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Dragon Airways
Emmet is a boy with special needs and unusual talents. His ability to sense magic makes him valuable to both sides of the war. Fleeing those sent to capture him, he and his sister board Dragon Airways, not knowing friend from foe. Some betray him; others risk their lives trying to save him. Never would he have guessed the impact an aging dragon would have on his life or the adventures they would have together.
202 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2016
196 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Brian Rathbone
44 books1,592 followers
A former horse trainer and computer programmer, Brian Rathbone used his old world knowledge and love of fantasy fiction to create The World of Godsland fantasy series, which begins with The Dawning of Power trilogy.
The World of Godsland fantasy series includes:
Call of the Herald
Inherited Danger
Dragon Ore
Regent
Feral
Regal
The Fifth Magic
Dragonhold
The Seventh Magic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 28, 2020
A minority opinion
I began reading this book in 2018. I kept leaving it for things more interesting. I got about 40% in and left it until today. I tried again but just couldn't generate enough interest to finish it. Mine is definitely the minority opinion. The only negative review on Goodreads or Amazon which I can remember is a complaint that the book isn't steampunk. Many reviews call this a kids' book which adults enjoy. I'm not one of them.
One of the things which turned me against the book is the strange and often illogical world building. This world is a peculiar blend of the jet-age and the stone age. Jet airplanes, aircraft carriers and stone ammunition are a part of the, to me, unbelievable and unsatisfying mix. Nor did I find the book particularly humorous despite that claim being a part of the description at the Amazon listing.
With thousands of books to be read I'm not going to spend anymore time on this one. However, many readers like it.
I began reading this book in 2018. I kept leaving it for things more interesting. I got about 40% in and left it until today. I tried again but just couldn't generate enough interest to finish it. Mine is definitely the minority opinion. The only negative review on Goodreads or Amazon which I can remember is a complaint that the book isn't steampunk. Many reviews call this a kids' book which adults enjoy. I'm not one of them.
One of the things which turned me against the book is the strange and often illogical world building. This world is a peculiar blend of the jet-age and the stone age. Jet airplanes, aircraft carriers and stone ammunition are a part of the, to me, unbelievable and unsatisfying mix. Nor did I find the book particularly humorous despite that claim being a part of the description at the Amazon listing.
With thousands of books to be read I'm not going to spend anymore time on this one. However, many readers like it.
June 21, 2016
I liked a lot about this book and want to read more, though there were two nitpicks. The basic premise is solid and strong and it carried me through a lot of rough patches in the storytelling. Good, solid worldbuilding and an intriguing plot, though the worldbuilding shows strong Anne McCaffrey influences. I liked having a primary character with a disability, and having people with disabilities being hunted as possible resources was a strong subplot. I also like the way that a redemptive character arc was handled, and the book also has some nice touches of humor. Lots to like here.
But. The writing kind of got in the way of the story in places, where I think another round with the editor might have helped. Granted, much of the story reflects the disability of a primary character so the affect is flattened, but...the language interferes with the pacing. A nitpick and I'm sure it's not a problem for everyone.
The more significant problem for me was the resolution of the disability in favor of making the primary character "normal." Granted, it was a different sort of normal, and the disability in this case actually turned out to be an ability--but I don't think the story gained much by making the character "normal" and could have achieved the same effect by using the same mechanism to enable better communication but with no "cure."
Overall, though, I liked the story and want to read more. I loved the portrayal of the dragon Dashiq, and her basking in a source of magic in order to relieve her injuries is a lasting image that I'll take away from this book. The dragon characterization is fantastic, especially toward the end with young dragons and their senses of humor.
Redemption is a strong theme in this book. I really like the way this arc was handled--to tell more would be spoilers. Overall a great read.
But. The writing kind of got in the way of the story in places, where I think another round with the editor might have helped. Granted, much of the story reflects the disability of a primary character so the affect is flattened, but...the language interferes with the pacing. A nitpick and I'm sure it's not a problem for everyone.
The more significant problem for me was the resolution of the disability in favor of making the primary character "normal." Granted, it was a different sort of normal, and the disability in this case actually turned out to be an ability--but I don't think the story gained much by making the character "normal" and could have achieved the same effect by using the same mechanism to enable better communication but with no "cure."
Overall, though, I liked the story and want to read more. I loved the portrayal of the dragon Dashiq, and her basking in a source of magic in order to relieve her injuries is a lasting image that I'll take away from this book. The dragon characterization is fantastic, especially toward the end with young dragons and their senses of humor.
Redemption is a strong theme in this book. I really like the way this arc was handled--to tell more would be spoilers. Overall a great read.
October 30, 2016
Dragon Airways by Brian Rathbone is one of those books made for kids but everyone will love! I am far from kids age but I just adored this book. I loved the dragons and the fantasy/steampunk theme. I loved the magic, the plot, the well developed characters that stole my heart. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST KIDS BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME!!!. Truly unique and enjoyable. Lots of action, adventure, fantasy, and great dialogue. The reader never gets bored. I won this on Goodreads!! I am so glad I did, I might never have read it. Thanks so much!!!
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July 3, 2021
A heart warming tale about finding yourself in the middle of war. A bit trite in places, and the romance wasn't fully developed but an enjoyable story and I really felt for the dragon at the end.
September 23, 2016
"Dragon Airways" an exciting and innovative fantasy from Brian Rathbone begins with a boy, Emmet Pichette an outcast in the town of Sparrowport because of his special needs. Endowed with an extraordinary talent for sensing magic he becomes a valuable commodity in the war between the Drakon and the Zjhon. Wanting to add Emmet's unique ability to his collection of magical artifacts Argus Kind the self-made Zjhon King sends out a team of spies to capture him, but his sister executes an escape plan that has them fleeing town with Dragon Airways only to find themselves caught up in a dangerous adventure.
Brian Rathbone sets the stage for this thrilling adventure in the dangers of a world at war, beginning with the town of Sparrowport where no one is investigating the disappearance at night or in the mists of anyone special or different. In this frightening and uncertain atmosphere Riette Pichette afraid for her nine year old brother takes Emmet and flees her home hooking up with Tuck, Barabas DeGuiere and his dragon Dasiq. Fast-paced and action-packed the tension never slows as they dodge airplanes and their air cannons, their flight bringing them all too close to Argus Kind's henchmen.
The intensity and suspense escalates with the Drakon Command Center's fear that the Zjhon of the Firstlands and their abominable leader are winning the war only to find hope in the discovery of a cache of magical stones, a successful raid on Windhold, the acquisition of Azzakkon's Eye and the promise in Emmet's abilities that increase with every new challenge he faces. I loved the way people underestimate Emmet assuming he doesn't listen, pay attention or understand what's said because of his development problems. Yet as events unfold the severity of his impairment is not only repaired by his access to the magic he senses but in his ability to stretch time itself, as the outcast becomes a hero. Amid all the sorrow, anxiety and fear that comes with war, the author develops themes in this well-developed plot that include forgiveness, acceptance and hope.
Emmet Pickett is the boy with developmental problems who has difficulty in relating to the world around him until with the encouragement of an aging dragon and an old islander he discovers magic and is able to manipulate time. Ignored by most of Sparrowport he sees the best in people and is fearless, strong and brave. Riette, his sister is protective , caring and loving, wanting the best for Emmet while her friend Brick, the handsome, muscle-bound local smithy is honest, noble and daring. Tuck hides a wounded heart behind his sarcasm, confidence and humor, clinging to the support he finds with Riette, while the complex and deeply private Barabas DeGuiere considered a traitor by the Drakon proves to be resourceful and courageous in the face of danger. Yet it's the valor, strength and self-sacrifice of Dasiq and the love, respect and loyalty of Berigor, the two dragons who win your heart. All these characters and others breathe energy and passion into a plot that grips you from the first page to the last.
I loved "Dragon Airways" and highly recommend it to anyone who loves the magic of fantasy. I hope we'll see more of Emmet, his dragon and friends in future.
Brian Rathbone sets the stage for this thrilling adventure in the dangers of a world at war, beginning with the town of Sparrowport where no one is investigating the disappearance at night or in the mists of anyone special or different. In this frightening and uncertain atmosphere Riette Pichette afraid for her nine year old brother takes Emmet and flees her home hooking up with Tuck, Barabas DeGuiere and his dragon Dasiq. Fast-paced and action-packed the tension never slows as they dodge airplanes and their air cannons, their flight bringing them all too close to Argus Kind's henchmen.
The intensity and suspense escalates with the Drakon Command Center's fear that the Zjhon of the Firstlands and their abominable leader are winning the war only to find hope in the discovery of a cache of magical stones, a successful raid on Windhold, the acquisition of Azzakkon's Eye and the promise in Emmet's abilities that increase with every new challenge he faces. I loved the way people underestimate Emmet assuming he doesn't listen, pay attention or understand what's said because of his development problems. Yet as events unfold the severity of his impairment is not only repaired by his access to the magic he senses but in his ability to stretch time itself, as the outcast becomes a hero. Amid all the sorrow, anxiety and fear that comes with war, the author develops themes in this well-developed plot that include forgiveness, acceptance and hope.
Emmet Pickett is the boy with developmental problems who has difficulty in relating to the world around him until with the encouragement of an aging dragon and an old islander he discovers magic and is able to manipulate time. Ignored by most of Sparrowport he sees the best in people and is fearless, strong and brave. Riette, his sister is protective , caring and loving, wanting the best for Emmet while her friend Brick, the handsome, muscle-bound local smithy is honest, noble and daring. Tuck hides a wounded heart behind his sarcasm, confidence and humor, clinging to the support he finds with Riette, while the complex and deeply private Barabas DeGuiere considered a traitor by the Drakon proves to be resourceful and courageous in the face of danger. Yet it's the valor, strength and self-sacrifice of Dasiq and the love, respect and loyalty of Berigor, the two dragons who win your heart. All these characters and others breathe energy and passion into a plot that grips you from the first page to the last.
I loved "Dragon Airways" and highly recommend it to anyone who loves the magic of fantasy. I hope we'll see more of Emmet, his dragon and friends in future.
November 5, 2016
I have to agree with another reviewer here. While it is a kids book it can be enjoyed by adults too. The character development was great. The author has a way of really making you feel for the characters and hope for the best for them. Hoping a sequel comes out soon based on the hint at the end of this one!
October 11, 2021
I'm really trying to rate this book fairly. It was an interesting book, and good in that I finished it. Will I be reading more?
No.
The characters were SO shallow. There was no depth to them. There was SO MUCH telling and barely any showing. There were time jumps that weren't specified. I have NO IDEA how much time passed. How old is Emmett? How old was he at the end of the book?
The legends that were referenced in this book were never explained. They referred to a goddess... but did we learn her name? Anything about her? No. Did we learn why magic had disappeared? No. This prophecy that it will come back in 2000 years? Everyone in the book seemed to know about these things but as a reader we were never informed and left in the dark. Clearly the author thought enough to have these legends and prophecies in this book.... enough to have the characters reference them, but not enough to inform the reader. It was infuriating.
It takes a lot for me to DNF a book but this almost had me putting it down. The only interesting thing was the dragons. Which are a mix between sentient and just animals. That also is unclear.
This book was just incredibly frustrating. I thought I was starting at a fairly good beginning point but perhaps I just started in the middle of the series? No idea but this book was so hard to read I can't even recommend it to my nieces and nephews who like more middle grade fantasy.
Extremely disappointed.
No.
The characters were SO shallow. There was no depth to them. There was SO MUCH telling and barely any showing. There were time jumps that weren't specified. I have NO IDEA how much time passed. How old is Emmett? How old was he at the end of the book?
The legends that were referenced in this book were never explained. They referred to a goddess... but did we learn her name? Anything about her? No. Did we learn why magic had disappeared? No. This prophecy that it will come back in 2000 years? Everyone in the book seemed to know about these things but as a reader we were never informed and left in the dark. Clearly the author thought enough to have these legends and prophecies in this book.... enough to have the characters reference them, but not enough to inform the reader. It was infuriating.
It takes a lot for me to DNF a book but this almost had me putting it down. The only interesting thing was the dragons. Which are a mix between sentient and just animals. That also is unclear.
This book was just incredibly frustrating. I thought I was starting at a fairly good beginning point but perhaps I just started in the middle of the series? No idea but this book was so hard to read I can't even recommend it to my nieces and nephews who like more middle grade fantasy.
Extremely disappointed.
December 2, 2017
A mini epic fantasy
This book is about two young people, a brother and a sister, who are trying to survive a war started by a tyrant. The world is a sort of steam punk one, where technology such as planes and coal fired air ships exist alongside dragons and the remnant of magic. The tyrant, Argus, wishes to control the last of the magic, so captures anyone with an affinity to it. The brother is one of these people. So the story follows them as they flee on a Dragon who happens to be, with her rider, a former member of the resistance. Together the young couple and the Dragon rider become entwined with the battle for freedom and a last ditch effort to defeat the tyrant, Argus.
This book is intriguing and well written. It has a lot of adventure and ups and downs for the characters. It is well worth the read.
This book is about two young people, a brother and a sister, who are trying to survive a war started by a tyrant. The world is a sort of steam punk one, where technology such as planes and coal fired air ships exist alongside dragons and the remnant of magic. The tyrant, Argus, wishes to control the last of the magic, so captures anyone with an affinity to it. The brother is one of these people. So the story follows them as they flee on a Dragon who happens to be, with her rider, a former member of the resistance. Together the young couple and the Dragon rider become entwined with the battle for freedom and a last ditch effort to defeat the tyrant, Argus.
This book is intriguing and well written. It has a lot of adventure and ups and downs for the characters. It is well worth the read.
April 3, 2018
Urban fantasy at its best! Young boy who can sense magic is forced to flee with his older sister, and together they board Dragon Airways, hoping to get to safety - and are thrown into the middle of a raging war with the tyrannic king and his minions.
Brilliantly written, this story is for every age group in my opinion, describing normal people (yeah well, perhaps not Emmett...), young and older people who have to grow and deal with the unwanted tasks and dangers they are facing. Sympathetic and very likeable characters, a very good plot, with lots of humour, but also sad and serious passages. The kindle version I read could do with another editing session, but apart from that, there was only one thing I did not like: I reached the last page!
Luckily, there was enough left open at the end to promise at least one, if not more sequences.
Brilliantly written, this story is for every age group in my opinion, describing normal people (yeah well, perhaps not Emmett...), young and older people who have to grow and deal with the unwanted tasks and dangers they are facing. Sympathetic and very likeable characters, a very good plot, with lots of humour, but also sad and serious passages. The kindle version I read could do with another editing session, but apart from that, there was only one thing I did not like: I reached the last page!
Luckily, there was enough left open at the end to promise at least one, if not more sequences.
April 15, 2024
For the most part, I really liked this book. What I didn't like was that it felt like the author had a specified word count that they had to reach. There were a lot of superfluous characters and scenes.
I would have liked the author to dig deeper into the interesting characters, what happened to the magic, and the lore rather than spending time with Riette. Other than helping her brother escape, she does nothing but whine and slows the book down. Even making her the catalyst for Brick helping them doesn't make sense since she doesn't appear to feel for him the same way. I disliked her character a lot.
There was also too much of the book dedicated to Dasiq dying. On every page, she was on the edge of death and still getting up and going. It's supposed to feel more fast-paced and courageous, but it feels abusive and exploitative.
I would have liked the author to dig deeper into the interesting characters, what happened to the magic, and the lore rather than spending time with Riette. Other than helping her brother escape, she does nothing but whine and slows the book down. Even making her the catalyst for Brick helping them doesn't make sense since she doesn't appear to feel for him the same way. I disliked her character a lot.
There was also too much of the book dedicated to Dasiq dying. On every page, she was on the edge of death and still getting up and going. It's supposed to feel more fast-paced and courageous, but it feels abusive and exploitative.
December 22, 2017
This book was fascinating. The author brought the story telling of a different time.
The time of dragons and their riders. I can't wait to read the next installment of this great storyline , tragedy , war, survival , and love. The people have been through a lot of triumph, and sorrow . The dragon's will help them whether the humans want the help or not. Tell you more on my next review of the next book. Read for yourself I am sure you will love it the way I do.... Thank
The time of dragons and their riders. I can't wait to read the next installment of this great storyline , tragedy , war, survival , and love. The people have been through a lot of triumph, and sorrow . The dragon's will help them whether the humans want the help or not. Tell you more on my next review of the next book. Read for yourself I am sure you will love it the way I do.... Thank
February 21, 2021
Entertaining listening
Another will written romantic thriller fantasy Sci-Fi adventure in the Godsland Series book 8. I started this series in 2013 and have found each novel entertaining. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is fast moving and intense with violence leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😬
Another will written romantic thriller fantasy Sci-Fi adventure in the Godsland Series book 8. I started this series in 2013 and have found each novel entertaining. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is fast moving and intense with violence leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😬
November 21, 2017
Great read
Excellent storyline. Characters are fully formed and mix well. The only criticism I have is the occasional duplicate word or a word that makes no sense in its placement. That makes for a bumpy read when mostly it is a smooth read. Will read more by this creative author.
