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Tales of the Dragon's Bard #1
Eventide
Jarod Klum was trapped in his small life in the small village of Eventide and saw no means of escape. He would never be worthy of the woman of his dreams, never achieve great deeds of valor and never be remembered in song or story. He would spend every day very much the same as the days of his apprenticeship in the village counting house tallying other people’s coins acquired from other people’s wealth garnered from other people’s deeds until his never-exceptional life came to a never-exceptional end.
It wasn’t that he was without dreams. He dreamed them every night; of rescuing the imperiled Caprice Morgan from some terrible rampaging monster or of protecting the virtuous Caprice Morgan from marauding pirates who had somehow come up the river or of returning from a great Quest beyond the village boundaries laden with treasure that he could lay at the feet of the appreciative Caprice Morgan.
But each morning he awoke in his straw bed and knew he was just Jarod Klum
Until, that is, the coming of the Dragon’s Bard.
Edvard the Just … Dragon’s Bard to the Dragonking Khrag … blew into Eventide on a late winter wind that some said he created out of his own seemingly inexhaustible supply of words. He swept up Jason with his words and turned the apprentice’s world upside down.
The Dragon’s Bard convinced Jarod to win his fair Caprice through ‘heroic deeds of a more manageable scale’ – setting Jarod on a course of misadventures that turns the town on its head. Jarod’s single-minded pursuit of his greatest wish – even if it is a broken one – escalates until the only thing left for him to do is to become a dragonslayer and save the town from a ferocious, legendary monster that everyone fears but no one has ever seen.
‘Eventide’ is brought to life through the stories of the interweaving lives of its citizen characters, their follies, joys, tragedies and triumphs on a scale of life to which we can all relate. In the end, it is a visit to a place where we ourselves would like to settle down and live out our lives as we should.
‘Eventide’ centers around Jarod Klum – a young apprentice to his father’s counting house – and his heart-sore pursuit of his beloved Caprice Morgan, one of three down-on-their-luck sisters who are struggling to keep a broken wishing well supplied with wishes. His attempts at heroics more often result in calamity and raise the ire of nearly the entire town, but with the help of the DragonBard, the kind friendship of the dwarven smithy and the guidance of a farmer with a mysterious past, Jarod will be victorious – even if it means luring a dragon into the town.
[Description and coverart from dragonsbard.com; used by permission, 28 May 2010.]
It wasn’t that he was without dreams. He dreamed them every night; of rescuing the imperiled Caprice Morgan from some terrible rampaging monster or of protecting the virtuous Caprice Morgan from marauding pirates who had somehow come up the river or of returning from a great Quest beyond the village boundaries laden with treasure that he could lay at the feet of the appreciative Caprice Morgan.
But each morning he awoke in his straw bed and knew he was just Jarod Klum
Until, that is, the coming of the Dragon’s Bard.
Edvard the Just … Dragon’s Bard to the Dragonking Khrag … blew into Eventide on a late winter wind that some said he created out of his own seemingly inexhaustible supply of words. He swept up Jason with his words and turned the apprentice’s world upside down.
The Dragon’s Bard convinced Jarod to win his fair Caprice through ‘heroic deeds of a more manageable scale’ – setting Jarod on a course of misadventures that turns the town on its head. Jarod’s single-minded pursuit of his greatest wish – even if it is a broken one – escalates until the only thing left for him to do is to become a dragonslayer and save the town from a ferocious, legendary monster that everyone fears but no one has ever seen.
‘Eventide’ is brought to life through the stories of the interweaving lives of its citizen characters, their follies, joys, tragedies and triumphs on a scale of life to which we can all relate. In the end, it is a visit to a place where we ourselves would like to settle down and live out our lives as we should.
‘Eventide’ centers around Jarod Klum – a young apprentice to his father’s counting house – and his heart-sore pursuit of his beloved Caprice Morgan, one of three down-on-their-luck sisters who are struggling to keep a broken wishing well supplied with wishes. His attempts at heroics more often result in calamity and raise the ire of nearly the entire town, but with the help of the DragonBard, the kind friendship of the dwarven smithy and the guidance of a farmer with a mysterious past, Jarod will be victorious – even if it means luring a dragon into the town.
[Description and coverart from dragonsbard.com; used by permission, 28 May 2010.]
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2012
10 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Hickman
452 books2,727 followersNYT Best-selling fantasy authors Tracy Hickman, with his wife Laura, began their journey across the 'Sea of Possibilities' as the creators of 'Dragonlance' and their voyage continues into new areas with the 'Drakis' trilogy, 'Wayne of Gotham', a Batman novel for DC Comics and his
'Dragon's Bard' collector's series
. Tracy has over fifty books currently in print in most languages around the world. A record of both Tracy and Laura's DNA currently orbits on the international space station and he is the writer and editor of the first science-fiction movie actually filmed in space. Follow us on
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 22, 2011
THAT. Was a lovely bit of story telling. I wish I had small children to read it to. What a great way to start the book year.
April 12, 2015
I've decided that when I have grandchildren I would like to read this book to them.
I liked this book,it was much more like a fairy-tale than I had expected.
The gist of the book was about a young boy who wanted to court a particular young girl.
All the while being helped (sort of) by a roving bard.
There is no sex or violence in this book,I think it's a great book for pre-teens.
As for me,I really liked this book as well as I think anyone who likes fairy-tales will.
I liked this book,it was much more like a fairy-tale than I had expected.
The gist of the book was about a young boy who wanted to court a particular young girl.
All the while being helped (sort of) by a roving bard.
There is no sex or violence in this book,I think it's a great book for pre-teens.
As for me,I really liked this book as well as I think anyone who likes fairy-tales will.
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed this one more than I expected. Eventide follows in the tradition of Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine," telling a small story about a small village through a series of smaller stories. Less poetic and more humorous than Bradbury, but no less in love with its setting and the people who populate it, "Eventide" is a gentle story well-told. Firmly grounded in a classic fantasy / vintage D&D type setting (Gee, I wonder why that would be? This is only THE Tracy Hickman!), this is a story without any true villain, only people being people and doing their best to get by. Yes, the story centers primarily on Jarod Klum, but is interwoven with the lives of many other villagers, from the centaur farmer with a mysterious past to the "pied piper" constable who decides to settle down; from the priest whose mission to convert the village has become something less--and something more--to the three sibling practitioners of "wish-craft" whose wishing well was cursed and now delivers only broken wishes. Eventide is a magical place with a distinct lack of both swords and sorcery alike, yet delivering a warm, satisfying and well-woven story.
February 10, 2022
Found this as a library castoff for a dollar. The perfection that is the cover art drew me in, as well as the Hickman name that I remember seeing on similarly cool-looking books on older siblings' bookshelves as a child.
It's like River City, if it were in Middle Earth and not Iowa. The writing is whimsically tongue in cheek and just entertaining. I loved the frame of the Scheherazade-style bard staying alive by telling stories, but was glad Fflewddur Fflam didn't stay the focus of the story. I haven't much liked books that rely heavily on quirky characters, but with this book it worked well. The side stories that didn't advance the plot...didn't need to; the collection of fun stand-alone stories splattered around the main story just added to the fun of the read. And maybe this is a weird thing to like, but I love the names of people and places; they seemed carefully chosen to match the character or add to the fantasy: Wanderwine River, Eventide, Sobrina, Widow Merryweather....
Will check out the sequels.
It's like River City, if it were in Middle Earth and not Iowa. The writing is whimsically tongue in cheek and just entertaining. I loved the frame of the Scheherazade-style bard staying alive by telling stories, but was glad Fflewddur Fflam didn't stay the focus of the story. I haven't much liked books that rely heavily on quirky characters, but with this book it worked well. The side stories that didn't advance the plot...didn't need to; the collection of fun stand-alone stories splattered around the main story just added to the fun of the read. And maybe this is a weird thing to like, but I love the names of people and places; they seemed carefully chosen to match the character or add to the fantasy: Wanderwine River, Eventide, Sobrina, Widow Merryweather....
Will check out the sequels.
October 17, 2019
I loved this book. It was so entertaining. There were a few “comedy of errors” type scenes that cracked me up. There were so many characters that I sometimes got them mixed up but they were all great! I would have given it 5 stars but the ending was a little week. I read the second book in this series first (because I did not know it was part of a series) but the stories stand on their own. I have been trying to find a copy of the third book in the series but no luck yet. I will definitely read it if I can find it.
September 28, 2023
A cozy fantasy before the genre was officially named.
Anyway, the fancy setting really makes this book so funny.
This is the story about a guy who wants to ask the girl he likes out, and the fancy setting decorates the non-special plot so that it becomes both hilarious and heartwarming.
'What if Lockheart from Harry Potter was your Wingman? What do you think would happen?"
This. This is what would happen.
Anyway, the fancy setting really makes this book so funny.
This is the story about a guy who wants to ask the girl he likes out, and the fancy setting decorates the non-special plot so that it becomes both hilarious and heartwarming.
'What if Lockheart from Harry Potter was your Wingman? What do you think would happen?"
This. This is what would happen.
March 20, 2018
If you're looking for a book that'll have you writhing in suspense, this isn't it. Instead, the pleasure comes from slowly getting to know the residents of the town of Eventide, their secret dreams, idiosyncrasies, and connections to one another. Everyone, from the blacksmith to the Gossip Fairy to the town priest, has their own inner life and is treated with a quiet dignity.
May 17, 2019
The trope of a bard telling a tale, or inspiring heroism from a young person in a small town is simply not too old to me. I enjoyed the character of this book, the way the story was told, the delivery, bits of humor. At times a little rote, overall this is a very enjoyable read that I'd recommend to fantasy fans. I'm very glad I stumbled onto the audio of this book through the Bookshelf app.
May 3, 2020
A book to read if you want to believe in fairy tales again.
Eventide is a classic I discovered because a friend reccomended reading something by the Hickman's. I really enjoyed this and it makes for a great read for both young and old. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Eventide is a classic I discovered because a friend reccomended reading something by the Hickman's. I really enjoyed this and it makes for a great read for both young and old. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
February 16, 2024
Written mostly for younger readers it's the story of Jarod and his misadventures as he attempt to woo his secret love. It's clever and has a twist or two, but for the age it's leveled at I'm afraid it might be a little slow. Sort of tempted to read a sequel, but I get the impression that it'll be new characters to learn and like so I probably won't.
December 23, 2022
TW: racial prejudices, death, some antiquated tropes
A genuinely fun, funny and fantastical romp. If you need a good solid pallet cleansing book if you're in a rut, this is the slump breaker you need!
A genuinely fun, funny and fantastical romp. If you need a good solid pallet cleansing book if you're in a rut, this is the slump breaker you need!
July 4, 2023
A collection of stories that are all interconnected. I had to DNF this one. It wasn't bad; it just didn't capture my attention well. I thought for two years I'd go back to it eventually, but never did, and just need to give up on it for now.
August 27, 2018
Interesting and funny fantasy. Nice and clean. Seems meant for all ages (story lines that adults would enjoy, but no material that wouldn't be objectionable for my 10 year old).
March 4, 2019
A fun romp through the quirky lives of the townsfolk of Eventide with the Dragon's Bard turning things upside down. Definitely a fun one to read out loud.
June 11, 2019
I giggled throughout this book! It is a fun read.
July 29, 2019
This is a darling story that kept me and my family engrossed in a read-aloud experience. Highly recommend!
January 26, 2020
I remember this as fun, light, and lovable.
July 10, 2020
I really liked this book. Well written and a fun story.
December 3, 2020
3 1/2 stars- humorous story with a good moral.
February 6, 2021
Fun, clean, simple read. Meant for more middle grade readers. Would be classified more as a fantasy book, with only a bit of magic thrown in.
June 4, 2021
I love Belandrus. He is the best character.
did-not-finish-or-start
July 17, 2021DNS 7/16/2021
February 18, 2022
This was a very fun read! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out how the townsfolk’s “best laid plans” failed - but not really…!
