In the boundless realms of fantasy literature, where imagination takes flight on the wings of mythical creatures, few beings captivate our imagination as profoundly as dragons. These majestic and awe-inspiring creatures have long been the heart of countless legends, breathing fire into stories that transport us to worlds beyond our own. From benevolent allies to fearsome adversaries, dragons have woven their scaly threads into the tapestry of fantastical narratives, sparking our curiosity and igniting our sense of wonder.
In this curated collection, we embark on a journey through 22 dragon fantasy books that span the spectrum of emotions and adventures. These books transport us to lands where dragons soar across the skies, where ancient prophecies intertwine with human destinies, and where the balance between chaos and harmony hinges on the whims of these mythical creatures. From classic tales that have stood the test of time to contemporary masterpieces that redefine the genre, these books beckon us to explore the depths of our imagination.
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Best Dragon Fantasy Books
Prepare to be enthralled by the creative prowess of authors who have breathed life into dragons of all shapes and sizes. Wander alongside intrepid heroes as they seek to unravel mysteries that link their fates to the dragons of their world. Feel the rush of adrenaline as epic battles unfold, where the clash of scales and sorcery decides the fate of kingdoms. Discover unlikely friendships forged in the crucible of danger, as humans and dragons join forces against overwhelming odds.
The Song Of Ice And Fire Series
George RR Martin
Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season.
Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen’s brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister—the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms.
Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki—whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.
The Dragonriders Of Pern Series
Anne McCaffrey
DRAGONFLIGHT
On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly, and Pern will be changed forever.
DRAGONQUEST
Since Lessa and Ramoth, her golden queen dragon, traveled into the past to bring forward a small army of dragons and riders to save their world from deadly alien spores, fear and desperation have spread across the land. But while the dragonriders struggle with threats both human and otherworldly, a young rider named F’nor and his brown dragon, Canth, hatch a bold plan to destroy the alien scourge at its source—the baleful Red Star that fills the heavens and promises doom to all.
THE WHITE DRAGON
Never in the history of Pern has there been a dragon like Ruth. Mocked by other dragons for his small size and pure white color, Ruth is smart, brave, and loyal—qualities that he shares with his rider, the young Lord Jaxom. Unfortunately, Jaxom is also looked down upon by his fellow lords, and by other riders as well. His dreams of joining the dragonriders in defending Pern are dismissed. What else can Jaxom and Ruth do but strike out on their own, pursuing in secret all they are denied? But in doing so, the two friends will find themselves facing a desperate choice—one that will push their bond to the breaking point . . . and threaten the future of Pern itself.
Eragon
Christopher Paolini
When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. 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, gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.
The Hobbit
J.R.R Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Samantha Shannon
A world divided.
A queendom without an heir.
An ancient enemy awakens.
The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction–but assassins are getting closer to her door.
Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic.
Across the dark sea, Tané has trained all her life to be a dragonrider, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel.
Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
Fourth Wing
Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
How to Train Your Dragon
Cressida Cowell
Read the New York Times bestselling book that inspired the hit movies!
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb?
A Natural History of Dragons
Marie Brennan
You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon’s presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one’s life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .
All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world’s preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.
Seraphina
Rachel Hartman
In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer.
The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being.
When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life.
Dragon Keeper
Robin Hobb
With Dragon Keeper, Robin Hobb, critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling “master fantasist” (Baltimore Sun), begins a breathtaking new series about the resurgence of dragons in a world that both needs and fears them—the world Hobb’s readers most recently visited in her immensely popular “Tawny Man” trilogy. Volume One of the Rain Wilds Chronicles, Dragon Keeper is yet another magnificent adventure from the author of The Soldier Son and Farseer Trilogies, confirming the Contra Costa Times of California’s assessment of Hobb as “one of the most important writers in 21st century fantasy.”
His Majesty’s Dragon
Naomi Novik
Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise to Britain’s defense by taking to the skies . . . not aboard aircraft but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons.
When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Capt. 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.
The Rage of Dragons
Evan Winter
The Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable war for almost two hundred years. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.
Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the endless war.
Young, gift-less Tau knows all this, but he has a plan of escape. He’s going to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land. Only, he doesn’t get the chance.
Those closest to him are brutally murdered, and his grief swiftly turns to anger. Fixated on revenge, Tau dedicates himself to an unthinkable path. He’ll become the greatest swordsman to ever live, a man willing to die a hundred thousand times for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.
Sorcerer to the Crown
Zen Cho
Magic and mayhem clash with the British elite in this whimsical and sparkling debut.
The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers maintains the magic within His Majesty’s lands. But lately, the once proper institute has fallen into disgrace, naming an altogether unsuitable gentleman as their Sorcerer Royal and allowing England’s stores of magic to bleed dry. At least they haven’t stooped so low as to allow women to practice what is obviously a man’s profession…
At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers, ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up, an adventure that brings him in contact with Prunella Gentlewoman, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, and sets him on a path which will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain—and the world at large…
Songs of Insurrection
JC Kang
Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the world. Only an awkward girl with the perfect voice can rediscover it.
The Dragon Singers of old summoned typhoons and routed armies, liberating mankind from the orcs before fading into legend. Now, with the world again facing a new cataclysm, the power of music stirs in Kaiya, a naïve misfit with the perfect voice.
Without a master to guide her, she must rely on Hardeep, a disgraced foreign paladin, to help awaken her latent magic. His motives might not be entirely noble. When he leads her to the fabled Dragon Scale Lute, which only a Dragon Singer can wield, it is up to Black Lotus Clan to intervene.
Because the instrument’s fell power can save the world…
Or destroy it.
The Neverending Story
Michael Ende
From award-winning German author Michael Ende, The Neverending Story is a classic tale of one boy and the book that magically comes to life.
When Bastian happens upon an old book called The Neverending Story, he’s swept into the magical world of Fantastica–so much that he finds he has actually become a character in the story! And when he realizes that this mysteriously enchanted world is in great danger, he also discovers that he is the one chosen to save it. Can Bastian overcome the barrier between reality and his imagination in order to save Fantastica?
Guards! Guards!
Terry Pratchett
Long believed extinct, a superb specimen of draco nobilis (“noble dragon” for those who don’t understand italics) has appeared in Discworld’s greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, in rather short order it is crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all…). How did it get there? How is the Unique and Supreme Lodge of the Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night involved? Can the Ankh-Morpork City Watch restore order – and the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork to power?
Magic, mayhem, and a marauding dragon…who could ask for anything more?
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s Dragon
Maria Grace
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a dragon.
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has the good fortune to be in possession of the first English firedrake egg laid in a century. Or, at least, he was until some miscreant stole it. Mr. Darcy tracks the thief to Hertfordshire. Catching the thief, however, proves to be an entirely different kettle of brimstone, especially when he encounters fellow Dragon Keeper, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn.
Elizabeth Bennet’s deep connection to dragons and remarkable grasp of their lore make her the ideal companion for finding the egg. It’s too bad that from their introduction she finds Darcy arrogant, conceited, and selfishly disdainful of the feelings of others.
Time is running out for Darcy to win Elizabeth’s trust and recover the precious egg before it hatches, and the fragile peace between humans and dragons is lost forever.
Here There Be Dragons
Maria Grace
Life was definitely better when one’s fondest dreams came true.
Better, indeed, for newly made baronet, Sir Frederick Wentworth. Enjoying a title, a sea-side estate, a dragon to Keep, and most importantly, marriage to his dearest Anne, life was far better than he dreamed it could be.
Better, but not easier.
Stubborn local sea dragons refuse to talk, much less entertain a treaty with the Blue Order. The Order’s patience is wearing thin, and the local Order magistrate—impertinent, ineffective, and downright hostile toward all things cold-blooded or female, only makes matters worse.
Lady Anne Wentworth, Special Liaison for the Blue Order, not being cold-blooded, but being female, finds her duties impeded at every turn. She tolerates his machinations until the delayed arrival of an urgent letter calls her across the county. If only she is not too late…
The Last Dragonslayer
Jasper Fforde
In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery. Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic.
Dragon Pearl
Yoon Ha-Lee
Rick Riordan Presents Yoon Ha Lee’s space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits.
But you’d never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Joust
Mercedes Lackey
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…
Fireborne
Rosaria Munda
Game of Thrones meets Fourth Wing in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance . . . and dragons.
Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone—even the lowborn—a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders.
Now they are both rising stars in the new regime, despite backgrounds that couldn’t be more different. Annie’s lowborn family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee’s aristocratic family was murdered by revolutionaries. Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training have made them rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet.
But everything changes when survivors from the old regime surface, bent on reclaiming the city.
House of Dragons
Jessica Cluess
Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win? Three Dark Crowns meets The Breakfast Club with DRAGONS.
When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year these five outcasts will answer the call…
Exploring Beyond Dragon Fantasy: Other Genres You May Like
For those captivated by the enchanting worlds of dragon fantasy books, where mighty beasts soar the skies and magic intertwines with reality, there’s a plethora of other genres waiting to be discovered. While dragon fantasy remains a beloved and iconic genre, branching out into different literary realms can provide readers with new adventures, themes, and perspectives. Here are some genres that dragon fantasy enthusiasts might find equally enthralling:
Epic Fantasy
If you’re drawn to the grandeur of dragon-infused landscapes and epic quests, the world of epic fantasy is a natural progression. These stories often feature sprawling realms, intricate mythologies, and characters on journeys of self-discovery. Epic fantasy novels, such as those by authors like Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, and Robin Hobb, offer richly developed worlds where magic and heroism collide.
Urban Fantasy
For readers who relish the blend of the fantastical with the modern, urban fantasy is a captivating choice. This genre weaves magical elements into contemporary settings, introducing mystical creatures and hidden realms within our own world. Notable urban fantasy series, like Jim Butcher’s “Dresden Files” or Patricia Briggs’ “Mercy Thompson” series, seamlessly merge the supernatural with the mundane.
High Fantasy
High fantasy takes readers on high-stakes adventures in worlds that diverge dramatically from our reality. In these narratives, magic often permeates every aspect of existence, and mythical creatures, including dragons, play pivotal roles. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien with his “Lord of the Rings” series, and Ursula K. Le Guin with her “Earthsea” series, create deeply immersive universes that captivate the imagination.
Historical Fantasy
If you’re intrigued by dragon fantasy’s blend of magic and medieval-like settings, historical fantasy might be your next literary destination. This genre intertwines fantastical elements with real historical periods, offering readers a fresh perspective on both history and magic. Novels like Mary Robinette Kowal’s “Glamourist Histories” or Susanna Clarke’s “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” seamlessly merge the past with the otherworldly.
Steampunk
Steampunk introduces an alternative Victorian-era world fueled by steam technology and intricate clockwork machinery. Fans of dragon fantasy might find themselves captivated by the imaginative steampunk settings and the fusion of magic with intricate gadgets. Notable steampunk works such as China Miéville’s “Perdido Street Station” and Scott Westerfeld’s “Leviathan” series offer a unique blend of technology and fantasy.
Mythology-Based Fantasy
Readers who appreciate the mythological aspects of dragon fantasy can delve into fantasy novels inspired by various mythologies. These stories reimagine and reinterpret ancient legends, giving them new life in fantastical settings. Authors like Neil Gaiman with “American Gods” and Madeline Miller with “Circe” offer fresh perspectives on myth and magic.
In conclusion, while dragon fantasy books hold a special place in the hearts of many readers, there is a wide array of genres waiting to be explored. Each of these genres offers a unique blend of magic, adventure, and imagination, catering to the diverse tastes of fantasy enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking epic quests, modern mysticism, historical twists, or mythological reimaginings, the world of literature has something enchanting to offer beyond the realm of dragon fantasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dragon fantasy books?
Dragon fantasy books are a subgenre of fantasy literature that prominently features dragons as integral elements of the story. These books often explore the interactions between humans or other creatures and dragons in various settings, creating worlds filled with magic, adventure, and mythical creatures.
Are dragon fantasy books suitable for all age groups?
Dragon fantasy books come in a variety of age-appropriate ranges. While some are specifically written for younger readers and might have simpler plots and themes, others are targeted at young adults and adults, exploring more complex and mature narratives. It’s important to consider the intended audience and content warnings before selecting a dragon fantasy book to read.
Do dragon fantasy books always have dragons as main characters?
While dragons often play central roles in dragon fantasy books, they might not always be the main characters. Dragons can act as mentors, guides, antagonists, or even symbolic elements that shape the storyline. The presence of dragons contributes to the world-building and atmosphere of the narrative.
