Dragon Rider

Cornelia Funke

Book 1 in the series:Dragon Rider

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Who Would Like This Book:

This is a heartwarming, classic fantasy quest packed with lovable characters - think a gentle dragon, a sassy brownie, and an orphaned boy - on a magical journey to find a haven for dragons. Cornelia Funke brings her world to life with mythical creatures, humor, and adventure, making it an excellent pick for middle-grade readers or families looking for an engaging read-aloud. Adults who love a dash of nostalgia, or anyone missing the magic of old-school fantasy, will enjoy it too (and the Brendan Fraser audiobook is a real treat!).

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you prefer your fantasy dark, twisty, and morally ambiguous, you might find this one a bit straightforward and gentle. The story is primarily aimed at younger readers, so some older readers could find the plot predictable or the villains not quite menacing enough. At over 500 pages, it can seem a bit long for its intended age group, and readers looking for fast-paced, high-stakes action might find the tension on the mild side.

A charming, adventure-filled fantasy perfect for kids and families; a feel-good quest about friendship and courage that’s especially delightful as an audiobook.

About:

In the book "Dragon Rider" by Cornelia Funke, readers embark on a magical journey alongside Firedrake, a silver dragon, as he is joined by a brownie and an orphan boy named Ben in a quest to find the legendary valley known as the Rim of Heaven. Along the way, they encounter friendly and unfriendly creatures, while also struggling to evade the relentless pursuit of an old enemy. The story unfolds with elements of adventure, friendship, and the search for a safe haven where dragons can live in peace away from humans.

The narrative in "Dragon Rider" is filled with mythical creatures, magical landscapes, and a quest for a place of sanctuary for dragons. The characters, including Firedrake, Sorrel, Ben, and Twigleg, come together in a tale that teaches about courage, faith, the value of truth, and the true meaning of home. The book's writing style blends traditional myth and legend with fresh qualities, creating a fun and engaging read for fans of fantasy and dragon lore, appealing to both young and older readers.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and well-developed, featuring a brave dragon, a humorous brownie, and a kind-hearted orphan who all navigate challenges and develop friendships throughout their journey.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simple and engaging, focusing on accessibility for younger audiences while still incorporating whimsical and imaginative elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a young dragon named Firedrake who embarks on a quest to find the Rim of Heaven, seeking safety from human encroachment and avoiding the malevolent dragon Nettlebrand, which leads him to form bonds with a brownie and a human.

Setting:

The setting transitions from a Scottish valley to various fantastical locations, leading to the mythical Rim of Heaven, creating an expansive backdrop for adventure.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally brisk, maintaining reader interest with short chapters and engaging adventures, despite occasional slower moments for character development.

She glanced warily around again, and then disappeared into the crevice in the rock. There was a large cave behind it. The rat scurried in, but she didn’t get far. Someone grabbed her tail and lifted h...

Notes:

The main character is a young silver dragon named Firedrake.

Firedrake goes on a quest to find the magical Rim of Heaven for refuge from humans.

He is accompanied by a brownie named Sorrel who has a funny personality.

Along their journey, they meet Ben, a human orphan who helps them.

They face the threat of Nettlebrand, an evil golden dragon determined to hunt them down.

The audiobook is narrated by Brendan Fraser, who adds a unique flair to the characters' voices.

The story combines adventure, friendship, and the search for a safe home.

The humor in the book is prominent, especially through Sorrel's character.

The plot is designed for middle-grade readers, suitable for ages 8 to 12.

It explores themes of courage, home, and belonging.

From The Publisher:

Firedrake, a young dragon, receives a frightening warning one night: Humans are planning to destroy the valley in which he lives! All the dragons must flee. Their only refuge is a place above the clouds called the Rim of Heaven-which may not even exist. Firedrake boldly volunteers to go ahead first. As he embarks on his journey, he meets Ben, a runaway boy. Together, the boy and dragon make their way toward the Rim of Heaven, all the while running a step ahead of Nettlebrand, a monster who will stop at nothing to hunt down Firedrake. Their quest will truly become an adventure like no other.

1997

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537 pages

Ratings (16)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (35):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

Brynne Nelson

Loved It

2 years

Cute, fun, and young. I loved the way it led smoothly from one point to another. Enjoyed the big plot twist (shhh!)

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About the Author:

Cornelia Funke is the internationally acclaimed, bestselling author of The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, and the Inkheart trilogy, along with many other chapter and picture books for younger readers. She lives in Los Angeles, California, in a house filled with books.

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