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How I Became a Dragon
Just how did a noble denizen of the African animal world become the tragic casualty of its own proud tusks? How I Became a Dragon is the deeply affecting work of fiction by conservationist Heatha that charts the course of ivory trafficking from the fierce assault on the elephant to its ultimate destination as a carved piece of ivory. Told from the point of view of a young woman shedding her naive perspective on what it really means to work and dedicate her life for conservation - she takes you a journey of how and why elephants lost their life for the sake of those grand tusks. Her chilling experience with illegal poaching is certain to move readers to do their part to end this vicious crime. The story also reveals how many individuals participate in the journey for one illicit piece of ivory, whether in a large or small way, and how one act of lawless poaching greatly impacts the global elephant community.
96 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Mondoux
30 books15 followersThe author’s unique style of storytelling lies in its real-world themes and historical fiction. She captures your attention from the very first page with her storytelling skills, through dialogues that are just fantastic, and her unique exploration of characters. She creates powerful pieces of fiction by merging real-life adventures with fantasy, history, myths and legends. She shows a deft handling of plots. Character development is also handled with mastery. She draws us in close by crafting relatable characters. Characterized as a non-formula fiction writer, her fantastical journeys and characters are etched in the minds of readers because of the descriptive and detailed narration that make them so vivid. Her wonderful pieces of fiction make you look forward to seeing where she will take you next.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 22, 2016
How I Became A Dragon is a book with a good premise but it seems like the author was a bit too close to the subject matter. Suzanne Mondoux is an explorer, writer and environmental professional and she has penned a story that is supposed to be told from the perspective of an elephant that is slaughtered for its ivory. But instead the novella seems to be more about an idealistic conservationist named Heatha and is often an informative, non-fiction-like book detailing some corrupt practices by people and organisations in the Congo.
In Africa it seems that these beautiful animals are endangered and threatened by two different sources. There are the poverty-stricken natives that hunt endangered species because this is one of the few opportunities they have to put food on the table. The other threat is via highly organised, international cartels that steal the ivory for sale overseas. And often the organisations that are supposed to guard against these illegal practices are corrupt and supporting these very activities.
This novel was poorly characterised. The elephant that dies does not even feature that prominently and really doesn’t have a strong voice (this is in contrast to Quinn, The Rottweiler: A Story Of A Dog Dealing With Cancer where Maryly Turner did an excellent job of telling the tale from the dog’s perspective). How I Became A Dragon focuses too heavily on Heatha and includes too much commentary about IWF, TAWLE and MEAF and it is doubtful that an elephant would have such intimate knowledge of these things. In fact, the parts where the conservationist saves a mangabey monkey are actually the most engaging aspects of the entire book.
How I Became A Dragon should have been like a love letter to elephant conservation but instead it is a disjointed novella that isn’t sure whose story it wants to tell or whether it just wants to be an informative and educated look at corruption. This novella is clearly very well-researched but it isn’t properly realised. At the very least one hopes that it will make readers question the ivory trade in the view to stamp out such horrific practices in the future.
**NB: I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway.
In Africa it seems that these beautiful animals are endangered and threatened by two different sources. There are the poverty-stricken natives that hunt endangered species because this is one of the few opportunities they have to put food on the table. The other threat is via highly organised, international cartels that steal the ivory for sale overseas. And often the organisations that are supposed to guard against these illegal practices are corrupt and supporting these very activities.
This novel was poorly characterised. The elephant that dies does not even feature that prominently and really doesn’t have a strong voice (this is in contrast to Quinn, The Rottweiler: A Story Of A Dog Dealing With Cancer where Maryly Turner did an excellent job of telling the tale from the dog’s perspective). How I Became A Dragon focuses too heavily on Heatha and includes too much commentary about IWF, TAWLE and MEAF and it is doubtful that an elephant would have such intimate knowledge of these things. In fact, the parts where the conservationist saves a mangabey monkey are actually the most engaging aspects of the entire book.
How I Became A Dragon should have been like a love letter to elephant conservation but instead it is a disjointed novella that isn’t sure whose story it wants to tell or whether it just wants to be an informative and educated look at corruption. This novella is clearly very well-researched but it isn’t properly realised. At the very least one hopes that it will make readers question the ivory trade in the view to stamp out such horrific practices in the future.
