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Dragon Quartet #1-2
The Dragon Quartet Omnibus, Volume 1
Here's an exciting fantasy tetralogy with all the right ingredients: four elemental dragons (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water), each with a human companion. This series takes us from medieval Europe to the distant future, as the world is caught in a war between the forces of greed and fanaticism on the one hand, and the dragons and their guides and allies who seek to restore the proper natural balance to the planet on the other. This volume contains the first two of the four novels.
688 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 15, 2015
I think the names in this series and it's setting in the timeline was quite charming, in 'The Book of Earth' you have Erde and her dragon, Earth, he is child like upon awakening, set in a Medieval Germany, where a crazed religious fanatic priest sends her running into a kind of witchcraft. She loses her voice for a while and learns to speak telepathically.
In 'The Book of Water' finds N'Doch N'Djai in the year 2013 (this book was published in 1997, the future/present resembled something between high technology and pollution) with his dragon, Water, off the coast of Africa. In this timeline too is a sinister cult, one which the dragon Fire may be a part of, and the dragon Air may be prisoner.
In 'The Book of Water' finds N'Doch N'Djai in the year 2013 (this book was published in 1997, the future/present resembled something between high technology and pollution) with his dragon, Water, off the coast of Africa. In this timeline too is a sinister cult, one which the dragon Fire may be a part of, and the dragon Air may be prisoner.
May 1, 2019
This is pretty decent fantasy. Interesting concept, interesting execution with the movement between time periods and really fascinating ending (I'm counting volume 2 in this review as well). The plot increases in complexity as the books go on. I love that complexity, but I've heard some readers say they felt a little lost.
There's a strong environmental subtext throughout the book, with themes like the economic and societal impacts of climate change, pollution, poverty and classism. There is some sexuality, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone younger than late teens.
There's a strong environmental subtext throughout the book, with themes like the economic and societal impacts of climate change, pollution, poverty and classism. There is some sexuality, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone younger than late teens.
November 8, 2025
Book of Earth ☆☆☆☆
Book of Water ☆☆
I was extremely put off in the first book by the overly sexual nature of it and the constant cloud and threat of RAPE in the narrative, but as soon as she leaves her home I began to love it.
Her travels, all the characters she meets, her bond with Earth and his writing in general were excellent. I loved Hal, I loved the secret valley of women, I loved the random strange creature in the woods, she NAILED the fantasy as soon as she leaves her old life behind.
It was such a GOOD fantasy that I was so annoyed to learned it is actually a time travel sci fi. All the books go further into the future and the slang becomes modern and I was sooooo not into it. I loved the old fantasy style of the first book so much that the contrast actually killed it for me.
I didn't like the new character, he was bringing back the overly sexual narrative thinking style and boy was I not a fan. I didn't like her idea of 2013, her attempt at modern slang and combining it with Erde's old timey POV. I basically hated everything about the second one, including how Water starts to adopt his way of speaking and how Earth is barely present.
It didn't even feel like much of anything happened until the end and it's too long of a struggle to get there. I did so much skimming to finish book two. Am I sort of interested to see what the next two are like? Yes. I am also sick and tired of this writing style and am expecting it to get worse because we go even further into the future.
Book two was an absolute pill to get through and I didn't care about anything or anyone. I suppose N'Dock becoming a reluctant guide is... something, but Erde also really lost everyone she cared about and felt very hollow and empty and like a companion in N'Doch's story. Earth's absence and sudden dumbness compared to his sister Water also helped along the two of them feeling very sidelined.
I love her idea with the dragons, whenever they talk about their mission and purpose I love it and Earth's view on eating animals that consent was very beautifully done. I might finish it, I do like the dragon idea she had, but the sexualised view all characters seem to have, the worsened personalities of the guides and the sci fi transition are all reasons for me to not like it very much. I was going to stop after book 1, but here we are.
If you want a really good old timey fantasy, read book of earth, and maybe stop there.
Book of Water ☆☆
I was extremely put off in the first book by the overly sexual nature of it and the constant cloud and threat of RAPE in the narrative, but as soon as she leaves her home I began to love it.
Her travels, all the characters she meets, her bond with Earth and his writing in general were excellent. I loved Hal, I loved the secret valley of women, I loved the random strange creature in the woods, she NAILED the fantasy as soon as she leaves her old life behind.
It was such a GOOD fantasy that I was so annoyed to learned it is actually a time travel sci fi. All the books go further into the future and the slang becomes modern and I was sooooo not into it. I loved the old fantasy style of the first book so much that the contrast actually killed it for me.
I didn't like the new character, he was bringing back the overly sexual narrative thinking style and boy was I not a fan. I didn't like her idea of 2013, her attempt at modern slang and combining it with Erde's old timey POV. I basically hated everything about the second one, including how Water starts to adopt his way of speaking and how Earth is barely present.
It didn't even feel like much of anything happened until the end and it's too long of a struggle to get there. I did so much skimming to finish book two. Am I sort of interested to see what the next two are like? Yes. I am also sick and tired of this writing style and am expecting it to get worse because we go even further into the future.
Book two was an absolute pill to get through and I didn't care about anything or anyone. I suppose N'Dock becoming a reluctant guide is... something, but Erde also really lost everyone she cared about and felt very hollow and empty and like a companion in N'Doch's story. Earth's absence and sudden dumbness compared to his sister Water also helped along the two of them feeling very sidelined.
I love her idea with the dragons, whenever they talk about their mission and purpose I love it and Earth's view on eating animals that consent was very beautifully done. I might finish it, I do like the dragon idea she had, but the sexualised view all characters seem to have, the worsened personalities of the guides and the sci fi transition are all reasons for me to not like it very much. I was going to stop after book 1, but here we are.
If you want a really good old timey fantasy, read book of earth, and maybe stop there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2011
SUM: The Book of Earth: In the year 913 Erde runs away from her home castle after an unfortunate visit from the hell-priest, Fra Guill (Brother Guillemo). She stumbles upon Earth, one of the four elemental dragons that helped create the world. Erde and Earth travel with Sir Hal to discover Earth's lost purpose, and the reason that he has awoken.
The Book of Water: Erde and Earth travel to the year 2013, where N'Doch of Africa finds his dragon, Water. Together the dragon guides follow clues to discover their lost purpose, and their siblings, Fire and Air.
REV: I really enjoyed The Book of Earth. I got so closed to Erde, I just wanted more and more of her. When I started The Book of Water the first time I was disappointed that I wasn't getting more Erde--so much so that I put down the series after finishing the first volume. I finally picked them up again though, and wow has my appreciation heightened. First of all, Kellogg's mastery of the multiple POVs in The Book of Water are excellent. Using past tense for Erde, and present tense for N'Doch--pure genius. Love the way Water is always tugging at N'Doch's heartstrings, the way he's the reluctant guide, like it isn't the coolest thing ever to have your own dragon. Very very cool. Would definitely recommend the series to anyone.
The Book of Water: Erde and Earth travel to the year 2013, where N'Doch of Africa finds his dragon, Water. Together the dragon guides follow clues to discover their lost purpose, and their siblings, Fire and Air.
REV: I really enjoyed The Book of Earth. I got so closed to Erde, I just wanted more and more of her. When I started The Book of Water the first time I was disappointed that I wasn't getting more Erde--so much so that I put down the series after finishing the first volume. I finally picked them up again though, and wow has my appreciation heightened. First of all, Kellogg's mastery of the multiple POVs in The Book of Water are excellent. Using past tense for Erde, and present tense for N'Doch--pure genius. Love the way Water is always tugging at N'Doch's heartstrings, the way he's the reluctant guide, like it isn't the coolest thing ever to have your own dragon. Very very cool. Would definitely recommend the series to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2010
This volume has the first two books in the quartet. I have finished Book 1 - it was pretty good. Book 2 moves to modern times, so I am interested to see what she does next. The main character is a young girl named Erde. For most of the first book she is mute - but I still cared about her story. So, I hope that her voice does not ruin her character.
I have seen this book on the shelf for years, and never picked it up. I am glad to see that it was worth the wait -- so far.
I have seen this book on the shelf for years, and never picked it up. I am glad to see that it was worth the wait -- so far.
May 20, 2008
this book is definately a must read for dragon lovers like me. it is a four book series and this review goes for all four books. it has a very original story line and although doesn't have any vivid battle scenes, it is chock full of suspence and awe.
May 4, 2008
I picked this book up on a whim and I have to tell you, I think that it's fantastic. One of the best fantasy books I've read in years! I don't know why people are giving it less than 5 stars because this book is wonderful! It's on my favorites shelf at home and here!
March 5, 2013
This was a very good book with a great story line and interesting characters. The two main characters created an interesting contrast with each other and how they interacted with their dragons. The whole story line is not revealed in the first volume, making you eager to read the second volume.
June 5, 2008
Good fantasy, interesting. I kept stalling while reading it, though.
December 4, 2008
good...but 2nd book isn't as good as the first
April 11, 2010
This book was a gift. It's not my style, really, but its not that horrible.
September 25, 2011
Seems to be good soo far. Although it could use some more detail. Its confusing at times, but I am gonna continue reading and see where it takes me.
August 10, 2015
The first book of the omnibus was just so-so, but I found the second much more compelling. I am intrigued by the author's blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews