Books Like...
The Fire Within by Chris d'Lacey follows the story of David Rain, a college student who rents a room in an unusual boarding house filled with clay dragons that come to life. Alongside the dragons, there is a focus on squirrels, particularly Lucy's favorite squirrel named Conker. As David delves into the mysteries of the dragons and the peculiar happenings in the house, he also becomes involved in helping Lucy and Conker. The book combines elements of fantasy with real-world issues like kindness, friendship, and the importance of caring for others.
If you liked The Fire Within, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Set in an alternative Egyptian world, 'Joust' follows the journey of Vetch, a young serf who is rescued by a dragon rider, Ari, from his cruel master. As Vetch navigates his new life as a dragon boy, he grapples with questions of loyalty, identity, and the desire for freedom. The story delves into themes of slavery, dragon lore, and the complexities of societal hierarchies, all while showcasing Mercedes Lackey's skill in world-building and character development.
THE hot wind out of the desert withered everything in its path—including anyone so foolish as to be out in the sun at midday. It carried reddish dust and sand on its wings, and used both to scour what... - #2
Save:Jake, a teenage boy living in a dragon preserve, changes the fierce political debate surrounding dragons when he adopts an orphaned baby dragon. The story unfolds with Jake's struggles in communication and his unique experiences with dragons, set in an alternate Earth where these creatures exist and are protected. The narrative is told in a stream of consciousness style from the perspective of a teenage boy, offering a fresh and realistic voice to describe the traumatic and inexplicable events that unfold.
“I don’t know how—I can’t make it a story!” I shout, or rather, I don’t shout, I sort of hiss it through clenched teeth. I want to shout. “It’s not…It doesn’t have…There’s no…” I can’t think how to fi... - #3
Save:'Tooth and Claw' by Jo Walton is a unique and delightful blend of Victorian society and dragons. The story follows a family of dragons navigating a society where power is determined by size and wealth, leading to cannibalistic traditions. Readers are drawn into a world of family disputes, legal controversies, and romantic entanglements, all set in a Victorian-like era where dragons uphold strict societal norms. The writing style mimics the manners and customs of a Victorian novel, with a touch of humor and wit that keeps the readers engaged throughout the book.
Bon Agornin writhed on his deathbed, his wings beating as if he would fly to his new life in his old body. The doctors had shaken their heads and left, even his daughters had stopped telling him he wa... - #4
Save:In an alternative historical Britain, "The Midnight Queen" by Sylvia Izzo Hunter follows the story of Gray Marshall, a student at Merlin College, who gets entangled in a mysterious midnight errand that leads to disaster. Sent away in disgrace, Gray meets Sophie Callender, the professor's daughter, who is keen on learning magic despite societal norms. Together, they uncover a dangerous plot involving the British Royal Family and embark on a journey to stop it. Set in a Regency-era Britain with elements of magic, intrigue, and complex characters, this book weaves together a tale of political intrigue, romance, and the quest for power.
The writing style of "The Midnight Queen" has been described as elegant, detailed, and immersive, drawing readers into a multilingual Britain where Roman and Celtic gods are worshipped, and magic is a powerful force. The plot unfolds intricately, with clandestine meetings, secrets, and a richly developed world that blends historical elements with fantasy, creating a captivating story that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Gray toiled in the midsummer sun, on his knees among the rhododendrons, through an afternoon that seemed to last a month. Beautiful, Callender Hall’s gardens might be, but after only half a day he had... - #5
Save:The Elvenbane is a high fantasy novel set in a world where elves are tyrannical rulers and dragons play a significant role in the story. The main character, Shana, is a half-human, half-elven girl raised by dragons, who possesses unique powers. The book explores themes of rebellion, power struggles, and the discovery of one's true identity. The plot moves quickly with well-developed characters, blending elements of elves, dragons, mages, and half-elves in a captivating narrative style that keeps readers engaged.
SERINA DAETH. I am— Serina Daeth. Serina clung to her name as the only thing she was still certain of, the only thing the sun could not burn away from her. The sun—it was high overhead now, beating do... - #6
Save: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.
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... - #7
Save:Dragonwatch is a sequel series to Fablehaven, where dragons threaten to destroy the magical preserves and the non-magical world. Kendra and Seth are called upon to become caretakers of the Wyrmroost sanctuary, facing the responsibility of handling a dragon uprising. Brandon Mull's adept writing of teenage heroes and introduction of new characters create a fresh take on familiar scenarios, enveloping readers in a wondrous magical world.
Kendra Sorenson jogged through the warm mist, damp gravel crunching underfoot, wondering if the moisture in the air was falling enough to be called rain. Sprinkles, maybe. She glanced up at the gray b... - #8
Save:In 'Dragon Champion', E.E. Knight follows the journey of AuRon, a dragon born without protective scales, in a world where dragons are hunted to extinction. The book beautifully portrays AuRon's growth from a young hatchling to an adult dragon, navigating a hostile and unfair world while forming friendships and facing enemies. Knight's writing style is praised for its detailed character development, unexpected allies, and unique portrayal of supporting characters like Blackhard the Wolf and Djer the merchant dwarf.
He had only just discovered a new world in the slow awakening, one so different from the muted patterns and colors, muffled echoes and stale tastes of the old. He had been snug in his dark little spac... - #9
Save:Set in a futuristic world with a medieval twist, "Dragon's Blood" by Jane Yolen follows the story of Jakkin, a bond servant with a dream of buying his freedom by raising a dragon to fight in the pits. The plot revolves around Jakkin's struggles, ambitions, and the relationships he forms in a society where dragons are trained for sport. The writing style is praised for its easy narrative flow, engaging storytelling, and the creation of a realistic world that draws readers into a society where dragons are fought and trained telepathically by humans.
THE TWIN MOONS cast shadows like blood scores across the sand. Jakkin hunkered down in a bowl-shaped depression and listened. Inside the wood-and-stone dragonry he could hear the mewling and scratchin... - #10
Save:"Going Down in Flames" by Chris Cannon follows the story of Bryn, a young girl who discovers she is a shape-shifting dragon. As a hybrid of Blue and Red dragon, Bryn faces challenges as she navigates the dragon society's strict rules and traditions. The plot unfolds with Bryn attending a dragon school to learn about her abilities while dealing with the complexities of forbidden love, revolution, and the struggles of being an outsider in a society that rejects her uniqueness. The writing style is described as straightforward, engaging, and fast-paced, with unique world-building elements that captivate the readers' attention.
Bryn yanked down the school bus window. Not that it helped much. The bus still smelled like sweat and nacho cheese. The sweat could be explained by the freshman boys who had gym last hour and consider...