**NB: I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway.
July 25, 2016
*I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The premise of this book is an excellent one. It is the story of the elephant poaching trade, as told by a poached elephant. I believe that this story had wonderful potential. However, the delivery of the story is nothing other than sub-par. The device by which the elephant is the narrator of the story is not used to its fullest potential. Instead, it leaves me wondering why an elephant knows so much about the IWF, SMU, and MEAF. The book is clearly fiction - a novel with a protagonist - but it often reads as nonfiction, which severely alters the flow of the story.
The plot of the book is not a cohesive one. Upon starting the book, I thought it would be the story of Heatha tracking down the illegally traded tusks of her elephant friend, the narrator. However, that is only a very small portion of the book, visited at the very beginning, the very end, and somewhere near the middle. Otherwise the book just explains the relations between Heatha and the other IWF workers, while never really going into depth about any of the characters at all. The story jumps around chronologically, which is very confusing, and has quite a few grammatical/mechanical errors.
The best part of the book by far comes near the end, when the story describes Heatha's relationship with a mangabey that she is trying to nurse back to health. This scene shows what the book could have been. Clearly the author has the ability to create an emotional response in her readers, but I wonder why it only appears in this one scene. We never are drawn to that kind of connection with the elephant who is telling Heatha's story, which is a real disappointment for me.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book, mostly because I saw its potential in the scene with the mangabey.
The premise of this book is an excellent one. It is the story of the elephant poaching trade, as told by a poached elephant. I believe that this story had wonderful potential. However, the delivery of the story is nothing other than sub-par. The device by which the elephant is the narrator of the story is not used to its fullest potential. Instead, it leaves me wondering why an elephant knows so much about the IWF, SMU, and MEAF. The book is clearly fiction - a novel with a protagonist - but it often reads as nonfiction, which severely alters the flow of the story.
The plot of the book is not a cohesive one. Upon starting the book, I thought it would be the story of Heatha tracking down the illegally traded tusks of her elephant friend, the narrator. However, that is only a very small portion of the book, visited at the very beginning, the very end, and somewhere near the middle. Otherwise the book just explains the relations between Heatha and the other IWF workers, while never really going into depth about any of the characters at all. The story jumps around chronologically, which is very confusing, and has quite a few grammatical/mechanical errors.
The best part of the book by far comes near the end, when the story describes Heatha's relationship with a mangabey that she is trying to nurse back to health. This scene shows what the book could have been. Clearly the author has the ability to create an emotional response in her readers, but I wonder why it only appears in this one scene. We never are drawn to that kind of connection with the elephant who is telling Heatha's story, which is a real disappointment for me.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book, mostly because I saw its potential in the scene with the mangabey.
September 23, 2015
Heatha, an idealistic young woman from an international conservation organization, arrives in the Congo to monitor the activities of logging company Bois Tropical. BT operates under the oversight of the Congo’s Ministry of Environmental Affairs, and its charter requires it to adhere to a number of stipulations -- most notably sustainable logging, and the policing of logging roads to prevent their use by poachers.
All would appear to be well under ministry oversight, and BT has been awarded several certifications of compliance. Heatha’s mission is to confirm that the Ministry’s reported statistics conform with reality. The novel follows her gradual appreciation of a corruption so pervasive, and about which she can do so little, that she is akin to Alice stranded helplessly in Wonderland.
Poachers are of two types; there are impoverished natives who hunt endangered species simply to survive, and international commercial cartels like the ivory trade. Police confiscate contraband from either source but do not destroy it as required by law. Edible food they simply keep for themselves, and precious contraband like ivory is sold by corrupt officials to the same black market that would have purchased it from poachers.
The device of having an elephant tell the story of how its ivory ended up in China as a carved trinket was only partially successful for me. The material is so powerful that it does not require such embellishments. Otherwise Suzanne Mondoux writes simply and well, and has a compelling tale worth telling.
All would appear to be well under ministry oversight, and BT has been awarded several certifications of compliance. Heatha’s mission is to confirm that the Ministry’s reported statistics conform with reality. The novel follows her gradual appreciation of a corruption so pervasive, and about which she can do so little, that she is akin to Alice stranded helplessly in Wonderland.
Poachers are of two types; there are impoverished natives who hunt endangered species simply to survive, and international commercial cartels like the ivory trade. Police confiscate contraband from either source but do not destroy it as required by law. Edible food they simply keep for themselves, and precious contraband like ivory is sold by corrupt officials to the same black market that would have purchased it from poachers.
The device of having an elephant tell the story of how its ivory ended up in China as a carved trinket was only partially successful for me. The material is so powerful that it does not require such embellishments. Otherwise Suzanne Mondoux writes simply and well, and has a compelling tale worth telling.
June 5, 2016
Won this Through Goodreads First Read.
This novella had great potential. It just missed the mark, leaving me quite underwhelmed. This book is a fictionalized tale taking a look at illegal poaching and the different levels of people involved in the vicious ivory trade. The story is narrated from the point of view of an elephant, while this could have been a fantastic writing choice it was underutilized and ultimately wasted.
I hope that a story like this will ignite a spark in readers to explore further into the criminal injustices being committed against these beautiful animals and their habitats. Overall I feel that the political and corporate corruption being examined in the book is too large and widespread an issue to be approached in such a small space.
Suzanne is obviously very passionate about elephant conservation. Her passion does manage to come across in her writing, it’s just not consistent throughout the novella. Suzanne’s writing style is simple and easy to read, even though chronologically the story jumps around a lot. This disjointed story telling can be confusing and damaging to the overall flow of the novel.
One of the only advantages this book does have is the subject matter is compelling and defiantly worth telling.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
This novella had great potential. It just missed the mark, leaving me quite underwhelmed. This book is a fictionalized tale taking a look at illegal poaching and the different levels of people involved in the vicious ivory trade. The story is narrated from the point of view of an elephant, while this could have been a fantastic writing choice it was underutilized and ultimately wasted.
I hope that a story like this will ignite a spark in readers to explore further into the criminal injustices being committed against these beautiful animals and their habitats. Overall I feel that the political and corporate corruption being examined in the book is too large and widespread an issue to be approached in such a small space.
Suzanne is obviously very passionate about elephant conservation. Her passion does manage to come across in her writing, it’s just not consistent throughout the novella. Suzanne’s writing style is simple and easy to read, even though chronologically the story jumps around a lot. This disjointed story telling can be confusing and damaging to the overall flow of the novel.
One of the only advantages this book does have is the subject matter is compelling and defiantly worth telling.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2016
I received a copy of "How I Became a Dragon" by author Suzanne Mondoux, compliments of Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway and appreciated the opportunity.
The novella begins to scratch the surface of illegal and detrimental elephant slaughter by poachers. The story is told from the perspective of an elephant who was killed for it's ivory to make profit. The tale follows Heatha, a conservationist, in her search to find the path of the ivory, while attempting to intercept the corruption that surrounds elephant killings.
I was intrigued by the cover of the book, it is beautiful and enticing. The novella was unfortunately a let down. The writing is was disjointed and although there was potential for a beautiful tale in there, too much emphasis was placed on the conservation organizations involved, i.e. the politics of it all. Where I can appreciate that some of this information was necessary, it stole away from what could have been a captivating story. I did gain new knowledge regarding the unfortunate reality of elephant poaching and it did pique my curiosity to want to learn more. So if the author's intent was to get people interested in the cause, it is a start. 2/5 stars
The novella begins to scratch the surface of illegal and detrimental elephant slaughter by poachers. The story is told from the perspective of an elephant who was killed for it's ivory to make profit. The tale follows Heatha, a conservationist, in her search to find the path of the ivory, while attempting to intercept the corruption that surrounds elephant killings.
I was intrigued by the cover of the book, it is beautiful and enticing. The novella was unfortunately a let down. The writing is was disjointed and although there was potential for a beautiful tale in there, too much emphasis was placed on the conservation organizations involved, i.e. the politics of it all. Where I can appreciate that some of this information was necessary, it stole away from what could have been a captivating story. I did gain new knowledge regarding the unfortunate reality of elephant poaching and it did pique my curiosity to want to learn more. So if the author's intent was to get people interested in the cause, it is a start. 2/5 stars
April 30, 2016
A story that needs to be told, written in. an intriguing manner, that ultimately falls flat. The idea of having the elephant narrate is fascinating, however is not utilized to its full potential. The author clearly has a talent for stirring up emotions, but seemingly lacks an understanding of when to use this tool. The book was, allegedly, meant to stir up emotions regarding the elephant, the ivory trade, and the injustice surrounding these magnificent beasts. But upon closing this novella, I found myself more moved by the protagonists brief interaction with a dying monkey. The elephant was nothing more than an unmoving backdrop to this story.
The source material for this story is amazing, and if properly used this could have been an outstanding, passionate, and moving novel. But the material is wasted by a lack of depth, poor syntax, and a blandness reminiscent of unflavoured yogurt. All the pieces were there, but they unfortunately could not be brought together.
The saving grace of this novella is its minimal page count. You aren't wasting days on this text, only hours.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
The source material for this story is amazing, and if properly used this could have been an outstanding, passionate, and moving novel. But the material is wasted by a lack of depth, poor syntax, and a blandness reminiscent of unflavoured yogurt. All the pieces were there, but they unfortunately could not be brought together.
The saving grace of this novella is its minimal page count. You aren't wasting days on this text, only hours.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
September 27, 2016
I am unsure what to say about this short novella ostensibly told from the perspective of an adult elephant killed early in the story by poachers. The primary theme seems to be the utter futility of trying to enforce wildlife conservation in the African bush when the local subsistence populations responsible for enforcement are barely surviving themselves and the local official corruption is endemic.
The story reads like a TV documentary expose about the daily frustrations of the expatriate management teams responsible for implementing protective oversight in African wildlife preserves. The setting and story are sad, save for a few injections of Hallmark-like human/animal interactions that come off sounding staged. The story seems to cryptically jump from one parallel story to another without warning or explanation. Although I certainly sympathize with the endangered animals, this story for me generates little empathy for the characters or hope for the animals.
This is a very quick 2-4 hour read. The writing is acceptable though the story line is a little disjointed and confusing. I am unsure to whom I would recommend this one.
The story reads like a TV documentary expose about the daily frustrations of the expatriate management teams responsible for implementing protective oversight in African wildlife preserves. The setting and story are sad, save for a few injections of Hallmark-like human/animal interactions that come off sounding staged. The story seems to cryptically jump from one parallel story to another without warning or explanation. Although I certainly sympathize with the endangered animals, this story for me generates little empathy for the characters or hope for the animals.
This is a very quick 2-4 hour read. The writing is acceptable though the story line is a little disjointed and confusing. I am unsure to whom I would recommend this one.
June 4, 2016
This book details the route from when an elephant is killed for it's tusks to the sale and use of the tusk material.
The subject matter is absolutely fascinating. Mondoux has written this book with intent to increase awareness of the corruption and cruelty around the poaching of tusks and to dissuade readers from partaking in the end process. On page 30, there is a graphic description of the murder of an elephant and the inhumane removal of it's tusks.
The protagonist is an elephant who loses its life and this is where the problem lies. To gain an understanding of the role of the fictional conservationist Heathra, the main character, many acronyms and organisations are discussed. However, the elephant would not be privy to this information. The story would have worked better with Heathra as either the protagonist or as the third person along with the elephant.
This aside, this book is a valuable read.
This book was provided free through Goodreads.
The subject matter is absolutely fascinating. Mondoux has written this book with intent to increase awareness of the corruption and cruelty around the poaching of tusks and to dissuade readers from partaking in the end process. On page 30, there is a graphic description of the murder of an elephant and the inhumane removal of it's tusks.
The protagonist is an elephant who loses its life and this is where the problem lies. To gain an understanding of the role of the fictional conservationist Heathra, the main character, many acronyms and organisations are discussed. However, the elephant would not be privy to this information. The story would have worked better with Heathra as either the protagonist or as the third person along with the elephant.
This aside, this book is a valuable read.
This book was provided free through Goodreads.
July 12, 2016
This was a very quick read that can be easily read in a day. It was informative and dealt with very important issues, including poaching and poverty in Africa.
It felt like it was based on the author's real life experiences which made it more realistic but I think the narration style needed some more work to be considered a fiction novel. The writing was good but I felt it was more like an article or a report than a fiction work. That wasn't a problem for me but it wasn't what I expected. I did enjoy reading it though and I would recommend it to people interesting in finding out about poaching and conservation work.
A bonus* - the cover was gorgeous with a lovely texture.
It felt like it was based on the author's real life experiences which made it more realistic but I think the narration style needed some more work to be considered a fiction novel. The writing was good but I felt it was more like an article or a report than a fiction work. That wasn't a problem for me but it wasn't what I expected. I did enjoy reading it though and I would recommend it to people interesting in finding out about poaching and conservation work.
A bonus* - the cover was gorgeous with a lovely texture.
May 3, 2016
An interesting read overviewing the illegal ivory trade and conditions that foster poaching of endangered animals in Africa. Told from the perspective of an elephant hunted down for its valuable tusks, this short story is a biography of a conservationist's struggle to perform an assignment no one really wants to succeed.
