There are many thrilling fantasy books with dragons, but not all put these majestic creatures front-and-center. Sometimes, they’re in the background or appear sporadically. So, where are the stories featuring dragons as main characters?
If you’re wondering exactly that, this post has a list for you. It includes dragons as protagonists, point-of-view characters and more.
Here are 16 fantasy books with dragons as main characters to read:
- Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green
- The Dragons by Douglas Niles
- A Dragon from the Desert by William King
- Firelight by Sophie Jordan
- Talon by Julie Kagawa
- His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
- Scorched by Mari Mancusi
- Joust by Mercedes Lackey
- The Dragon and the George by Gordon R. Dickinson
- The Elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
- The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak
- Dragonslayer by Duncan M. Hamilton
- Eragon by Christopher Paolini
- Dragon’s Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
- The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
- Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight
Book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book are below. On the other hand, if you’d like a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green
Description
Rupert didn’t especially want to be a prince. And he certainly never asked to be the second son of a royal line that really didn’t need a spare. So he was sent out to slay a dragon and prove himself-a quest straight out of legend.
But he also discovered the kinds of things legends tend to leave out, as well as the usual demons, goblins, the dreaded Night Witch-and even worse terrors hidden in the shadows of Darkwood.
Rupert did find a fiery dragon-and a beautiful princess to rescue. But the dragon turned out to be a better friend than anyone back at the castle, and with the evil of Darkwood spreading, Rupert was going to need all the friends he could get.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Blue Moon Rising. A unique blend of comedy and fantasy, readers who praised Blue Moon Rising applauded it for being fast-paced, witty and humorous. Especially considering its a lengthy page-count!
They also mentioned how memorable and fun each of the characters were. Unlike other books were only the main character shines, readers happily reported that it wasn’t just Rupert who delighted them. The entire cast was a pleasure to read about for hundreds of pages.
All in all, readers described Blue Moon Rising as a comedic, action-packed adventure suitable for all ages. Since gritty dark fantasy is the current trend, this book came across as a refreshing change!
Negative Comments
So if readers didn’t enjoy the novel, what did they say? Well, some of them said that they found the story too fast-paced. These readers thought that because of the pacing, the book sacrificed characterization. They would have preferred that the cast have more details fleshing them out.
Others reported that the story’s humor didn’t resonate with them. In their view, the story’s light tone jarred with the fact that the characters fought to stop an impending, demon-fueled apocalypse.
The Dragons by Douglas Niles
Description
“When dragons make war, Krynn can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings.” – Astinus Lorekeeper
Aurican and Darlantan, mighty 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 dragon of red, inherits the Dark Queen’s legacy of betrayal, violence, conquest, and plunder.
The advent of a worldwide war sweeps these powerful beings and many more into desperate strife. Battles rage over Krynn with a fury that threatens to annilhilate nations and whole races – even dragonkind.
As campaigns ebb and flow, generations of lesser mortals come and go, and the great serpents are left to determine the fate of the world.
Their triumphs may create a destiny of all-encompassing light or cast the world beneath the shadow of ultimate darkness.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is The Dragons, a story that’s main cast consists entirely of dragons in brutal, epic wars against each other.
While the novel is sixth in the Dragonlance franchise’s The Lost Histories series, readers reported that this book works as a great standalone as well. Familiarity with the Dragonlance universe isn’t necessary either, but a bonus.
So what did fans say? First, readers said that dragon-lovers have a treat in this book. The story covers several generations of dragons, magnifying the tale to one of epic proportions.
Moreover, fans said that this vast scope didn’t come with a trade-off in character development: each dragon has its own distinct personality, perspective and gave readers a reason to love or hate them.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t think The Dragons was the right story for them, what did they say?
Several critics said that while the story was epic in scope and action, it ultimately lacked tension. Instead of suspenseful or dramatic, the battles felt rote and identical. As a result, the book struck them as slower than they’d expected.
Other readers said that the story’s timescale came at the cost of its characterization. In contrast to fans, these critics either said that the dragons didn’t seem multidimensional or that their characterization wasn’t conveyed through demonstration. Instead, the book informed readers of the dragons’ characteristics.
A Dragon from the Desert by William King
Description
The biggest problem in fifteen year old Raif’s life used to be finding lost goats. Now, apprenticed to a terrifying war wizard he is caught in the web of intrigue and assassination surrounding the heir to his home kingdom.
And if that was not enough he becomes foster parent to an orphaned dragon. He must do his best to make sure he and his new friend survive the dangers of the deadly world in which they find themselves.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.30
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Third on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is A Dragon from the Desert.
