There’s one type of fantasy book I’m always getting requests for: dragon books! Since they are so popular at my library, I was thrilled to find not only quite a few new releases featuring dragons, but the selection is quite diverse. There are dragon books inspired by Asian mythology, those that take their inspiration from tales of medieval Europe, and those that imagine our world if dragons were real, or even a post-apocalyptic future where dragons are kept on reservations. Dragons can be the “bad guys,” sympathetic creatures, or even humans who can shapeshift into dragon form. It’s a good time to be a fan of dragon stories! Here’s a chart to help you select which one might be your new favorite:
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
Magic is waning in the modern world, which makes life working for a magician employment agency rough. But what happens when the last dragonslayer kills the last known dragon?
The Story of Owen by E. K. Johnston
Dragonslayers can make it big in our world protecting big cities from fossil fuel guzzling dragons, but this leaves rural areas unprotected. This is the tale of Owen, reluctant teenage dragonslayer, told by his bard, Siobhan.
Eon by Alison Goodman (2010 Best Books for Young Adults)
This is a tale of sword fighting and magic and finding oneself.
Prophecy by Ellen Oh
Kira can spot demons hiding in human bodies, making her a valuable asset to the King.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (2013 Morris Award Winner)
This is for music-loving dragon fans! In this rich fantasy world in which dragons have bartered a truce with humans, Seraphina learns her own connection to the world of dragons.
A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn
This new dragon book is out next week, and is about a half-human, half-dragon girl choosing between being a princess in a kingdom where she is not wanted or a father she has never known and happens to be a dragon.
Other dragon books out this year that hardcore fans need to check out: Petra K and the Blackhearts by Ellis M. Henderson, Talker 25 by Joshua McCune, and Talon by Julie Kawaga.
–Molly Wetta, currently reading Great by Sara Benicasa