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Welcome to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SCHOOL. Where Viking and Dragon Heroes are made!

Join Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and his dragons, Toothless and Windwalker, in their hilarious, hair-raising adventures at the Isle of Berk's Training School for Vikings and Dragons. Where they are BOTTOM in pretty much everything.

Disastrous Lesson Number The Art of Battle.

It was supposed to be a quiet, SENSIBLE lesson. Hiccup never MEANT to get into TROUBLE.

But things take an unexpected turn along the way and Hiccup and his friends soon find themselves adrift on stormy seas, in a sinking ship, facing imminent DOOM, in one of their BIGGEST adventures ever...

Please note that this ebook edition contains less artwork than the physical book for ease of digital reading.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2025

15 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Cressida Cowell

203 books2,436 followers
Cressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.

Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)

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5 stars
69 (44%)
4 stars
67 (43%)
3 stars
17 (10%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Hafsa.
153 reviews28 followers
June 18, 2025
super nostalgic, reminds me of all the times i'd wait for the next httyd to come out!
Profile Image for AlienRosey.
228 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down

I have many thoughts on this one, not trying to get into spoiler territory though. I have a few theories about how this could possibly tie into Wizards of Once, strangely enough? I was ready to write this one off as "live action movie and new park promo disguised as a new addition to the canon", but it got me back by the end. Fast paced and a short read, this one was definitely geared towards a younger reader but as with the first book of the main series, I'm willing to give it time to raise the stakes and get into that crazy prose I love from Cowell. No epilogue here! So sad about that because those are one of my fave things about the main series. Interested to see where this spin off goes and how it can make sense with the ending of the main series.

Side note: cannot BELIEVE Big Boobied Bertha has been CENSORED in this book. The text never refers to her as such, just Bertha or Bertha of the Bog Burglars. Pretty wild to me. Is this a sign of our puritanical views as a society coming back?? I hope not. Let her slay with her mighty bosoms.
236 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2025
My son absolutely loves dragons so this was a must for him!
He loved the illustrations and maps and the different text throughout. It really brought the story to life for him.
He enjoyed getting to know the different characters, but especially liked meeting all the different dragons, although Toothless will always be his favourite!
I look forward to the paperback we can fully enjoy this story, with all its illustrations.
Profile Image for Barbora.
191 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon School is a new series about a Viking boy called Hiccup (full name Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III) and his dragons Toothless and Windwalker. It should fit roughly between books 6 and 7 of the original series.

As I only ever read the first three books of the original series and I don’t remember the details very well, I can’t make any good comparisons. I do remember the main characters though – they pretty hilarious and unforgettable: Hiccup is still the small, good-hearted boy, very much not Viking material like his father the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans tribe or the boys in his class. And Toothless is still as cute, cheeky and naughty as ever. The book is a lot of fun and plenty silly. The illustrations are nice, also the extra material inserted into the story like sketches, textbook pages about dragons etc.

I think this series will work for fans old and new alike. Those that loved the original series will love going back to it and following their beloved characters on their new adventures. And those that are new to Cressida’s world of dragons and Vikings will have fun reading it and perhaps will be inspired to read the original series as well (I certainly am!)
Profile Image for Amy Bonner.
81 reviews
August 21, 2025
MORE Hiccup & Toothless stories?!!! MORE David Tennant narration?!! Oh my! These characters feel like members of our family! The original "How to Train Your Dragon" books are on constant repeat at our house. I've lost track of how many times they have circled through all 12 original books. And now there's a new series!! Same characters and adventures with the slight twist of a "dragon school" theme. It was an absolute delight, of course! It felt a little short, but it left us anxious for more whenever the 2nd book comes out. 👏🏼👏🏼
Profile Image for amanda luke.
148 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2025
Much more kiddy than the other books in the series, but I will read it no matter what. Itching for the sequel now because what do you mean Camicazi will be Hiccup’s enemy one day??? Huh????? I need to know what happens next!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Liam Dearden.
14 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Anticipation runs high for fans of the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” series as Cressida Cowell invites us back to the enchanting Isle of Berk in her latest installment, How to Train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing” Thank you to Hachette Children's Books who have graciously provided an advanced reader's copy on NetGalley , and it does not disappoint. Set to be released this May, just in time for the new live-action film, this book is destined to capture the hearts of young readers everywhere.

It truly brought back some wonderful memories of nostalgia and pure adventurous escapism as I read the how to train your Dragon book series growing up.

From the very first page, readers are swept into a whirlwind of hilarity and adventure alongside Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and his loyal compatriots, Toothless and Windwalker. Cowell masterfully blends uproarious humour—interspersed with those infamous dragon poop moments—and delightful illustrations that make the story leap off the page, creating an experience rich with nostalgia for fans who grew up with the series like myself. The whimsical charm of the Viking lifestyle, complete with unforgettable characters, continues to resonate, drawing us into a world where the stakes are high, and the laughter is boundless.

“Doom of the Darkwing” introduces us to the challenges Hiccup faces at the Viking and Dragon Training School, where expectations loom large, particularly those set by his formidable father, Stoick the Vast. In a world where chaos is as routine as dragon training, Hiccup navigates lessons that veer well off course—from disastrous battle strategies to unexpected encounters with looming threats. The narrative embraces the idea that leadership is complex, as we learn that being chief comes first before being a father and that Hiccup doesn’t do things in the most hooligan fashion but in his own unique way and most importantly the lesson I took from reading is that 'There's no such thing as im-possible,''Only im-probable.

The action escalates when Hiccup and his friends must rise to the occasion upon receiving an urgent distress signal from the neighboring Bog Burglar tribe. With their rickety vessel, The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4, they plunge into a tempest of trials that tests their bravery, wit, and friendship. Cowell's engaging writing style, paired with her vibrant illustrations, enhances the storytelling while keeping young readers captivated.

As the characters embark on their comedic escapades, the book serves as both an exciting adventure and a gentle reminder for its young audience about the power of perseverance, creativity, and camaraderie. The cleverly designed learning structure and character sketches further invite readers to immerse themselves in this fantastical world, making them feel part of the exhilarating journey.

Cressida Cowell has crafted yet another thrilling chapter in the “How to Train Your Dragon” saga with this newly discovered short adventure stories through How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing. As Hiccup learns to navigate the complexities of Viking and Dragon school while maintaining his unique approach to challenges, readers will find themselves enchanted by the heartwarming and humour-filled narrative. This latest offering is not just a must-read for fans; it is a delightful treasure that will inspire and entertain the next generation of dragon trainers. A truly magnificent beginning to what promises to be a beloved series for years to come!
1,138 reviews
September 28, 2025
If Cressida Cowell writes it, my son and I read it. If David Tennent narrates it, my son and I listen. It’s as simple as that. We are obsessed with this duo!! Our only complaint is that we wish it were longer! Though it is fun to be able to listen to the whole thing in one two hour car ride. This was a complete story that happened (I am guessing) between the last two books of the series? We were trying to figure that out based on several factors. Toothless will always be our favorite character. Though my son claims the Darkwing is his official favorite dragon now. This was very entertaining and a treat for fans!