Excellent storyline. Characters are fully formed and mix well. The only criticism I have is the occasional duplicate word or a word that makes no sense in its placement. That makes for a bumpy read when mostly it is a smooth read. Will read more by this creative author.
November 15, 2019
Not bad
It recovered quickly from a slow start.
The protagonist is there but not so much part of the action, her musings slow the story but not to the point that you'd want to stop reading. The characters are not thin but they are not fully dimensioned either, I guess there's room for them to grow in further stories.
A good read.
It recovered quickly from a slow start.
The protagonist is there but not so much part of the action, her musings slow the story but not to the point that you'd want to stop reading. The characters are not thin but they are not fully dimensioned either, I guess there's room for them to grow in further stories.
A good read.
July 12, 2017
I really liked this book, even more than the stories in this world on Podiobooks/Scribl.
I like the mix of tech in this world that makes it a good steampunk, dieselpunk, fantasy story.
The characters are pretty good too.
I like the mix of tech in this world that makes it a good steampunk, dieselpunk, fantasy story.
The characters are pretty good too.
August 6, 2018
Ready to fly with more dragons. Need to get the next in line...
Good read. Love dragons. Need to find the rest in the series. I have already read the Godsland series and still wanting
more.
Good read. Love dragons. Need to find the rest in the series. I have already read the Godsland series and still wanting
more.
August 28, 2018
Dragon airways
A story about dragons and magic, The story ended a little as abrupt for me but after thinking about it, it ended good with it continuing in another book. There was evil rulers, war, and baby dragons . A good easy read
A story about dragons and magic, The story ended a little as abrupt for me but after thinking about it, it ended good with it continuing in another book. There was evil rulers, war, and baby dragons . A good easy read
October 8, 2018
Dragon Airways is a great ride and travel adventure
If you are a small boy that sees magic but can't explain what you see. A sister trying to keep you both alive and an old, hurt battle Dragon and her rider are your only way out of danger.
If you are a small boy that sees magic but can't explain what you see. A sister trying to keep you both alive and an old, hurt battle Dragon and her rider are your only way out of danger.
March 11, 2023
What a charming story. I can't believe I've not come across this author before. The book was promoted through Kobo and popped up because I was searching for stories about dragons in a steampunk-ish setting.
It did not disappoint. I enjoyed it very much.
It did not disappoint. I enjoyed it very much.
May 19, 2025
Interesting World.
I'm looking forward to reading more about it. This book has it all: drama, action, humor, romance, magic and tech together, and DRAGONS. What else could anyone ask for?
I'm looking forward to reading more about it. This book has it all: drama, action, humor, romance, magic and tech together, and DRAGONS. What else could anyone ask for?
May 21, 2017
Wow! That was a very good story.
December 15, 2018
Exciting and fun
A good read! Exciting and fun. Only in a few places was suspension of disbelief mildly challenged. I recommend this good read!
A good read! Exciting and fun. Only in a few places was suspension of disbelief mildly challenged. I recommend this good read!
January 27, 2021
I enjoyed this book, except for the ending. It's wishy-washy and I hate that. The characters and plot were both good, the world building was exceptional.
February 15, 2022
Started out so well, dragons, planes and airships. Then it was downhill from there
January 6, 2019
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I don’t remember when I chose this book originally or why, but I noticed it on my extensive to-be-read list and decided to give Dragon Airways a try. It starts slowly with so many points of view (POV) it’s a little overwhelming at first, but here’s the thing. Each POV offers another piece of the puzzle, revealing a complex world full of people both with good and bad intentions, but none of the characters are simple.
The downside of so many POVs is while the reader is never left in the dark, sometimes the tension is cut because there are few unanswered questions. On the other hand, the seeding was excellent so when later events unfold, the solutions don’t come out of nowhere but rather are founded on events we already know.
Once we’re more familiar with the main cast, the focus narrows a bit. The story demonstrates the devastating costs of war to all sides and the dangers of a brutal megalomaniac. It does this through the eyes of those with decision-making power and those without.
The readers take a few harsh blows in this lesson, but at the same time, there are some wonderful reconciliations and new discoveries. These act as gifts in the face of tragedy, whether it’s a character stepping into a leadership role or finding a new artifact of legend to aid their cause.
I’m speaking generally to avoid spoilers. The essence of the story is a sister’s love for her unusual brother and a bad king’s desire to use those like Emmet to increase his magic hoard.
Emmet can sense magic. He is the equivalent of an autistic child with time sense as his overwhelm. His character is a real strength in an already strong cast in part because we see him through his sister’s eyes and his own.
Riette hates herself for not being better at caring for Emmet, all the while unaware he is cognizant of what’s going on around him if unable to articulate it. That’s just one complexity the characters struggle with, and it’s well written even when the actual writing has rough sections and sometimes repeats concepts more than once.
Then, of course, there are the dragons themselves who play a critical role and are fully realized even though they don’t exactly communicate with people in words. There is no question the strength of the bond between rider and dragon, but who is in command might not be so clear.
Bottom line, the book creates a fascinating world peopled with characters to love and hate. It then places them inside a harrowing story with powerful insights into long wars and those who wage them. A big story told from the middle of the battlefield with the characters growing understanding along with the reader. It’s well worth holding on through the slow beginning, and I’m glad Dragon Airways caught my eye.
I don’t remember when I chose this book originally or why, but I noticed it on my extensive to-be-read list and decided to give Dragon Airways a try. It starts slowly with so many points of view (POV) it’s a little overwhelming at first, but here’s the thing. Each POV offers another piece of the puzzle, revealing a complex world full of people both with good and bad intentions, but none of the characters are simple.
The downside of so many POVs is while the reader is never left in the dark, sometimes the tension is cut because there are few unanswered questions. On the other hand, the seeding was excellent so when later events unfold, the solutions don’t come out of nowhere but rather are founded on events we already know.
Once we’re more familiar with the main cast, the focus narrows a bit. The story demonstrates the devastating costs of war to all sides and the dangers of a brutal megalomaniac. It does this through the eyes of those with decision-making power and those without.
The readers take a few harsh blows in this lesson, but at the same time, there are some wonderful reconciliations and new discoveries. These act as gifts in the face of tragedy, whether it’s a character stepping into a leadership role or finding a new artifact of legend to aid their cause.
I’m speaking generally to avoid spoilers. The essence of the story is a sister’s love for her unusual brother and a bad king’s desire to use those like Emmet to increase his magic hoard.
Emmet can sense magic. He is the equivalent of an autistic child with time sense as his overwhelm. His character is a real strength in an already strong cast in part because we see him through his sister’s eyes and his own.
Riette hates herself for not being better at caring for Emmet, all the while unaware he is cognizant of what’s going on around him if unable to articulate it. That’s just one complexity the characters struggle with, and it’s well written even when the actual writing has rough sections and sometimes repeats concepts more than once.
Then, of course, there are the dragons themselves who play a critical role and are fully realized even though they don’t exactly communicate with people in words. There is no question the strength of the bond between rider and dragon, but who is in command might not be so clear.
Bottom line, the book creates a fascinating world peopled with characters to love and hate. It then places them inside a harrowing story with powerful insights into long wars and those who wage them. A big story told from the middle of the battlefield with the characters growing understanding along with the reader. It’s well worth holding on through the slow beginning, and I’m glad Dragon Airways caught my eye.
December 4, 2016
Emmet is a boy with special needs and unusual talents. He has the ability to sense magic. This also makes him valuable to both sides of the war. Fleeing with his sister it is sheer chance that they end up taking a Dragon to escape, he and his sister board Dragon Airways, without a clue. This is a charming and delightful tale you will not to miss.
April 24, 2017
***THIS BOOK WAS RECEIVED FROM A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY***
A book filled with equal parts fantasy and steampunk, Dragon Airways delivers on the promise of flying the skies on the back of a dragon. Brian Rathbone does an expert job of fusing diesel engines and magic stones in this exciting story. Not only is the setting interesting, but most of the characters are quite engaging as well. Because of this, Dragon Airways was a pleasure to read, and I voraciously read every page that was available to me.
While I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book, there were a few things that made it a little difficult to follow along. First, some of the minor characters weren't that well-developed (or non-existent after the first few chapters), which made it difficult to know who they were, especially when some of them had multiple names and titles assigned to them. Secondly, I minimally understood the layout of the world Rathbone created, but there was so much travel between locations that I had trouble placing where these characters were and how close they were to spots they had already been (a map might have been nice). Now, I will grant that these two issues are probably a consequence of the fantasy genre, but I would have appreciated a little more clarity.
There were a few points during the plot where I did wonder, "what happened to 'so-and-so'?" After the introductory chapters, the prime focus is on the handful of main characters as they travel around and engage in the war effort. These other characters aren't reintroduced until the end, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Part of me wanted little updates on these interesting side-characters, but I understand how the momentum of a story can dictate the flow and pacing.
An incredible story that might be hard to follow in spots, I give Dragon Airways 4.0 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
A book filled with equal parts fantasy and steampunk, Dragon Airways delivers on the promise of flying the skies on the back of a dragon. Brian Rathbone does an expert job of fusing diesel engines and magic stones in this exciting story. Not only is the setting interesting, but most of the characters are quite engaging as well. Because of this, Dragon Airways was a pleasure to read, and I voraciously read every page that was available to me.
While I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book, there were a few things that made it a little difficult to follow along. First, some of the minor characters weren't that well-developed (or non-existent after the first few chapters), which made it difficult to know who they were, especially when some of them had multiple names and titles assigned to them. Secondly, I minimally understood the layout of the world Rathbone created, but there was so much travel between locations that I had trouble placing where these characters were and how close they were to spots they had already been (a map might have been nice). Now, I will grant that these two issues are probably a consequence of the fantasy genre, but I would have appreciated a little more clarity.
There were a few points during the plot where I did wonder, "what happened to 'so-and-so'?" After the introductory chapters, the prime focus is on the handful of main characters as they travel around and engage in the war effort. These other characters aren't reintroduced until the end, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Part of me wanted little updates on these interesting side-characters, but I understand how the momentum of a story can dictate the flow and pacing.
An incredible story that might be hard to follow in spots, I give Dragon Airways 4.0 stars out of 5.
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December 25, 2016
Great epic fantasy
Don't hesitate to try this one! Great story and characters and back story. It also leaves open a large developing world that I look forward to exploring.
Don't hesitate to try this one! Great story and characters and back story. It also leaves open a large developing world that I look forward to exploring.
June 12, 2019
Solidly good - and proofread!
Overall, this is a pretty good book. Not a great book, but solidly good. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Steampunk and dragons.
The writing is not anything spectacular, but it is competent and relatively creative. The plot moves along nicely at just the right pace for the most part. The few exceptions to this are a few places where things are a trifle rushed -- but not too badly, just a little.
The characters are archetypal, but believable and well developed. The good guys are all people we can care about, and the bad guys are easy to dislike.
The one real complaint I have with this story is the young hero, Emmett. I'm not sure if he is the main character or his sister is, for one thing -- they both get roughly equal attention from the third-person narrator. Towards the end of the book, Emmett also begins to somewhat overly resemble Christopher Paolini's Eragon. This is a problem because the story of Eragon was just a reworking of the story of Luke Skywalker -- "Star Wars with a dragon," as I like to describe it. This story has enough differences to mostly stand on its own, but dances awfully close to the "poor boy becomes a war hero through magic" cliche.
One thing I am extremely grateful for is that the book has clearly been proofread. I don't recall a single typo or grammatical error disturbing the flow of the prose. I grumble about this a lot in my reviews, because suddenly encountering the wrong word spelled correctly or a glaring grammar problem is rather like driving your car into a brick wall. It is good to know that proofreading is still occasionally practiced!
-- Matt
Overall, this is a pretty good book. Not a great book, but solidly good. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Steampunk and dragons.
The writing is not anything spectacular, but it is competent and relatively creative. The plot moves along nicely at just the right pace for the most part. The few exceptions to this are a few places where things are a trifle rushed -- but not too badly, just a little.
The characters are archetypal, but believable and well developed. The good guys are all people we can care about, and the bad guys are easy to dislike.
The one real complaint I have with this story is the young hero, Emmett. I'm not sure if he is the main character or his sister is, for one thing -- they both get roughly equal attention from the third-person narrator. Towards the end of the book, Emmett also begins to somewhat overly resemble Christopher Paolini's Eragon. This is a problem because the story of Eragon was just a reworking of the story of Luke Skywalker -- "Star Wars with a dragon," as I like to describe it. This story has enough differences to mostly stand on its own, but dances awfully close to the "poor boy becomes a war hero through magic" cliche.
One thing I am extremely grateful for is that the book has clearly been proofread. I don't recall a single typo or grammatical error disturbing the flow of the prose. I grumble about this a lot in my reviews, because suddenly encountering the wrong word spelled correctly or a glaring grammar problem is rather like driving your car into a brick wall. It is good to know that proofreading is still occasionally practiced!
-- Matt
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