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Dragon Knight #9
The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent
Jim Eckert, the Dragon Knight, must now confront the three disasters that lie in wait for any visitor to the English Middle war, plague, and Plantagenets.
The plagues is caused by a covert invasion of shape-shanging goblins with plague-tipped spears that seek to take over the world. Meanwhile, Eckert's castle is invaded by Edward III, his son Edward the Black Prince, and Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent.
Against the background of a full-scale human-versus-goblin war, these worthies move in a swirl of intrigue and dynastic tension. And, as usual, it's up to the Jim Eckert, in all his scaly glory, to make sure good triumphs in the end!
The plagues is caused by a covert invasion of shape-shanging goblins with plague-tipped spears that seek to take over the world. Meanwhile, Eckert's castle is invaded by Edward III, his son Edward the Black Prince, and Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent.
Against the background of a full-scale human-versus-goblin war, these worthies move in a swirl of intrigue and dynastic tension. And, as usual, it's up to the Jim Eckert, in all his scaly glory, to make sure good triumphs in the end!
531 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
15 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Gordon R. Dickson
589 books377 followersGordon Rupert Dickson was an American science fiction author. He was born in Canada, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a teenager. He is probably most famous for his Childe Cycle and the Dragon Knight series. He won three Hugo awards and one Nebula award.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 8, 2015
The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent (2000) 531 pages by Gordon Dickson.
The ninth book in the Dragon Knight series. Not necessarily the conclusion, but the last one that Dickson wrote. Jim and Angie Eckert come from modern times, but are transported to an alternate 14th century earth where magic (or magick) is prevalent. Through the series Jim is becoming a better magician, at the beginning of Fair Maid he learns that Carolinus (his Master) has nominated him for membership in the collegiate of magickians.
Of course there are problems that arise. A plague or rather the plague breaks out throughout England. Goblins are trying to kill the King. And closer to home Sir Brian and Geronde are going to have a wedding.
Hob (Jim's hob from Malencontri) and other Hobs take on more of a role in this book. We get the back story of how Goblins and Hobgoblins were all the same until the Goblins took out their fury on the Hobgoblins, until they split and had different powers.
This was another fine tale in the Dragon Knight series. A nice touch to finally have Brian and Geronde get married. It took me a while to read it, because I didn't have enough reading time, not because it was a slog. Even broken up over weeks it was very enjoyable.
The ninth book in the Dragon Knight series. Not necessarily the conclusion, but the last one that Dickson wrote. Jim and Angie Eckert come from modern times, but are transported to an alternate 14th century earth where magic (or magick) is prevalent. Through the series Jim is becoming a better magician, at the beginning of Fair Maid he learns that Carolinus (his Master) has nominated him for membership in the collegiate of magickians.
Of course there are problems that arise. A plague or rather the plague breaks out throughout England. Goblins are trying to kill the King. And closer to home Sir Brian and Geronde are going to have a wedding.
Hob (Jim's hob from Malencontri) and other Hobs take on more of a role in this book. We get the back story of how Goblins and Hobgoblins were all the same until the Goblins took out their fury on the Hobgoblins, until they split and had different powers.
This was another fine tale in the Dragon Knight series. A nice touch to finally have Brian and Geronde get married. It took me a while to read it, because I didn't have enough reading time, not because it was a slog. Even broken up over weeks it was very enjoyable.
January 13, 2018
I love this series! Not nearly enough dragon in this book, mind you, but still great. Dickson did such an excellent job of slowly revealing more information over the course of the series, so that questions you forgot you had suddenly are answered. Highly recommended for those who love dragon stories.
October 30, 2018
Nope
Too much left undone if this is the final book. Too much time spent with the main character in self denial. This book just missed the mark as a finish to what was a really good series.
Too much left undone if this is the final book. Too much time spent with the main character in self denial. This book just missed the mark as a finish to what was a really good series.
August 31, 2025
A fine entry in the series. Sadly, the last. We will never know if Jim enters the
Collegiate of Magickians.
Collegiate of Magickians.
September 15, 2009
The Dragon Knight uses his 20 century knowledge to tackle the problem of the plague when it sweeps its way through England. A lot is at stake; his people, his wife and foster son, and the King of England. Dark influences try to spread the plague to eliminate the King and make room for his bastard brother Lord Cumberland to take control while usurping the King's son. Dickson includes a lot of details that are loosely based on actual historical events and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2013
Sensiblemente mejor que el anterior, aunque como de costumbre el final del libro deja muchas cosas a medias y sin explicación, lo cuál es una lástima al ser el último de la saga.
July 9, 2012
One of the best of the series. Quite well written, a bittersweet read, knowing it was the last.
April 5, 2013
Just re-read the entire series and appreciate even more the excellent characterizations from the differing ages. what an enjoyable read!
December 6, 2013
This is a fun book, where a talking dragon attempts to impress a fair lady. The whole plot is based on this and the resulting problems and fun resulting. Enjoyed the book a lot.
Want to read
April 5, 2015Dragons AND Plantagenets? Yes, please!
June 24, 2020
Entertaining tale.
July 10, 2025
A fitting climax to the Dragon Knight series.
Good story, but bad editing. Dickson deserved better.
Good story, but bad editing. Dickson deserved better.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews