20 Best Dragon Books For Adults
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Dragons have captivated imaginations in fantasy literature for centuries. Weaved into tales of epic battles, political intrigue, rvenge, betrayal, love, and loss. The recent surge of dragon books for adults has shown the many ways in which these mythical beasts can be incorporated into storytelling.
In this list, we take a look at 20 of the best dragon books and book series for adults, including both new releases and timeless classics. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with adventure, magic, and the awe-inspiring power of dragons.
The 20 Best Dragon Books for Adults
1. Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee (2020)
Set in a fantasy world inspired by Korea's occupation by Japan where magical automata and sentient animals coexist, Phoenix Extravagant is a wonderful blend of magic and technology.
It tells the story of Jebi, a non-binary artist, who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the empire that rules over them. When the Ministry of Armour recruits them to work on a secret project, Jebi must choose between their art and their morals. But, will Jebi be able to survive in this treacherous world, or will their fate be sealed forever?
2. Songs of Insurrection by J.C. Kang (2020)
Songs of Insurrection by J.C. Kang is a thrilling and engaging book that blends the genres of spy thriller, epic fantasy, and romance seamlessly. Set in a world where music has the power to influence and even control people, the story follows Princess Kaiya, who possesses a unique ability to harness the power of songs.
Despite her potential for greatness, Kaiya is trapped in a life of political stagnation, with her talents and abilities overlooked by those around her. Seen as nothing more than a figurehead, she is underestimated and undervalued by the court. But Kaiya refuses to let this hold her back. She is determined to break free from the constraints that society has placed on her and become the leader she knows she can be.
3. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019)
For those seeking an immersive epic fantasy experience, look no further than Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree. With over 800 pages to sink your teeth into, this sweeping tale of political intrigue, dragonriders, magic, and assassination plots is sure to captivate you from start to finish.
At the heart of the story is a struggle for power between two opposing forces: the Eastern-inspired Virtudom and the Western-inspired Inys, each with their own religions, customs, and political agendas.
Caught in the middle are a cast of compelling characters, including Tane, a dragonrider from the Virtudom who must navigate the politics of her own society while discovering the secrets of her dragon's past; Ead, a skilled fighter and mage who serves as a lady-in-waiting to the queen of Inys; and Sabran, the queen of Inys, who must confront her own fears and doubts as she faces enemies both within and without.
4. The Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwood (2018-2021)
This high-fantasy tale brims with originality and features a world of dragons and treacherous politics. As an added bonus, the story also boasts stunning illustrations by Mr. Lockwood himself. Filled with thrilling adventures, malevolent adversaries, political machinations, and, of course, dragons.
Maia and her family breed dragons for the war effort. As she grows older, she eagerly awaits the opportunity to obtain her own dragon. But her tranquil life is upended when the Summer Dragon, a rare and legendary High Dragon, unexpectedly appears in her quiet valley. With different political factions clamouring for control and the empire embroiled in war, Maia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to obtain a dragon of her own.
5. The Dragon Mage by M.L. Spencer (2019-2020)
The heart of Dragon Mage beats with the tale of Aram Raythe, a peculiar young boy residing in a humble village who possesses a deep affection for knots and a unique perspective on the world, wherein he perceives everything in vibrant hues. Despite his earnest desire to befriend others, Aram has always been ostracized and subjected to cruelty because of his "difference."
Little do they know, however, that Aram's capabilities far exceed their understanding. For he harbours an extraordinary power that could potentially challenge even the gods themselves. Dragon Mage is a classic epic fantasy told with a modern voice and a brilliantly written coming-of-age story.
6. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter (2019)
Drawing inspiration from Zulu lore and history, this novel tells the story of the Omehi, a people who have been mired in a seemingly endless war for close to two hundred years. Among the Omehi are those gifted with the power to command dragons or to metamorphose into wondrous creatures.
But for Tau, a young boy without any such abilities, this is of little consequence. What he does possess is an unwavering drive that will lead him on a treacherous quest for vengeance.
7. Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (2019)
In this thrilling debut from Rosaria Munda, readers are challenged to ponder a weighty question: what holds greater value - the family you were born into or the one you have chosen?
Set in a world where dragon riders rule over a class system, Fireborne follows two young riders who must navigate the complexities of their society as they vie for power and confront the truth about their pasts.
8. The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan (2013-2017)
This book takes the form of a memoir by Isabella, a Victorian noblewoman who defies gender norms and rises to prominence as a preeminent authority on dragons.
The story blends elements of a coming-of-age tale, a critique of societal expectations, and a tribute to pioneering figures like Mary Anning, a paleontologist from the 19th century.
The initial instalment of Brennan's Lady Trent series is a delightful read, and it also serves as an excellent introduction to dragon-themed fantasy for readers who may be wary of the genre.
9. The Seraphina series by Rachel Hartman (2012-2018)
In a kingdom where humans and dragons share a fragile co-existence, the body of the crown prince is discovered — with all signs pointing to murder by dragon. Seraphina, a talented young court musician is drawn into the mystery.
However, she has a secret to keep: she is, in fact, a half-dragon! Seraphina must keep her half-dragon heritage a secret while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens both species.
10. A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin (1996-2011)
One of the most popular series featuring dragons ever, A Song of Ice and Fire is a complex and bloody grimdark series set in the seven kingdoms where the powerful noble houses all vie for the Iron Throne. the series is full of betrayal, blood, sex, and vengeance.
However, dragons have been extinct for centuries. That is untl Danarys, the last of mad the Targaryen house, hatches three dragon eggs. Can dragons tip the balance of power once more?
11. The Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb (1995-2017)
Robin Hobb’s epic Elderling series set spans multiple trilogies starting with the incredible Farseer Trilogy. While each series focuses on different characters and plot arcs, read as a whole, you can begin to see how they come together, exploring an intricate world where dragons, once extinct, are finally returning.
However, while their reemergence promises a nostalgic return to the time of the Elderlings, of incredible magic and wondor, dragons are proud, dangerous, and terrifying creatures, and they have suffered under the hands of humans. Against all the odds the cast of characters must uncover the secrets to the mysterious Elderling civilization and the reason behind the sudden disappearance of the dragons all those centuries ago.
12. The Wings of War by Bryce O'Connor (2016-2021)
The Wings of War by Bryce O'Connor is a thrilling dark fantasy series that follows the story of Raz i'Syul Arro, a warrior whose life is forever changed after he is betrayed by those he trusted the most. As Raz struggles to come to terms with his new reality, he finds himself caught up in a war between two powerful factions that threatens to tear apart the entire realm.
With battles raging and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Raz must choose where his loyalties lie and fight for what he believes in. But will he be able to survive the brutal conflict, or will he fall to the forces of evil?
13. The Draconis Memories by Anthony Ryan (2016-2019)
In The Draconis Memories, we follow an orphan boy named Kez who is raised by an infamous crime lord in the city of Harthspool. With his skills as a thief and his talent for manipulating magical runes, Kez has made a name for himself in the criminal underworld.
But, when he is hired to steal a powerful artefact from the royal palace, Kez finds himself in the midst of a deadly game of politics and betrayal that threatens to tear the city apart.
As Kez struggles to survive in a world of cut-throat ambition and hidden agendas, he begins to uncover secrets about his own past that will change everything he thought he knew about himself and the world around him.
Just as he starts to unravel the truth, Kez finds himself facing an enemy unlike any he has ever encountered before, and one that will stop at nothing to achieve its dark and mysterious goals...
14. The Dragonships of Vindras by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (2010-2014)
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are known for their contributions to the world of fantasy fiction, and the Dragonships of Vindras series is no exception.
Set in a world where dragons are revered and feared, the series follows the journey of two brothers who must rise to the occasion and protect their people from a terrible threat.
15. The Dragonrealm by Richard A. Knaak (1984-2014)
The Dragonrealm series by Richard A. Knaak is a classic in the world of dragon literature. It features a world where humans and dragons coexist, but the relationship between them is far from peaceful. With intricate world-building and memorable characters, this series is a must-read for any dragon enthusiast.
16. The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey (1968-2011)
Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series is a beloved classic of the fantasy genre. McCaffrey’s sprawling Dragonriders of Pern series shot her to acclaim back in the late 1960s, making her the first woman writer to win both a Hugo and a Nebula Award.
In the far future, humans have colonized a planet called Pern, which is protected by dragons and riders known as Weyrs. The series follows a group of dragon riders as they fight against a deadly menace known as Thread. With vivid descriptions of dragon flight and intricate world-building, this series is a must-read for any dragon lover.
17. The Age of Fire by E.E. Knight (2005-2013)
The Age of Fire series by E.E. Knight is a unique take on dragon literature casting the dragons as the protagonists in their own story. Auron is a dragon hatchling who has been captured and separated from his family.
To save his race from a warlord who uses dragons to fight his battles, Auron must infiltrate his army by volunteering as a fighter navigating a dangerous world filled with conflict and betrayal. With its vivid descriptions of dragon culture and complex characters, this series is a standout in the genre.
18. The Deverry Cycle by Katharine Kerr (1986-2009)
The Deverry Cycle series by Katharine Kerr is a sprawling epic that spans multiple generations. It features a world where dragons and humans coexist, but the relationship between them is far from harmonious. With its intricate world-building and complex characters, this series is a must-read for any fantasy fan.
19. The Dragon Quartet by Marjorie B. Kellogg (1981-1993)
The Dragon Quartet by Marjorie B. Kellogg is a classic in the world of dragon literature. Set in a world where dragons are revered and feared, the series follows the journey of a young boy who befriends a dragon and must protect it from those who seek to harm it.
With its vivid descriptions of dragonflight and intricate world-building, this series is a must-read for any dragon enthusiast.
20. Temeraire by Naomi Novik
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Temeraire is an alternate history series where dragons are used as weapons of war. Captain Will Laurence unexpectedly becomes the captain of a rare Chinese dragon, Temeraire, and the two form an unlikely bond. Together they face battles, political intrigue, and dragon mutinies.
As they prepare for their next mission, a shadowy figure from Laurence's past appears with a shocking revelation that threatens to tear apart their partnership and change the course of the war.
The Best Dragon Books: Final Words
The 20 titles on this list of the best dragon books are a great starting point for any reader looking to explore the world of dragons in literature however, there are a few notable exclusions.
For example, I haven’t included Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Christopher Paolini’s wildly successful Eragon (a personal favourite of mine in my teen years), or even Harry Potter, the fourth volume The Goblet of Fire for example features dragons as one of the main challenges that Harry has to overcome as part of the Triwizard cup. The reason I left these off is that everyone’s heard of these - they are ubiquitous, almost synonymous when you think about magical fantasy featuring dragons.
My personal favourites on the above list are Temeraire and Robin Hobbs's Realm of the Elderling series. But, each of these books listed stands out for different reasons and there should be something to cater to every taste. So, whether you're looking for epic battles or heartwarming relationships between dragons and humans, there's a dragon book out there for you.