Three Dragons Books that will Delight

If you love fantasy as much as I do, you’ve probably read your share of dragon books over the years. I have such fond memories of diving into dragon-lore with the help of tomes like Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funk, Dragon Spell by Donita K. Paul, and Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Nowadays, it is hard to know what books to trust for your teens, as more and more adult content is showing up in young adult fantasy books.

Below are three clean teen recommendations for dragon-loving young adults (and young-at-heart adults) in your life. If there is romance, it is all swoon and no spice (kisses only); there may be violence (without the gore); and language is clean (aside from a creative fantasy-world-inspired curse, like “blazing scales” or something like that).

Saints and Monsters

By Ellen McGinty

With her crooked spine and reckless heart, Princess Meera always knew she wasn’t meant to become queen of Ezo. But when her sister, the rightful heir, is cursed on the eve of her coronation, Meera must defend her kingdom from ruthless invaders by taking the throne. Yet, while some countries have simple coronations, in Ezo…the princess must first claim a sea dragon.

Only the dragon is vicious, perfect, and whole-everything Meera is not. And if the dragon doesn’t deem her worthy, it will devour her. Turning to the Saints for help, she doesn’t anticipate that her actions will transform the dragon into a mortal, or that she’ll steal his heart..literally.

Now, as two hearts beat inside Meera’s chest, she’s reminded that her life is entwined with a dragon, who despises her weaknesses. Despite their differences, they must work together to reverse the curse and save the kingdom before more is lost than their stolen hearts.

Elise’s Review:

McGinty’s prose is lyrical, painting a vivid historic, Japan inspired world. The fact that the “dragons” in this book were seafaring was also unique. I also really enjoyed the twists throughout the story and discovering more about the dragons as the plot unfolded.

The concept of physical and emotional brokenness—both Meera’s and the dragon’s—adds meaningful depth and a refreshing break from the typical “chosen one” narrative. The overarching message of finding your own worth in the face of adversity was heartwarming and deeply resonant. It’s a theme that has stayed with me long after I finished reading.

To Bind Fire

By D.E. Carlson

A powerful imposter. A land torn by war. Their only hope-a child born in innocence. And Iris has killed him.

Iris is a frightened girl thrust into a foreign world by her own terrible mistake.

Besaun is Crown Prince of the Fire Empire who would rather tinker than assume the throne.

Both are fated to save the world.

Iris knows little of her past and less of her heritage, but she knows Fire. It whispers to her, leaping at her urging, delighting her eyes.

But then, fire takes everything from her, and she learns her bloodline’s terrible secret.

Her terrible secret.

Because of her, the world is dying.

But there is hope for them all, if she can face her deepest fear.

If she can master the fire.

Elise’s Review:

From the first page, I was hooked. The writing is beautiful and immediately pulls you into the world of Iris and the fire that disrupts her life and wishes to control her. The author crafted a slow-building tale that kept me intrigued and curious to learn more about the world of Jondria and the unique powers the different people groups possess.

And let’s not forget about Besaun and his troubled plight as the crown prince! I love a well done dual POV book. While their two worlds do not collide in book one, I fully expect they will in the next.

The faith themes woven into this story are exquisitely done. The intriguing prophecy and following Iris’s journey, as she navigates her new faith, found family, and the allure of power.

While dragons are not a huge part of this book, the promise of Dragonbloods (and my suspicion of the characters who are secretly one) has me recommending this book in this list of dragon books. (One book in the series is titled Cassandra’s Dragon, so be ready to fully invest in the series to get all the dragon lore.)

Embergold

By Rachelle Nelson

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast—truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

Elise’s Review:

Here you find a dragon story that is slightly reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, but is a unique story all on its own. Full of adventure, magic, mystery, hidden identities, and sacrificial love.

The unique dragon lore, along with the fascinating wizard/alchemist lore, was both intriguing and sinister, keeping me guessing how it would all be resolved. And then the slow-burn romance of this unlikely duo hooked me from the moment they met. I remained completely invested in their struggles until the very end.

While this book contains some mature themes and darker elements of magic, the author handles them masterfully and never depicts evil as good. At its heart, this book points to a greater story and a God-honoring message that lingers even after you reach The End.

If you have a clean-teen dragon book you’d recommend, please post it in the comment section! I’m always on the hunt (and I’m sure others are, too.)

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