Fans said that this coming of age story was full of intriguing characters and world-building. They often remarked that the world seemed to constantly develop as they turned the pages, while the characters grew in depth.
All on all, these readers praised the book, saying its world and the characters were likable, easy to connect to and root for.
Negative Comments
Critics, on the other hand, mostly said that the story was slow. These readers seemed to expect the story to be less character-driven and more plot-driven.
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Description
A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life.
Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.
Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life.
Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away; if it dies she will be left as a human forever.
She’ll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide, from New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Firelight is next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters. Written by Sophie Jordan, who also writes romance books, this novel combines her specialty in romance with intriguing dragon lore. As such, readers noted that this book is primarily a romance – something they loved.
These readers said that the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ love story between a dragon and dragon hunter immediately caught their interest. Jacinda and Will had every reason to despise and stay far away from each other. And yet, they found themselves drawn to each other regardless.
Fans found themselves on their edge of their seats, feeling both Jacinda’s turmoil and her excitement over newfound love.
They also reported that Firelight flowed well, the pages flitting by thanks to a quick pace and dramatic story line.
Negative Comments
Fans found much to enjoy about Firelight and ultimately, the most common rating readers gave this novel was 5 stars. But what did critics say?
It seems like this is a YA fantasy novel that stirs up strong feelings in readers, whether positive or negative. Critics were as frustrated with Jacinda and the romance as the fans were delighted.
These readers’ criticisms had a common thread: Jacinda came across to them as self-pitying and selfish. Some of them said that her selfishness reached the point where she seemed outright foolish instead.
However, others said that Firelight disappointed them because it stayed so close to standard the YA fantasy format in general. These readers loved the promise of a story filled with dragon shape-shifters, unique draki mythology and a love story that succeeds despite impossible odds. However, they described these twists as tacked-on rather than a fundamental aspect of the novel.
Talon by Julie Kagawa
Description
The Dragons of Talon:
Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world.
The Order of St. George:
The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth.
These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.
To take her rightful place in the Talon organization, young dragon Ember Hill must prove she can hide her true nature and blend in with humans.
Her delight at the prospect of a summer of “normal” teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she’s also expected to train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.
As Ember struggles to accept her future, St. George soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian is tasked with hunting her down.
But when faced with Ember’s bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything the Order has ingrained in him – and what he might be willing to give up to uncover the truth about dragons.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Talon by Julie Kagawa. Packed with action and adventure, this novel delighted readers with its combination of excitement, dragons and romance.
The characters themselves also captivated these readers, who often said that there wasn’t a single character they didn’t like. Even Ember, who some readers said initially came across as immature, won them over.
Furthermore, they said that experiencing the story from all three main character’s point of views was a wonderful treat.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Talon, what did they say?
Critics commonly cited Ember herself as well as the story’s familiarity as the culprits. For instance, they said that Ember didn’t come across as a person yearning for freedom for sympathetic reasons. Instead, she came across to them as childish and self-centered.
Ember speaks contemptuously of Talon and its members, who thwart her from doing what she wants. However, these readers pointed out that what Ember rails against are minor inconveniences. Either that or the logical actions of people who take keeping her alive seriously.
Other readers said that they wished the story would deviate more from standard YA fantasy. The story promises dragons and dragon slayers. It delivers. However, readers said that the story’s execution of these concepts was too predictable for their taste.
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Description
Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed.
When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature.
Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle.
For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is His Majesty’s Dragon. This character-driven tale twists the dragon rider concept by transforming the lone warrior into a fleet.
Readers said that the team-like atmosphere, camaraderie and moving bonds between dragon riders and dragons warmed their hearts. They came into the story to experience the slow-building relationship between dragon and dragon rider, and His Majesty’s Dragon delivered.
In addition, readers also praised the story’s portrayal of aerial combat. They described these as detailed and considered, taking into account technological challenges springing from the story’s historical influence.
Negative Comments
What about 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 dragon rider and dragon, even that struck these readers as progressing too easily.
On the other hand, some readers said that the characters themselves struck them as bland. Because of this, they couldn’t get engaged with or invest in them.
Scorched by Mari Mancusi
Description
Trinity
Don’t leave me here…
It starts with a whisper. At first Trinity thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be a big surprise — her grandpa firmly believes there’s a genuine dragon egg in their dusty little West Texas town.
But this voice is real, and it’s begging for her protection. Even if no one else can hear it…
Connor
He’s come from a future scorched by dragonfire. 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 go by is the voice in her head — a dragon that won’t be tamed.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.78
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Scorched. Readers often described this fantasy novel as ‘Terminator with dragons’, a unique blend of time-travel and dragons that they loved!
They reported that the novel’s fast pacing kept them glued to the pages. Action-packed and exciting, the book also presented a mystery about the two brothers’ true motives and pasts that drew readers in. Several remarked that discerning between the truths and lies was one of Scorched‘s highlights.
Others added that they appreciated the portrayal of Emberlyn, the dragon. While some stories characterize dragon allies as friendly and pet-like, Scorched portrays dragons as both deadly and magnificent. These readers enjoyed this intriguing and dangerous atmosphere around Trinity’s flame-breathing ally.
Negative Comments
While Scorched has plenty of fans, some readers didn’t enjoy it. What did critics say?
Their comments were consistent: despite its dragon and apocalyptic spin, the novel came across as familiar YA 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 YA characters. Moreover, they said that the ‘good boy’ versus ‘bad boy’ setup to the romance was standard as well.
Any tension or conflict between the three characters didn’t make an impression: it felt like sights along a well-trodden path rather than a situation that piqued their interest and invested them in the outcome.
Joust by Mercedes Lackey
Description
National best-selling fantasy author Mercedes Lackey creates a vivid, dynamic fusion of the cultures of ancient Egypt and legendary Atlantis with the most exciting and believable portrayal of dragons ever imagined.
The first book in this thrilling new series introduces us to a young slave who dreams of becoming a jouster — one of the few warriors who can actually ride a flying dragon. And so, in secret, he begins to raise his own dragon…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.02
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Joust, a coming of age tale set in a lush and simmering desert world. Inspired by Ancient Egypt, the setting was part of why readers said this story allured and intrigued them. The world-building, especially of the cultures and the dragons, struck them as fleshed out and engrossing.
In addition, fans praised the primary characters for coming across as multifaceted and real. In particular, Vetch grew personally but also in his understanding of the greater political and ethical realities of being a dragon rider. Readers found his moral struggles and development in later parts of the book gripping.
Negative Comments
Some readers didn’t think that Joust was the right book for them. In general, critics generally had two reasons they didn’t enjoy the novel.
The first was that they didn’t connect with Vetch, the main character. To them, he came across as overly self-righteous, while all his efforts proceed to smoothly. The story seemed to unduly favor him.
Other readers, however, said that the book itself was slow-paced. They didn’t think that much happened and expected more excitement, twists and turns.
The Dragon and the George by 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 betrothed.
Following her through an erratic astral-projection machine, Jim suddenly found himself in a cockeyed world – locked in the body of a talking dragon named Gorbash.
That wouldn’t have been so bad if his beloved Angie were also a dragon. But in this magical land, that was not the case. Angie had somehow remained a very female human – or a george, as the dragons called any human. And Jim, no matter what anyone called him, was a dragon.
To make matters worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was held captive in the impenetrable Loathly 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 he needed help, by george!
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is The Dragon and the George. This comedic and classic fantasy novel delighted readers, who described it as a light, fun frolic. Many of them mentioned how much the book made them laugh and grin at its witty humor.
At the same time, the characters act realistically to their situation, whether it be the main character, Jim, or the surrounding character cast. Fans said that they found themselves growing closer to each character as they turned the pages.
Negative Comments
No fantasy novel is without its critics. Given that, what were the reasons readers may not like The Dragon and the George? Overall, critics tended to say that the story struck them as too similar to standard fantasy, whether that be the characters, plot or world.
Most tended to focus on the characters though, saying that they fell into recognizable types. Because of this, these readers found it difficult to connect with them.
The Elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
Description
This is the story of Shana, a halfbreed born of the forbidden union of an Elvenlord father and a human mother.
Her exiled mother dead, she was rescued and raised by dragons, a proud, ancient race who existed unbeknownst to elven or humankind.
From birth, Shana was the embodiment of the Prophecy that the all-powerful Elvenlords feared. Her destiny is the enthralling adventure of a lifetime.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is The Elvenbane. This coming of age story features elves, half-elves, dragons and humans, and gripped readers with its believable characters and nuanced characterization.
Fans remarked that the cast, which include those from various age groups and species, were all unique. Moreover, as they interact with their world, they grew and learn from one another.
Paired with this, fans often said that the story’s world-building was intricate and rich. Not only was it immersive by itself, but seeing the characters interact with it made both the cast and the world wonderfully complex.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy The Elvenbane, what did they say? Critics tended to have a common reason: the book’s pace. Several of them mentioned that it was slow and not much happened, plot-wise.
The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak
Description
“To the West Huma rode, to the High Clerist’s Tower, on the back of the Silver Dragon and the path of their flight crossed over a desolate country where the dead walked only, mouthing the names of dragons.”
For the first time in the best-selling Dragonlance® Saga, here is The Legend of Huma, fabled Hero of the Lance: his mysterious origins and his Oath to the Measure; treachery among the Knights of Solamnia; his love for the Silver Dragon; the fated showdown between the Queen of Darkness and the forces of Paladine.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is The Legend of Huma. This action-packed tale tantalized readers with its admirable heroes and mysterious but cruel villains. The Legend of Huma uses classic characterization and plots but adds just enough of a twist to make them refreshing.
In addition, readers said that while this made the story straightforward, it was done in such a way that Huma’s convictions and sense of honor were inspiring and uplifting. Huma is a fleshed-out and convincing 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 and spoke to them on a deep level, even as they were excited and fascinated by the story’s world.
Negative Comments
Readers predominately awarded The Legend of Huma 5 stars, but not all of them had such warm praise for the book. Critics had two objections, which mainly stemmed from the general premise of the novel: a ‘knight in shining armor’ main character and a classic fantasy story line.
Several readers who preferred principled protagonists nevertheless said that Huma came across as too stereotypical. While these readers knew Huma would be archetypal, they still wanted more differentiation from the standard ‘knight in shining armor’.
Other said that they wished the story was less predictable, even if it emulated a traditional fantasy tale. To them, the story didn’t have enough original aspects to it in addition to the ‘old favorite’ tropes.
Dragonslayer 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 child. He’s astonished — 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 is there a dragon to fight when the beasts were hunted to extinction centuries ago by the ancient Chevaliers of the Silver Circle?
On the way to the capitol city, Gill rescues Solène, a young barmaid, who is about to be burned as a witch. He believes her innocent…but she soon proves that she has plenty of raw, untrained power, a problem in this land, where magic is forbidden.
Yet the Prince Bishop believes magic will be the key to both destroying the dragon and replacing the young, untried King he pretends to serve with a more pliable figurehead.
Between Gill’s rusty swordsmanship and Solene’s unstable magic, what could go wrong?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Dragonslayer. This fantasy novel entertained readers with its action-packed and intrigue-filled plot.
Surprises abound, not to mention fast-pacing and betrayals. Fans were delighted, saying that this kept the book twisting and turning, capturing their attention and making them eager to know what would happen next.
Aside from that, fans praised Dragonslayer for featuring both the dragon slayer’s point of view as well as the dragon’s. While the dragon slayer’s story involved a touching tale of redemption, the dragon’s perspective intrigued them.
Fantasy books might have fantasy creatures, but its story is typically told through a human’s eyes. Not so in Dragonslayer, where readers were treated to a view of the world from a scaled, flying and last-of-their-kind dragon. Moreover, since both were sympathetic characters, it created a bittersweet ending not often seen in ‘slaying’ stories.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t like Dragonslayer, they generally said that it was because the book came across to them as over-familiar. Critics said that the overall plot and characters didn’t deviate much from what they expected from the prototypical dragon-slaying story.
In particular, these readers focused on the characters, saying that because they were standard character types, it was difficult to get attached to them.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Description
One boy…
One dragon…
A world of adventure.
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter.
But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power.
With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.
Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders?
The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.91
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Eragon is another story on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters. More specifically, while Eragon is the point-of-view character, Saphira (a dragon) is essentially a second protagonist. This novel earned fame for taking beloved fantasy elements and turning them into a swashbuckling, dragon-filled adventure.
Fans appreciated that much of what they loved seeing in fantasy books featured in this epic: supernatural abilities, sword-fighting, dragon riders, prophecies, elves, hidden realms and of course, the hero pitted against a seemingly invincible empire.
Readers said that Eragon swept them away into the world of Alagaësia and its many interesting characters. They often commented that fans of The Lord of the Rings would find elements to this story that they’d enjoy.
Negative Comments
Unfortunately, the same reason that fans loved this fantasy book was the same reason that critics didn’t: the familiar tropes.
Its similarities to The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars frustrated critics. Whereas ‘The Lord of the Rings meets Star Wars with dragons’ delighted fans, these readers thought that Eragon was too predictable for their taste.
Because of this, several commented that the book might be better suited for first-time fantasy readers.
Dragon’s Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
Description
Fifteen-year-old Alys is not a witch. But that doesn’t matter–the villagers think she is and have staked her out on a hillside as a sacrifice to the local dragon.
It’s late, it’s cold, and it’s raining, and Alys can think of only one thing–revenge. But first she’s got to escape, and even if she does, how can one girl possibly take on an entire town alone?
Then the dragon arrives – a dragon that could quite possibly be the perfect ally. . . .
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
What’s next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters? It’s a book readers described as having fun and refreshing twists: Dragon’s Bait. Taking the ‘innocent maiden sacrificed to a dragon’ trope, Dragon’s Bait has maiden and dragon as co-collaborators against the corrupt townspeople who sentenced her.
Readers were delighted by the unexpected reversals: supposed enemies become allies, prey becomes predator and predator becomes prey. They also reported that they connected to Alys, the protagonist, and felt her pain, anger and eventual healing throughout the novel.
Others mentioned that the liked the deeper thematic elements to the novel, which centered around revenge and forgiveness. Readers said that this had enough of a presence to stir their imaginations while not being so in-your-face that it jarred them out of the story.
Negative Comments:
If readers didn’t enjoy Dragon’s Bait, what did they say? Generally, they said that Alys and Selendrile, the main characters, weren’t that developed.
They remarked that, likely due to the book’s shorter length, Alys’ changing feelings happen too quickly. Others said that Selendrile comes comes across less as a mysterious, intriguing character and more as a vaguely characterized one.
The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
Description
Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies.
The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic.
If neglected, the creatures will rampage – or die – so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons’ uncertain ancestral memories.
Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home.
And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned–as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals . . . and joys beyond their wildest imaginings.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. This book launches a series that can serve as a standalone as well as an expansion to Hobb’s previously written Liveship Trader’s trilogy.
Readers familiar with the trilogy described The Dragon Keeper as a counterpoint to the cheerier ending in Liveship Traders. While Liveship Traders ended on a high, this series deals with the aftermath and begins on a low.
The dragons in The Dragon Keeper struggled to find a way to outgrown their serpent form in the Liveship Trader’s trilogy, but find now that their success had the horrible downside of killing most of them in the process.
Because of that, fans said that it’s easy to sympathize with the dragons of this tale who, far from their frequent majestic and mighty portrayal in other books, are frail and sickly. Their struggle to survive and thrive struck fans of the book as engaging and inspirational.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy the novel, what did they say? These readers focused on the fact that story itself has little thrills and action. The book’s premise is simple and sports a no-frills plot: The Dragon Keeper isn’t a story bristling with twists and turns.
In particular, readers mentioned that this first book in the series struck them as a step up 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 overall acknowledged that the characterization was strong.
These readers said that the book picks up toward the end. However, before that, they felt that nothing much seemed to happen.
Dragon Champion by E.E Knight
Description
High in the mountains, deep in the safety of a cave, a brood of dragons is born. The four young ones are among the last of a dying breed — the last hope for dragons’ survival.
But hope shatters when a murderous group of slave-trader dwarves breaks into the cave, leaving a wake of death and destruction…
Only young Auron, a rare, defenseless gray dragon, manages to escape. Armed with nothing but his claws and a boundless determination to survive, he sets off in search of his kind.
But to find other dragons — or, at least, find out who’s killing them off — Auron will have to search a world of mercenary elves, vicious humans, and dangers of all kinds.
Finding allies in the strangest places — and finding himself along the way — Auron is about to make the trek of a lifetime.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Last on our list of fantasy books with dragons as main characters is Dragon Champion, a coming of age tale told from the perspective of a dragon. While this story includes elves, the main focus is definitely on Auron, Dragon Champion‘s scaled protagonist.
Readers characterized this as an action-filled story that adult fantasy readers and young adult readers would find delightful. They praised the story’s portrayal of Auron’s point of view, which several described as fascinating.
Unlike stories where the non-human characters come across as human in all but name, Auron has a perspective that comes across as inhuman.
Negative Comments
On the other hand, readers who didn’t enjoy Dragon Champion cited the on-going violence as a negative. Several of these readers felt there was too much brutality overall, but others focused on how much of it came from the hands of the protagonist.
For instance, the first chapter features the protagonist hatching – and then killing his siblings. Readers described the rest of the story’s tone as the same. It made the story’s antagonists disconcertingly justified and Auron seem like a cold-blooded killer.
Other readers, though, said that the fight scenes were so frequent that they lost their impact. Instead of inspiring excitement, the action-oriented moments lulled them into apathy.
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