The Dragon

Atlan #1b

by Jane Gaskell

DAW Books, Collector's No. 619. Mass market paperback, 1985. 2nd book in the "Atlan / Cija" series. Set in prehistoric South America and in the mythical world of Atlantis. The books in the series "The Serpent" (later editions split this book into two, "The Serpent" and "The Dragon"); "Atlan" (1965); "The City" (1966); and "Some Summer Lands" (1977).

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Literature, Adventure, Prehistoric, Science Fiction Fantasy

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Gaskell was born Jane Gaskell Denvil on 7 July 1941, in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England (previously in the county of Lancashire). She is the great grandniece of the Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell. Her first novel, Strange Evil, was written when she was 14-years-old (published two years later, in 1957). In 1963 Gaskell married truck driver Gerald Lynch; and in 1965 their daughter, Lucy Emma, was born. (Their marriage ended in divorce in 1968.)

In 1970 she received the Somerset Maugham Award for her novel A Sweet, Sweet Summer.

China Miéville lists Strange Evil as one of the top 10 examples of weird fiction.

Wikipedia®

Reviews

[Ikonopeiston · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite of the three Atlan books I have read. Subtly sexual.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Edgar Rice Burrough's Tarzan, H. Rider Haggard's Lost Civilizations and John Norman's Gor and as your heroine a princess raised to believe she's divine and men are extinct and you have the world of the Atlan Saga. This book, The Dragon isn't so much a sequel to the first book, The Serpent, as the second half--they were designed to be one book. Cija, who can be, well stupid (but almost forgivable given her background) does grow on you, which given these are supposed to be her diaries is important. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to admit I've read these, let alone these are favorites that have been on my bookshelves since my teens, but there you are. Addictive like crack. Or just crack pot.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second half of the first part of Cija's travels (and travails) which she again spends mostly running away from or towards things, being held captive, and/or dealing with her conflicting feelings regarding General Zerd and some of her other ... romantic partners, all leading ineluctably to the shores of Atlan.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A frustrating tale in some respects. I frequently wonder how such an idiot of a character can survive so long and keep coming out in improved situations. Then I remember what real life can be like sometimes and I shrug and keep reading.

[Esai Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I read of the Atlan Saga. I kinda didn't know what was going on at first but slowly I was able to pick it up. The main character Cija was someone I didn't mind following around. Honestly I thought at first this was a fantasy romance novel but slowly I found adventure and daring escapes. Sometimes you find yourself hoping tragedy doesn't struck but soon it does. Eye popping random events occur and leave you questioning your judgement on assumptions. In a way I fell in love with the main character, she pushed and pushed and yet sometimes gave in but always rose and continued pushing onward. The final chapters is where you really get down to business. Traveling to Atlan was a fun and dark journey and Atlan itself, when first arriving there was an awesome and sad event. I don't regret starting this saga on book two, but obviously I will read the first one and continue this journey.

[Christina Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like where this book went. It isn't a typical romance, I personally think it isn't a romance at all but a book about a woman trying to survive in a male dominant world. This was the second part of the Serpent which it was obvious that they split that book up into two by where they ended the first half. I sympathized with the character as she went through a lot and her attitude toward life is more like live for the day kind of attitude. Every time she is hit by a challenge she takes it with a grain of salt and moves on. I read in a couple of nights because I couldn't put it down. The ending was anticlimactic though.

[Pollymoore3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are also about the devastation of a beautiful country by an occupying power, and are environmentally aware in advance of their time (1960s).

[Andy]

EX-LIB. 2ND IN SERIES, BOOK 1: THE SERPENT; BOOK 3: ATLAN & THE CITY.

[Richard Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trashy, but some diverting patches.

[Chris Duval · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review for this is included in my review of 'The Serpent.'

[Hilary]

Oh god, oh god, hideous Boris Vallejo cover!

[Piper Pringle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book moved further along than the first one. Very pleased. Can't wait for thr next in the series.


Triggers:
mental/physical abuse, sexual assault