The depth of corruption is too deep and widespread for this small book to handle adequately, but it might help ignite a spark in some people to explore and delve further in order to right the wrongs of the political, corporate and social systems which allow the destruction of magnificent animals and habitats.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways *
The depth of corruption is too deep and widespread for this small book to handle adequately, but it might help ignite a spark in some people to explore and delve further in order to right the wrongs of the political, corporate and social systems which allow the destruction of magnificent animals and habitats.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways *
July 19, 2016
I have to agree with many of the other reviews I have read. It's a noble idea, to write about the exploitation of animals and the corruption that allows it to continue. It is definitely worth highlighting.
However, this book is so disjointed, with inconsistent and poorly defined characters, that it becomes frustrating. The elephant that supposedly narrates the story barely features, and the details given within the story - that it could never know or understand (and much of which takes place after it dies) - start to grate.
Well done to the author for trying to address the subject in story form, but it didn't work so well.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
However, this book is so disjointed, with inconsistent and poorly defined characters, that it becomes frustrating. The elephant that supposedly narrates the story barely features, and the details given within the story - that it could never know or understand (and much of which takes place after it dies) - start to grate.
Well done to the author for trying to address the subject in story form, but it didn't work so well.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 16, 2016
I did indeed learn more about the illegal poaching and trafficing of ivory as I'd hoped, but was ultimately disappointed with this work of fiction. While previews led one to believe the tale would be told from the point of view of the elephant, the author seemed to jump back and forth between different perspectives. I was left feeling disillusioned when the once idealisitic conservationist eventually concludes she has done all she could do given the frustrating challenges encountered in trying to work various individuals with differing agendas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2016
Perhaps if more stories of cruelty towards animals were written from the viewpoint of the creature, we would see a positive change in the laws and expectations of behaviors towards animals. This books was well-written and clearly researched as to the actions of poachers and the chain of export for illegal ivory.
I have always liked ivory and have collected a few pieces of antique ivory. I would support stiffer laws regarding the import of ivory (except authenticated antique pieces.) We clearly cannot continue to harvest ivory from current sources or there wont be any elephants left.
I have always liked ivory and have collected a few pieces of antique ivory. I would support stiffer laws regarding the import of ivory (except authenticated antique pieces.) We clearly cannot continue to harvest ivory from current sources or there wont be any elephants left.
May 10, 2016
This book was pretty good, a little disjointed in its plot, but a good read. I loved the first page and had to read it three times to appreciate what was happening. With hindsight, I couldn't see it in a straight line, the plot shifts/flash forwards worked well in promoting the book's premise. A recommended short read.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
Read
July 15, 2016The story of poaching from the unique perspective of the elephant. So many problems with the system. So many greedy people. I give a lot of credit to those who try to right the wrong. It seems impossible, but maybe someday all our little efforts can right the injustice of what man is doing to our world and all its creatures.
Want to read
June 23, 2016I received this book as a giveaway in response for a accurate review thank you. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at the time due to lack of schedule. However I am excited about this read and will post a review once I get the opportunity to read it. Again thank you author, publishing company and goodreads for this wonderful work of art.
September 21, 2016
This was an interesting read.. very informative novel about animal poaching in the Congo. I loved the idea of it being told from the elephant's perspective, but I felt like the elephant's presence was lost in the middle of the book. It is still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author/sponsor for providing this book in a giveaway.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author/sponsor for providing this book in a giveaway.
August 9, 2016
Interesting read. This was fictional but I have a feeling that the politics within are all very real. I definitely couldn't have remained as calm as Heatha, being in an unfamiliar place with people threatening my life. This is a scary world.
*I received this via Goodreads Giveaways
*I received this via Goodreads Giveaways
April 30, 2016
A very passionate and thought provoking read. Suzanne is clearly passionate about the future of Elephants. A well thought out way of highlighting the issues caused by poaching regardless of the level of involvement.
May 9, 2016
This is a well told, heartbreaking story of the animal life in the Congo --- mixed up with the meanness of the people living there and what they have to do to survive.
June 3, 2016
I had no idea of the pain of poaching! This was very informational. I was very ignorant on the topic!
May 23, 2016
Save the elephants. This is a very good awareness book told in a different, unique way.
Read
July 18, 2017It was good, but boring. It took me forever to read, because it just didn't hold my interest. Nothing exciting or interesting happened. But I did learn a lot, and I love elephants, so I'm glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews