Caput Draconis - Dragons in fiction
The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
The dragons of Westeros, thought extinct for hundreds of years, reappear as three eggs in the possession of Daenerys Targaryen, supporting her claim as the rightful Queen of Westeros. Dragons play a huge role in the mythology of the series, the epic creatures helping various monarchs rise to the throne and inevitably fall, and are responsible for some of the series most memorable (and bloody) scenes.
Novik reimagines the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France, giving the combatants wings of dragons, flown by aviators. Novik's world is rich with detail, both fantastical and historical, as we follow the exploits of aviator Captain William Laurence and his dragon, the eponymous Temeraire. One for both history, fantasy and adventure lovers.
Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb
Returning to the realm of the Elderlings, the setting for her previous series, Hobb takes readers in the vast and unchartered Rain Wilds, with its acid waters and thick, impenetrable forests where the fates of humans and dragons are intertwined. The Rain Wild Chronicles are a richly detailed, eco-centric high fantasy series with lush, descriptive prose and fully realised characters.
The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
McCaffrey's legendary and sprawling series broke ground when it was first printed in the 1960s. Exploring the planet of Pern, the series goes back and forth through time, the main characters change regularly and the dragons are legendary and often grumpy. A hugely influential series that has truly stood the test of time.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Mystical cults, fierce dragon riders, a queen at risk, nations at war. This epic 900 page standalone work is rich in world building, political intrigue and imagination. A multitude of points of view, across the entire world make for an expansive read, with the mythology for the dragons pulled from Korean, Japanese and Chinese stories as well as Norse and other European sources. Don't be put off by the page count, this is a book well worth the time commitment.
The dragons of the Hundred Isles awaken. After centuries of endless war across this fragmented archipelago, where ships are forged from the bones of dragons, a desperate captain and her crew of outcasts embark on a perilous quest, to find the first living dragon in generations. For those who like their dragons with a side of nautical, piratical adventure.
The dragons of Navarre are not nice fluffy beings, they can and will burn the students of the Basgiath War College as soon as look at them. But when you're bonded to one, you're bonded for life. This was the biggest book of 2023 for a good reason. Read it for the spice, read it for the political intrigue, or read it for the military machinations, but really, read this book for the dragons.
Many a life long fantasy fan have cut their teeth on Paolini's now classic story of the titular farm boy who finds the dragon egg Saphira and sets out on a journey. While the series does comply with many fantasy tropes, magical sword, love interest, good vs evil, and is inspired by McCaffrey, Tolkien and other luminaries it's still a fantastic read for younger fans, and those wanting to delve into the genre.
