Looking for a new fantasy book to read after finishing Christopher Paolini’s Eragon? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find something similar. Luckily, a list of fiery fiction has been compiled to help readers find their next adventure. This article will provide a brief introduction to the list and highlight some of the exciting titles included.
Since its release in 2002, Eragon has captivated readers with its dragons, mythology, and epic battles. For those seeking a similar experience, the following books offer a thrilling mix of fantasy and adventure.
1. Ezaara: Riders of Fire, by Aileen Mueller
Aileen Mueller’s Ezaara: Riders of Fire is a captivating fantasy novel suitable for all ages, especially dragon enthusiasts. It follows the story of Ezaara, a young girl with healing abilities who is taken by the Queen of the dragons, Zaarusha, and becomes her chosen rider. Ezaara is thrown into a world of political turmoil and betrayal, where she discovers she has more connections to her new home than she ever imagined.
The novel is written by a two-time winner of New Zealand’s Sir Julius Vogel Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy, and it contains a thrilling combination of political intrigue, betrayal, and monsters. Through Ezaara’s journey, readers are taken on a heart-pounding adventure that will keep them engaged until the very end.
Some of the key features of Ezaara: Riders of Fire include:
- A strong female protagonist who takes charge of her own destiny
- A deep bond between Ezaara and her dragon, Zaarusha
- A world filled with complex political relationships and intrigue
- A thrilling adventure with unexpected twists and turns
Overall, Ezaara: Riders of Fire is a must-read for anyone who loves dragons and fantasy novels.
2. Ascendent, by Michael R Miller
Ascendent is a captivating novel that follows Holt Cook, a kitchen pot wash who becomes a dragon rider after stealing an egg to protect the blind dragon within it.
As the Scourge rises and undead hordes destroy the land, Holt must harness the unique energy of his dragon to survive and prove his true strength. The book combines the best elements of popular fantasy novels like Eragon and Pern, with the hard magic of Brandon Sanderson and Will Wight.
The novel is a thrilling adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Holt’s journey, and it is sure to appeal to fans of epic fantasy. Miller’s writing is engaging and vivid, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. Overall, Ascendent is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and imaginative fantasy novel.
3. The Last Wish, by Andrzej Sapkowski
Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Last Wish is a dark and intricately designed novel that is part of The Witcher series. The book follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, an assassin, outcast, and freak who takes care of the monsters lurking in the woods. Known as the White Wolf, Geralt travels through his world on horseback, trying to avoid getting involved with human affairs, until he inevitably does.
The novel’s fantastic mix of brooding and angry characters proves time and time again that true monsters often hide behind fair faces. The universe of The Witcher is filled with silver swords, violent sorcery, and feuds at every corner. This makes it a completely different type of fantasy with a refreshing take on morality and monsters.
The Last Wish has amassed a huge following over the years and is now a multi-award winning video game and Netflix show starring Henry Cavill. It serves as the perfect gateway into The Witcher universe.
4. His Majesty’s Dragon, by Naomi Novik
Naomi Novik’s His Majesty’s Dragon is a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a journey through a unique version of military history. The story follows Captain William Laurence and his dragon as they fight for Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. Laurence, a highly respected member of the Royal Navy, captures a French ship carrying an unexpected cargo: a dragon egg. As he begins to train the dragon, he realizes that his entire future is at stake.
Novik’s alternative version of history, which combines sentient dragons and ships, has impressed readers and critics alike, including Stephen King and Peter Jackson. The book’s main focus is the bond between the naive dragon and its proud rider, which is a heartwarming and exciting element of the story.
The book is written in a clear and engaging style, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy novels. The combination of action, history, and fantasy makes His Majesty’s Dragon a unique and captivating read.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a dragon-fantasy novel written by Samantha Shannon. The story is set in a matriarchal society where a prophecy states that the ungodly monster beneath the sea will remain dormant as long as Inys is ruled by the house of Berethnet.
Queen Sabran IX must conceive a daughter to avoid this terrible fate, but assassins are hiding in every shadow, and she must summon protection to stand a chance. Meanwhile, a dragonrider in the East must overcome disgrace and disaster to save the life of her dragon and potentially the world.
Narrated by four intriguing characters, this novel is the Bridgerton of the dragon-fantasy genre. The story features mages, anti-heroes, secret societies, and LGBTQ themes, making it unique in this trope. The rich and diverse world created by Samantha Shannon is captivating, delivering romance, political tension, and treachery in a way that keeps the reader guessing throughout its 800 pages.
6. A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones is a popular and critically acclaimed novel by George R.R. Martin. The story is set in a fictional world where long summers and winters can last for decades. The plot revolves around several powerful courts vying for control of the seven kingdoms.
However, the story is not just about political power struggles. As the characters fight for control, supernatural forces beyond the northern wall start to awaken, adding an element of mystery and suspense to the story.
The novel is known for its complex and original characters, and readers can expect plenty of betrayal, victory, terror, and tragedy. Martin is not afraid to shock readers with plot twists and unexpected deaths of beloved characters. The novel’s pages are filled with political tension, sex, and murder, making it an addictive and thrilling read.
7. A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin
First published in 1968, Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea is a classic coming-of-age story that follows the journey of Ged, a young wizard navigating a world of magic. The novel has been compared to the Harry Potter series and is highly regarded by authors such as Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman.
The story takes a philosophical turn when Ged attempts spells beyond his abilities and unleashes a menacing force upon the world. To save the world from destruction, Ged must embark on a journey to the farthest corners of Earthsea and learn powerful lessons along the way. The novel features wizards, dragons, and terrifying shadows, but it also tackles much larger philosophical themes.
Le Guin’s rich and honey-like prose highlights the importance of giving back to the world that we take so much from. A Wizard of Earthsea is an ageless and thought-provoking novel that encourages readers to contemplate life, mortality, and the true nature of humanity.
8. The Fork, The Witch, and the Worm, by Christopher Paolini
In 2018, Christopher Paolini published the first book in the Tales of Alagaësia series, titled The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm. This book consists of three short stories that follow the adventures of Eragon and his companion as they face new challenges while building a home for the Dragon Riders.
While some fans expressed disappointment at the brevity of the book, it is still recommended for those who are invested in Paolini’s characters and want to keep up with their progress. The stories feature a mix of both new and familiar characters.
9. Dragonsbane, by Barbara Hambly
Dragonsbane, the first book in the Winterlands quartet, is a classic fantasy adventure that follows the journey of young Gareth as he sets out to find the only living dragon slayer, Sir John, to help him slay the Black Dragon that has seized the capital of Bel. Along the way, he meets Jenny, a half-taught sorceress, and together they strike a bargain with the king to rid their home of bandits in exchange for killing the dragon.
What sets Dragonsbane apart from other fantasy novels is the age of the main characters. Jenny and John are full of regret for never achieving their lifelong dreams, adding a layer of depth to the story. Despite the gloomy themes, the novel is a thrilling adventure filled with hope and joy, providing readers with the pure sugar-coated escapism that all fantasy fans crave.
Here are some noteworthy features of Dragonsbane:
- Winterlands quartet
- Young Gareth sets out to find Sir John, the only living dragon slayer
- Jenny, a half-taught sorceress, joins them on their journey
- They strike a bargain with the king to kill the dragon in exchange for ridding their home of bandits
- Jenny and John are older characters with a sense of regret
- Classic fantasy adventure filled with hope and joy
10. Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina is a captivating novel set in the medieval land of Goredd, where dragons are portrayed as intelligent creatures capable of doing trigonometry and folding into human form, yet emotions baffle them completely. The book offers a fresh take on dragons, making it a New York Times bestseller and Morris Award-winning debut.
The story follows Seraphina, a woman with remarkable musical gifts and a secret ancestry of both dragons and humans. The plot thickens when a murder is discovered, and Seraphina and her accomplices try to expose the truth behind the attack and prevent the onset of a new war.
Hartman’s writing style is exceptional, containing a plethora of multi-dimensional characters and carrying a message of acceptance, not only of others but of oneself. The book’s unique portrayal of dragons and its gripping plot make it a must-read for fantasy lovers.
11. A Natural History of Dragons, by Marie Brennan
In this book, Lady Isabella Trent recounts her days as a pioneering scientist who risked her reputation and health to satisfy her scientific curiosity. The book is a memoir that challenges gender stereotypes and offers a unique perspective on dragons as a rare subject of scientific importance.
The narrator’s wit and sarcasm make this book truly extraordinary and hilarious, avoiding the melodrama often associated with books set in the Victorian era.
The book is complete with gorgeous illustrations that add to its appeal. Christopher Paolini has referred to the book as “superb in every regard,” placing Marie Brennan in the top flight of sci-fi/fantasy authors. Overall, A Natural History of Dragons is a must-read for those interested in science, gender studies, and fantasy literature.
12. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit is a classic fantasy novel that has been inspiring readers since its publication in 1937. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a contented hobbit who is suddenly thrust into an adventure when a group of dwarfs and a wizard named Gandalf show up at his doorstep and enlist his help as a burglar. Despite his initial reluctance, Bilbo embarks on a perilous journey to a dragon’s treasure-hoard, encountering trolls, goblins, and other dangers along the way.
Written in a storytelling style, The Hobbit is a beloved book that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Its influence can be seen in countless works of fantasy literature, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
13. The Rage of Dragons, by Evan Winter
Evan Winter’s The Rage of Dragons has been recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. This Zulu-inspired fantasy novel tells the story of the Omehi people who have been caught in an unwinnable war for centuries. While some of them can summon dragons and transform into menacing monsters, others are merely cannon fodder.
The protagonist, Tau Tafari, seeks a better life, but his plans are shattered when his loved ones are brutally murdered. Driven by rage, Tau vows to become the greatest swordsman to ever live and will stop at nothing to exact his revenge. The story is fast-paced and filled with twists that will leave readers breathless.
Fellow author David Dalglish has praised The Rage of Dragons as “a visceral and bloody masterpiece.” Winter’s novel offers a tragic yet captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Summary
Books like Eragon offer readers a chance to explore fantastical worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic battles. These books often feature young protagonists who must navigate their way through a complex web of political intrigue and personal struggles.
Some popular books in this genre include The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Fans of Eragon will likely enjoy these books and others like them, which offer a similar blend of action, adventure, and fantasy.