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The Hunting of the Last Dragon
The last of the great fire-breathing
dragons has awakened. . . .
Everyone thought all the dragons had been wiped out -- until a fierce flying beast appears, and leaves the village of Doran in flames. There is only one survivor: Jude, an ordinary man who never intended to be a hero. He'd rather avoid any danger, but a strange, strong-willed girl from a distant land has her own plans for hunting the last dragon. Can her courage and cunning help him conquer his fear in time to save their world from devastation?
dragons has awakened. . . .
Everyone thought all the dragons had been wiped out -- until a fierce flying beast appears, and leaves the village of Doran in flames. There is only one survivor: Jude, an ordinary man who never intended to be a hero. He'd rather avoid any danger, but a strange, strong-willed girl from a distant land has her own plans for hunting the last dragon. Can her courage and cunning help him conquer his fear in time to save their world from devastation?
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
18 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Jordan
40 books325 followersAward-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 6, 2025
{October 2025 Reread}
Pleased to report that this is still a solid, simple fantasy, and one that I still enjoy very much despite a few flaws – largely because of Jude and Jing-wei, whose dynamic is low-key iconic.
{2018 Reread}
k actually this is pretty much amazing and I love it <3
{Original 2017 Review}
So I have a lot of different thoughts on this one, but there was a lot that I liked very much (the two main charries, though <3), and hence the overall positive rating.
(Quick question, though: Was the word "fart" used in medieval times? It probably was, but I just would never have thought that it was, so it was a little jarring. But anyway.)
If anybody is interested in the story or has specific questions, lemme know and I can try to give you more of my thoughts on it! :)
Then, an hour before sundown, we spied the dragon – a small spot in the northwest skies. Without a word, Jing-wei and I both stood and went into the shrine. I stood behind her, looking over her head, as we watched from the tiny window. We did not speak . . . I put my arms about her, and she covered my hands with her own, and held tight.
Pleased to report that this is still a solid, simple fantasy, and one that I still enjoy very much despite a few flaws – largely because of Jude and Jing-wei, whose dynamic is low-key iconic.
{2018 Reread}
k actually this is pretty much amazing and I love it <3
{Original 2017 Review}
So I have a lot of different thoughts on this one, but there was a lot that I liked very much (the two main charries, though <3), and hence the overall positive rating.
(Quick question, though: Was the word "fart" used in medieval times? It probably was, but I just would never have thought that it was, so it was a little jarring. But anyway.)
If anybody is interested in the story or has specific questions, lemme know and I can try to give you more of my thoughts on it! :)
May 25, 2021
This book wasn’t quite what it could’ve been. I loved the idea of a Chinese woman in medieval England trying to make sense of the backwards ways of the English, and the confused English trying to make sense of her. Unfortunately the story is told from Jude’s perspective, and his ignorance and naivety is rather annoying. If this had been from Jing-wei’s perspective I think it would have been much better. The parts on foot binding and her memories of China were so fascinating, and five-star content. But the actual dragon-slaying was minimized and not as adventurous as I expected.
The narrative structure felt underdeveloped and inconsistent, the vernacular a confusing aim - the time period of 1354 didn’t feel clear, and was often forced or shoehorned with expressions from Chaucer that didn’t fit the characters as they were written. The fairytale vibe was semi-present, but not in a fully-formed way. It was stumbling to get used to the writing, and throughout it felt like you were reading between the lines to actually follow the story of the dragon.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book, unless you’re interested in the experiences of Chinese people in medieval England. But if you’re looking for an adventure story or a hero’s journey, this ain’t it.
The narrative structure felt underdeveloped and inconsistent, the vernacular a confusing aim - the time period of 1354 didn’t feel clear, and was often forced or shoehorned with expressions from Chaucer that didn’t fit the characters as they were written. The fairytale vibe was semi-present, but not in a fully-formed way. It was stumbling to get used to the writing, and throughout it felt like you were reading between the lines to actually follow the story of the dragon.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book, unless you’re interested in the experiences of Chinese people in medieval England. But if you’re looking for an adventure story or a hero’s journey, this ain’t it.
July 18, 2023
This was an unexpected find on the donation shelf at our local library. The title caught my attention. What a delightful little gem!
Historical fantasy with just the right hint of a love story.
Young Jude has gone off to the market while his family stays behind to tend the farm. While gone his village is consumed by fire from the sky and rumors are confirmed true: there is one last dragon hunting the land!
Jude finds himself traveling with a traveling fair, descendants of a famed dragon hunter and captors of the Chinese girl Jingwei. Destiny has much in store for Jude and Jengwei and the last dragon, as their roads meet and the quest to vanquish the last dragon begins!
This tale is told from the perspective of Jude giving his story to a monk to be recorded and copied as a book. Well researched, this story does an excellent job of honoring its historical setting and the perspectives, skills, and backgrounds the characters have as a result. Many other reviews state how much better the tale would’ve been from Jingwei’s perspective, but I think those readers may have missed the beauty of Jude’s own growth and how his prejudices were overcome.
It’s a beautiful little journey and I am delighted to have stumbled upon it!!
Historical fantasy with just the right hint of a love story.
Young Jude has gone off to the market while his family stays behind to tend the farm. While gone his village is consumed by fire from the sky and rumors are confirmed true: there is one last dragon hunting the land!
Jude finds himself traveling with a traveling fair, descendants of a famed dragon hunter and captors of the Chinese girl Jingwei. Destiny has much in store for Jude and Jengwei and the last dragon, as their roads meet and the quest to vanquish the last dragon begins!
This tale is told from the perspective of Jude giving his story to a monk to be recorded and copied as a book. Well researched, this story does an excellent job of honoring its historical setting and the perspectives, skills, and backgrounds the characters have as a result. Many other reviews state how much better the tale would’ve been from Jingwei’s perspective, but I think those readers may have missed the beauty of Jude’s own growth and how his prejudices were overcome.
It’s a beautiful little journey and I am delighted to have stumbled upon it!!
January 24, 2018
Picked this up on a total whim because it had "dragon" in the title. It was a cute little story! I really liked the two main characters. After starting it I realized I've read almost everything by this author on accident. She always seems to surprise me when her name is on a cover. "Oh! It's THIS author!" happens every time.
But seriously, that POOR POOR dragon. I felt really bad for him.
But seriously, that POOR POOR dragon. I felt really bad for him.
June 6, 2024
4.5 stars
Jude is the only survivor when a dragon attacks his village. Wandering and devastated, he gets a job with a travelling troupe who have a captive Chinese girl, Jing-wei. Jude is charged with her care, and the two strike up a friendship. But Jude is plagued with nightmares about the dragon, and he feels paralyzed with fear. Jing-wei encourages him to make a plan to hunt the dragon, but Jude is a coward... until he has no choice but to face the dragon.
In this world, dragons are not sentient beings who can talk, but simply animals with an instinct to hunt and burn. I read a lot of dragon stories where dragons can talk, but very few where dragons are just another animal like any beast. They don't have any magical properties or special abilities. They are just average predators who happen to breathe fire. By the time of this story, all the dragons have been hunted to extinction and their eggs destroyed. But apparently one egg survived and hatched, and a young dragon is burning villages and wreaking havoc.
I stayed up past midnight reading this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
The main focus of the story is Jude's internal journey grieving for his family and overcoming his fears. The story is told from Jude's POV, so we hear his inmost thoughts and struggles. His relationship with Jing-wei is central to his character development. I really enjoyed how their friendship develops and how Jing-wei inspires him to be a better man.
The adventure of the dragon takes up comparatively little time in the plot, so plot-driven readers might be a little disappointed. But character-driven readers like myself will appreciate the character arcs for both the main characters. The dragon hunt is mainly a vehicle to throw together the characters and force them to confront their fears and grow. The plot is a little bit predictable, but clever and interesting too!
Some trigger warnings include Jing-wei being kept in a cage as a slave, and a man who tries to sexually assault her, but she is rescued. She also has bound feet that are misshapen and very painful. Jing-wei meets these horrors in her life with courage and grace. It's one of the reasons I fell in love with her character, but it's upsetting to read about all these awful things.
Jude is the only survivor when a dragon attacks his village. Wandering and devastated, he gets a job with a travelling troupe who have a captive Chinese girl, Jing-wei. Jude is charged with her care, and the two strike up a friendship. But Jude is plagued with nightmares about the dragon, and he feels paralyzed with fear. Jing-wei encourages him to make a plan to hunt the dragon, but Jude is a coward... until he has no choice but to face the dragon.
In this world, dragons are not sentient beings who can talk, but simply animals with an instinct to hunt and burn. I read a lot of dragon stories where dragons can talk, but very few where dragons are just another animal like any beast. They don't have any magical properties or special abilities. They are just average predators who happen to breathe fire. By the time of this story, all the dragons have been hunted to extinction and their eggs destroyed. But apparently one egg survived and hatched, and a young dragon is burning villages and wreaking havoc.
I stayed up past midnight reading this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
The main focus of the story is Jude's internal journey grieving for his family and overcoming his fears. The story is told from Jude's POV, so we hear his inmost thoughts and struggles. His relationship with Jing-wei is central to his character development. I really enjoyed how their friendship develops and how Jing-wei inspires him to be a better man.
The adventure of the dragon takes up comparatively little time in the plot, so plot-driven readers might be a little disappointed. But character-driven readers like myself will appreciate the character arcs for both the main characters. The dragon hunt is mainly a vehicle to throw together the characters and force them to confront their fears and grow. The plot is a little bit predictable, but clever and interesting too!
Some trigger warnings include Jing-wei being kept in a cage as a slave, and a man who tries to sexually assault her, but she is rescued. She also has bound feet that are misshapen and very painful. Jing-wei meets these horrors in her life with courage and grace. It's one of the reasons I fell in love with her character, but it's upsetting to read about all these awful things.
May 31, 2018
An easy and pretty light novel, telling a story of the killing of a dragon with charming orality in a well constructed fantasy-medieval England. It was probably more like real medieval England than most fantasy settings--there are people of color (although I don't know what sort of Chinese population was present in England in the 14th century) and they are not villains. (In fact, Jing-wei is the one of the heroes of the book). There are also poor people who really are poor and who have troubles of the sort poor people have.
The novel takes the form of our other hero, Jude, narrating the events of the story to a monk who is writing down the story (and everything else he's saying, which is often pretty amusing). That makes for a nice, conversational tone which I enjoyed, making the book's world feel a little more natural and accessible, which is nice since there's next to no explanation/world-building to situate us in the period.
I'm not qualified to find out if the book is "good" representation of Chinese people in the middle ages in Europe or what it might mean for members of the Chinese diaspora now, but either way it was nice to see a medieval European setting that wasn't populated literally entirely by white people.
All in all, a fun, but rather unremarkable book.
The novel takes the form of our other hero, Jude, narrating the events of the story to a monk who is writing down the story (and everything else he's saying, which is often pretty amusing). That makes for a nice, conversational tone which I enjoyed, making the book's world feel a little more natural and accessible, which is nice since there's next to no explanation/world-building to situate us in the period.
I'm not qualified to find out if the book is "good" representation of Chinese people in the middle ages in Europe or what it might mean for members of the Chinese diaspora now, but either way it was nice to see a medieval European setting that wasn't populated literally entirely by white people.
All in all, a fun, but rather unremarkable book.
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June 17, 2024See my review here. https://oldoriginalthoughts.blogspot....
February 29, 2024
Das Buch is ganz witzig. Was mich am meisten angesprochen hatte, war nicht der Titel, sondern das Bild. Jing-wei ist so hübsch, sowie Justin! Sie sehen einfach so majestätisch aus und es hat meine Aufmerksamkeit geweckt, auch wenn ich nicht so ein Fan von Drachen bin.
Richtig super, dass es eine Karte zu den Orten gibt. Normalerweise bin ich immer ganz verzweifelt, weil ich mir die Standorte nicht bildlich vorstellen kann, und es hat mir sehr geholfen und mich beruhigt, dass die Geschichte in meinem Kopf so läuft, wie sie laufen sollte.
Ich mochte den Anfang, mochte, dass Justin sich noch einmal richtig vorstellte. Seine Gedanken waren einfach und verständlich ausgedrückt, nur nervte mich dieser einfache Ausdruck auch etwas. Klar, er scheint nicht wirklich kreativ, aber es klang alles etwas.. stumpf und langweilig, muss ich sagen. Man hätte das viel schöner ausschmücken können.
Lan hat mich sehr genervt. Eine Hexe, wahrlich.
Jing-wei fand ich richtig toll. Sie war verspielt und süß aber auch ernst (und hübsch wie gesagt).
Die Kapitel waren gut eingeteilt, finde ich, nur waren manche etwas zu kurz und etwas zu lang. Aber im Schnitt doch kurz und angenehm zum Lesen.
Alles in allem war das Buch nett, bereue nicht, es im Bibliotheksregal gefunden zu haben, aber der Text war etwas stumpf und man hätte die Geschichte ausführlicher beschreiben können. Dann wäre das Buch viel länger und man hätte vielleicht noch mehr dazuerfinden können, vorher und nachher? Dann gäbe es noch mehrere Teile und das wäre ne ganze Buchreihe. Aber ist ja nur meine Meinung, ich jedenfalls hatte Spaß am Lesen.
Nur eins noch, wie viele Drachen gab es da genau? Im Titel steht "der letzte", natürlich, aber im Buch wurde noch einer beschrieben, der über irgendein Dorf flog.. waren das alles ein und derselbe Drache?
Richtig super, dass es eine Karte zu den Orten gibt. Normalerweise bin ich immer ganz verzweifelt, weil ich mir die Standorte nicht bildlich vorstellen kann, und es hat mir sehr geholfen und mich beruhigt, dass die Geschichte in meinem Kopf so läuft, wie sie laufen sollte.
Ich mochte den Anfang, mochte, dass Justin sich noch einmal richtig vorstellte. Seine Gedanken waren einfach und verständlich ausgedrückt, nur nervte mich dieser einfache Ausdruck auch etwas. Klar, er scheint nicht wirklich kreativ, aber es klang alles etwas.. stumpf und langweilig, muss ich sagen. Man hätte das viel schöner ausschmücken können.
Lan hat mich sehr genervt. Eine Hexe, wahrlich.
Jing-wei fand ich richtig toll. Sie war verspielt und süß aber auch ernst (und hübsch wie gesagt).
Die Kapitel waren gut eingeteilt, finde ich, nur waren manche etwas zu kurz und etwas zu lang. Aber im Schnitt doch kurz und angenehm zum Lesen.
Alles in allem war das Buch nett, bereue nicht, es im Bibliotheksregal gefunden zu haben, aber der Text war etwas stumpf und man hätte die Geschichte ausführlicher beschreiben können. Dann wäre das Buch viel länger und man hätte vielleicht noch mehr dazuerfinden können, vorher und nachher? Dann gäbe es noch mehrere Teile und das wäre ne ganze Buchreihe. Aber ist ja nur meine Meinung, ich jedenfalls hatte Spaß am Lesen.
Nur eins noch, wie viele Drachen gab es da genau? Im Titel steht "der letzte", natürlich, aber im Buch wurde noch einer beschrieben, der über irgendein Dorf flog.. waren das alles ein und derselbe Drache?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2015
For category: "Book recommended by a friend"
October 30, 2025
What a little hidden gem of a book!
I loved how this was told, as though spoken aloud by the hero, transcribed by a monk, recounting the very recent and unknown legend of the last dragon in England. I loved the historical setting, sprinkled with beautifully creative twists of fantasy that still felt rooted in reality.
Truth be told, I was not overly fond of Jude, and his constant cowardly whining. I felt there was very little character development for him, which is severely disappointing, because I adored the way his friendship with Jing-wei began. As soon as anyone would mention the dragon, however, Jude would spiral into a thousand reasons why he couldn't slay it, and this was repeated for wayyyyy too long throughout the book.
Jing-wei, on the other hand, was a strength of a girl, utterly fearless and resilient and steadfastedly loyal. I loved how she brought in elements of her culture, not in a showy, boastful way, but through the natural everyday moments. I only struggled to see what she saw in Jude.
So many scenes were wonderfully atmospheric. The cave in the cliffs where the dragon slept, with the fierce ocean waves thundering upon the sand below. Night time, and the dragon is flying overhead, and then disappears, and all is quiet... a shadow appears, closer and closer, hidden and melting within the dark trees of the forest....
The story meanders through the middle section; it felt pretty low stake, thanks to Jude's consistent whining and indecisions in life. The build-up to actually facing the dragon was written well, and the method in which the dragon is defeated was incredibly unique, even if one of the weapons used was predictable from the very start.
Overall, I think I fell in love with the concept of this story, whilst being slightly disappointed in the execution of it.
~ 3.75 stars ~
I loved how this was told, as though spoken aloud by the hero, transcribed by a monk, recounting the very recent and unknown legend of the last dragon in England. I loved the historical setting, sprinkled with beautifully creative twists of fantasy that still felt rooted in reality.
Truth be told, I was not overly fond of Jude, and his constant cowardly whining. I felt there was very little character development for him, which is severely disappointing, because I adored the way his friendship with Jing-wei began. As soon as anyone would mention the dragon, however, Jude would spiral into a thousand reasons why he couldn't slay it, and this was repeated for wayyyyy too long throughout the book.
Jing-wei, on the other hand, was a strength of a girl, utterly fearless and resilient and steadfastedly loyal. I loved how she brought in elements of her culture, not in a showy, boastful way, but through the natural everyday moments. I only struggled to see what she saw in Jude.
So many scenes were wonderfully atmospheric. The cave in the cliffs where the dragon slept, with the fierce ocean waves thundering upon the sand below. Night time, and the dragon is flying overhead, and then disappears, and all is quiet... a shadow appears, closer and closer, hidden and melting within the dark trees of the forest....
The story meanders through the middle section; it felt pretty low stake, thanks to Jude's consistent whining and indecisions in life. The build-up to actually facing the dragon was written well, and the method in which the dragon is defeated was incredibly unique, even if one of the weapons used was predictable from the very start.
Overall, I think I fell in love with the concept of this story, whilst being slightly disappointed in the execution of it.
~ 3.75 stars ~
April 29, 2018
This book was very average for me. I am disappointed because I was expecting to love this story but I think this story was nothing special. I was expecting fast paced plot, magic and dragons. I didn't get fast paced plot or magic. I think this book's synopsis is really misleading and the synopsis doesn't match with the story. This story is set in medieval England and there is no magic at all. There is one dragon which the author gives couple scenes and that's it. I also have to mention that there is racism towards Chinese people. I don't understand why medieval fantasy worlds always have to be full of racism ideas. I think after this book, I am more sure than ever that medieval fantasy worlds are not for me.
I admit that the story was good enough because I did read this whole 243 pages book and enjoyed the second part of the story much more than the first part of the story. I am also glad that the main character Jude started to see Jing-Wei as normal human who looks little different than other people in his country.
I admit that the story was good enough because I did read this whole 243 pages book and enjoyed the second part of the story much more than the first part of the story. I am also glad that the main character Jude started to see Jing-Wei as normal human who looks little different than other people in his country.
April 28, 2019
A boy in medieval England is the only survivor when a dragon eats his village. He joins a traveling freak and acrobat show. There he meets a Chinese girl who came to England with her wealthy family, lost them, and has ended up kept in a cage and advertised as a demon by the freak show owners. The two of them eventually meet another isolated Chinese woman who draws them into a plan to kill the dragon with technology brought from her country. The story pretty much follows the typical young male hero storyline, except that he does several times consider running away from the situation and the other characters are the ones to make sure he doesn't. The dragon is pretty much an old-style scary dragon, with just a hint of sympathy for it expressed. I appreciated that even though this is a children's book it doesn't sanitize medieval attitudes about violence and inequality, even in the main character, though it does leave you with the impression he isn't as bad as the rest. The language has a light but in my opinion graceful archaizing touch,
March 5, 2020
Jude, the main character, lives in a land that had been riddled by dragons. After extensive hunting the people thought they were near wiped out, until one started burning towns again. Jude loses his home and family to the dragon's fire, and ends up on a mission to try and slay the last dragon. On his way he meets a Chinese lady, Jing-Wei, who's kept captive in a circus. Together they share the burden of the mission.
I realised quite early on that the book was more teen than YA, which in itself was fine. However, Jude's attitude and the general message of the book was where things really went downhill. Jude is the knightly hero of the book, and his 'kindness' to Jing Wei in taking her out of a cage and washing her to put her back in the cage is something that's written as though its admirable. The whole story encapsulates in a 'romance' where Jude has to get over the disgust he feels at Jing-Wei's 'otherness' and only really accepts her as a person when other people do. The whole thing was actually pretty gross and made the book my least favourite read last year.
It's not something I'd really recommend - there's so much great teen/YA fantasy fiction out there that doesn't have these issues.
I realised quite early on that the book was more teen than YA, which in itself was fine. However, Jude's attitude and the general message of the book was where things really went downhill. Jude is the knightly hero of the book, and his 'kindness' to Jing Wei in taking her out of a cage and washing her to put her back in the cage is something that's written as though its admirable. The whole story encapsulates in a 'romance' where Jude has to get over the disgust he feels at Jing-Wei's 'otherness' and only really accepts her as a person when other people do. The whole thing was actually pretty gross and made the book my least favourite read last year.
It's not something I'd really recommend - there's so much great teen/YA fantasy fiction out there that doesn't have these issues.
February 6, 2022
It was a fun read. I wanted to take my mind off things, and 'The hunting of the last dragon' made the hours pass swiftly.
I hadn't read any books about hunting dragons rather than worshipping them, except for 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan, and it was a very different kind of book.
The characters are very endearing and their backstories are well developed, and the fact that it starts with the main character telling the tale, with the 'present' being told as well, made the story be ever more sweet.
I hadn't read any books about hunting dragons rather than worshipping them, except for 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan, and it was a very different kind of book.
The characters are very endearing and their backstories are well developed, and the fact that it starts with the main character telling the tale, with the 'present' being told as well, made the story be ever more sweet.
September 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this, lot of realistic historical facts about daily life and strife as well as animals inside woven into this tale. Also it had a Dragon and was a bit puzled over why Chinese in England 1350s but it worked with the story.
Thoughts sbout the black power I remarked on in my mind was answered in the afterword by the author.
However took a while before I got that the main character is a boy but this was for me as a historical tour guide and fantasy fan a very enjoyable story about a boy telling what happened to a monk.
Thoughts sbout the black power I remarked on in my mind was answered in the afterword by the author.
However took a while before I got that the main character is a boy but this was for me as a historical tour guide and fantasy fan a very enjoyable story about a boy telling what happened to a monk.
Read
January 13, 2021Holy shit I can't believe I was able to find this book again.
I read The Hunting of the Last Dragon way back in 3rd or 4th grade and it kicked off a fantasy/dragon bender (hello, Eragon). Promptly forgot its name and have been searching in vain ever since; you try typing "dragon novel with kite" into Google. Anyway, I have no idea if it's good or not, but it left an impression on young me and thus I will always remember it fondly.
I read The Hunting of the Last Dragon way back in 3rd or 4th grade and it kicked off a fantasy/dragon bender (hello, Eragon). Promptly forgot its name and have been searching in vain ever since; you try typing "dragon novel with kite" into Google. Anyway, I have no idea if it's good or not, but it left an impression on young me and thus I will always remember it fondly.
April 18, 2021
A medieval fairy tale like story which I enjoyed. The story was easy to predict but (as with a fairy tale) this didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book. The framing device was conversational and worked well. I liked that the dragon wasn’t your typical dragon and added something a little different.
August 26, 2017
My fantasy friends!! Put this as your next read!!!! Freaking fantastic!
November 7, 2019
Jeg kan godt lide bogens præmis og ideen om at skrive den som en fortælling. Jeg kan også godt lide, hvor historisk korrekt den er. Den fungerede imidlertid bedre som idé end som fængende historie.
December 4, 2019
Such a great and underrated book
April 24, 2020
In 1356, an orphaned English youth and the Chinese maiden he freed from a travelling carnival must kill the dragon that destroyed his village.
April 6, 2021
Solid - i liked the framework, enjoyable characters, and was pleased that even 20 years on it's not too racist. (small favors)
December 22, 2021
I completely devoured this book. I loved everything about it - from the writing style, the characters, their journey, the beautiful map, and to the perfect ending.
January 5, 2022
This author has a talent for making stories that should be boring become extrordinary!
October 4, 2023
Book from childhood bedroom. Liked it, wouldn't reread. Sweet.
February 29, 2024
My favourite book growing up.
December 21, 2025
Little a 2000-esque racism that gets resolved by the end. I found this at a free book exchange in Singapore and even though my copy is a little moldy, i enjoyed this a lot
December 16, 2025
This book is a slow burn which may be difficult for those who like a fast paced thriller. It is beautifully written, and the wait pays off with a thoughtful almost melancholic ending.
August 20, 2019
I did not like this book.
I didn't like how it was written in first person as it was "being told" to the scribe.
I didn't like the descriptions and attitudes towards Jing-Wei.
I didn't like the main character Jude, I found him lacklustre and wishy-washy.
I didn't like how long it took for the "hunting" to take place.
I didn't like how it was written in first person as it was "being told" to the scribe.
I didn't like the descriptions and attitudes towards Jing-Wei.
I didn't like the main character Jude, I found him lacklustre and wishy-washy.
I didn't like how long it took for the "hunting" to take place.
May 15, 2012
If you have never read this book, I highly recommend that you do. At first I wasnt really excited to read this book once you pick it up at times you can’t put it down. I rated it four stars because it was kind of really slow at the beginning. The one thing that I really liked about this book is the way each chapter started and ended. The way she wrote them sounds like a day that they start and end.
Jude’s life changed the day he walked home from the fair, his hometown (village) had been burn to the ground by a dragon, the last dragon. He had no place to go so he found his was to Tybalt. Tybalt is the owner of the “Freak” of the fair. This is where Jude met Lizzie or Jing-Wei. Throughout the book Jude and Lizzie become good friends, they go through a lot from running away to being half stoned and to finding Old Lan.
Lan is an old women, Jude thinks that she is witch, that took them in. Lan fixes Lizzies feet so that she can walk with out such a bad limp. As they stay there the dragon comes down and steels the bread that they had been preparing. Lan then tells Jude that he is the one to be the dragon slayer.
Lan walks into her house and starts digging in the corner of her dirt floor, a couple feet down she hits a board and pulls up a box. Jude tells that he saw many animal skins come out of that box, many he hadn’t seen before. She pulled out this dust. Lan tells Jude that this is what he will use to kill the dragon, Jude didn’t have a clue as to what is was. He later found out that it was something we know as gun powder and the dust that is in firecrackers.
I don’t want to ruin the whole book, so hopefully I leave with a big enough cliff hanger that you will want to go read it for yourself, and hopefully you do.
Jude’s life changed the day he walked home from the fair, his hometown (village) had been burn to the ground by a dragon, the last dragon. He had no place to go so he found his was to Tybalt. Tybalt is the owner of the “Freak” of the fair. This is where Jude met Lizzie or Jing-Wei. Throughout the book Jude and Lizzie become good friends, they go through a lot from running away to being half stoned and to finding Old Lan.
Lan is an old women, Jude thinks that she is witch, that took them in. Lan fixes Lizzies feet so that she can walk with out such a bad limp. As they stay there the dragon comes down and steels the bread that they had been preparing. Lan then tells Jude that he is the one to be the dragon slayer.
Lan walks into her house and starts digging in the corner of her dirt floor, a couple feet down she hits a board and pulls up a box. Jude tells that he saw many animal skins come out of that box, many he hadn’t seen before. She pulled out this dust. Lan tells Jude that this is what he will use to kill the dragon, Jude didn’t have a clue as to what is was. He later found out that it was something we know as gun powder and the dust that is in firecrackers.
I don’t want to ruin the whole book, so hopefully I leave with a big enough cliff hanger that you will want to go read it for yourself, and hopefully you do.
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