Dragonlace

by Robin Lythgoe

In this tongue-and-cheek tale an apprentice wizard must outwit a clever dragon in order to acquire the single strand of precious dragonlace she needs to pass the test set by her master.

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy

ebook

First published December 2, 2011

About the author

Robin Lythgoe was born in Maryland, but spent several years in Oregon and did a short stint in upstate New York before winding up in Utah. She married an artist, and together they have four wonderful children. Reading and writing have always been a part of her life, and she is particularly drawn to fantasy. When she was growing up her mother often led expeditions to the library, from which the entire party invariably returned laden with a stack of books guaranteed to make the arms longer. Robin read everything voraciously, and when she finished her stack, she'd start on her mother's… and then her sisters'. Today she writes tales about wizards and magic, fantastical places and extraordinary journeys.

Reviews

[M Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a wonderful short story. Like many short stories, it does leave a lot of questions unanswered. It may even seem to be the perfect beginning to a much larger story. Such is the nature of short stories.

I believe Robin is a very talented author, and will yet regale us with many a splendid tale. I have read her short, In the Mirror, and liked it as well. I am looking foreword to reading As the Crow Flies, which appears to be a longer story.

I personally hope she will choose to write more about this particular story, as I would very much like to know more.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why isn't there more?! This author has a beautiful writing style, is descriptive without being nauseating, and there are glimmers of some really interesting ideas in her short stories. I just wish she would turn them into full novels, because I'd like to keep going with these characters and see how their stories end.

[A.E. Marling]

Dragonlace is a short story by Robin Lythgoe and a fun romp of a woman stealing from a dragon. She has a lively exchange with the scaly tyrant to distract him. The banter reminded me of Dealing with Dragons, a series I remember fondly from my youth. For example, in Dragonlace the monster in question at one point apologizes: “Disuse has rusted my manners.”

[Lynxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short 9 page story about a young woman and her encounter with a dragon.

Some lovely imagery, wicked wit and an interesting premise, this short story is but a glimmer into the workings of Robin's writing mind.

I will definitely be reading more of Robin's work, maybe next time a novel length piece.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good Short story that made you feel the characters come to life. I love how you could picture the character and the place that they were in your mind. This is a book worth reading. I would recommend it to everyone!

[Brenda ╰☆╮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh...but I want more!
Well, I won't punish the story with less stars because of that.
;)

Very interesting beginning. It had mystery that drew me through the story, and I wanted to hope that it wouldn't end in tragedy. Hmmm...but tragedy for which character. ;)

[Rose English · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 31 of my Reading Challenge

A very tiny short tale only 9 pages in length, for me it was way too short and did not start too well for a complete tale.

Keeta the wizards apprentice has been sent on a task to collect a shroud of dragon lace. She is mesmerised when she finds some shimmering over the entrance to a cave like a thick spiders web. What she does not expect is for the dragon Nicarelius to be outside his cave.

Can Keeta outwit the dragon and harvest the lace?

I did enjoy the story but ended up feeling sorry for the dragon. It would make a delightful longer tale.

[Tammy J Rizzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short story

I picked three stars for this story because it lacks somewhat in the characterization area. It feels too short, as well. It would be nice to have some more time with the characters, and to see what happens to Keeta.