyptic and dragon twist, the novel turned out to be a family fantasy. To be more specific, these readers expressed disappointment that the novel features a love triangle and characters with familiar personalities.
These readers described Trinity, Conner, and Caleb as standard characters. furthermore, they said that the “good guy” versus “bad guy” setup in romance was also standard.
Any tension or conflict between the three characters was unimpressive – it felt like visions along a well-trodden path rather than a situation that piqued their interest and invested them in the outcome.
a william king desert dragon
description
the biggest problem in the life of fifteen-year-old raif used to be finding lost goats. now apprenticed to a terrifying war mage, he is caught up in the web of intrigue and murder surrounding the heir to his home kingdom.
And to top it all off, he becomes a foster parent to an orphaned dragon. he must do everything he can to ensure that he and his new friend survive the dangers of the mortal world they find themselves in.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 4.30
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is a desert dragon.
Fans said this coming-of-age story was full of intriguing characters and world building. they often commented that the world seemed to constantly unfold as the pages turned, while the characters grew in depth.
Overall, these readers praised the book, saying its world and characters were enjoyable, easy to connect with, and supportive of.
negative comments
The critics, on the other hand, mostly said the story was slow. these readers seemed to expect the story to be less about character and more about plot.
dragons of autumn twilight by margaret weis and tracy hickman
description
Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. now they are together again, although each keeps secrets from the others in their hearts.
They speak of a world shadowed by rumors of war. they speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They don’t talk about their secrets. then no.
Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful and afflicted woman, wielding a magical crystal staff, draws the companions deeper into the shadows, forever changing their lives and shaping the fate of the world.
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nobody expected them to be heroes.
let alone them.
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.99
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books about dragons is Dragons of Autumn Twilight. this book is considered a fantasy classic and many readers fondly remembered how much it attracted them to the fantasy genre in their childhood.
Readers who reviewed it positively often said that Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the best of traditional fantasy done right. all the traditional tropes that readers loved, whether in plot, character type, or setting, were in excellent form here. a common thread in their comments was how attached they grew to the characters, who had different aspects for these readers to connect with.
Fans also praised Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman for creating an uplifting, clean, and hopeful fantasy. many current fantasy books lean toward a cast of antihero leads, grim tone, and detailed violence. as such, these readers appreciated the different angle the story took.
negative comments
Readers overwhelmingly gave Dragons of Autumn Twilight a 5-star rating. Given that, what dragged the overall reader rating down to 3.99?
See Also: Memorable Jane Austen Quotes From Her Novels and Letters
Unsurprisingly, the “traditional fantasy” aspect was exactly what bothered critics. Dragons of Autumn Twilight was written in 1984, where the traditional fantasy tropes the book uses were fresh. By now, though, the same kinds of characters, plots, and worlds are prolific in the fantasy genre. all of these elements were painfully familiar to these readers.
Even details that would normally flesh out characters and give them surprising depth are now commonplace. as such, these readers perceived the characters as bland stereotypes and simply couldn’t warm to them.
In the end, these readers recommended the book to younger readers who might not be familiar with the fantasy genre.
dragon time by lawrence watt-evans
description
arlian had never left her hometown in the obsidian mountains. Green hills, white peaks, and black glass were all he had ever known of life, and though he dreamed of traveling and adventures, he knew in his heart that he would probably never leave.
until the dragon weather came. incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark and angry clouds. . . and dragons dragons without feelings, without empathy, without use for humans; dragons that destroyed all of his people and everyone in him. everyone, that is, except arlian.
Orphaned and alone, the Arlian boy is captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. Seven years later, Arlian the Man escapes, fueled by years of hatred for the dragons, bandits, and slavers who took his youth, and a personal vow to exact retribution from those who have wronged him.
As Arlian moves through life, he is obsessed with the concept of justice, and that obsession informs every task, every decision.
