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The Dragon's Tamer
Summoned to the royal palace by the King, Alaith spends his days either handling the dragons that plague the kingdom, or holed up in his lonely tower. Unusual in appearance, manner, and his method of taming dragons rather than slaying them, his only distractions from his painfully outcast state in caring for the tamed dragon who resides with him, and admiring the handsome Lord Trey—and arguing with the infuriating Prince Rythe.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2011
24 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,944 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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meganaderr@gmail.com
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meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 18, 2025
I decided earlier this week that this would be my last book of the year and the result was perfect. Megan Derr has enthralled me again here. Even if it is a ridiculously short book. The story is beautiful.
A whole world full of magic, dragons and scheming opens up in just a few pages. It's an absolute horror that it's not an epic work, but you have to make do with what little there is.
I love how Alaith doesn't like Prince Rythe at all and then slowly realizes that there's more to the prince than meets the eye. Love their banter and how they slowly feel drawn to each other.
Rythe smirked at him. "Wouldn't all this bickering be much better if I could shut you up by kissing you senseless?" 🥰🤗🥰
Rythe tossed a smile over his shoulder, so beautiful and infuriating that Alaith wanted to shove him into the sea, then drag him back out and do filthy things to him on the sand. 🥰🤗🥰
A whole world full of magic, dragons and scheming opens up in just a few pages. It's an absolute horror that it's not an epic work, but you have to make do with what little there is.
I love how Alaith doesn't like Prince Rythe at all and then slowly realizes that there's more to the prince than meets the eye. Love their banter and how they slowly feel drawn to each other.
Rythe smirked at him. "Wouldn't all this bickering be much better if I could shut you up by kissing you senseless?" 🥰🤗🥰
Rythe tossed a smile over his shoulder, so beautiful and infuriating that Alaith wanted to shove him into the sea, then drag him back out and do filthy things to him on the sand. 🥰🤗🥰
January 24, 2025
Painfully simplistic writing and forgettable characters with nonexistent chemistry, not a sign of a good short story to me. But I went in mainly for the dragons and some dragons I got, so there's that.
January 1, 2024
A dragon tamer who doesn't eat animals, is full of dragon tattoos amd piercings?
Yes, please, and thank you.
Yes, please, and thank you.
December 26, 2012
3.5 stars
I think Megan Derr has one of the best qualities in portraying grumpy characters and how they fall in love after a series of misunderstanding. In her hands, 'misunderstanding' become adorable and sweet. Just like one.
Alaith, the dragon tamer finds Prince Rythe spoiled and obnoxious. Rythe seems to dedicate his time to annoy Alaith with his infuriating smirks and his attitude that looks down on him as a dragon tamer (rather than slayer). But we all know that those acts are signs of Twu Wuv right? Well, Alaith finds out about Rythe's true feeling when they try to stop illegal dragon smuggling and Rythe's got poisoned... Aaah, their banters are just so entertaining!! And those kisses so sweet.
It makes me all happy :)
I think Megan Derr has one of the best qualities in portraying grumpy characters and how they fall in love after a series of misunderstanding. In her hands, 'misunderstanding' become adorable and sweet. Just like one.
Alaith, the dragon tamer finds Prince Rythe spoiled and obnoxious. Rythe seems to dedicate his time to annoy Alaith with his infuriating smirks and his attitude that looks down on him as a dragon tamer (rather than slayer). But we all know that those acts are signs of Twu Wuv right? Well, Alaith finds out about Rythe's true feeling when they try to stop illegal dragon smuggling and Rythe's got poisoned... Aaah, their banters are just so entertaining!! And those kisses so sweet.
It makes me all happy :)
January 5, 2022
2.5 stars
November 22, 2025
One thing I like about Megan Derr ‘s short stories is that she never skimps on the worldbuilding, and her characters are always fresh and interesting. Story-wise and chemistry-wise, though, I like this one less, but it’s still an enjoyable short read.
June 28, 2014
Super cute! I do enjoy Ms. Derr's sense of fantasy. It's a fun little world she's set up in such a quick little story. I would really love to have read this as a full length novel. Ok so part of that is because I'm obsessed with dragons and I just wanted more of them, but I really liked Alaith and Prince Rythe as well.
Alaith is from the plains. His tribe has carried down the secrets of training dragons for generations. Normally he would have nothing to do with outsiders, but when the neighboring kingdom comes to them for someone's help his father thinks he should go. He never thought they were really requesting a dragon slayer not a dragon tamer. He refuses to betray his craft though and a tamer is what they get. Over time he's taken to his roll no matter what the rest of the palace snickers about behind their back. Now if only he didn't have to deal with the thorn in his side, Prince Rythe.
Rythe is the youngest son and as such seemingly has nothing to do. He takes a perverse pleasure in needling Alaith every chance he gets. He has a motive though. Eventually he might even reveal it to Alaith. Rythe may come across as a witless playboy with no responsibility to his name, but he has a few secrets he's buried down deep. Right now though he needs a dragon tamer and is determined to get Alaith to go with him.
I liked the little twists and turns in this story for how short it was. I loved who Rythe was underneath everything. His obnoxious demeanor was a lovely cover for all his secrets. Granted I think he truly does enjoy needling Alaith and getting a rise out of him. Alaith on the other hand is the perfect "savage" who is of course no such thing. I like his description and the idea of land he comes from. Of course he gets my vote no matter what since he tames dragons! I want to train dragons!
There's a fun little plot here, intrigue and all. I just wish that I could have had more! More time with these characters and in this world. This is a wonderfully complete story, but that doesn't stop me from wishing for things I can't have. Awesome!
Alaith is from the plains. His tribe has carried down the secrets of training dragons for generations. Normally he would have nothing to do with outsiders, but when the neighboring kingdom comes to them for someone's help his father thinks he should go. He never thought they were really requesting a dragon slayer not a dragon tamer. He refuses to betray his craft though and a tamer is what they get. Over time he's taken to his roll no matter what the rest of the palace snickers about behind their back. Now if only he didn't have to deal with the thorn in his side, Prince Rythe.
Rythe is the youngest son and as such seemingly has nothing to do. He takes a perverse pleasure in needling Alaith every chance he gets. He has a motive though. Eventually he might even reveal it to Alaith. Rythe may come across as a witless playboy with no responsibility to his name, but he has a few secrets he's buried down deep. Right now though he needs a dragon tamer and is determined to get Alaith to go with him.
I liked the little twists and turns in this story for how short it was. I loved who Rythe was underneath everything. His obnoxious demeanor was a lovely cover for all his secrets. Granted I think he truly does enjoy needling Alaith and getting a rise out of him. Alaith on the other hand is the perfect "savage" who is of course no such thing. I like his description and the idea of land he comes from. Of course he gets my vote no matter what since he tames dragons! I want to train dragons!
There's a fun little plot here, intrigue and all. I just wish that I could have had more! More time with these characters and in this world. This is a wonderfully complete story, but that doesn't stop me from wishing for things I can't have. Awesome!
August 11, 2025
I'm confused on what the title is supposed to be... The Dragon's Tamer or The Dragon Tamer. Personally, without the possessive makes more sense to me but... Weird.
Oh well.
I've read quite a few by Derr at this point and they seem to be rather hit and miss for me. Okay. Looking at my ratings, they appear to be average with the longer books being higher rated. Either way, this was okay. Super simplistic, quick read. Predictable. But very short so... Meh.
It's the typical, I hate this person because I barely know them and they seem shallow, annoying. But then I see them smile a true smile and see how serious they truly are and... Love.
I didn't appreciate how Alaith was towards Rythe (and there is a misspelling of his name here) and how he said If he wound up liking this bastard because of all this drama, he was going to kill himself. Wtf.
Loved the dragons. Even though there isn't much here, I liked the premise behind Alaith and what he was doing - tamer instead of slayer. I actually think this would have been better suited for a longer novel instead. It had the makings with some of the background info between, not only the dragons (tamer vs slayer) but also the Plainsmen and how Alaith was essentially exiled even though he was brought to the land for the specific purpose... Buuut it really could have gone either way as far as being worse or better for it being a longer novel.
All that being said, I do wish that I had had the heads up that .
I appreciated how Alaith stood by his beliefs and was a badass too. It was interesting how he cared little about taking human lives, though...
