The First Dragon

The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica #7

by James A. Owen

Restoring the Archipelago of Dreams comes with a precious price in this final volume of the critically acclaimed Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series.

To save the world, Charles, the Grail Child Rose Dyson, and Edmund McGee must travel deep into the past to discover the identity of the mythical Architect of the Keep of Time. However, even if that tower can be restored, the Archipelago of Dreams is still missing. Somehow, the first Dragon must be found to restore the lands to what they once were. But fulfilling their mission may be giving the Echthroi exactly what they wanted all along…

In this chilling conclusion to the critically acclaimed Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series, the Caretakers will have to trust those who were once enemies, defeat the worst within themselves, and discover what may be the most important truth of where there is hope, and will, and courage, redemption is always possible.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Time Travel, Adventure

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it last night, read it from cover to cover in one sitting. As always with James A. Owen's books, I think I can predict where it's going and every time I am proven wrong in the most marvelous of ways. Forget Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, etc, THIS is hands-down my absolute favourite fantasy series!

[Jacq.and.the.readstalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can't this series go on forever and ever? I cried when I finished the book, bittersweet tears that one of favourite series was finished. But it was such an epic ending. The camaraderie, the laughs, the adventures, the myths, all still prescient even to the end. I read this is 1 day.

After you have finished this series you need to go back and read it all over again. There are so many Easter eggs that you don't pick up until the second, or third, or fourth re-read, I'm always finding new little bits and exciting connections every time read this series. What I love most is that even though this book ties everything together neatly, there are still wonderful opportunities for more books to be written (which I hope for with every fibre of my being). I truly love this series!

The only thing that bothered me with this one was the 20 year time gap of protagonists went missing through time, that's just too long for my fam to be apart!

**Also found out that there is another book to this series so excuse me while I go scream and purchase this book!!

IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B74P5P3gvXY/

[Raihani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The LAST book from an amazing series! As promised, every questions are FINALLY answered in this book, and all the secrets have been revealed. I remembered while I was reading the other books, it felt like I was racing against time. My heart was beating so fast and I was at the edge of my seat, reading with excitement BUT for this last book, it was different. I was calmed, and I didn't rush through the stories. I took my time, savour each word and in the end, when I finally read the last page, it felt like I've finally came home. I think am still feeling daze and I definitely will re-read this book again just to get a clearer grip on the stories.

Like I said, you'll find all the answers to the riddles, puzzles and questions scattered throughout the 6 books. Some of the revelation won't come as a surprise as you'll see it coming, but others... will leave you thunderstruck. You'll finally know who the old man is that kept on helping Rose, you'll know the identity of Grimalkin, you'll know why Atlantis sank, you'll know who built the Keep of Time...

However, there is 1 particular mystery that might not be answered fully... you'll know what it is when you'll read it.

It has been an enjoyable journey and I have met many friends through this series. I am glad that I picked up the first book 'Here, there be Dragons' on impulsed years ago simply because I love dragons and I was attracted by the cover. It was I supposed, love at first sight before I finally get to really fall in love with the book... with the stories. I have re-read the series countless times and I know, I'll re-read it countless more.

Thank you James. A. Owen for your gift!

[Valentina Markasović · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series finale. It's always difficult to say goodbye to a good series, but a part of me was glad that everything (or most of it) was wrapped up and the characters could finally get their well-deserved rest.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect ending to this series. I literally cried tears of happiness in the epilogue.

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite possibly the densest children’s series I’ve ever read. It was a real slog to get through this last book, struggling to follow the horde of characters and literary/historical references while the plot remained quite dull. Maybe I would have enjoyed this had I finished the series while still a child; it was certainly written with the relish of a satisfying conclusion. But I just couldn’t bring myself to care anymore.

(Except to be horrified final governmental decision. I have to say I agree with da Vinci here, I don’t care how reformed he is, don’t give the man who previously violently conquered islands an everlasting dictatorship over those islands?? A wild choice that came out of nowhere.)

(Another just as baffling but more enjoyable choice was to make Edgar Allen Poe also Cain of Cain and Abel. So many things like that are kind of just tossed in with little examination of the implications. I did like the way this series interwove stories and people, I just wish more was done with it. As it stands it just felt like name dropping. And So. Many. Names.)

