"A hard hitting adventure. One rousing dragon-fighting story, with a thin slice of romance along the way." -- Piers Anthony
Owain Armstrong has been hired to hunt down a red dragon that is killing livestock across Wiltshire . The only evidence is a bloody patch on the ground and the head of the dead animal. Owain begins to track this nocturnal predator when news of another dragon comes – a much bigger dragon.
During his journey, Owain meets up with the famous dragonslayers of the Northern Band: Katja, a beautiful blonde deadly accurate with a crossbow; Erik, a massive man short of temper and always eager to fight; Lars, a man as cunning as he is strong; and finally Edlund, their dynamic leader.
When meeting Owain, the band of weary slayers long had been on a quest to kill the last dragon of the north. But they soon hear strange tales– tales of the Green Dragon Inn and the monster that lives inside the mountain.
I dreamed of writing ever since I read my first book – Dolphin Island by Arthur C. Clarke. Books stirred my imagination, and great books stirred my soul. I love to read. And soon I yearned to know if I could write a book that stirred reader’s emotions as mine had been stirred by reading great books.
I wrote my first short story in high school. It was a monster story, almost a horror tale, and if I remember correctly – everybody died. Sometimes I am not kind to my characters, though since then I have learned to care a little more about them (most survive the climax now… well, a few of them do.)
But I graduated and soon discovered that I was thirty years old. And though I still enjoyed reading, too many things had gotten in the way for me to attempt to write.
And then my sister wrote a wonderful article that was published in Golf Magazine. I read that article and her prose stirred me. And it was my younger sister!
Not long after that, Ginger and I got together and talked about some books we’d read recently and how they could have been better in one way or another. And somehow, we came on the idea to write a book together. Ginger and I quickly jotted down a rough outline for this novel. During the next few weeks, we fleshed it out and Red Dragon/Green Dragon was born. More at my website...
My latest title is Xenocracy and Other Galactic Tales - my best and favorite short stories over the years.
I wasn't expecting to like this, since it's about dragon slayers rather than noble dragon beasts, but this is a well-written story with fully developed characters. I just couldn't put it down, frankly, and if you like fantasy and a traditional dragon-as-monster theme, then you are going to love this book.
The authors take their time setting up the main dragon-quest story up by starting off with a local dragon slayer taking down a young dragon by himself. By the time we meet the famed "Northern Band," it is clear we are off on an epic dragon hunt.
The characters and the story reveal themselves in a well-paced, vividly imagined world, and this was an amazingly fast read for 323 pages. Best of all, since the dragon hunters didn't have time to destroy the nest of dragon eggs, the door is open for a sequel.
I hope the authors will reunite the Northern Band for one last pest-quest!
I just had the pleasure of reading this great book. I will admit I wasn't too sure about the dynamics between Owain and the Northern Band--at first that is! But as the story progressed I was sucked into it and it took me for a sweet dragon-hunting ride and I quickly grew to love all the dragon hunters as a group! I certainly would love to see more adventures of Owain and Edlund and I would recommend this book to those who love dragons (I loved learning new facts about dragons per the Chandlers' mythology about them), dragon hunters (action packed hunting galore) and the lands these folks called home! Great job Tony and Virginia!
Bad fantasy is just bad, but good fantasy rocks! And this was fantastic. So many details, and it was dirty and scary and far more realistic than any other dragon book I’ve ever read. It answers questions such as “If there were really dragons why haven’t scientists found the bones?” and “Really, a huge reptile and one knight in shining armor can take it down single handedly?”
The characters take their time opening up too, this really keeps the story fresh as they are traveling around after the last dragon. Plus with five main characters, it allows loads of time for them to develop and deepen. I really disliked Owain at the beginning, but came to love him by the end. Lars is another one I liked, I think I just loved the name Lars…and speaking of Lars…who has ever combined Vikings and Dragons? Ok, I’m not especially well-read in the fantasy genre, it may have happened, but I haven’t seen it yet. And who doesn’t love Vikings and Dragons???
So yes, if you want a great fantasy read that is going to let you immerse yourself into the story for a few days, The Last Dragon of the North is it. And I’m hoping, as there was a hint, there may be a continuation of this story. I will be waiting in line for that one!
The Last Dragon of the North was a great read! I was captured right from the start. I very much enjoyed my journey with Owain and the Northern Band. I celebrated their victories and cried right along with them when one of their own fell. This is a must read for everyone who enjoys a good dragon story. The Last Dragon of the North will not disappoint! My only question, is there a sequel?
I should definitely read more fantasy; after all, I cut my teeth on it when I was a young teen. From DragonLance to Dungeons & Dragons, I loved it all, and I read everything I could find in the genre. So it’s no wonder that dragons hold a special place of honor in my heart. When author Tony Chandler approached me about reviewing THE LAST DRAGON OF THE NORTH, I said ‘Yes!’ before I even know the book’s plot. I’m glad I took a chance on it, too...this book is full of everything that makes fantasy so much fun!
This book really surprised me; not because I thought it was going to suck or anything...but because the story is epic in scope for being such a simple plot. The Chandlers do an amazing job of world building and then seeding it with characters and creatures both terrifying and interesting.
THE LAST DRAGON OF THE NORTH is written very well and flows smoothly. The action is intense, the story is engaging, and there’s plenty of things in here that will capture even the most decadent of readers. In essence, there’s something for every fantasy fan in this book.
I particularly enjoy the characterization in this book. Each character is bold and vibrant, given a healthy dose of realism so as to make them spring to life from the page. My favorite has to be Owain Armstrong himself. He starts off as a bit brash and overly self-sure, but his travels with the other dragonslayers takes him on a journey of self-discovery as well.
THE LAST DRAGON OF THE NORTH is a hearty, robust fantasy adventure brimming with action and fun. I highly recommend this book and am greatly looking forward to the next tale the Chandlers bring. Give this one a look for sure.
First I would like to thank author Tony Chandler for gifting me with The Last Dragon of the North. And so here is my fair and unbiased review.(Let the fun begin)
The last dragon of the north is an action pack heart racing on the edge of your seat until you get to the end and you say whew that was great! I want to read it again.
I found the story line to be very strong and smooth following I had no problem keeping up. And the characters you will just absolutely fall in love with them. I know I did.
The last dragon of the north was not only an action but romance and funny at times and in the right places. I loved that the characters were strong and the character development was good and set at a nice pace so it wasn’t to fast or too slow.
The last dragon of the north is set in a long ago time era were dragon ruled the sky and land and made the people afraid and thus brave men and women became dragon slayers to kill these terrible beasts. That’s it that’s all I’m saying if you want to know more go buy and read the book. I guarantee you will love it.
Recommended: 17 and up Rating:4/5 Soul Stars Soulfyre Reviews
I should love this book - non magical heroes battling a dragon, a dragon fighter falling in love, another dragon fighter haunted by guilt and seeking redemption - but it falls flat. I just didn't care about any of the characters. Reading it felt like reading a list, they did this then they did that and tears streamed down their face. I don't know what it is that authors do to make us engage with their stories, but sadly neither does this writer.