Must-Read Dragon Fantasy Books for Every Adventurer

“Fireborne” by Rosario Munda sets the dragon fantasy genre ablaze. Orphans Annie and Lee, from opposite ends of society, join the elite dragonriders after a revolution. Their bond faces trials amid political intrigue and the dragons they’ve vowed to ride.

Annie’s lowly background and Lee’s noble heritage challenge the new world’s ideals. Yet, as threats loom, they must choose where their true loyalties lie. Is it with each other, their country, or the dragons that have become part of their identity?

“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros soars into the heart of dragon fantasy with an unforgettable tale. Enrolled in a war college for dragon riders, Violet Sorrengail faces odds like no other. Her journey isn’t just about survival; it’s about proving her worth in a world where dragons choose their riders.

Violet’s smaller stature and fragile health put her at a disadvantage. However, her determination and spirit burn brighter than dragonfire. When Xaden Riorson, the college’s most formidable wingleader, challenges her, Violet’s resolve is put to the test.

“Dragonflight” by Anne McCaffrey takes flight in the world of dragon fantasy, introducing readers to the enchanting planet of Pern. Lessa, the last survivor of her noble family, conceals her identity to reclaim her birthright. But her destiny intertwines with the dragons of Pern and their riders, tasked with protecting the planet from the deadly Thread.

Lessa’s courage leads her to bond with Ramoth, a queen dragon, marking the start of an epic adventure. Together, they must unite the divided dragonriders and rediscover lost secrets to save their world. However, leading is fraught with challenges, both from the skies above and the tensions within.

“Seraphina” by Rachel Hartman breathes new life into dragon fantasy books with its unique take on dragon-human relations. In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons can take human form, coexisting with humans under a fragile peace treaty. Seraphina, a gifted musician, harbors a secret that ties her to both worlds: she’s half-dragon, half-human.

Her dual heritage becomes both a blessing and a curse as tensions rise between dragons and humans. When a member of the royal family is murdered, suspicion falls on the dragons, and Seraphina is drawn into the investigation. Alongside Prince Lucian, she seeks to uncover the truth, navigating a path fraught with danger and intrigue.

“So Let Them Burn” by Kamilah Cole ignites the dragon fantasy genre with its Jamaican-inspired setting and gods-blessed heroine, Faron Vincent. Once a liberator of her island using divine magic against the dragon-riding Langley Empire, Faron now faces a different kind of battle. At seventeen, she’s a hero without a war, celebrated yet restless.

Her life takes a sharp turn at an international peace summit, where her sister Elara forms a bond with an enemy dragon—a bond the gods say can only be broken by death. Faron’s quest to save her sister leads her into darkness, while Elara uncovers chilling secrets of their adversaries. Both sisters stand at a crossroads, their decisions poised to alter their lives and their world’s future.

“Dragon Mage” by M.L. Spencer soars into the realm of self-published dragon fantasy books with an epic tale of magic, courage, and dragons. Aram Raythe has always felt out of place in his world, his unique ability to see magic as colorful threads setting him apart. When he discovers his connection to ancient dragons and their lost magic, his life transforms from that of a village outcast to a key player in a battle against darkness.

Guided by a mysterious mentor, Aram embarks on a journey to master his powers and awaken the dragons that have slumbered for centuries. However, as he delves deeper into his training, he uncovers secrets that challenge his understanding of his identity and destiny. The path to becoming a Dragon Mage is fraught with danger, but Aram’s determination to protect his world from an impending doom drives him forward.

“The Dragon’s Hide”by Dustin Porta and D.K. Holmberg, unveils Treylen’s tale, a young assassin whose dragon, Rime, struggles to mature. Despite this setback, destiny calls them to a critical mission: eliminate a master glyph scribe aiding their enemies. Their journey leads to the deceptive safety of the Dragon’s Hide Inn, a hub for foes and a test of Treylen’s stealth and strategy.

“City in the Dragon’s Eye” (Dragon Reich Book 1) by Jordan Loyal Short combines red dragons, dark comedy, and thrilling adventure. Viktor’s misuse of magic from the Dragon Well turns him dragon-like, scale by scale, due to a magical tumor. To save his friends and himself, Viktor begins a quest for a cure, leading him to a bizarre sanitarium full of odd characters, including a mad doctor and a stubborn dwarf.

His journey uncovers rumors of an ancient mirror essential for Viktor’s survival. Meanwhile, the Thule Society, a group obsessed with dragons, is on its trail, forcing Viktor to balance the allure of his growing power against his desire for a cure. His race to the Tyrant’s Tomb, filled with deadly puzzles, becomes a desperate fight against time and the tumor transforming him.

In “When Women Were Dragons” by Kelly Barnhill, a unique dragon fantasy unfolds. It’s a world where, suddenly, thousands of women transform into dragons. This shift leaves society puzzled and scared. However, amidst the chaos, there’s a deeper tale of freedom and empowerment.

The story follows Alex, a young girl whose life changes after the Mass Dragoning. Her journey dives into the mysteries of why women turned into dragons. If you love dragon fantasy books, this story mixes magic, mystery, and a fight for independence beautifully.

“His Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik takes us on an exhilarating journey into the heart of dragon fantasy. In this tale, Captain Will Laurence discovers an unhatched dragon egg on his ship. Little does he know, his life is about to take a flight into the unknown. When the dragon, Temeraire, hatches, a remarkable bond forms between them.

Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, this story mixes history with dragon fantasy books in a thrilling way. Laurence and Temeraire join the Aerial Corps, battling in the skies. However, their journey is more than just fights; it’s about friendship and loyalty.

“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is an epic dragon fantasy that spans continents and generations. At its heart, a world divided by fear of the draconic, and the legend of a hero who once saved them all. However, the threat of the Nameless One, a powerful dragon, looms once again.

In this tale, we meet Ead, a mage disguised as a lady-in-waiting, secretly protecting Queen Sabran from assassination. Meanwhile, across the sea, Tané dreams of becoming a dragonrider but faces an unexpected choice that could alter her fate. Their stories converge as the world teeters on the brink of war.

“To Shape a Dragon’s Breath” by Moniquill Blackgoose weaves a captivating dragon fantasy. In it, Anequs, a 15-year-old girl from Masquapaug, finds a dragon egg. This discovery fills her people with hope, reviving legends of dragons ushering prosperity.

Yet, the Anglish rulers disagree with their traditions. Anequs faces a tough challenge: succeed in an Anglish dragon school or lose her dragon. Despite being an outsider with no formal schooling, her determination shines. She’s not just fighting for her dragon but for her people’s rights and identity.

“Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett takes a hilarious dive into the world of dragon fantasy. In the bustling, chaotic city of Ankh-Morpork, the last thing anyone expects is a dragon. Yet, here we are. The city’s Night Watch, a band of misfits led by the reluctant Captain Vimes, finds themselves the unlikely heroes against this fiery threat.

However, this dragon isn’t just any beast; it’s part of a dark plot to overthrow the city leadership. The Night Watch, historically more accustomed to avoiding trouble than confronting it, must step up. Through mishaps and mayhem, they tackle not just the dragon but the very nature of heroism itself.

“Phoenix Extravagant” by Yoon Ha Lee introduces us to a world where art, magic, and mechanical dragons intertwine. Jebi, a non-binary artist struggling to make ends meet, stumbles upon a job that seems too good to be true. They’re hired to paint magical sigils on the government’s automaton dragons, used for oppressive warfare.

However, Jebi’s journey takes an unexpected turn when they discover Phoenix Extravagant, a mysterious paint that can bring their artwork to life. With this discovery comes a moral dilemma: use their talents to aid the oppressors or fight for liberation. Jebi chooses resistance, teaming up with a rogue dragon automaton.