(Anyways I will miss Charles and his badger friends and the great and little whatsits at least. Maybe I’ll read some of the real Charles Williams’ work now.)

[Xandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Owen has led me into a world of imagination, wonder, and magic that has enchanted me for years. I was hesitant at first to read the first of the series "Here There be Dragons" but was hooked immediately with the first illustration. I was elated when the second came out, and devoured the rest.
I was unable to buy "The First Dragon" when it was released unfortunately, but the very moment I had money (Christmas) I was determined to possess it.
I was as afraid to read this novel as I was with the first--I didn't want the journey Mr. Owen had taken me on to ever end--and with what he's taught me it truly hasn't.
I truly wish I could discuss the parts of this novel that I enjoyed (which happens to be every bit of it) and that parts that I did not (mostly because I wish they were longer and more drawn out) but what I truly want to say is that James A. Owen has been touched by the magic he has written about for years. It has touched me more deeply than anything has--excluding C.S. Lewis's Narnia series (What drew me deeper into his novels, honestly) and I cannot thank him enough. As I closed the book, and 8 wonderful years of my life, I couldn't believe it. I was rather "numb" in the most amazing way and I cannot thank Mr. Owen enough. I can only hope that I may be able to thank him in person for teaching me the proper way to see world.
"Believing is Seeing".

[Patricia Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely. A wonderful finish to the saga. I just loved the tribute to Tolkien!

[Mkittysamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything came together beautifully! There be dragons.. and my favorite color too! I adored this whole series, the author did a superb job with the characters, the story and all the wonderful themes. I beieve that a story sticks with you, when you can relate. Who can't relate to making choices good orbadans having to deal with them? What about growing up, learning about life, love and responsibility. Not only making friends and finding their place, also how to confront the darker side of human nature and any conflicts that arise. There is so much packed into these books it will take me a bunch of re-reads and a lifetime to truly gain understanding of the many truths that lie within. I love dragons, I love adventures and I love books that the reader can literally fall into and not come up for breath for days.. which is what happened to me!! 5 stars all around whole series! And I love Tolkien 😍!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those series where every time I finish a book, I'm sad it's over. I'm especially sad it's over because this is the last book in the entire series... I really love the writing in this series- the pace is perfect, the use of time travel is so well-done, thorough, and clear (which is difficult when time travel is involved), the characters are so solid, and the world building never fails to be amazing. A character I loved died at the end, which is always a major bummer, but the ending is so well done. I hate to see it end, but it's been such a satisfying, good read. If you love time travel fantasy, you've got to read these books. They're seriously one of my new favorite series. :)

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting (and surprising) end to the series. In this volume all the loose threads (some you probably missed along the way) were all tied up and wrapped up in a bow for the reader. This volume is way more biblical in its characters adventures, but in a good way for the story. The wrap up novel to the series still has some nice twists and some definite surprises contained in it's pages. And the actual last few pages are a wonderful honor to John the main character (and his real life counter part). So I'm not going to spoil any of it by revealing anything here....so go read it and enjoy.

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect ending to this wonderful series. I love how James A. Owen decided to conclude this story so much. This just makes me want to reread the entire series and see the pieces I missed the first time around. It has been a joy to watch these characters grow and I can only hope for further books in this world. There is an eighth book which is a collection of short stories which I will be reading next.

I highly recommend reading these books. They are great!

[Grace T · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000000/5 stars.

I just--a;slkdfjsaldkfjaw;ldskfj

WHAT AN ENDING. all the tears. all the happy and sad and melancholic and joyful tears.

serious spoiler that you MUST NOT READ until you have read this book: TOLKIEN AND EDITH BECOMING DRAGONS WAS THE CROWNING TOUCH AND I SOBBED

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are still a ton of characters, this book managed to make things simpler and less confusing than the previous book. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it definitely pulled things together in a satisfying way. Overall, I still really enjoyed the series even if a few books missed the mark for me.

[Moriah Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As last books in series go, this one checks all the boxes. It ties up lose ends but leaves you wondering all the same. It connects back to the start but moves the characters forward. It rewards but challenges. It does it all.

[Kamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely wrapped up. I wish I had finished this series sooner.

[Sarai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better by the book. So beautifully complex... A long journey, but absolutely worth the time.

[Elizabeth Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to a fantastic series.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

delightful end

[Robert Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking fiction and mixing it with history really puts a spin on things and creates an epic story that have enjoyed through these 7 books.

[Elmari Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book kinda brought out some tears and thats just not fair.

I cant believe there is another book, this one wrapped it up so nicely

[Hope Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the end to a wonderful series which I have enjoyed immensely. Even though at time all that time travel and explanations made my head spin, still loved it.
I love the characters, the story line and the ending. I think I am going to miss this world and its characters.

[Terri M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I discovered the novel Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen. This is the first book in the 7 books series known as the “The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica” which follows the lives of Jack, John and Charles as they battle the forces of evil in an effort to save the World. Quite a tall order for three unknown gentlemen from Oxford.

This is a wonderful series of books that draws on many of the known myths and histories laid out in our most treasured stories. The books mix elements of time travel and fantasy to produce a rich and dense forest of interconnected story lines–both real and fictional–that keep you moving forward to discover the Grand Reveal at the end of book seven, The First Dragon. The artwork at the start of each chapter is also stunning! That’s right, each chapter in every single novel of this series is illuminated. Each image is hand drawn by the author himself.

By the third book in the series, The Indigo King, the plot gets a bit complicated and becomes one of those time travel books/series that will keep your mind spinning and trying to work it all out. The shear number of the characters with their similar names and the overlapping, intertwining timelines also cause the mind to spin a bit. However, I stuck it out after a confusing third book and thoroughly enjoyed book 4, The Shadow Dragons, and book 5, The Dragon’s Apprentice, which set the series up for the what I hoped would be a fantastic finish. Book 6, The Dragons of Winter was once again just a s complicated as book 3 and once again confusion set in. However, all was made clear with book 7, The First Dragon. The conclusion was satisfying even if it felt a little rushed with some of the true historical background about the three main Caretakers not being fully fleshed out and shared with the readers.

Overall, I liked “The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica” by James A. Owen. The world he creates is partially known and brand new. The illustrations provided in each book at the start of every chapter are amazingly detailed. “The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica” series by James A. Owen gets a thumbs up.

This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I've rated four stars.

In this book, there was something which didn't have a lull. I felt that in other books there wasn't as much connections with characters. Yet in this one, perhaps as a byproduct of this being the last book, I felt the connection. Or perhaps the connection was the strongest at the epilogue, which I think was absolutely beautiful.

The characters said some great things, as they always have been saying throughout the books. These seemed less like gems this time, because you had characters to attach to. I also really liked that there were common phrases throughout the novel that a lot of characters used.

Also, they seemed more separated from their author selves. They're their own characters that the series has made them, not historical personages. Yes, parts of them as authors might be there, but I see them as the characters now.

I sort of miss the interactions between Charles, Jack, and John, but the interactions between other characters are just as great. With everybody on different paths, I can see why the interactions are different.

If Verne and Archimedes could tell them where to go, why didn't they?

At the beginning I didn't understand what was going on in the City of Jade. I could pick apart pieces that I understood from other books I've read when angels still walked the earth. I didn't get that from this book though, and I was kind of confused. However, as the concepts were carried into other times; I understood more of them.

I've always liked the italisized chapters and how they end up connecting all together in the end. However, I sort of feel like there were loose ends at the end, which I guess were partially because of the Archipelago and the state it was in.

The ending seemed rather abrupt. You had what was supposed to be the great climax, and then you had the climax. Except I felt that the climax was cut off, and then we never returned to that scene again.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure where to begin. I have truly enjoyed this series since I first found it by chance several years ago. The first book had me intensely hooked, more so after the end revealed a rather pleasant surprise, the hero's were rather well known authors. It continued to hold me, even after several turns which I really didn't agree with but, accepted. My favorite in the end seems to be The Dragon's Apprentice but, each and every one of these books has been well worth the read.

Now to this the last book. It is a bittersweet thing, which perhaps is what makes it so hard to review. As with any good book it sometimes can be hard to put it down for the final time. Sure there is always re-reads and re-re-reads and well you get the idea but, to know that this marks the last time you will put a book from the series down and know that there will be no others to follow, that this truly marks the end of the character's tale, makes it a hard pill to swallow, and that perhaps is why I have waited so long to read this one. Perhaps, deep in the back of my mind I knew it would be hard to come to that finality. I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.

