An anthology about dragons and full of some of my favorite authors like R.F. Kuang, Garth Nix, and Sarah Gailey (among others)?! How could I pass it up! I am happy to report that The Book of Dragons is as awesome as I expected. Keep reading this book review of The Book of Dragons if you love dragons as much as I do!
Summary
From China to Europe, Africa to North America, dragons have long captured our imagination in myth and legend. Whether they are rampaging beasts awaiting a brave hero to slay or benevolent sages who have much to teach humanity, dragons are intrinsically connected to stories of creation, adventure, and struggle beloved for generations.
Bringing together nearly thirty stories and poems from some of the greatest science fiction and fantasy writers working today— Garth Nix, Scott Lynch, R.F. Kuang, Ann Leckie & Rachel Swirsky, Daniel Abraham, Peter S. Beagle, Beth Cato, Zen Cho, C. S. E Cooney, Aliette de Bodard, Kate Elliott, Theodora Goss, Ellen Klages, Ken Liu, Patricia A McKillip, K. J. Parker, Kelly Robson, Michael Swanwick, Jo Walton, Elle Katharine White, Jane Yolen, Kelly Barnhill, Brooke Bolander, Sarah Gailey, and J. Y. Yang—and illustrated by award-nominated artist Rovina Cai with black-and-white line drawings specific to each entry throughout, this extraordinary collection vividly breathes fire and life into one of our most captivating and feared magical creatures as never before and is sure to become a treasured keepsake for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tales.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Book of Dragons begins with a love of dragons. What do they mean to not only each of personally, but to our culture. Are they figures of worship, of benevolence, of destruction? Do they grace our skies, slumber under mountains, or perch on churches? Featuring an all star cast with some of my all time favorites, I knew I had to get my hands on this book! Do you remember your first experience with dragons? My first dragon was in Tamora Pierce’s Wild Magic series. A bond, a partnership, a relationship born of sacrifice, that did not hide from the cruelty of humans on the creatures of our world.
With all anthologies, every story might not resonate as strongly with you, but I was pleasantly surprised with how thrilled I was reading these new (to me) authors. The Book of Dragons is a perfect gift for the dragon or fantasy fan in your life. Each author brings their unique flair. Wondering how dragons bewitch our consciousness, how do their families and society operate, and the power of stories and realities. It’s truly a fabulous homage to the bewitching presence of dragons in our fantasy worlds. To the places and power they could possess.
Find The Book of Dragons on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.