Even Black, the man he befriends and comes to love like a brother, has little leverage against Arlian’s obsession. His whole life has one purpose, and one purpose only: to dispense justice.
but can a just man change the whole world for the better? Or is he doomed by his own actions to become as unjust as those he seeks to destroy?
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 4.00
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of dragon fantasy books is Dragon Weather, a novel praised by readers for its thrilling action and breakneck pace. The story is a story of Arlian’s quest for revenge and her growth along the way.
As such, readers appreciated the book’s honest and ugly portrayal of combat. the battles were intense and brutal, even hair-raising. those who enjoyed grittier, darker fantasies thought this was a great aspect of the novel.
Also, the growth of Arlian’s character into a more mature and kind individual was insightful enough to get these readers thinking about questions of justice and revenge without seeming preachy.
negative comments
However, if readers didn’t like the dragon’s weather, it was for the same reason many of the book’s fans loved it: the brutality.
dragon weather takes no prisoners with its portrayal of violence and cruelty. readers mentioned, for example, characters having their hands and feet cut off. others said the frequent sexual assaults and abuse faced by the women in the story particularly bothered them.
the legend of huma by richard a. scoundrel
description
“huma rode west to the high cleric’s tower on the silver dragon’s back and the path of his flight crossed over a desolate country where the dead walked alone, speaking the names of dragons.”
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For the first time in the blockbuster Dragonlance® saga, here is the legend of Huma, legendary hero of the spear: his mysterious origins and his tailored oath; betrayal among the knights of solamnia; his love for the silver dragon; the fated showdown between the queen of darkness and paladine’s forces.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.03
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Our next fantasy book about dragons is The Legend of Huma. This action-packed story captivated readers with its admirable heroes and mysterious but cruel villains. the legend of huma uses classic characterizations and plots, but adds just enough of a twist to make them refreshing.
In addition, readers said that while this kept the story simple, it was done in such a way that Huma’s convictions and sense of honor were inspiring and uplifting. huma is a developed and compelling version of a “knight in shining armor”, an archetype that is notoriously difficult to get right.
Several readers commented on how much the story’s themes of heroism and standing up for one’s principles touched them and spoke to them on a deep level, even as they were excited and fascinated by the world of the story.
negative comments
Readers predominantly gave The Legend of Huma 5 stars, but not all had such warm praise for the book. critics had two objections, stemming primarily from the novel’s overall premise: a “knight in shining armor” main character and a classic fantasy story.
Several readers who preferred principled protagonists, however, said that Huma seemed too stereotypical. while these readers knew that huma would be archetypal, they still wanted more differentiation from the standard “knight in shining armor”.
Others said they wished the story was less predictable, even if it emulated a traditional fantasy tale. for them, the story didn’t have enough original aspects other than the “old favorite” tropes.
blue moon rising by simon r. green
description
ruperto did not particularly want to be a prince. and he certainly never asked to be the second son of a royal line that didn’t really need a spare. so he was sent to slay a dragon and prove himself to him, a quest straight out of legend.
but he also discovered the kind of things that legends tend to leave out, as well as the usual demons, goblins, the dreaded night witch, and even worse terrors lurking in the shadows of the dark forest.
rupert found a fire dragon and a beautiful princess to rescue. But the dragon turned out to be a better friend than anyone in the castle, and with Darkwood Evil spreading, Rupert was going to need all the friends he could get.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.09
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books about dragons is the rise of the blue moon. A unique combination of comedy and fantasy, readers who praised Blue Moonrise applauded it for being quick, witty, and funny. especially considering it’s a huge number of pages!
They also mentioned how memorable and funny each of the characters was. Unlike other books where only the main character shines, readers happily reported that it wasn’t just Rupert who delighted them. it was a pleasure reading about the entire cast for hundreds of pages.
