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Storm-Dragon
On the treacherous Vann’s World, Skut battles a savage wind and deadly hamerkops to rescue a mysterious, telepathic creature. Fleeing a rising tide and a menacing Loor-beast, he forms an unexpected bond with the tiny, electric-charged being that sees him as its protector. As Skut navigates the perilous tidal tiers, his impulsive escape from Highpoint Station unravels into a fight for survival—both for himself and his newfound companion.
Podge is the new kid in town, trying to keep his head down. Meeting Skut is about the only bright spot in his introduction to this strange new world. The boys bond over Skut's creature, and trying to avoid the class bullies. This is only the beginning; soon Skut finds his new friends do not ease the growing concerns of the adults around him while the town is coming under a mysterious threat. What can two boys and a tiny storm-dragon do?
Podge is the new kid in town, trying to keep his head down. Meeting Skut is about the only bright spot in his introduction to this strange new world. The boys bond over Skut's creature, and trying to avoid the class bullies. This is only the beginning; soon Skut finds his new friends do not ease the growing concerns of the adults around him while the town is coming under a mysterious threat. What can two boys and a tiny storm-dragon do?
- GenresScience FictionChildrens
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
48 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 10, 2026
I didn't think I was going to like this book about a boy and his dragon that I bought for my nineteen-year-old son, Jonah. Back in December, with some reluctance, I purchased Storm-Dragon by Dave Freer as a Christmas gift. It's rated for ages eight and up — so I suspected we both might be too old to enjoy it.
I was wrong.
The novel has a delightful The Adventures of Tom Sawyer feel to it, but with big spaceships and a small dragon. Imagine Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn appearing in Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, add a little of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, and you've got Storm-Dragon by Dave Freer.
Tom Sawyer and Ender aside, I'm not a big fan of young adult fiction. I gave up halfway through Harry Potter (granted, I was trying to read it in Italian). I enjoyed C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, but didn't love it. And I've always thought The Little Prince was a little boring.
But Storm-Dragon had my son and me hooked by chapter two.
Now, the #1 reason I purchased Storm-Dragon was that it had been nominated for the 2026 Prometheus Award for Best Novel (as is my book, All the Humans Are Sleeping ). The Prometheus Awards are for novels that promote freedom and oppose tyranny. So I assumed I'd find both the message and quality of Storm-Dragon to my liking — especially since Dave Freer won the 2022 Prometheus Award with his other novel, Cloud-Castles.
Unquestionably, Dave Freer's story is rich in many pro-liberty themes — true to the author's surname — including home-schooling, free-market economics, civil disobedience and the right to self-defence. Rather than preaching, these ideas are portrayed through incidents that both young and old readers will enjoy — including a cunning battle with the corrupt town council over the right to grow vegetables on one's own property.
Another requirement for the Prometheus Awards is that the story takes place in a fantastical setting. Storm-Dragon certainly does. Here's how Freer describes the sci-fi world he's created (possibly influenced by his living on a 1,367 square-kilometre island off the coast of Tasmania):
Storm-Dragon is a real coming-of-independence story, as the brave boys (and their sassy sisters) realize they can help make their community a freer, safer, and more productive place to live and thrive (and raise a dragon). The novel culminates in an (non-alien) invasion, with Skut, Podge, and their storm-dragon playing pivotal roles in the resistance movement.
Now, onto my four quibbles with this otherwise delightful read:
1. Line editing! The book needed more line editing. There were lines where neither my son nor I could figure out what was happening. Other times, it was unclear who said what. The story and characters were far stronger elements than the writing itself.
2. What the Ghat? The enemy of the story, the Ghats, couldn't have been much more vague. Little is said about them. Their leader only gets introduced passively at the end. At first, I thought information was being dripped slowly, but then the book ended, and my son and I felt cheated.
3. Aborted ending? The epilogue quickly sums up the climactic finish to the story, rather than showing it. The last twenty pages felt like the author got tired of writing the novel and tied it up quickly. This book sure could have used another hundred pages.
4. Character conflation. I found the characters of Podge and Skut almost indistinguishable in character, outside of one being a farmboy and the other a techie. Maybe this was intentional, but I would have preferred both had greater personality differences and maybe a few conflicts. They came across as far too similar and agreeable.
Maybe these points won't bother an eight-year-old as much as they bother this forty-eight-year-old.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story immensely. It contains great role models for children, teaching kids how to be independent, curious, adventurous, brave, loyal, and not to put up with abuse from anyone (whether it's the bullies at Skut's school, the corrupt council running their settlement, or the invading army holding them hostage).
And... it also teaches kids how to take care of their pet. That said, their miniature, telepathic storm-dragon is hardly the focal point of the story (despite the book's title). This fantastical extraterrestrial serves as a symbol of the children's own budding potential, talents and strengths.
That said, if you have kids who forget to walk the dog, Dave Freer's Storm-Dragon might inspire them.
I was wrong.
The novel has a delightful The Adventures of Tom Sawyer feel to it, but with big spaceships and a small dragon. Imagine Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn appearing in Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, add a little of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, and you've got Storm-Dragon by Dave Freer.
Tom Sawyer and Ender aside, I'm not a big fan of young adult fiction. I gave up halfway through Harry Potter (granted, I was trying to read it in Italian). I enjoyed C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, but didn't love it. And I've always thought The Little Prince was a little boring.
But Storm-Dragon had my son and me hooked by chapter two.
Now, the #1 reason I purchased Storm-Dragon was that it had been nominated for the 2026 Prometheus Award for Best Novel (as is my book, All the Humans Are Sleeping ). The Prometheus Awards are for novels that promote freedom and oppose tyranny. So I assumed I'd find both the message and quality of Storm-Dragon to my liking — especially since Dave Freer won the 2022 Prometheus Award with his other novel, Cloud-Castles.
Unquestionably, Dave Freer's story is rich in many pro-liberty themes — true to the author's surname — including home-schooling, free-market economics, civil disobedience and the right to self-defence. Rather than preaching, these ideas are portrayed through incidents that both young and old readers will enjoy — including a cunning battle with the corrupt town council over the right to grow vegetables on one's own property.
Another requirement for the Prometheus Awards is that the story takes place in a fantastical setting. Storm-Dragon certainly does. Here's how Freer describes the sci-fi world he's created (possibly influenced by his living on a 1,367 square-kilometre island off the coast of Tasmania):
"Vann's World is younger, geologically, than Earth, with more water. It's a wild, terrifying, exciting world of volcanoes and huge storms that make hurricanes look pleasant — especially around the equator. It has three moons, so enormous tides, and it is just bursting with life — where everything tries to eat everything else, in its fertile seas and across hundreds of chains of volcanic islands, forming and eroding away."The story centres around two youngsters living on one of those islands: Skut, a farm boy who can handle himself out in the wild; and Podge, a whiz-kid with a knack for hacking computers. Oh, and then there's their pet storm-dragon named Snarky. Small, telepathic and able to shock anything that threatens him, the creature takes care of them as much as they care for him.
Storm-Dragon is a real coming-of-independence story, as the brave boys (and their sassy sisters) realize they can help make their community a freer, safer, and more productive place to live and thrive (and raise a dragon). The novel culminates in an (non-alien) invasion, with Skut, Podge, and their storm-dragon playing pivotal roles in the resistance movement.
Now, onto my four quibbles with this otherwise delightful read:
1. Line editing! The book needed more line editing. There were lines where neither my son nor I could figure out what was happening. Other times, it was unclear who said what. The story and characters were far stronger elements than the writing itself.
2. What the Ghat? The enemy of the story, the Ghats, couldn't have been much more vague. Little is said about them. Their leader only gets introduced passively at the end. At first, I thought information was being dripped slowly, but then the book ended, and my son and I felt cheated.
3. Aborted ending? The epilogue quickly sums up the climactic finish to the story, rather than showing it. The last twenty pages felt like the author got tired of writing the novel and tied it up quickly. This book sure could have used another hundred pages.
4. Character conflation. I found the characters of Podge and Skut almost indistinguishable in character, outside of one being a farmboy and the other a techie. Maybe this was intentional, but I would have preferred both had greater personality differences and maybe a few conflicts. They came across as far too similar and agreeable.
Maybe these points won't bother an eight-year-old as much as they bother this forty-eight-year-old.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story immensely. It contains great role models for children, teaching kids how to be independent, curious, adventurous, brave, loyal, and not to put up with abuse from anyone (whether it's the bullies at Skut's school, the corrupt council running their settlement, or the invading army holding them hostage).
And... it also teaches kids how to take care of their pet. That said, their miniature, telepathic storm-dragon is hardly the focal point of the story (despite the book's title). This fantastical extraterrestrial serves as a symbol of the children's own budding potential, talents and strengths.
That said, if you have kids who forget to walk the dog, Dave Freer's Storm-Dragon might inspire them.
April 14, 2025
Adventure with a dragon!
Freer pulls you into this story with rich descriptions about a world of dangerous creatures and a war situation. Skut and family are pulled from their farm where they live in the dangerous zones of the world back to the city where everyone is behind walls. After a conflict with the mean kids at school he sneaks out to the tidal zone where he rescues a baby storm dragon. Pogue's family have just arrived from a displaced persons camp after their world was bargained away to the enemy. The two boys and the dragon bond over raw fish....
Freer pulls you into this story with rich descriptions about a world of dangerous creatures and a war situation. Skut and family are pulled from their farm where they live in the dangerous zones of the world back to the city where everyone is behind walls. After a conflict with the mean kids at school he sneaks out to the tidal zone where he rescues a baby storm dragon. Pogue's family have just arrived from a displaced persons camp after their world was bargained away to the enemy. The two boys and the dragon bond over raw fish....
June 15, 2025
All the good things!
This is a story for all ages--from 10 to 105. The displaced farm boy who finds a baby storm dragon and the equally displaced computer whiz kid form a strong bond that first allows them to confront the adversity they face at school, and then to tackle even greater dangers.
The cover depicts a child. The boys are 12. They read older.
This is a coming of age tale where the young heroes learn self-reliance, courage, and community. It evokes all the virtues of the Heinlein juveniles, and that's truly a remarkable feat. Bravo to Dave Freer!
This is a story for all ages--from 10 to 105. The displaced farm boy who finds a baby storm dragon and the equally displaced computer whiz kid form a strong bond that first allows them to confront the adversity they face at school, and then to tackle even greater dangers.
The cover depicts a child. The boys are 12. They read older.
This is a coming of age tale where the young heroes learn self-reliance, courage, and community. It evokes all the virtues of the Heinlein juveniles, and that's truly a remarkable feat. Bravo to Dave Freer!
February 9, 2026
If I were 10 years old this would be the Best Book Ever! The author does a great job creating realistic characters who act and think like grade-school children. We're also treated to petty bureaucrats drunk on power, school administrators who apparently think Dolores Umbridge was a role model (a type all too prevalent in some places), a realistically drawn alien ecology, and an engaging portrayal of ordinary people meeting extraordinary challenges. Plus, there's a telepathic baby dragon! Who wouldn't want one of those? It felt a little rushed at the end, but that is a minor complaint.
December 24, 2025
Dave Freer is on my "must read" list. This would be categorized as young adult (YA), but us well-seasoned-citizens will find this equally enjoyable.
Without spoilers: New arrivals on this world also are new arrivals at school, where they don't understand the underlying school dynamics... The new arrivals make friends with the less-than-cool kids, and have great adventures. The ne'er-do-wells get their come-uppance.
Great characters, great story! Go and read it!
Without spoilers: New arrivals on this world also are new arrivals at school, where they don't understand the underlying school dynamics... The new arrivals make friends with the less-than-cool kids, and have great adventures. The ne'er-do-wells get their come-uppance.
Great characters, great story! Go and read it!
April 12, 2025
great read !
This book is a a great read — dealing with young adolescents in a space age refugee situation facing difficult situations, the challenges of alien flaura and fauna , invaders, and also a telepathic mini dragon. What more could you want. Similar to Heinlein juveniles — I read it on one sitting .
This book is a a great read — dealing with young adolescents in a space age refugee situation facing difficult situations, the challenges of alien flaura and fauna , invaders, and also a telepathic mini dragon. What more could you want. Similar to Heinlein juveniles — I read it on one sitting .
May 21, 2025
Very fun!
This was advertised to be like. a Heinlein juvenile and it was. Good people protecting their new home and a quirky baby flying alien (think dragon as the title says). Good stuff!
This was advertised to be like. a Heinlein juvenile and it was. Good people protecting their new home and a quirky baby flying alien (think dragon as the title says). Good stuff!
February 20, 2026
A boys' adventure story that manages to be dull. Wooden characters in stock situations. Our hero is a grade-school boy in a small colony on a planet with unusually dangerous wildlife that provides whatever is necessary to move the plot along. He is picked on by bullies, so he acquires a pet telepathic miniature dragon (maybe it made its way from Pern). The story turns violent in the second half, allowing our hero to demonstrate heroism.
April 12, 2025
very good young man’s adventure.
A boy discovers his skills are useful and the joys of a new friend. Very well written and enjoyable for boys and girls.
A boy discovers his skills are useful and the joys of a new friend. Very well written and enjoyable for boys and girls.
April 26, 2025
Quite enjoyable.
It is written as a 'juvenile' , but allowing for that, is still enjoyable for adults as well. It met the goals the author said he was aiming for. Recommended!
It is written as a 'juvenile' , but allowing for that, is still enjoyable for adults as well. It met the goals the author said he was aiming for. Recommended!
June 12, 2025
10 out of 10
Would recommend.
Highly.
I can't wait to read more books in this universe.
There are lots of laugh out loud moments.
Warm...
Would recommend.
Highly.
I can't wait to read more books in this universe.
There are lots of laugh out loud moments.
Warm...
March 2, 2026
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
May 12, 2025
Skut, cutting school on a perilous planet, finds himself rescuing a small storm-dragon.
Thus adding caring for it to enliven his life along with bullies at school, spiteful bureaucrats, befriending a boy who's just arrived from a Displaced Person camp, vegetable beds, questions of fishing, the ferocious wildlife, the deadly tides (it has three moons), a ceasefire that most people don't really believe in, and more.
Thus adding caring for it to enliven his life along with bullies at school, spiteful bureaucrats, befriending a boy who's just arrived from a Displaced Person camp, vegetable beds, questions of fishing, the ferocious wildlife, the deadly tides (it has three moons), a ceasefire that most people don't really believe in, and more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews