Books Like...
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.
If you liked Joust, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
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... - #2
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... - #3
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... - #4
Save:A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan is a captivating tale set in a quasi-Victorian fantasy world, following the adventures of Lady Isabella Trent, a young woman breaking societal norms to pursue her passion for studying dragons. The book offers a unique blend of memoir-style storytelling, combining elements of adventure, mystery, and scientific exploration as Lady Trent reflects on her early days of studying dragonkind. The narrative unfolds through Lady Trent's vivid narration, detailing her struggles against societal expectations and her determination to follow her scientific pursuits, all set against a backdrop of a well-textured world reminiscent of the Georgian Victorian era.
When I was seven, I found a sparkling lying dead on a bench at the edge of the woods which formed the back boundary of our garden, that the groundskeeper had not yet cleared away. With much excitement... - #5
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... - #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:Windcatcher by A.J. Norfield is a fantasy novel that introduces readers to a new world filled with dragons, unique characters, and intricate mythology. The story follows the journey of characters like Raylan, Galirras, and their friends as they navigate through a world reminiscent of medieval times, complete with violence, wars, and greed. The author's writing style is described as engaging, with well-drawn relationships between characters that keep readers invested in finding out what happens next.
Raylan felt his legs cramping up. He wondered how long they had been waiting in this cold. He saw his own breath in front of him as he forced his jaw to stay still. He peered around the rock that hid ... - #8
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... - #9
Save: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.
Well, here we are,” Mrs. Pennykettle said, pausing by the door of the room she had for rent. She clasped her hands together and smiled. “Officially, it’s our dining room, but we always eat in the kitc... - #10
Save:In a Medieval-like world where humans and dragons coexist, Seraphina, a half-dragon court musician, navigates a fragile peace treaty between the two species. When a royal prince is murdered, Seraphina finds herself entangled in political tension and must protect her own secret while uncovering a plot to violate the peace treaty. The book delves into themes of identity, discrimination, and belonging, with a unique world where dragons take human form and emotions are avoided, creating a complex and engaging narrative.
At the center of the cathedral stood a model of Heaven called the Golden House. Its roof unfolded like a flower to reveal a human-sized hollow, in which the body of poor Prince Rufus lay shrouded in g...