I will not spoil any of the plot points, nor will I spoil the ending. Although, I will say I think I felt myself wanting to cry. The story rounds out the whole tale and ends I would say with not a whimper, not bang, but, perhaps a touch of finesse. I look forward to the many re-reads I will have of this series. And, in the end I will always be grateful I happened to glance that day at the bookshelves by the register and, noticed the first book in this delightful series.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I'd had time to reread each and every book in the series before starting this last book, I think it would have made me love it and appreciate it even more. That being said, though it took a few chapters to refresh my memory, I ended up loving this conclusion to the series. I would love to do a reread at some point! I think it would help clarify some things for me, to connect all the little things together.

The book begins with the caretakers in quite a mess. The destruction of the keep has changed everything, threatened everything, and much is lost seemingly forever. The number one priority is recovering three people who have been lost somewhere in time: Charles, Rose, Edmund. But though that is the number one priority for all, it's not easy to agree how to go about a rescue, or even to conclusively say that rescue is possible. At the start of the novel, they have no way at all to travel through time. A few caretakers have ideas, but, essentially if a rescue is to come it will be through experimentation.

A rescue operation might have to be a "secret" operation.

I really enjoyed spending time with these characters again. This one had so many twists and turns, though twists and turns have always, always been a part of this series. It was a very enjoyable read.

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What will it take to save the Archipelago of Dreams? Charles, Rose, Edmund, Laura Glue, Madoc, two resolute badgers, and some very personable goats set out to find out. They travel the length and breadth of history and time, meet many old friends, and challenge old enemies. Along the way not only they, but also the Caretakers left behind at Tamerlane House discover a lot. About time, about themselves, about choices and above all about the true power and strength of love.

This ending was incredible. So many aspects of the story I did not expect, so many plot twists I never saw coming. The resolution was rich, and fitting. It wrapped up an incredible saga so very well. This was one of my favorite book series, I loved the incredibly deep and layered mythology. I also enjoyed how so many elements of so many well known and well loved stories were reinterpreted and fit together like a giant cosmic jigsaw puzzle.

We lost a lot in this book, but we also gained so much that was wonderful and joyful. I cried a lot while reading this. This book, more than any of the others was the most emotional for me. That made it all the more fulfilling.

Amazing, amazing stories. This series truly stands alone.

[Jorge de la Vega · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally, and ending to a series drawn out far beyond what it was capable without breaking at some point. That is not to say I dislike it overall, but it wasn't anywhere close to what I envisioned when I first read the reviews and decided to purchase all seven books. Disappointing, if not without merit. Somewhere along the way, the author lost his trail of thought and started dealing out convoluted concept after convoluted concept in hopes of bringing the series back on track, which never really happened. Still, this may be observed, in a more meta analysis, as a reflection of the events which transpire in the books: a little thing gets out of hand, and then everything is turned upside-down. And, ironically enough, the ending felt a bit rushed. All in all, what can be said for the entirety of this series is what follows: Great idea, less-than-stellar execution. That is all.

[Kara Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God. I am speechless. I have no idea what to say. This was the perfect ending to a perfect series. All the threads tied together perfectly. Heroes proved themselves, villians redeemed themselves and the links from the beginning to the end of time all joined together in a way that felt perfectly whole. I adored this book, and the series as a whole. It will stand as one of my favourite fantasy series ever. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy. This series is tender, thought provoking and very deep with meanings of redemption and fulfilling your purpose, while still being utterly hilarious and prompting you to remember all the joys of your younger years. It is truly a joy!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least it has an ending. To be honest if this hadn't been the last book I might not have bothered.

The plot, binding the novels into a series, was becoming confusing, twisting through alternate futures and changing pasts. Trying way to hard intertwine every single myth and work of fiction through all of history. Cheating death so that authors from all generations could coexist at the same time and corrupting actual historical people into something other than they were, all for the sake of plot.

For a book that was about meaning. I found very little meaning in it.

But I was wondering where this adventure going. So I read it. Turns out it was coming here.