So... Overall... I don't even know. 2.5 stars rounded up for now (and will probably stay that way cuz I'm bad at going back through stuff) cuz it was still... entertaining enough. I did like the ending. I thought it was cute and fitting.
Oh well.
I've read quite a few by Derr at this point and they seem to be rather hit and miss for me. Okay. Looking at my ratings, they appear to be average with the longer books being higher rated. Either way, this was okay. Super simplistic, quick read. Predictable. But very short so... Meh.
It's the typical, I hate this person because I barely know them and they seem shallow, annoying. But then I see them smile a true smile and see how serious they truly are and... Love.
I didn't appreciate how Alaith was towards Rythe (and there is a misspelling of his name here) and how he said If he wound up liking this bastard because of all this drama, he was going to kill himself. Wtf.
Loved the dragons. Even though there isn't much here, I liked the premise behind Alaith and what he was doing - tamer instead of slayer. I actually think this would have been better suited for a longer novel instead. It had the makings with some of the background info between, not only the dragons (tamer vs slayer) but also the Plainsmen and how Alaith was essentially exiled even though he was brought to the land for the specific purpose... Buuut it really could have gone either way as far as being worse or better for it being a longer novel.
All that being said, I do wish that I had had the heads up that .
I appreciated how Alaith stood by his beliefs and was a badass too. It was interesting how he cared little about taking human lives, though...
So... Overall... I don't even know. 2.5 stars rounded up for now (and will probably stay that way cuz I'm bad at going back through stuff) cuz it was still... entertaining enough. I did like the ending. I thought it was cute and fitting.
January 27, 2013
This was sweet and adorable and just so much fun.
I loved Alaith's voice and only fell more in love with him the more I got to know him. He's also one of the most unique-looking characters, with his tattoos and piercings and dreads. Combine that with his reluctance to harm anything--as a plainsman, he tames dragons instead of killing them--and I'm hooked!
I think the greatest joy of this story was watching Alaith discover Rythe. It was fascinating to watch as all of his pre-conceived notions were disproved one by one until he had to confront the prince on whole new terms. Lovely and delightful.
I loved Alaith's voice and only fell more in love with him the more I got to know him. He's also one of the most unique-looking characters, with his tattoos and piercings and dreads. Combine that with his reluctance to harm anything--as a plainsman, he tames dragons instead of killing them--and I'm hooked!
I think the greatest joy of this story was watching Alaith discover Rythe. It was fascinating to watch as all of his pre-conceived notions were disproved one by one until he had to confront the prince on whole new terms. Lovely and delightful.
January 28, 2012
An interesting short little story. I love the idea of a dragon tamer rather than slayer.
I'm liking Megan Derr's style of writting.
I'm liking Megan Derr's style of writting.
September 6, 2012
A lovely short story. Not exactly amazing, but an adorable, cute book that I'll read over and over and over again.
December 23, 2019
Short and straight forward, going along the same lines as the inquisitor with the mc along for the ride. Dragons, flirting and piercings.
January 1, 2024
3.5
That was short and sweet. I adore Alaith. He's so sweet and cute. I wish to read more about his dragon taming skills. I also enjoyed the banter between Alaith and Rythe.
Rythe has one goal in mind, and he is committed to it. It's so funny to see his advances. He just wanted a kiss, and he got it.
I wish this was a full-length book. I need more. But alas, there is no banquet that doesn't come to an end.
That was short and sweet. I adore Alaith. He's so sweet and cute. I wish to read more about his dragon taming skills. I also enjoyed the banter between Alaith and Rythe.
Rythe has one goal in mind, and he is committed to it. It's so funny to see his advances. He just wanted a kiss, and he got it.
I wish this was a full-length book. I need more. But alas, there is no banquet that doesn't come to an end.
December 8, 2014
I'm a sucker for Ms. Derr's magical worlds. Dragons, kingdoms, and sexy men, oh my!
This is another short story that knocks it out of the park. Loved the hate to love theme, the traditions and cultures mentioned, the boys' attitudes and characters, and the plot. Wonderful read.
This is another short story that knocks it out of the park. Loved the hate to love theme, the traditions and cultures mentioned, the boys' attitudes and characters, and the plot. Wonderful read.
June 19, 2012
An absolutely delightful read. The plot is simple but well-rounded, and I absolutely loved the characters - Alaith is so feisty and Rythe's depth of character is portrayed slowly and very well. Megan Derr has definitely become one of my favorite authors, and although there are rarely any 'graphic' sex scenes, the charm between her couples make each story unique and far better than most more erotic novels I've read in the best.
November 21, 2018
You can't go wrong when you need your fairy tale fix, to read a Megan Derr story. They're always unique and have the perfect balance of world building to romance.
The Dragon's Tamer is especially good because you get not only fairy tale flavor and romance, but there's also a mystery and dragons. This one is going on my reread list.
The Dragon's Tamer is especially good because you get not only fairy tale flavor and romance, but there's also a mystery and dragons. This one is going on my reread list.
May 16, 2014
Too short!! I wish there was more :(
Alaith was sexy as hell with his nipple piercings and braids, and his back and forth with Rythe was fun and cute! It's a complete story with all ends tied up, but I definitely wish there was more, Alaith's world is somewhere I would love to play in >_<
Alaith was sexy as hell with his nipple piercings and braids, and his back and forth with Rythe was fun and cute! It's a complete story with all ends tied up, but I definitely wish there was more, Alaith's world is somewhere I would love to play in >_<
March 25, 2021
this was a good read, but it could have been a real great story!
as much as I love Megan Derrs book, I am always sorry when I read such a short book by Megan Derr, as - although very well written - it means a great story lost if it would have been longer.
this was very interesting and I liked it
as much as I love Megan Derrs book, I am always sorry when I read such a short book by Megan Derr, as - although very well written - it means a great story lost if it would have been longer.
this was very interesting and I liked it
March 20, 2011
I loved their back and forth, and especially how the Prince was not the spoiled brat he appears
May 1, 2011
cute, fast paced definitely a good read
March 26, 2011
really good story about a dragon tamer and a prince and that sometimes you think you know a person and in fact you don't.
September 21, 2022
Cute short story. One violent episode that seemed out of place. Some punctuation errors. Overall, enjoyable.
January 5, 2018
The Dragon's Tamer
A hero of a more peaceful kind…
Alaith is a Plainsman and a foreigner to the castle, not really accepted and regarded by some as a barbarian. But Alaith, like most of his people, has the ability to tame dragons. Unchecked these mystical beasts can cause great harm, so Alaith was sort by the king. Rythe, the kings fourth son, is frankly a trivial pain in the neck, but his friend Trey is always friendly to Alaith. The two come to Alaith asking for help: a new black dragon is causing trouble.
In this charming story Megan Derr maps the relationship between Alaith and Rythe with expert skill. The reader delights as the two men bicker: will they always be enemies, or can they ever be friends? The events and dialogue draw the reader on. A surprise occurs midway, then the story proceeds to a satisfying end.
Alaith is masculine, but sensitive too. He firmly rejects Rythe's mock come-ons: he has no apparent interest in that. His heart is true though, and he does not fall into the brutal masculinity that mares some men. He is certainly not afraid of rough and tumble, but this is balanced by caring. Rythe, as I have said, seems light and foolish, but has hidden depths. Some men act to cover who they truly are.
This story is an adventure with action and excitement, but is also about the idea that life can contain secrets that we do not suspect. We think we understand things only to be surprised.
This story is vanilla, but contains gay themes, so may not be suitable for the conservative. It is a sweet story, but be warned.
I am happy to rate this short story as 5 stars.
June 13, 2017
An excellent romance with misconstrued impressions and grumpy grumpy characters that you have to love!
Alaith is a plainsman who was brought to the city for his skills as a dragon tamer. He is seen as a savage for where he was born, how he dresses, and his vocation; after all, everyone knows you kill dragons, not tame them. He lives an isolated life but for his visitors; the kind Lord Trey and the annoying Prince Rythe. A recent visit has him journeying with the two of them but everything seems off, and before he knows it he is caught up in a bunch of intrigue with Rythe and dragons are on the line.