May 11, 2023
Nice story, good for children, little bit of fantasy, little bit of romance, and a dragon.
September 28, 2023
Fun, and a quick read. A book making fun of fantasy troupes, but with a good story.
July 31, 2024
Fun, comedy of errors with magic, dragons, dwarves centaurs and humans. Good for teens, rated PG
August 20, 2024
Really a 3.5. A Kafkaesque fantasy that’s really quite delightful. The ending left me wanting greater closure for some of the characters like the bard. Overall a good story and clean for teens.
March 19, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a fun, light-hearted easy read. A fun-hearted fairy tale that made me laugh aloud.
August 14, 2013
I've been really busy, so it took me a while to get into this book. But, once I got to page 80, I read the remaining 260 pages in a single sitting! I just had to know what would happen.
This was a fun, amusing read of several stories that all raveled together into a story mainly about a boy who likes a girl and his attempts to "win her heart".
Setting: The story is set in the town of Eventide and the stories all revolve around that town. The town is near the kingdom seat and so there are some heroes and other interesting characters who we get to know. There are some lovely descriptions of the Pantheon church and the wishing well that helped to enliven my image of the town.
Plot: There are several plots going on here. The overarching plot is that a Dragon's Bard has come to town to learn the town's stories so he can take them back to the dragon so that the dragon won't kill him and everyone else. This sets up the format of the book and the need for the Bard to be everywhere. Then there is the plot of the boy, Jarod, wanting to gain the love of a girl, with the Bard "guiding" Jarod in all sorts of crazy "adventures" to do so. There is the plot of the broken wishes of the wishing well and its effect on the townspeople. And there is a small plot about the town clergyman and his trial of faith. So, lots and lots going on. And yet, I never really felt confused - even when I took so long to get through the first 80 pages.
Characters: The characters are all interesting and unique. There are centaurs and dwarves and gnomes and elves and fairies and humans and well-women (the caretakers of the wishing well and its magic). Jarod is a great character to come to know. And I really liked Father Patrice and I felt for him and his struggles. The Bard is silly and pretentious - and perfect for his job. Caprice is charming and sweet. And Bennis is my hero. There is someone for everyone to relate to in this book.
Conflict: At the end of the first part of the book and throughout the remainder, the conflicts start to make more sense and they became more real for me. Some would say that the beginning was slow and hard to get through (and they may be partially correct), but I needed all that in order to be dragged through the remainder of the book - I had to care about the characters and their problems.
Text: The writing is beautiful and funny. What more can I ask for?
This was a fun, amusing read of several stories that all raveled together into a story mainly about a boy who likes a girl and his attempts to "win her heart".
Setting: The story is set in the town of Eventide and the stories all revolve around that town. The town is near the kingdom seat and so there are some heroes and other interesting characters who we get to know. There are some lovely descriptions of the Pantheon church and the wishing well that helped to enliven my image of the town.
Plot: There are several plots going on here. The overarching plot is that a Dragon's Bard has come to town to learn the town's stories so he can take them back to the dragon so that the dragon won't kill him and everyone else. This sets up the format of the book and the need for the Bard to be everywhere. Then there is the plot of the boy, Jarod, wanting to gain the love of a girl, with the Bard "guiding" Jarod in all sorts of crazy "adventures" to do so. There is the plot of the broken wishes of the wishing well and its effect on the townspeople. And there is a small plot about the town clergyman and his trial of faith. So, lots and lots going on. And yet, I never really felt confused - even when I took so long to get through the first 80 pages.
Characters: The characters are all interesting and unique. There are centaurs and dwarves and gnomes and elves and fairies and humans and well-women (the caretakers of the wishing well and its magic). Jarod is a great character to come to know. And I really liked Father Patrice and I felt for him and his struggles. The Bard is silly and pretentious - and perfect for his job. Caprice is charming and sweet. And Bennis is my hero. There is someone for everyone to relate to in this book.
Conflict: At the end of the first part of the book and throughout the remainder, the conflicts start to make more sense and they became more real for me. Some would say that the beginning was slow and hard to get through (and they may be partially correct), but I needed all that in order to be dragged through the remainder of the book - I had to care about the characters and their problems.
Text: The writing is beautiful and funny. What more can I ask for?
April 28, 2013
I liken reading this delightful book to watching a fluffy mini-series. There are interesting characters, various stories that intertwine, and an arc that ties all of it together.
The premise of the book is that, in exchange for NOT being eaten, the fancifully self-proclaimed Dragon's Bard goes about the world and collects stories. Once a year, he is to return to the dragon's lair and regale the old one with that year's harvest of tales. Thus, each book in the series is supposed to be a town in which the Dragon's Bard has visited.
Eventide is among the first (though not THE first, as hinted in the book) stops in the Dragon's Bard's itinerant wandering. It is here that he and his long-suffering-but-silent scribe meet the young man Jarod Klum. Jarod is the factor's son and apprentice. He feels trapped in a dead-end job in a dead-end town. The only bright moments in his seemingly bland existence are when he sees and attempts to speak to the lovely Caprice, one of the three sisters who care for the town's broken Wishing Well.
Charmed by Jarod's infatuation and bumbling, the Dragon's Bard magnanimously offers Jarod his help to woo and win the fair Caprice. This help is given whether Jarod wants it or not!
The following chapters introduce new characters and their stories. The glimpses into their lives are presented as vignettes. While it initially seems that the new characters and their stories have much to do with the main story, you find that they all tie together to form a charming tapestry.
You can't help but fall in love with the Gossip Fairy, Farmber Benis the centaur, and even the various busy-body women of the village. I laughed over the antics at the annual pie contest, Jarod's introduction into the so-secret-everyone-knew-he-was-to-be-inducted-before-he-did-society, and the overall task of getting Caprice to notice and fall in love with Jarod.
The climax of the story involves two dragons, a cursed sundial, everyone in town, and the revelation of some town secrets.
This is not a 'deep' book. It is light and light-hearted reading, fun, funny at times, and moving in others. I actually read this aloud to my husband and sons, who enjoyed the tale as well.
We're looking forward to the other two installments of Tales of the Dragon's Bard.
The premise of the book is that, in exchange for NOT being eaten, the fancifully self-proclaimed Dragon's Bard goes about the world and collects stories. Once a year, he is to return to the dragon's lair and regale the old one with that year's harvest of tales. Thus, each book in the series is supposed to be a town in which the Dragon's Bard has visited.
Eventide is among the first (though not THE first, as hinted in the book) stops in the Dragon's Bard's itinerant wandering. It is here that he and his long-suffering-but-silent scribe meet the young man Jarod Klum. Jarod is the factor's son and apprentice. He feels trapped in a dead-end job in a dead-end town. The only bright moments in his seemingly bland existence are when he sees and attempts to speak to the lovely Caprice, one of the three sisters who care for the town's broken Wishing Well.
Charmed by Jarod's infatuation and bumbling, the Dragon's Bard magnanimously offers Jarod his help to woo and win the fair Caprice. This help is given whether Jarod wants it or not!
The following chapters introduce new characters and their stories. The glimpses into their lives are presented as vignettes. While it initially seems that the new characters and their stories have much to do with the main story, you find that they all tie together to form a charming tapestry.
You can't help but fall in love with the Gossip Fairy, Farmber Benis the centaur, and even the various busy-body women of the village. I laughed over the antics at the annual pie contest, Jarod's introduction into the so-secret-everyone-knew-he-was-to-be-inducted-before-he-did-society, and the overall task of getting Caprice to notice and fall in love with Jarod.
The climax of the story involves two dragons, a cursed sundial, everyone in town, and the revelation of some town secrets.
This is not a 'deep' book. It is light and light-hearted reading, fun, funny at times, and moving in others. I actually read this aloud to my husband and sons, who enjoyed the tale as well.
We're looking forward to the other two installments of Tales of the Dragon's Bard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews