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And for those suffering from Game of Thrones withdrawal, check out these 20 dragon books that are sure to satisfy your cravings for epic fantasy. Take the 30-second quiz to discover your personalized fantasy book recommendation.
1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, The Hobbit, is a beloved fantasy novel that introduced many readers to the concept of dragons in the genre. The book tells the story of Smaug, a dragon who guards a vast hoard of stolen treasure in the lonely mountain.
The dwarves, aided by a wizard and a burglar, plan to reclaim their treasure from Smaug, bringing an end to his reign as the greatest gold-hoarder in Middle Earth. The Hobbit is a timeless tale of adventure and heroism that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
2. A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
“A Natural History of Dragons” by Marie Brennan is a unique dragon book that offers a scientific perspective on dragons. The book is written as a memoir of Isabella, a Victorian aristocrat who challenges societal norms to become an expert in the science of dragons.
The novel is a mix of coming-of-age, social conventions, and a tribute to trailblazers like Mary Anning, a 19th-century paleontologist. This book is a great option for readers who are interested in getting their dragon fix but are not fans of traditional fantasy novels. It offers a fantastic entry point for those who want to learn more about dragons from a scientific perspective.
3. Dragon Boy by Dick King-Smith
Dragon Boy by Dick King-Smith is a beloved children’s story in the UK. The novel follows the journey of an orphan boy who is adopted by a pair of dragons. The boy quickly becomes a cherished member of the dragon household and forms a strong bond with the dragons’ daughter.
The story is a heartwarming family saga that includes light adventurous elements. King-Smith’s humorous and unique writing style makes this story a must-read for children and adults alike.
4. Dragons at Crumbling Castle by Terry Pratchett
In “Dragons at Crumbling Castle,” Terry Pratchett’s collection of early short stories, a group of dragons takes over a castle while King Arthur and his knights are away. The story follows a young boy who must put on a suit of armor to defeat the dragons and save the castle.
This humorous tale, along with the other stories in the collection, is a great introduction to Pratchett’s work for young readers. The story’s comedic tone and imaginative storytelling make it a fun and engaging read for children.
5. Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight
In the Age of Fire series, dragons are the protagonists in their own story. Dragon Champion, the first book in the series, follows Auron, a dragon hatchling who is separated from his family and captured.
To save his race from a warlord who uses dragons for his battles, Auron must infiltrate the army by volunteering as a fighter. This unique perspective sets the book apart from others on this list.
6. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
In a kingdom where humans and dragons coexist, the crown prince is found murdered by a dragon. Seraphina, a gifted court musician, becomes involved in the investigation. However, she harbors a secret: she is a half-dragon.
7. Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton
The timeless song “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul, and Mary has been adapted into a beautiful picture book that brings the land of Honalee to life. The book features stunning illustrations by painter Eric Puybaret and comes packaged in a lovely felt case. The hardcover edition also includes an exclusive CD containing the original song and several new ones, making it a multimedia experience.
8. The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
In Robin Hobb’s 2009 novel, The Dragon Keeper, readers are transported to a world where dragons are almost extinct. The story follows a group of malformed hatchlings that are quickly labeled as a threat to society. Thymara, a young girl with a familial connection to the dragons, takes it upon herself to help the creatures escape to a new home. Hobb’s novel is a captivating tale of adventure and friendship that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
For younger readers, there are also plenty of dragon books to choose from. Some great examples include the following:
- Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
- The Dragon in the Sock Drawer by Kate Klimo
- Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
These books offer younger readers the opportunity to explore the world of dragons and experience their magic and wonder.
9. A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
The fifth installment of the series A Song of Ice and Fire, A Dance with Dragons is a masterpiece by the grimdark master George R.R. Martin. The book has played a significant role in sparking the current obsession with dragons in popular culture, with HBO’s Game of Thrones being a prime example.
10. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
In Michael Ende’s classic novel, a young warrior named Atreyu embarks on a quest to find a cure for the child empress. Along the way, he battles a terrifying monster to rescue a luckdragon, whom he befriends and rides through the skies.
