Merlin and the Dragons, by Jane Yolen and Li Ming (Cobblehill Books, 1995)

There’s a phrase I reserve for rare treasures like this book. “Oooooooooo, PRETTY!” Anyone who knows me knows to just back away, and give me whatever it is I want, when they hear that particular phrase. It means trouble. It … Continue reading

Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe, by James M. Ward (Tor, 2005)

At sixteen, Halcyon Blithe came into his powers relatively late, especially for a family renowned for turning out powerful wizards. However, as the seventh son of a seventh son, he definitely has a lot more magical potential than wizards twice … Continue reading

Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace, by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi (Berkley Jam Books, 2005)

When Jennifer’s parents gave her the usual “birds and bees” speech, they managed to leave out the part where the otherwise normal teenager would someday start growing scales, claws, fangs, and a tail, and be able to perform superhuman feats … Continue reading

Eragon, by Christopher Paolini (Alfred A. Knopf, 2003)

In the world of Alagaesia, a change is in the wind. Eragon, a young man living in a backwater village far from the heart of the Empire which nominally controls it. His only goal is to hunt and help provide … Continue reading

Dragon’s Breath, by E.D. Baker (Bloomsbury, 2003)

In the wake of her amphibian exploits in The Frog Princess, Princess Esmerelda (better known as Emma) continues to explore her magical powers. But as usual for her, things just keep getting more and more complicated. How so? Well, her … Continue reading

Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke (The Chicken House, 2004)

For many years, the dragons have enjoyed a peaceful life, hidden in a remote Scottish valley. But now, at long last, humans threaten their peace with technological progress, steadily moving closer each day. The only hope the dragons have of … Continue reading

Dealing With Dragons, by Patricia C. Wrede, (Magic Carpet Books, 2002)

Recently, Magic Carpet Books reprinted the entire Enchanted Forest Chronicles series, starting with Dealings With Dragons, and I couldn’t be happier. This is another one of those stories that takes all the traditional trappings of fairy tales, and turns them … Continue reading

The Silver Moon Elm, by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi (Berkley Jam, 2007)

Jennifer Scales is still struggling with her unique nature: half-weredragon, half-beaststalker, able to bridge numerous worlds, potentially able to bring multiple warring races together, if they’ll only listen to her. Unfortunately, things just keep getting more complicated, especially when a … Continue reading

Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George (Bloomsbury, 2007)

Creel survives her aunt’s get-rich-quick scheme by outwitting the dragon that was supposed to eat her, winning a pair of fine slippers from the dragon’s hoard in the process. Taking up a new life in the city of King’s Seat, … Continue reading