Dragons have captivated our imagination for centuries, whether they’re cute and cuddly or terrifying and fearsome. From classic tales like ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ to modern hits like ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, these mythical creatures have a way of leading us on thrilling adventures and uncovering hidden treasures. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding, and sometimes taco-loving dragons?
As we count down our list of 20 must-read dragon books, you’ll encounter a diverse range of scales, from good to evil, mechanical to mythical. Some stories feature dragons as central characters, while others use them as a springboard for exploring deeper themes and world-building. The one thing they all have in common is the magic that only these extraordinary creatures can bring.
So, get ready to soar on the back of a majestic dragon and discover why these beloved beasts continue to captivate our hearts and imaginations.
Children’s Must-Read Dragon Books
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko
A staple in any compilation of books featuring these mythical creatures, this timeless tale is a must-read for kids and adults alike. The story revolves around a princess who finds herself in the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon. In a bold attempt to rescue her, the prince sets out on a daring quest. However, as our heroine soon discovers, sometimes the most effective way to achieve freedom is to take matters into your own hands.
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Imagine holding a tiny dragon in your bag, just like Jaxon did. At first glance, it might seem like a harmless adventure, but things quickly take a turn when you discover that these little critters are actually Mogwai-like creatures with strict rules governing their handling. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with an uncontrollable gremlin on your hands.
And for Jaxon, breaking those rules meant facing the chaotic consequences of his actions, as he struggled to maintain control over the mischievous creatures.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
In the realm of fantasy, fans of the esteemed author of the beloved Inkheart series are in for a thrilling treat with the latest grand adventure. This enchanting tale centers around Firedrake, a young dragon with a burning desire to find the fabled haven where his kind can thrive and flourish. Accompanied by his trusted human friend, Ben, Firedrake embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets of this mythical sanctuary, facing treacherous challenges along the way.
The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
In this captivating middle grade debut, a young warrior’s quest for redemption and self-discovery unfolds against the backdrop of ancient lore. After her father brings shame to their family, Faryn and her brother are ostracized by society, leaving them to navigate a world that no longer accepts them. However, a chance encounter with a mysterious demon sets Faryn on a path to uncovering her true potential.
According to legend, she may be the long-lost Heaven Breaker, rumored to possess the extraordinary ability to command a dragon army. With this newfound knowledge, Faryn must now prove herself worthy of her heritage by finding the fabled island of immortals before the next Lunar New Year, a feat that will require great courage and determination.
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
Zachary Ying’s journey as host to the spirit of China’s First Emperor takes an unexpected turn when he wishes he had delved deeper into his own cultural heritage. The emperor’s ghost tasks Zack with a critical mission: closing a portal in the Chinese underworld before the restless spirits escape and wreak havoc on the mortal realm. Complicating matters, Zack’s mom’s soul is spirited away, leaving him reeling.
To make matters worse, the emperor’s ghost becomes inadvertently trapped in a gaming headset, further complicating Zack’s quest to rescue his mother and save the world from the brink of chaos – a task that proves far more daunting than any video game.
YA Must-Read Dragon Books
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
In a world where dragons and humans coexist, Seraphina’s unique heritage as half-dragon, half-human has made her acutely aware of the dangers of revealing her true nature. Growing up with the weight of anti-dragon sentiment bearing down on her, she has learned to keep her dragon side hidden from prying eyes, even from those closest to her – like her father.
However, the murder at the royal palace sends shockwaves through the kingdom and forces Seraphina into an unlikely proximity with the prince himself, who harbors suspicions that threaten to upend her carefully constructed facade.
Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells
As Maren’s world crumbles with her girlfriend Kaia’s abduction by the ruthless emperor, she realizes that storming the castle on the back of a majestic dragon is her only hope for rescue. To execute this daring plan, she must first seek out and master the skills taught by the very same dragon trainer who had once served the emperor.
However, venturing into the heart of darkness, where dragons roam free, poses a daunting question: will Maren’s courage be enough to shield her from the treacherous forces within?
Adult Must-Read Dragon Books
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
As the world grappled with the unexplained phenomenon of Mass Dragoning in 1955, a significant portion of women transformed into dragons overnight. Amidst this chaos, Alex Green found herself torn between love and confusion. Her beloved aunt took to the skies as a dragon, leaving Alex feeling conflicted about her own feelings towards the event. Meanwhile, her mother’s reaction sparked a sense of disorientation in Alex.
As society struggled to come to terms with the aftermath of Mass Dragoning, which was shrouded in secrecy, Alex was forced to navigate her emotions and reimagine her life’s trajectory.
The Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
As the curtain rises on this captivating series, we find ourselves transported to the Victorian Age, where a most unlikely protagonist – a brilliant and intrepid lady naturalist – embarks on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Her name is Lady Trent, and her all-consuming passion for the ancient creatures known as dragons sets in motion a chain of events that would forever alter the course of scientific inquiry.
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, the esteemed Sorcerer Royal, entrusted with the duty to preserve knowledge for The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, embarks on an extraordinary quest to uncover the truth behind England’s waning magical energies. Zacharias Wythe’s odyssey will lead him down uncharted paths, where he’ll encounter a formidable female presence, a thrilling adventure replete with danger and excitement, and even the majestic, mythical creatures known as dragons.
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
In this apocalyptic scenario, the very fabric of magic is unraveling, threatening to extinguish the final flame of a majestic era. A prophecy foretells the demise of the world’s last dragon, doomed to fall prey to the dragonslayer’s relentless pursuit. As Jennifer grapples with her conscience, she must confront the existential dilemma: will she stand idly by as the last great creature in the world meets its maker, or will she find a way to defy fate and spare the majestic beast from extinction?
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
In this thought-provoking fantasy novel, the protagonist Jebi possesses a unique gift – the ability to bring creations to life through magical sigils painted on canvas. However, when the government puts Jebi’s sister in harm’s way, they are forced to join forces with Jebi and work together to create an army of mechanical soldiers.
But as they strive to save Jebi’s sister, a moral dilemma arises: is the destruction caused by their combined efforts worth the price of one life, or will it lead to catastrophic consequences?
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
Kihrin’s humble upbringing in poverty-stricken areas beyond the kingdom’s walls was a far cry from the opulence he would soon be thrust into. When the royal family unexpectedly claimed him as the long-lost heir to a treacherous prince, his life took a drastic turn. As he navigated this newfound world of privilege and power, Kihrin found himself entangled in a web of destiny and dragonfire, with the very real possibility that his actions could ultimately bring about catastrophic consequences.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
The Dragonriders of Pern series commences with this pivotal novel, introducing readers to Lessa, a young woman seeking vengeance for her family’s demise on the planet Pern. When an old nemesis resurfaces, Lessa seizes the opportunity to ride a dragon and claim her triumph.
However, this is merely the beginning of a sprawling narrative that spans multiple books – 24, to be exact – as the series unfolds, delving into themes of adventure, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between humans and dragons.
The Story of Silence by Alex Myers
In the midst of a medieval era where societal norms dictate women’s silence and subjugation, a young girl named Silence defies convention by being raised as a boy, securing her inheritance rights. With a bold ambition to become a knight and vanquish dragons, Silence embarks on a journey to forge her own path and script her destiny.
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
In the whimsical realm of fantasy, a most unlikely scenario unfolds. Imagine the shock and awe when a legendary dragon, thought to be nothing more than a relic of myth, suddenly materializes in your quaint town, leaving a trail of chaos and devastation in its wake. The instinctual response would be to cower in fear, but not our protagonist – no, they decide to take the most unexpected approach: making the beast king!
But can a title truly tame the fiery fury of this ancient creature, or will it continue to reign supreme?
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in this richly woven fantasy world. A queen’s throne hangs precariously in the balance as she faces an existential crisis without a clear successor. Meanwhile, whispers of a deadly plot simmer just beneath the surface, threatening to upend the delicate power dynamics at play. As tensions rise, the boundaries between friend and foe begin to blur.
Amidst this treacherous landscape, a group of students dedicated to mastering the ancient art of dragonriding must navigate their own personal struggles and allegiances. And for those eager to dive in without waiting for the next installment, the first book in this captivating series is now available – ‘A Day of Fallen Night’.
The Sky Is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith
In the ravaged metropolis of Empire Island, the residents exist in a state of perpetual peril as two behemoths patrol the skies. The desperate fate that awaits three disparate individuals, forced to flee the city, will unravel a labyrinthine conspiracy amidst the chaos of their odyssey. Their journey will lead them to uncover the machinations of a cabal of zealots devoted to the worship of these very dragons.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
For centuries, the Omehi people have been embroiled in an unyielding conflict, one that has pitted dragon summoners against mighty behemoths. In this brutal struggle, Tau’s life takes a drastic turn when those dear to him are brutally slain. Driven by a burning desire for retribution, he sets out to transform himself into a calculating assassin, willing to sacrifice everything in his pursuit of vengeance.
After the Dragons by Cynthia Zhang
In an alternate Beijing, a world where dragons embody both chaos and serenity, the balance is precarious. The destructive dragons have ravaged the land, leaving behind a trail of devastation and the dreaded ‘burnt lung’ syndrome. Conversely, the benevolent dragons bring life-giving rainfall, their presence a double-edged sword.
As the last remaining dragons begin to fade away, two unlikely heroes must join forces: Kai, a college student struggling to find his place in this new world, and Eli, a medical researcher driven by a passion for discovery. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to locate the final dragons and unravel the secrets behind ‘burnt lung’, before it’s too late and both humans and dragons disappear from the face of the earth.