SPOILERS and book notes:
Bc snot lout is alive this book happens before the ending of the series. But hiccup has the ticking thing and comacazi talks about being stuck in the tree! So I’m not sure. We LOVED that hiccup at first hated that toothless pooped right by his bed and he stepped in it. But then he saw it as a blessing when it made him get out of his room which later had a tree fall on it. We loved the cute little prophecy dragons. We loved both hiccups and fishlegs riding dragons (chicken legs and wind walker). They ride on the hopeful puffin to save comicazi! The thunder death dark wing was the coolest dragon! A giant sea dragon with poisonous tentacles that creates storms with its smoke. It had swallowed the bog burgler ship whole. But hiccup and fishlegs and toothless and wind walker get them out! Hiccup pulls an oar out of the dragons nose while toothless distracts it and wind walker shoots a fireball into its mouth so it vomits out the bog burglars. Comicazi had been sending sos bottles out of the mouth the whole time. And stoic was too stupid to figure them out lol. They recieved level “dragon egg” until they finished their quest and then got highest rating. A guy pretends to be a fortune teller and swindles stoic out of a ship of money which was funny. He has the third new dragon: Lucky Ducky is a typical Death's Head Badluck Grimfate, with skull-like patterns on its wings and tail. Comicazi ended on having a chess piece (a queen) from hiccups ancestor grim beard the ghastly! And a prophecy that says hiccup and comicazi will be enemies!
Profile Image for Farah G.
1,930 reviews36 followers
May 2, 2025
Cressida Cowell is just such a brilliant writer, there is nothing of hers that one wouldn't enjoy. I have also enjoyed her more recent series about the blended family of siblings with someone unusual powers which I have been able to read - and loved so far.

In this book we revisit Hiccup and his dragons and his eccentric and delightful friends, who as usual are caught up in some serious misadventures, this time involving a gigantic sea creature that is wreaking havoc in the region.

This time, it is Hiccup's brave friend from the neighbouring Bog Burglar tribe who gets to have her moment in the sun, and resulting in a great deal of fun for the reader. Like all her other books, this one is not to be missed!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Tyrone Baptiste.
7 reviews
March 16, 2025
Review written after being given an online version by Hachette Children's Books on NetGalley.

Cressida Cowell has done it again!

This book is nostalgic, funny and heart warming. It took me right back to my childhood when I read the books for the first time. I loved this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves going on an adventure to lands we wish we could visit.

The illustrations helped carry the narrative with you as you went on the journey with all the familiar characters like Hiccup but also brand new ones. The text is accessible for all especially young children who struggle to focus on reading.

A fantastic book which I can't wait to read it again!!

Profile Image for Emma.
379 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2025
I believe this is set somewhere between books 6 and 7 in the original series but it’s been so long since I read them that I have no idea how accurate to the other books it is. I definitely would’ve enjoyed it more if I’d been reading it during my original how to train your dragon phase so I’m sure it would be more popular among middle-grade children. I liked the illustrations throughout the book. The main reason it lost a star for me is that the plot doesn’t feel as high stakes or well developed as the books in the original series, so I felt like it could’ve been longer to account for that. That being said, I did enjoy reading it and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the How To Train Your Dragon School series contains.

Thank you so much to netgalley for providing me with a free arc in return for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
308 reviews
May 8, 2025
Huzzah, the madcap exploits of Hiccup continue in this joyous tale of bravery and friendship. Cowell never lets her readers down as you know when you pick up one of her stories, that you will be entertained. This latest story is fun and dramatic, which fans of all ages will love. It has the expected splash of Cowell’s stupendous illustrations scattered throughout, which bring even more charm to Hiccup’s adventures.

Every new book by Cowell fills my heart with happiness. She transports the reader to a place of wonderment, long may she continue!

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Landon B.
16 reviews
August 16, 2025
More how to train your dragon books! Finally!! :D
I love the characters and the world of the first 12 books so much, and this book jumps right back into it all like it hasn’t been a decade since the last one came out.
While I don’t think it beats my favorites of the series for story, I did throughly enjoy it. The amount and quality of illustrations have also gone up! Cressida the Author must have been doing nothing but drawing for the last 10 years straight, O hear her name and tremble ugh ugh! ✍️
I’m glad to be back in the barbaric archipelago, and I can’t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Kyra Carmack.
441 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2025
When I saw this book coming out I had to reread the series again. Of course this book takes place somewhere in the middle of the series. This is before the prophecy so probably somewhere between books 6 and 7. It is kind of hard to tell. Either way, it was interesting, I am worried about how the book ended and what this means between Hiccup and Camicazi in the future. I am excited to see where this goes and I'm looking forward to book 2. I do wish that his book ended with an epilogue as the other books do. I really love when older Hiccup looks back on his childhood and the lessons he had learned through his adventures.
Profile Image for Grace Williams.
65 reviews
October 16, 2025
OH MY GOD I do not understand how Cowell came back after a decade and wrote another Hiccup book that is just as good as the first 12 but I don’t care!!! She cooked, she got me, and I can’t wait for more Hiccup and Toothless books. I was laughing, I was yelling “OH. OH SHIT. SHIT,” and I was S C R E A M I N G because of the ending. Absolutely incredible how she came back to the Archipelago and didn’t make it feel like she was just trying to sell more books (which is saying something because so far all reboots and/or drawn out book series make me feel this way—hello, Onyx Storm). Instant classic. I’m so happy.
Profile Image for Bez.
1 review
May 24, 2025
Having read all of the original series, it is great to get back to the world of Hiccup and Berk.
Great little story , although I was initially thrown off by where it sat in the timeline (it does mention where it sits later on in the book) . But it is great and adds to the lore .
I do hope that there will be adventures set after the original series too someday .
8,860 reviews128 followers
June 25, 2025
A book with far too little subtlety to make it appealing for me, though of course the target audience won't mind its over-the-top attitude, broad "comedy" and desperately beggy "read this – and this – and this" footnotes. I thought this would be a quirky way to have some affinity for the rest of this mahoosively popular franchise, but it wasn't to be. DNF.
Profile Image for Yami.
858 reviews49 followers
July 18, 2025
this is definitely waaay down my reading age level, but I simply can't resist the innocence and cuteness of all versions of How to train your dragon, and I am not ashamed to say am definitely waiting for the second one in the new series..
though this felt like more inspired by the movie ,it went a full circle
Profile Image for Sheila.
895 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2025
I couldn’t figure out where in the series this was supposed to take place, and on one of the last pages it said between books 6 and 7. I don’t think a kid would need to have read the entire series to enjoy this book. It had all the humor and adventure of the main series, so if you like that I can’t imagine you wouldn’t like this.

I do kind of wish I had done the audiobook though. David Tennant’s narration is amazing!
Profile Image for Sharmin Begum.
40 reviews
June 24, 2025
If you love the original books in the series then you’ll love this addition. It’s got the same humour and illustrations. Definitely a fun read for primary age children. Can be a confusing read if you don’t know the characters properly.
Profile Image for Shaitanah.
463 reviews31 followers
August 7, 2025
Largely unnecessary and more childish than the original series, it's still a nice little present for the fans. And the audio is ofc narrated by the incomparable David Tennant so I can't help loving it.
Profile Image for Bethany.
16 reviews
August 16, 2025
This book didnt capture me like the original series and I reread it pretty recently. I think this one generally needed more time in the oven so to speak, but the foreshadowing at the end gives me hope for the next book. Whenever it comes out I'll be there
Profile Image for M..
444 reviews26 followers
August 30, 2025
Set between book 8 and 9, this felt like a shorter version of the earlier adventures. It is entirely self-contained and offers an opening to a possible sequel, but didn't feel as developed as the main series.
Profile Image for Esme.
32 reviews
September 2, 2025
And here was me thinking that I’d never get to read a HTTYD Book for the first time and now there is a whole new series!

And as for the book itself, well it’s yet another fantastic entry into the HTTYD Universe and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Book-A-Saurus.
161 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2025
This is the first book of a spin off series that takes place during the main series.

I did not know a spin off series was happening until I went to my library and saw this book. I am so happy to read these characters again, and can't wait to read more of their adventures.

Can't wait for book 2
Profile Image for Shiela Laramore.
142 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2025
Logan’s first chapter book! We both enjoyed it. He gives it 10 stars out of 5 and says he liked all the dragons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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