What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dragons of Solunas #1
Dragon of Ash & Stars
"It is said that a Dragon breathes fire. This is a Myth. A Dragon IS Fire and his Whole Life is the Story of his Burning - Page by Blistering Page." Stormfall is a dragon born with a coat the colour of a starry night. When a violent storm strikes his island aerie, he is carried on hurricane winds into the complicated and cruel world of men. There, his journey takes him from fisher dragon to farmer, pit-fighting dragon to warrior, each step leading him closer to a remarkable destiny. But war is coming to Remus and with it, a crossroads for the Night Dragon and the young soul-boy he allows on his back. How far is Stormfall willing to go in a war that is not his own?
363 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2016
659 people are currently reading
2549 people want to read
About the author
H. Leighton Dickson
20 books319 followersH. Leighton Dickson grew up in the wilds of the Canadian Shield, where her neighbours were wolves, moose, deer and lynx. She studied Zoology at the University of Guelph and worked in the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens in Scotland, where she was chased by lions, wrestled deaf tigers and fed antibiotics to Polar Bears by baby bottle.
A successful indie author, Heather is now repped by D. Ellis Wilson of Looking Glass Literary & Media. She has 10 indie novels including the 'Rise of the Upper Kingdom' series and the Empire of Steam series, as well as the award-winning DRAGON OF ASH & STARS. Her next novel, SHIP OF SPELLS, is published by Red Tower Books and will be available November 4, 2025.
Come join the conversation at http://www.hleightondickson.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HLeightonDickson
A successful indie author, Heather is now repped by D. Ellis Wilson of Looking Glass Literary & Media. She has 10 indie novels including the 'Rise of the Upper Kingdom' series and the Empire of Steam series, as well as the award-winning DRAGON OF ASH & STARS. Her next novel, SHIP OF SPELLS, is published by Red Tower Books and will be available November 4, 2025.
Come join the conversation at http://www.hleightondickson.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HLeightonDickson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
April 18, 2017
DNF 83%
Started out cute. Then went immediately downhill.
We have a beautiful wild dragon who in his navitivity/stupidity got captured by a human. Yadda yadda, he get sold repeatly, abused, humiliated tormented..yet he doesn't want to leave his captors.
He has this unrealistic and bizzare thought process that keeps him from escaping the humans..even when presented with multiple opportunities.
Long story short.. this has got to be the most depressing book ever. Also the dragon has got to be the stupidest..weakest..spineless creature on the planet.
I started skimming at the 45% mark, continuing to read in hopes of getting a glimpse of hope, or some sort of revenge..but I could stand it no more. I don't give a shit what happens to the dragon, if he dies, he deserves it.
Thank God it was free.
Deleting it off my Kindle. Would not recommend, will not read more by this author.
Started out cute. Then went immediately downhill.
We have a beautiful wild dragon who in his navitivity/stupidity got captured by a human. Yadda yadda, he get sold repeatly, abused, humiliated tormented..yet he doesn't want to leave his captors.
He has this unrealistic and bizzare thought process that keeps him from escaping the humans..even when presented with multiple opportunities.
Long story short.. this has got to be the most depressing book ever. Also the dragon has got to be the stupidest..weakest..spineless creature on the planet.
I started skimming at the 45% mark, continuing to read in hopes of getting a glimpse of hope, or some sort of revenge..but I could stand it no more. I don't give a shit what happens to the dragon, if he dies, he deserves it.
Thank God it was free.
Deleting it off my Kindle. Would not recommend, will not read more by this author.
February 9, 2017
Started a bit slowly for me, but the unexpected point of view made it a very interesting read. I loved how people were portrayed and those hints of something "bigger" behind. I felt like there is an ancient world of wild dragons that I know nothing about and I'm not going to find out as it's already clear for everybody who is concerned (dragons). Loved that feeling. Very strange book on the other hand, wild and authentic.
Again, I'm going to write a normal review one day soon.
Again, I'm going to write a normal review one day soon.
July 11, 2017
Dragon of Ash & Stars is an autobiography of a dragon … well, it's actually more like an autobiography of the first couple of years of his live with an about three page long run down of what happened in the rest of it. But still.
This was honestly incredibly sad and depressing for the most parts. It's a story full of abuse and slavery but it's also incredibly poetic and at times even funny.
The idea to tell the story from the dragon's perspective was really unique and I loved it. You do see his animalistic side as much as his deeply 'human' side for a lack of a better word. One piece of advice though. Don't think too much about the fate of the human characters … once I did I was really depressed.
This was honestly incredibly sad and depressing for the most parts. It's a story full of abuse and slavery but it's also incredibly poetic and at times even funny.
The idea to tell the story from the dragon's perspective was really unique and I loved it. You do see his animalistic side as much as his deeply 'human' side for a lack of a better word. One piece of advice though. Don't think too much about the fate of the human characters … once I did I was really depressed.
March 6, 2017
A poetic, captivating, and utterly heartbreaking alternate Roman/Greek history tale. Who would have thought that a first person narrative from a dragon’s POV would bring me to tears? Highly unusual, and highly recommended.
May 13, 2017
The reason I picked up this book is me misreading the title, "knight dragon instead of night dragon.
It's the story of a black dragon, born free to a strong mother. A young and proud dragon who left the aerie when he thought himself strong and invincible.
Through the diffrents parts of his tale, the night dragon will have many names and many lives, moments of sorrow, depression, guilt, trust and confidence.
Storm fall / Snake , when he got caught for the first time by the sticks (humans), he became a fishing dragon, the battle for his freedom starts
Nightshade when he was assigned to pulling a cart in farm, where he made the "connaissance" of other dragons.
Warblood the gladiator, taking lives to save his, just for the sake of sticks entertainment.
Hallowdown the finest funeral dragon ever seen.
Don't worry, his stroty doesn't end here, he will become a mixture of all these names and characters, the fact that the dragon was telling his own memoir was awesome and what I loved the most was the "read between the lines hints" in every part of the book.
This tale was strong, authentic, heartbreaking and most of all, really really captivating.
It's the story of a black dragon, born free to a strong mother. A young and proud dragon who left the aerie when he thought himself strong and invincible.
Through the diffrents parts of his tale, the night dragon will have many names and many lives, moments of sorrow, depression, guilt, trust and confidence.
Storm fall / Snake , when he got caught for the first time by the sticks (humans), he became a fishing dragon, the battle for his freedom starts
Nightshade when he was assigned to pulling a cart in farm, where he made the "connaissance" of other dragons.
Warblood the gladiator, taking lives to save his, just for the sake of sticks entertainment.
Hallowdown the finest funeral dragon ever seen.
Don't worry, his stroty doesn't end here, he will become a mixture of all these names and characters, the fact that the dragon was telling his own memoir was awesome and what I loved the most was the "read between the lines hints" in every part of the book.
This tale was strong, authentic, heartbreaking and most of all, really really captivating.
August 5, 2016
Originally reviewed at West Coast Book Reviews
To be honest, even if I'd never heard of H. Leighton Dickson I would have bought this book for the cover alone. I also want the poster, cell phone case, stationery, queen sized bedding and a black toothbrush covered in gold stars. She is on my auto-buy list and reading her work is always an absolute pleasure.
Dragon gives a unique approach to the telling of a fantastic tale. It is the autobiography of Stormfall the black dragon told in his own words.
As an autobiography, the telling is of course slanted to show the teller in whatever light he wants to be seen. For a dragon who is every inch arrogant, proud and self-centred, giving him the opportunity to tell his own tale grants this story an impact that grows as the pages progress and the dragon portrays himself as he sees himself.
Big.
Also present in generous amounts is Dickson's ability to take advantage of humour in sharing any type of scene. Regardless of whether the moment is light or dark, one can sense her hand there not in telling the jokes but in allowing her characters the freedom to share those absurd thoughts we all have at even the most difficult of moments. Her images are both pristine and deep and each chapter is engaging.