The novel’s blend of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes has captivated readers for decades and inspired a generation of young readers. With its imaginative world-building and memorable characters, The Neverending Story remains a beloved classic of children’s literature.
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
In the fourth book of the Harry Potter series, dragons play a significant role in the Triwizard Tournament. The first challenge requires the student competitors to retrieve a golden egg from under one of four dragons: The Common Welsh, the Swedish Short-Snout, the Chinese Fireball, and the Hungarian Horntail, the most dangerous of them all. Harry is chosen to face the Hungarian Horntail, adding to the excitement and danger of the tournament.
12. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
In this satirical fantasy novel, a secret society in Ankh-Morpork decides to overthrow the ruler by summoning a dragon. However, the dragon decides to crown himself as King and demands gold and virgin sacrifices, throwing the city into chaos.
The Night’s Watch, a group of incompetent guards, must save the day with the help of their newest recruit. Terry Pratchett’s humorous take on medieval fantasy is sure to entertain readers with its witty dialogue and absurd scenarios.
13. Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton
Tooth and Claw is a unique novel that features dragons as the main characters. The story revolves around a dragon patriarch’s death, which leads to his children gathering to eat his body as part of their inheritance rites.
However, a greedy son-in-law’s actions spark a struggle for status amongst the siblings. The book is heavily influenced by the works of Anthony Trollope, making it a delightful fantasy homage with strong themes of politics and romance. Overall, Tooth and Claw is a sentimental Victorian novel that provides a fresh perspective on the traditional dragon archetype.
14. Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) by Naomi Novik
In Naomi Novik’s Temeraire, Captain Will Lawrence of the King’s Navy acquires a dragon’s egg during the Napoleonic Wars. When the dragon hatches and imprints on Lawrence, he decides to leave his naval career and join Britain’s dragon-borne aviators. Novik’s alternative history is a captivating read, as she creates entire cultures and societies based around dragons. The series is beloved by many for its rich and rewarding storytelling.
15. Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
In this novel, the Imaginarium Geographica is entrusted to three Oxford scholars after their professor’s death. The book contains the secret locations of mythical lands, making them the target of dark forces.
The twist? The three scholars are actually J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Williams, and their adventures take them to a hidden realm where dragons exist. The novel is an exciting blend of fantasy and historical fiction, taking readers on a thrilling journey through a world of imagination.
16. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eragon is the first book in the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. The book follows the story of Eragon, a poor farm boy who discovers a dragon egg. The classic hero’s journey plot involves Eragon and his dragon hatchling running away from an evil king.
Eragon’s journey begins as he becomes a mythical dragon rider. What sets this YA fantasy novel apart is that it was written and self-published by the author while he was still a teenager.
17. Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Dragon Rider is a captivating children’s book written by Cornelia Funke, the author of Inkheart. The story revolves around Firedrake, a dragon who lives in a secret valley in England.
When he learns of the humans’ plan to flood his home, he embarks on a journey to find a mythical place in the Himalayas where his dragon-kin can live in peace. Along the way, Firedrake and his friend Sorrel, a forest pixie, save an orphan and take him on their adventure.
The book’s plot is heartwarming and engaging, making it a must-read for children and adults alike. A 2020 animated adaptation of the book has been released, but readers are encouraged to read the book first before watching the movie.
18. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
How to Train Your Dragon is a popular children’s book series by Cressida Cowell that takes place on the Viking island of Berk. The story follows a young boy named Hiccup who must capture and tame a dragon to avoid being exiled from his clan.
Hiccup forms an unlikely bond with a small dragon he names Toothless, and together they become heroes to their clan. The book series has inspired 11 sequels and a blockbuster movie franchise. It is a perfect blend of adventure, friendship, and silly humor that children will enjoy.
Summary
Dragon books are a popular genre in literature, captivating readers with their mythical creatures and magical worlds. These books often feature dragons as central characters, with themes ranging from adventure and fantasy to romance and drama.
Some popular examples of dragon books include “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini and “Dragonriders of Pern” by Anne McCaffrey. These books have gained a loyal following among readers of all ages, and continue to inspire new works within the genre.