Overall, readers described Rise of the Blue Moon as an action-packed, comedic adventure suitable for all ages. Since dark and gritty fantasy is the current trend, this book came across as a refreshing change!
negative comments
So, if readers didn’t like the novel, what did they say? well, some of them said they found the story too fast. these readers thought that due to pacing, the book sacrificed characterization. they would have preferred the cast to have more details than flesh them out.
Others reported that the humor of the story did not resonate with them. in his opinion, the light tone of the story was at odds with the fact that the characters were fighting to stop an impending apocalypse fueled by demons.
dragonrock by dennis l. mckiernan
description
For as long as she can remember, the elven lady Arin has been plagued by visions of the past or future.
But none have left her as shocked as the one predicting Mithgar’s fall: images of raging dragons and brutal legions laying waste to everything in their path, signifying a devastating war that will threaten the land.
There is more to the prophecy than a warning: riddles within the vision that Arin must decipher if she is to avoid the coming destruction.
and it will take a journey across countless leagues, connected to a relic of immense power known as the dragonstone, to find the answers to mithgar’s salvation…
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 3.89
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books about dragons is dragonstone. this novel features many of the aspects of classic fantasy that fans loved: elves, dragons, and wizards, as well as epic quests.
Fans consistently singled out the cast of characters as one of their favorite parts of the story, describing the main and supporting characters as easy to enjoy and enjoyable to follow. these readers praised the book for its heartwarming friendships, romances, and adventures.
Others mentioned that they appreciated that dragonstone had no graphic content and would generally be a good read for teenage readers or those new to the fantasy genre.
negative comments
if readers didn’t like dragonstone, they generally focused on how many romantic partners there were.
As multiple couples were formed throughout the book, critics began to see the relationships as too convenient or outright forced. others said not all were convincing.
Other readers focused on the book’s similarity to Lord of the Rings and thought it was too standard a fantasy tale.
the dragon and george de gordon r. dickinson
description
jim eckert was a dragon. he hadn’t planned it that way, but that’s what happened when he set out to rescue his fiancée.
Jim, following her through an erratic astral projection machine, suddenly found himself in a twisted world, encased in the body of a talking dragon named Gorbash.
That wouldn’t have been so bad if his beloved Angie was also a dragon. but in this magical land, that was not the case. Angie had somehow remained a very feminine human, or a George, as the dragons called any human. and jim, no matter what they called him, was a dragon.
To make matters worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was being held captive in the foul impenetrable tower. So in this land where Georges were edible and beasts were magical, where spells worked and logic didn’t, Jim Eckert had a problem.
and i needed help, by george!
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.90
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books about dragons is The Dragon and George. This classic fantasy novel and comedy delighted readers, who described it as a light and fun prank. many of them mentioned how much the book made them laugh and smile because of its witty humor.
at the same time, the characters act realistically in their situation, be it the main character, jim, or the surrounding cast of characters. fans said they found themselves getting closer to each character as the pages turned.
negative comments
no fantasy novel is exempt from critics. given that, what were the reasons readers didn’t like the dragon and george? in general, critics tended to say that they found the story too similar to standard fantasy, be it the characters, the plot, or the world.
however, most tended to focus on the characters, saying they belonged to recognizable types. because of this, these readers found it difficult to connect with them.
robin hobb’s dragon keeper
description
It has been too long since the mighty dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the trading cities stave off an invasion by their enemies.
traders have forgotten their promises, tired of the toil and expense of caring for earth dragons born weak and deformed by a river turned toxic.
If neglected, the creatures will spiral out of control, or die, so it is decreed that they must proceed upriver to Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the uncertain ancient memories of dragons.
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Thymara, an uneducated forest girl, and Alise, a rich and loveless merchant’s wife, are among the disparate group tasked with escorting the dragons to their new home.
And in an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned, as dragons and cuddlies alike experience hardship and betrayal. . . and joys beyond your wildest imaginations.
what are readers saying?
good reads rating: 3.93
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about dragons is Robin Hobb’s Guardian of Dragons. This book launches a series that may serve as both an expansion to Hobb’s earlier Living Ship Traders trilogy.
