The Dragon, the Earl, and the Troll

Dragon Knight #5

by Gordon R. Dickson

In the middle of the Earl of Somerset's lavish Christmas feast, the fortress is attacked by an army of land-hungry trolls and a band of traitors, and brave Dragon Knight Sir James undertakes a mission that no one can win. Reprint.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, Science Fiction

442 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Gordon Rupert Dickson was an American science fiction author. He was born in Canada, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a teenager. He is probably most famous for his Childe Cycle and the Dragon Knight series. He won three Hugo awards and one Nebula award.

Reviews

[Cindy Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one dragged a bit and had many plot holes, but I like this series over all. The characters appeal to me and each book can stand on its own.

[Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read

[Caspian Hendrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of Jesus references, but it’s an older book so it makes sense.

[Micah Siegmund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 5 in the Dragon Knight series, this book finds the now well-established characters in a holiday setting. Jim is getting better at being a magickian under the apprenticeship of Carolinus, although he is challenged on his status by a higher-ranking mage. Jim continues to build relationships in a medieval world with magic and dragons, while still having to downplay is modern day sensibilities. Jim and Angie are asked attend the Earl of Somerset's castle for the 12 days of Christmas. Not surprisingly there are complications, particularly a troll who lives at the castle who is upset that a rival troll has seemingly infiltrated the party appearing as a human. On top of this, an army of trolls shows up outside the castle, and a bunch of dragons show up wanting to attend the party as well. If that wasn't enough, Angie wants to adopt an orphan baby which throws a wrench in Jim's plans to go back to their own time.
Overall this book drags at times compared to earlier installments, and the complications on top of complications that Jim is expected to solve wears thin. Still, I enjoy being transported to this world so would still read this again.

[Helen Robare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series but this book was just a little bit off. Parts of it were great, parts of it were good, but the characters seemed to be a bit off.

Angie became a know it all superior being and talked to Jim like he was an underling. Jim was pretty much himself. Brian believed he fell in love with another woman not Geronde. (Oh, and by the way, it seems that Geronde had black hair in some of the books but in this one it was blond). Giles wasn't there. Cornelius was little to no help. But Hob of Meloncontri was still the cute little hobgoblin he has always been. Daffyd was pretty much the same but how did he know how to act like a real king?

The Little Folks and the Hollow men were the best parts of the book. The troll in the basement was an interesting addition. The plot was a bit weak but interesting. At least James/Jim was able to earn his C class magician rating through an actual deed!

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to page 12 and decided I had too many good books on the shelves to waste my time on this one. Though I was looking for a light fast read, this was just too campy for me. The main characters are on their castle wall supposedly contemplating the imminent demise of themselves and everyone within and they're merely wistful about it. The sudden incidental entrance of a friendly giant scares away the invading force. And then a AAA+ rated wizard shows up demanding the assistance of a C- rated wizard (rating system part of the book). That was enough for me. It goes in the thrift store pile.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline keeps you on your toes, as it weaves a lot of different problems for Jim Eckert to solve. As usual, being from the 20th century, he goes about solving them in ways different from the time period he is now in. The series is good in that the author recalls throughout, scenes and actions from earlier books that give credence to present actions, but sometimes it is like adding a full description of a meal that so many authors use to fill pages. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Leli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ten years after reading this series for the first time, and I'm beginning to really sympathize with the crotchety old mage Jim is apprenticed to. So many little problems, all with a (potentially) easy magical solution, and still he persists in doing things the hard way. You're a mage, Jim Eckert - do some goddamned magic! I thought I remembered him being a lot more thoughtful, as far as magic went, but apparently that doesn't happen until much farther along in the series.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the author has really developed his writing skills throughout the series.

The story is very strong, probably my favourite in the series so far, even better than the first one! There are many plot points and it is not as linear as the previous books. The characters are once again really good, with interesting personalities and you really get drawn to them.

[Lonnie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this book is one of the better ones in the series. His writting has improved in fantasy over the years and this books shows it. I would place this as 2nd or 3rd most enjoyable in the series, after the first book naturally.

[Jeremy Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in The Dragon Knight series. It involves A Dragon, an Earl AND a Troll, imagine that! It also takes place during the holidays and the holidays in Ye Olde England are pretty awesome. Read it during Christmas for a wintry vibe!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this lighthearted fantasy.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mejor que el anterior de la saga, aunque el final me ha dejado un poco frío.

[Lovelibro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book! It has action, perfectly balanced by informational parts, I loved it!

[Whiskey and Reading]

3 stars