Alaith really can't be blamed for being grumpy. He has settled into his place in the world on the Plains; a forgotten seventh son. When his father sent him to the city he found himself in a world where he was ridiculed and scorned. People think he should cut his hair, wear clothes that match, remove his piercings, and kill dragons rather than tame them. Nothing is what he knows and he doesn't seem to have anyone on his side. Watching him as he finds a different side in Prince Rythe is fascinating as he sees his world tilting on its axis once again, and I enjoyed seeing how he handled it.
Rythe is a very happy go lucky guy, at least on the surface. He has cultivated an impression of the youthful, reckless, irresponsible son and it benefits him in what he does. It was a lot of fun watching him try to win over Alaith, especially when Alaith himself finds he is unsure of what he wants. This was another great short story from Derr that I really enjoyed!
Alaith is a plainsman who was brought to the city for his skills as a dragon tamer. He is seen as a savage for where he was born, how he dresses, and his vocation; after all, everyone knows you kill dragons, not tame them. He lives an isolated life but for his visitors; the kind Lord Trey and the annoying Prince Rythe. A recent visit has him journeying with the two of them but everything seems off, and before he knows it he is caught up in a bunch of intrigue with Rythe and dragons are on the line.
Alaith really can't be blamed for being grumpy. He has settled into his place in the world on the Plains; a forgotten seventh son. When his father sent him to the city he found himself in a world where he was ridiculed and scorned. People think he should cut his hair, wear clothes that match, remove his piercings, and kill dragons rather than tame them. Nothing is what he knows and he doesn't seem to have anyone on his side. Watching him as he finds a different side in Prince Rythe is fascinating as he sees his world tilting on its axis once again, and I enjoyed seeing how he handled it.
Rythe is a very happy go lucky guy, at least on the surface. He has cultivated an impression of the youthful, reckless, irresponsible son and it benefits him in what he does. It was a lot of fun watching him try to win over Alaith, especially when Alaith himself finds he is unsure of what he wants. This was another great short story from Derr that I really enjoyed!
July 13, 2019
For a story that is 22 pages, it was pretty good. My only gripe is that I really, really wish it had been an actual novel. I wanted to see Rythe's and Alaith's interactions more, see the enemies to lovers trope drawn out more, the conflict fully developed. It was way too rushed and I felt like we just barely scratched the surface of what could have been a fantastic book. But, alas, we only got 22 pages, but I'm definitely not mad I read it. I'm absolutely going to check out more of Derr's pieces, and I really hope I stumble across a few that are much longer than this one.
February 4, 2023
This fit my mood yesterday evening perfectly. It's told from the point of view of the man who's been brought in to keep wild dragons from being pests, and he loathes how shallow the youngest Prince is. In a very few pages, the author pulls and twists this dynamic in really satisfying ways. It was republished without getting as thorough a line edit as it needs, but I can't care. I would've liked the role of the dragons to be explained, but again, not the point, can't care. The MC's character arc is wholly satisfying at every point, and it ends perfectly for me.
June 28, 2022
A quick study of a story, charming in its clarity.
So far from home and separated from everyone by appearance and approach, Alaith is lonely and exasperated by the lewd jocularity of the prince who most often comes to tell him of dragon sightings.
But this time, the prince goes with him instead of sending soldiers to rescue the dragon. And this journey is full of revelations and challenges; the greatest of which is to see the prince in a different light.
So far from home and separated from everyone by appearance and approach, Alaith is lonely and exasperated by the lewd jocularity of the prince who most often comes to tell him of dragon sightings.
But this time, the prince goes with him instead of sending soldiers to rescue the dragon. And this journey is full of revelations and challenges; the greatest of which is to see the prince in a different light.
August 29, 2017
Alaith dragon tamer of Plainsland
Yeah!! My sweet pleasure read: tough tatooed dragon tamer, snark humour and dragons!!
Of course, too short but then that's why I can read it in one night...
Happy land for me 😍🐉🐲🐉😍
Yeah!! My sweet pleasure read: tough tatooed dragon tamer, snark humour and dragons!!
Of course, too short but then that's why I can read it in one night...
Happy land for me 😍🐉🐲🐉😍
May 23, 2018
I liked it, it is a lovely short story. Wouldn't mind reading a longer version.. there is a huge chemistry between the dragon tamer and the prince (the prince is over heels, the tamer is grumpy and hard to get). Very hot in spite of being clean XD
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews