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Lord of the Isles #3
Servant of the Dragon
Return again to the world of the Isles in Servant of the Dragon, a world with hundred of warring kingdoms without a single overlord for many centuries. Now the sources of magic are reaching a thousand-year peak, and the present generation of sorcerers is the most powerful in the millennium. Follow the small band of heroes and heroines as they journey across these landscapes, these seas, to find their loves, their destinies and --for one--a crown.
624 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
16 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
David Drake
306 books886 followersDavid Drake is an American author of science fiction and fantasy literature. A Vietnam War veteran who has worked as a lawyer, he is now one of the major authors of the military science fiction genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 19, 2024
This is the third book of a series of nine long classic high fantasy novels. The supernatural elements are clever and consistent. It's a leisurely-paced, immersive story which sees a variety of characters split up to accomplish various parts of an overall goal, but they're re-united by the end for a satisfying conclusion, which follows the formula of the first book, Lord of the Isles. Actually, it feels a bit more formulaic, because it follows the patterns of both previous books: the four core characters (or maybe it's six, depending on your interpretation) get separated, adventures galore, etc., rinse and repeat. In this book, Sharina is kidnapped again (time travel, yea!), Cashel is bland and heroic some more, back to the high seas... They're mostly country folks who have to cope with weight-of-the-world challenges, and I enjoyed their tales, and interplay when they are together. They're among the best characters that Drake ever created. The novel gets more than a bit violent and graphic at times, as aspects of sacrifice, sex, slavery, etc. are realistically examined. (And dragons...where have we seen that before?) As I said previously, readers who are looking for something similar to Hammer's Slammers will be disappointed, but Robert Jordan fans should feel at home. It's fine epic fantasy.
January 16, 2016
I have read (although not reviewed) the previous books in this series. Now, three books in, the series is starting to develop a formula: the 4 main heroes (or 6, if you include Tenoctris and Liane) split up (willingly or not); they go through adventures in all kinds of places, universes, and times; they find evidence of some other great evil rising; at the end, they all (often coincidentally) come together to defeat this evil. This book is no exception. That said, it is a highly enjoyable formula.
Part of what makes reading this series so enjoyable is David Drake's seemingly endless imagination for new worlds. Every book takes us into completely new realms and I never cease to be amazed by what Drake has come up with - and how vividly he describes it all. The characters' various adventures tend to make for entertaining reading as well. And, while the build to the final conflict may be somewhat formulaic, Drake has (to date) always come up with new ways of resolving this conflict. In this book, I particularly appreciated the way all of the individual story threads (Garric's visions, Sharina's task, the necromancers Ilna ran into) came together for the final conflict. While Drake has done this somewhat in the previous novels, I feel that he pulled it off best and most elegantly in this case.
(On a personal note, I was very pleased with Sharina's storyline. I felt that this was the first time she truly got to demonstrate - and make use of - her determination, cleverness, and self-reliance for the length of an entire book.)
In summary, this book is an excellent continuation of the story begun in Lord of the Isles and Queen of Demons. While it might follow what is starting to become a formula for David Drake, it still manages to remain fresh and enjoyable, with (in particular) good plotting and descriptive writing. I'd encourage all fans of fantasy (particularly the epic variety) to check out this series, and anyone who's started to continue reading.
Part of what makes reading this series so enjoyable is David Drake's seemingly endless imagination for new worlds. Every book takes us into completely new realms and I never cease to be amazed by what Drake has come up with - and how vividly he describes it all. The characters' various adventures tend to make for entertaining reading as well. And, while the build to the final conflict may be somewhat formulaic, Drake has (to date) always come up with new ways of resolving this conflict. In this book, I particularly appreciated the way all of the individual story threads (Garric's visions, Sharina's task, the necromancers Ilna ran into) came together for the final conflict. While Drake has done this somewhat in the previous novels, I feel that he pulled it off best and most elegantly in this case.
(On a personal note, I was very pleased with Sharina's storyline. I felt that this was the first time she truly got to demonstrate - and make use of - her determination, cleverness, and self-reliance for the length of an entire book.)
In summary, this book is an excellent continuation of the story begun in Lord of the Isles and Queen of Demons. While it might follow what is starting to become a formula for David Drake, it still manages to remain fresh and enjoyable, with (in particular) good plotting and descriptive writing. I'd encourage all fans of fantasy (particularly the epic variety) to check out this series, and anyone who's started to continue reading.
September 14, 2009
I enjoyed the previous two books. I liked the characters and the plot was enjoyable. For reason's i can't explain (well), I couldn't get through this book. If i can vaguely recall, the transition to the different characters and their respective.. plane of existence.. seemed to get tedious for me to read. I also didn't care for some of the convenient methods to which the characters resolved their plights. sigh.. this is my first less than par review i've ever posted, so don't hurt me! :) btw.. i may be wrong on some accounts because i read this book over 7 months ago..
November 12, 2007
Insanely typical of Drake. Everyone starts in one place, takes the whole book in differant directions to end up all at once when needed. In the long run it makes sense with his whole "pattern" concept... if one more author writes about the "loom" I am going to tweak.
Either way it was good fantasy. Nice ideas, interesting races
Either way it was good fantasy. Nice ideas, interesting races
June 20, 2015
One too many main characters, about 100 pages too long. It was harder to stay focused on the story as it progressed, but there were enough quality events to keep the story interesting. As an aside, I kept thinking of Dalar as either Big Bird or the San Diego Chicken.
April 1, 2016
This story just keeps going, and getting more interesting. With the first book, I said it might not make it into my favorites list. Well, after reading 3 of the series thus far, it's working it's way in. Onto book 4.
June 28, 2014
Enjoyed Ilna and Sharina's story-lines the most; I could do with less Cashel.
February 8, 2022
I was concerned that Drake might get repetitive with this third installment, and in some ways he did. But there is an element of that even in the greatest authors. I am thinking of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series and how he tended to wrap things up. Robert Jordon did that in Wheel of Time as well. Not that I would put Drake up to their level, but I cannot knock him for doing with his style what other great authors have done.
This is clearly another epic fantasy story set in the Isles. I do think it is better than the previous book.
This is clearly another epic fantasy story set in the Isles. I do think it is better than the previous book.
August 21, 2023
20. Entrancing and good old fashioned high fantasy. I didn’t really understand the various planes of reality etc
As I always end up with paradoxes when I follow an idea through what has been described. Never let logic hamper a good plot!
As I always end up with paradoxes when I follow an idea through what has been described. Never let logic hamper a good plot!
February 19, 2018
Bad Girls Lose, Good Girls win, eventually. Bad Guys Lose, Good Guys wine, enventually
March 5, 2022
So entertaining and such great characters!
April 10, 2025
Just could not get into this one. Really enjoyed the first 2 books in the series. But language seems to be really stilted and uninteresting in this 3rd book .
November 15, 2025
Entertaining, but the narrative threads the author writes struggle to keep straight at times. Pretty feel good kind of fantasy.
October 7, 2022
*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ***
I want to like David Drake. I'm trying. And there are some great reasons to like him. His imagination, for example, is fantastic - so many parallel plains of existence, magical bubbles outside of normal time and space, ruins of ancient and future civilisations, underworlds and fantastical enemies, all of them unique and each with its own intriguing imagery. He has good characters, too: his heroes are heroic, his enemies are evil, and we meet so many interesting sub-characters along the way. There is so much potential here, and he has definitely improved since book one. The thing is, I just can't get past some frustrating habits he has.
The other worlds, for instance. There are many. So many, in fact, that over the course of this book we probably spent more time in them than in the "real" world of the Isles. Drake has put a lot of time into worldbuilding his maritime landscape with all of its cultures and political struggles. I would like to read more about it. But instead, Sharina has to get captured every five minutes; Cashel has to find himself on unexpected quests (solving them without effort or understanding); Tenoctris exists mostly to send other characters left, right and centre; and we are plunged into Hell and travel across wizard bridges so often we almost get dizzy. Did Drake really dislike his world so much that he spent as much time as possible not being in it? One or two of these alternative realities would be great, would be fun, but Drake is like a child in a sweet shop with unlimited budget - he wants more than is really good for him.
My other major bugbear is the heavy-handedness of his characterisation. Take Cashel and Ilna - both are interesting characters, both strongly formed, distinct, with their own engaging personalities. But at every opportunity, Drake feels the need to reinforce that character, as if we might have forgotten over the last twenty pages. I have read the previous two books. I have read the beginning of this book. I *know* that Cashel views things simply, that people mistake him for stupid, that he makes a habit of not getting angry. I *know* that Ilna is proud and sharp-tongued and full of remorse for past actions that, in the grand scheme of things, really weren't that bad. I don't need to be told in as many words every time the opportunity arises. It's as if he expects us not to have been paying any attention.
This is perhaps where the sub-characters stand out. Because they are only ever seen externally, we don't have to suffer all the clumsy internal reflections of "she said this because that is the way her character is". And in this book there really were some great sub-characters. Chalcus, for example, with his pirate past and marvellous skill and charm. Or Dalar the bird-warrior (who in my head looks a lot like Tokoyami from Boku no Hero Academia - just me?) with his samurai honour and absolutely no explanation of how his race exists in a world only otherwise populated by humans. The element of mystery keeps them interesting.
As I say, there are things about Drake to like. If you want basic high fantasy and heroic adventure, maybe these are the books for you. I will definitely finish the series. But if you want slightly better quality from your fantasy, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
I want to like David Drake. I'm trying. And there are some great reasons to like him. His imagination, for example, is fantastic - so many parallel plains of existence, magical bubbles outside of normal time and space, ruins of ancient and future civilisations, underworlds and fantastical enemies, all of them unique and each with its own intriguing imagery. He has good characters, too: his heroes are heroic, his enemies are evil, and we meet so many interesting sub-characters along the way. There is so much potential here, and he has definitely improved since book one. The thing is, I just can't get past some frustrating habits he has.
The other worlds, for instance. There are many. So many, in fact, that over the course of this book we probably spent more time in them than in the "real" world of the Isles. Drake has put a lot of time into worldbuilding his maritime landscape with all of its cultures and political struggles. I would like to read more about it. But instead, Sharina has to get captured every five minutes; Cashel has to find himself on unexpected quests (solving them without effort or understanding); Tenoctris exists mostly to send other characters left, right and centre; and we are plunged into Hell and travel across wizard bridges so often we almost get dizzy. Did Drake really dislike his world so much that he spent as much time as possible not being in it? One or two of these alternative realities would be great, would be fun, but Drake is like a child in a sweet shop with unlimited budget - he wants more than is really good for him.
My other major bugbear is the heavy-handedness of his characterisation. Take Cashel and Ilna - both are interesting characters, both strongly formed, distinct, with their own engaging personalities. But at every opportunity, Drake feels the need to reinforce that character, as if we might have forgotten over the last twenty pages. I have read the previous two books. I have read the beginning of this book. I *know* that Cashel views things simply, that people mistake him for stupid, that he makes a habit of not getting angry. I *know* that Ilna is proud and sharp-tongued and full of remorse for past actions that, in the grand scheme of things, really weren't that bad. I don't need to be told in as many words every time the opportunity arises. It's as if he expects us not to have been paying any attention.
This is perhaps where the sub-characters stand out. Because they are only ever seen externally, we don't have to suffer all the clumsy internal reflections of "she said this because that is the way her character is". And in this book there really were some great sub-characters. Chalcus, for example, with his pirate past and marvellous skill and charm. Or Dalar the bird-warrior (who in my head looks a lot like Tokoyami from Boku no Hero Academia - just me?) with his samurai honour and absolutely no explanation of how his race exists in a world only otherwise populated by humans. The element of mystery keeps them interesting.
As I say, there are things about Drake to like. If you want basic high fantasy and heroic adventure, maybe these are the books for you. I will definitely finish the series. But if you want slightly better quality from your fantasy, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2013
The story begins with all the friends together again, but once again that changes very quickly. A ghostly bridge has appeared in the city and strange apparitions cross it at night to haunt the area. When Garric and his friends try to ascertain what it is, a giant Roc kidnaps Sharina. She is taken back in time and meets The Dragon, the ghost of a reptile like person who asks her to undertake a task. His mummified body is being used by dark magicians and he wants the spells to end. Meanwhile, Cashel wants to find Sharina and starts off to ask Landau, a wizard and guardian of the underworld. But a misunderstanding means he has to travel through demon hunted hells to right what he has done. Ilna travels with the a Lord intent on acting as one of Garric's ambassadors, but when the ship's company mutinys, she is stranded aboard ship with many enemies, a young girl and only one potential friend. Each person has their task to play, but all end up back with Garric as he brings down the wizards who created the bridge and want to use the legions of the dead to take over the Islands.
Another good story, although Sharine being kidnapped again was a bit annoying. I like the way the different stories weave about, then come together right at the end, although as this happened in the last book, it wasn't such a revelation as last time. A very enjoyable read and just the sort of book I like to escape into - can't wait to read the next.
Another good story, although Sharine being kidnapped again was a bit annoying. I like the way the different stories weave about, then come together right at the end, although as this happened in the last book, it wasn't such a revelation as last time. A very enjoyable read and just the sort of book I like to escape into - can't wait to read the next.
March 25, 2009
Servant of the Dragon is the third book in the Lord of the Isles series by David Drake and I am currently reading it. So far it is pretty good - with the same kind of elements found in the prior books. Huge problems are discovered and then solved with suprising ease. However, both Sharina and Cashel have both found themselves in interesting lands with difficult problems to solve so I hold out extra hope for this book.
One of Drakes best traits in these series is his inventive characters and cultures and this book so far has introduced me to at least two new ones. The Dragon's and a Bird guy, Dalar, whose name I can't remember at the moment. Finally, Drake also has a cool habit of allying suprising characters such as demons with the heros. It tends to set any preconceived notion you might have about the term demon on it's ear when one suddenly starts helping to save the world - even if it is for a selfish reason and not a noble one.
Well I finished the book and so far it was my favorite in the series. Each of the characters went on completely different patters in their quests and amazingly all ended up in the center of the same big problem. You don't really have to read the other books in the series to follow what is going on in this book; but I still recommend reading the whole series. However, if you don't have the time for all three books - just skip to this one.
One of Drakes best traits in these series is his inventive characters and cultures and this book so far has introduced me to at least two new ones. The Dragon's and a Bird guy, Dalar, whose name I can't remember at the moment. Finally, Drake also has a cool habit of allying suprising characters such as demons with the heros. It tends to set any preconceived notion you might have about the term demon on it's ear when one suddenly starts helping to save the world - even if it is for a selfish reason and not a noble one.
Well I finished the book and so far it was my favorite in the series. Each of the characters went on completely different patters in their quests and amazingly all ended up in the center of the same big problem. You don't really have to read the other books in the series to follow what is going on in this book; but I still recommend reading the whole series. However, if you don't have the time for all three books - just skip to this one.
November 1, 2010
Possibly my favorite thus far of this series. Very interesting and engaging storyline this time around. The new characters are unique. Chalcus has become one of my favorite characters very quickly. All of the characters continue to develop and round out as we get to know them better and better. We see Liane be strong, not just have it told to us. We see the softer side of Ilna's character as she finds someone who needs her protection and another someone that can be her right hand and the missing piece of her character. She still has all her prickly parts but she is becoming more familiar and more likeable. Sharina is beautiful in action. She really is someone I'd like to be friends with. Cashel is the rock that seems to be holding all of this together. The only disturbing part of the book was the developments in Garic/Carus's character. His enjoyment in slaughter, even of slaughter of the once dead is disturbing, especially since he is supposed to be the leader of this little band. I can appreciate that Garric isn't as eager to use his sword as Carus, but the eagerness is still there and I don't know if it's the eagerness to dominate, an eagerness to kill, or if there is something else, but it is disturbing.
Overall, I really liked the storyline of this book, I think the story is coming together nicely, and I am excited to read the next piece of this adventure.
Overall, I really liked the storyline of this book, I think the story is coming together nicely, and I am excited to read the next piece of this adventure.
November 15, 2010
This was an enjoyable continuation of the Isles saga. I love the protagonists--each one is strong in his/her own way, and each one has a part to play toward the conclusion. There's magic and danger and love that stands through distance and time and place. I love the descriptive nature of the writing and can't wait to start the next one!
Yes, I took my time reading it. It sat on my dining table, and I read a chapter any time I sat at the table to eat alone or have a cup of coffee. That's not a statement about what I thought of the book--it's just the WAY I thought of it--as a pleasure that was all mine.
Yes, I took my time reading it. It sat on my dining table, and I read a chapter any time I sat at the table to eat alone or have a cup of coffee. That's not a statement about what I thought of the book--it's just the WAY I thought of it--as a pleasure that was all mine.
April 15, 2014
Wow! Servant of the Dragon had the original charm of the first book in the series, Lord of the Isles, and was a much faster read than the first two, despite being a similar length. I think it went quicker because of how much I enjoyed it.
Drake develops his characters impressively in this installment, particularly Ilna, whose storyline was my favorite of the ones I read. Liane also becomes more of a character and less of a romantic interest/non-entity. Each storyline had more purpose and felt far less contrived than those in the second.
Definitely my favorite of the first three in the series.
Drake develops his characters impressively in this installment, particularly Ilna, whose storyline was my favorite of the ones I read. Liane also becomes more of a character and less of a romantic interest/non-entity. Each storyline had more purpose and felt far less contrived than those in the second.
Definitely my favorite of the first three in the series.
May 30, 2007
Read this on the flight to California, in one sitting. Despite being the third book in a series, I had no trouble following what was going on. The novel held my interest throughout. Drake is a good storyteller, and the plot advances smoothly yet unpredictably. The characters are well drawn, and very likeable.
Picks up a number of well-used fantasy tropes but stitches them together in unusual ways.
And I admire Drake greatly for not trying to write his own poetry, but stealing it from Horace and Virgil.
Picks up a number of well-used fantasy tropes but stitches them together in unusual ways.
And I admire Drake greatly for not trying to write his own poetry, but stealing it from Horace and Virgil.
April 21, 2008
Much like all the other books in this series, drake takes a group of peasants turned royalty and sends them on an adventure to save the isles. the unique blend of characters and their different abilities aid them on their quests... usual sci-fi stuff, but all in all an ok book
July 31, 2012
With this David Drake has established himself as the rightful heir to Robert Jordan. (Brandon Sanderson's work is too weird to qualify). Like Jordan, Drake took Middle Eastern mythology and reworked it around a vaguely Western European outlook--and succeeded.
November 23, 2007
read 06.16.06
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December 31, 2007This is a very good series which I have much enjoyed.
June 11, 2008
It's another quest book. I haven't found anything I really liked about this series, but I did enjoy the book.
February 24, 2009
still enjoying the fluffy sword & sorcerer world of david drake.
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January 9, 2010ereader ebook
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September 26, 201219
July 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book more than the previous.
August 30, 2015
too dumb!!! did finish it but was rather boring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews