For Wyrd and Wonder my first post started at Mount TBR. Up next is my journey to Dragon’s Pass. I decided to keep my journey in the mountains for a little while because it’s nice and quiet. Dragons can be quiet when they want to and I intend to keep the peace. There will be no quests on my part save to share with you books I enjoyed that have dragons.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I mean, how could I not include this? While it’s not my favorite fantasy romance of all time, I still had a good time reading it. I’m definitely behind on this series (so no IRON FLAME spoilers, please!). But this is a book where the dragons have some personality. There aren’t points of view from them per se, but the reader gets to see what they think about things through their bonded dragon riders.

You can read my review here.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I admit my attention span for reading Tolkien is subpar. However, I did my first re-read of this book well over a year ago at this point. I found a full-cast audiobook on Spotify that was so enjoyable to listen to. I absolutely loved the parts where the cast playing the dwarves sings. Unfortunately, I think Spotify removed it when the Andy Serkis narration came out, then reuploaded it, and now it’s gone again (?). But you can listen to it for free on the Internet Archive. Anyway, Smaug the dragon is in THE HOBBIT, so naturally I have to include it.

Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs

SHIELD MAIDEN is a relatively new release (October 2023) and is a reimagining of BEOWULF. Only it’s from the point of view of Fryda, Beowulf’s niece. It features Fryda, who is disabled, coming into her power and an old dragon slowly reawakening; their powers seem somehow linked. I thought it was a very atmospheric read that immerses the reader into early medieval Sweden. There is some romance, but it felt more like a background event given everything else going on.

You can read my review here.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

I know it says “demon” in the title, but trust me that there is a dragon. And, as the title suggests, this is definitely a light, fun read and not something to take too seriously. Read this one for the ridiculous vibes. There is some plot, so readers who prefer that will appreciate a pairing of plot, spice, and silly banter. The official tagline says it well: “Spice trader Cinnamon’s quiet life is turned upside down when she ends up on a quest with a fiery demon, in this irreverently quirky rom-com fantasy that is sweet, steamy, and funny as hell.“

You can read my review here.

Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee

Given that this is an Arthurian retelling, dragons are almost a prerequisite. They aren’t featured heavily in this novel, but they eventually show up. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it! On the contrary, even if you’re a dragon lover! This Arthurian retelling is phenomenal. Set in the near future where climate change and greed have ruined the world, an ancient spell resurrects some knights of the round table to save the world. Although marketed as satire, it’s a great commentary on so many things.

You can read my review here.

Sacrifice by Vicky Walklate

If you want to read something with dragon shifters and sacrifice, then this book is for you. I read this for BBNYA when I was a judge for the 2022 season. It’s fast-paced and a good entry-level book into the shifter genre. It is a fantasy romance that errs on the enemies-to-lovers side. Even though it’s a shorter, faster read, the main character Libby is well characterized. The official taglines are: “Dragon gods rule the realm, demons lurk in the shadows, and a sorcerer hides a dangerous secret. A war is brewing in Jothesia, and the gods have no idea.”

You can read my review here.

And that’s it for me for the Wyrd and Wonder Dragon’s Pass prompt! Turns out I don’t read nearly as many things with dragons in it as I would like! That’s ok…it’s something to grow on.

The black dragon artwork is by Ehtisham Sajid. Ariana at The Book Nook created the Wyrd and Wonder map.