It seems that everyone is in love with dragons at the moment with Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, and its sequel Iron Flame both riding high in the bestseller charts. So here’s my round up of books to read if you’ve caught the dragon bug and need more.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey – This is the first in the Dragonriders of Pern series which now starts at 25 books (including some later ones written by Anne & her son Todd). The series starts with kitchen girl, Lessa who meets a dragon queen with whom she forms a bond that will last a lifetime. Together they must save Lessa’s world from the evil substance called Thread which will destroy everything they hold dear.
Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb – My favourite of all Robin Hobb’s series, this is the first book in the Rain Wild Chronicles. Young dragonlings swim up the acidic Rain Wilds river to their cocooning grounds – the first to do so for generations. While they grow they are looked after by the young people of the village until they hatch. But the dragons that hatch are poor specimens, weak and deformed. Aided by their newly appointed keepers the dragons set off for the mythical city of Kelsingra – a dangerous journey to a city that may not exist.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin – Well you can’t have a list of books about dragons without Game of Thrones, can you? Less fantasy, more mediaeval political drama (with dragons). It’s a great read if you have the time to spare, and beware, the ending of the books is nowhere near in sight. Do get a move on, George!
Temeraire by Naomi Novik – This is the first in an eight book series set during the Napoleonic Wars.Napoleon and Nelson dance closer to the Battle of Trafalgar, but this is not the world as we know it for these wars are also fought in the air with squadrons of aviators flying dragons. Captain Laurence comes into possession of a very special dragon which had been destined for the Emperor Napoleon himself. Described by Stephen King as “a cross between Susannah Clarke and Patrick O’Brian”.
Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton – An unusual tale of a family dealing with bereavement, sons and daughters all affected differently by their father’s death. But these sons and daughters are all dragons, and gathered after his death to consume their father’s body. In a world of dog eat dog (or dragon eat dragon) politics they must fight hard to survive.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman – Dragons and humans have lived together in peace for decades, with humans utilising the mathematical skills of the dragons in academia. However as the anniversary of the treaty draws near, all is not well. A member of the Royal Family is murdered and Seraphina who is investigating uncovers a plot to destroy the fragile peace. And Seraphina herself is hiding a secret.
A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan – Lady Trent is the world’s preeminent authority on dragons. And this is the story of how she rose to fame, a pioneering young woman who defied the conventions of her day, and of her great expedition to the mountains of Vystrana.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – epic fantasy of war between East and West, between people and dragons. An heirless queen, the lady-in-waiting who protects her with magic, the dragon rider across the sea and the forces of chaos that surround them all. Brilliant characters and an action packed plot make this one of the best dragon fantasies of recent years
I hope you’ve enjoyed our trip into the land of dragons. If fantasy is your bag, or if it’s something you’d like to explore more of we have a fantasy subscription available here or one off gift boxes if you just want to try a little to see how you get on here. Have you got a favourite dragon?
