The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The best place to start is always with the classics- and anyway, who doesn't love Smaug? (Inasmuch as you can love an evil, fire-breathing dragon, anyway.) Or, if you like, you could also try "Farmer Giles of Ham", a short story Tolkien wrote concerning a farmer who's pushed into being a hero when a dragon turns up near his village.
Heartless or Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
Heartless especially. The Dragon is the most terrifying dragon I've ever encountered, and for that reason, he's also my favorite dragon (just barely beating out Smaug). Of course, both these books feature dragons other than the Dragon, though they're less terrifying because- well, fans of Goldstone Wood know why, and anyone else will just have to read the books to find out.
The DragonKeeper Chronicles or Chiril Chronicles by Donita K. Paul
Of course, we can't leave out the books that actually started Dragon Appreciation Day! My favorite part of both of these series is probably the minor dragons. They're so CUTE, especially Gymn. And I know that "cute" and "dragon" are not words one would generally put together, but . . . cute! dragons! It's like cute kittens, only better, because dragons. (Coincidentally, minor dragons also inspired certain dragons in my own writing. I squee over them- well, one of them- too.)
Dragons in Our Mist and sequel series by Bryan Davis
This is the series I'll probably be celebrating with, since it's been on my to-be-reread list for a long while. I love DioM and its sequel series; Mr. Davis is an amazing author, and I love the way he combines Biblical truths, ancient legend, and modern-day fantasy adventure into one great story. (Well, series of stories.) Also, the DioM and sequel series have the most dragons-as-major-characters of any book or series on this list.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
I mentioned this book in my Top Ten Books/Series of 2014 post, and what I said there still stands: Seraphina is awesome, and the dragons aren't quite like any others I've read. There are similarities, true, but they're still very much unique. The worldbuilding is also very good- not Sanderson or Tolkien level, but impressive all the same.
Are you going to do to celebrate Dragon Appreciation Day? How? What are your favorite dragon-related books? Please tell me in the comments!
Nai haryuvalyë melwa rë!
Nai haryuvalyë melwa rë!
-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)
Ooh. Tomorrow's dragon day? Did not know that! Humm ... I wish I hadn't already posted today, have something scheduled for tomorrow, and planned for Saturday, since this would be a good opportunity to talk about the dragons in my various books and series. (Maybe I could do two posts tomorrow? It's been a while since I last did that ...)
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with you on these books. I've not been able to lay my hands on Donita's series (except for the last book, but that's an awkward place to start), but the others are all amazing.
Yes, it is! :D And I don't see why you couldn't do two posts tomorrow. The only reason I'm not is that I haven't done any other posts this week.
DeleteI hope you can get a chance to read the DragonKeeper Chronicles and Chiril Chronicles. They're both pretty awesome.
Oh, I'd forgotten about Dragon Appreciation Day! Thanks for the reminder :D I might just go and read The Hobbit once again.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Have fun! (Also, I find it very awesome that you commented on this particular post. :D)
DeleteOne of the best dragons ever: Eustace Clarence Scrubb! (does he count?)
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'd say so. :D
DeleteI have not heard of this! I must confess I've never read Donita K Paul before... I know! I'm working on it! : ) Happy Dragon Day!
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely read her books sometime. I really like them. :)
DeleteFor the past 4-5 years I have been wanting to do something for Dragon Appreciation Day, but I always forget until it's over! Thank you very much for reminding me. I may very well write a blog post and today I drew a sketch of a dragon in preparation. As for books, you listed quite a few of my favorite authors who also happen to write about dragons--Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Bryan Davis, and Donita K Paul. I have also recently found another wonderful series with dragons called the Dragon Slippers Series by Jessica Day George. Perhaps you have heard of them? They are cute and funny. Did you know some dragons collect hoards of shoes or stained glass windows?
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I have a reminder on my calender, so I don't usually forget. And I have read the Dragon Slippers books! I enjoyed them, but forgot to put them on this list. *facepalm* Thanks for the reminder! Have fun celebrating!
Delete