Readers familiar with the trilogy described the Dragon Guardian as a counterpoint to the more light-hearted ending in the Living Ship Merchants. While the Living Ship Traders ended on a high point, this series is about the aftermath and begins on a low point.
the dragonkeeper dragons struggled to find a way to leave their serpent form behind in the living ship trader trilogy, but now they find that their success came at the horrible disadvantage of killing most of them in the process .
Because of this, fans said it’s easy to sympathize with the dragons in this story who, far from their often majestic and powerful portrayal in other books, are frail and sickly. their struggle to survive and thrive caught the attention of fans of the book for its appeal and inspiration.
negative comments
If the readers didn’t like the novel, what did they say? these readers focused on the fact that the story itself is short on emotion and action. The book’s premise is simple and it sports a straightforward plot: Guardian of the Dragon is not a story full of twists and turns.
In particular, readers mentioned that this first book in the series seemed like a step forward for future books. alone, it resonates with readers based on how much they enjoy character-driven stories. even readers who didn’t enjoy the story in general recognized that the characterization was strong.
These readers said that the book continues towards the end. however, before that, they felt that not much was happening.
dragon champion by e. me. knight
description
High in the mountains, deep in the safety of a cave, a brood of dragons is born. the four youths are among the last of a dying race, the dragons’ last hope for survival.
But all hope is shattered when a murderous group of slave-trading dwarves bursts into the cave, leaving a trail of death and destruction… only the young auron, a rare and defenseless gray dragon, manages to escape. Armed with nothing but his own claws and a boundless determination to survive, he sets out in search of his kind.
But to find other dragons, or at least figure out who’s killing them, Auron will have to search a world of mercenary elves, vicious humans, and dangers of all kinds.
Finding allies in the strangest of places, and finding himself along the way, Auron is about to take the trip of a lifetime.
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.98
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Last on our list of dragon fantasy books is The Dragon Champion, a coming-of-age tale told from the perspective of a dragon. Readers characterized this story as an action-packed story that adult fantasy readers and young adult readers alike would find delightful!
the point of view of auron, the scaly protagonist of dragon champion, fascinated them. Unlike stories in which the non-human characters seem human in all but name, Auron has a perspective that comes off as appropriately and intriguingly alien.
negative comments
on the other hand, readers who didn’t enjoy dragon champion mentioned the ongoing violence as negative. several critics felt there was too much brutality overall, but others boiled down to how much of that brutality came from the protagonist’s hands.
For example, the first chapter features the protagonist hatching and immediately killing his siblings. readers described the rest of the story’s tone as the same. Because of this, it made the story’s antagonists unnervingly justify themselves and Auron seem like a cold-blooded killer.
Other readers, however, said that the fight scenes were so frequent that they lost their impact. Instead of inspiring emotion, the action-oriented moments lulled them into apathy.
top 20 fantasy books about dragons you can’t put down
how do these fantasy novels compare?
20 Best Dragon Fantasy Books You Can’t Put Down
- dragon slayer by duncan m. hamilton
- the dragon slayer and the wizard from v. r. thistle
- ice dragon of d. K. holmberg
- eragon by christopher paolini
- legends of the dragon kingdom by richard a. knaak
- the elvenbane by andre norton and mercedes lacayo
- the dragons by douglas niles
- his majesty’s dragon by naomi novik
- fireborne by rosaria munda
- mercedes lacayo jousting
- scorched by mari mancusi
- a desert dragon by william king
- autumn twilight dragons by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
- Dragon Weather by Lawrence Watt-Evans
- The Legend of Huma by Richard A. knaak
- blue moon rising by simon r. green
- the dragon stone by dennis l. mckiernan
- the dragon and george de gordon r. dickinson
- robin hobb’s dragon keeper
- e. me. knight
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