The story itself is deeply satisfying. (Yes, she had me in tears again with wonderful and agonizing feels.) This is not a story that leaves you looking for book two. It is a complete tale I found epitomizes the idea of a standalone. I reached the end thinking "don't change a thing." I feel like I knew the dragon and will adore him for who he was, treasuring him for the way he saw himself and grateful he shared both his victories and triumphs.
Highly recommended.
To be honest, even if I'd never heard of H. Leighton Dickson I would have bought this book for the cover alone. I also want the poster, cell phone case, stationery, queen sized bedding and a black toothbrush covered in gold stars. She is on my auto-buy list and reading her work is always an absolute pleasure.
Dragon gives a unique approach to the telling of a fantastic tale. It is the autobiography of Stormfall the black dragon told in his own words.
As an autobiography, the telling is of course slanted to show the teller in whatever light he wants to be seen. For a dragon who is every inch arrogant, proud and self-centred, giving him the opportunity to tell his own tale grants this story an impact that grows as the pages progress and the dragon portrays himself as he sees himself.
Big.
Also present in generous amounts is Dickson's ability to take advantage of humour in sharing any type of scene. Regardless of whether the moment is light or dark, one can sense her hand there not in telling the jokes but in allowing her characters the freedom to share those absurd thoughts we all have at even the most difficult of moments. Her images are both pristine and deep and each chapter is engaging.
The story itself is deeply satisfying. (Yes, she had me in tears again with wonderful and agonizing feels.) This is not a story that leaves you looking for book two. It is a complete tale I found epitomizes the idea of a standalone. I reached the end thinking "don't change a thing." I feel like I knew the dragon and will adore him for who he was, treasuring him for the way he saw himself and grateful he shared both his victories and triumphs.
Highly recommended.
April 3, 2017
Hands down one of the best books I've ever read.
When I saw this on Amazon, I fell in love with the cover. When I read the blurb, I fell in love with the idea of this book. When I read this this book it changed everything.
This was one of the best books about Dragons that I've ever read. I love Dragons and the idea of actually being in the mind of one was amazing to me and it didn't fail to go beyond any expectation I had.
Following Stromfall through his journey was both heart braking and uplifting. From a naive hatchling to a jaded adult, the author was able to create such a vivid and compelling tale that was able to draw me in and keep me completely invested in this Dragon's life.
This book and Stormfall stole a piece of my heart. This is the type of story that just kind of needles it's way in and holds you hostage without being too obvious.
I'm sad to say that if this book wasn't free on Amazon, I may never have come across it and that's a shame. This is the type of book that deserves to be on a Best Sellers list. It was unique and thought provoking and deserves so much more praise.
This is a must read and I'd recommend it to everyone!
When I saw this on Amazon, I fell in love with the cover. When I read the blurb, I fell in love with the idea of this book. When I read this this book it changed everything.
This was one of the best books about Dragons that I've ever read. I love Dragons and the idea of actually being in the mind of one was amazing to me and it didn't fail to go beyond any expectation I had.
Following Stromfall through his journey was both heart braking and uplifting. From a naive hatchling to a jaded adult, the author was able to create such a vivid and compelling tale that was able to draw me in and keep me completely invested in this Dragon's life.
This book and Stormfall stole a piece of my heart. This is the type of story that just kind of needles it's way in and holds you hostage without being too obvious.
I'm sad to say that if this book wasn't free on Amazon, I may never have come across it and that's a shame. This is the type of book that deserves to be on a Best Sellers list. It was unique and thought provoking and deserves so much more praise.
This is a must read and I'd recommend it to everyone!
June 7, 2018
I don't get why this book gets so much praises and high ratings. This is autobiography of a horse repackaged as a dragon for hype. Written awfully with hanging threads and inconsistencies all around. For example it is mentioned in the beginning that dragons love gold. However, there is no indication why dragons love gold or if they even understand concept of gold. The narrative is written from the perspective of "dragon" yet this dragon describes world around him as if he understands while it is clear that he does not. I was hoping for some progression like in "Flowers for Algernon" to maybe understand why it is written in this manner but obviously it is not that kind of book. Dragons in this book are dumb and do not get smarter or wiser, only bigger.
January 6, 2018
so I got this for free and finished it in a day
It's been years since I spent hours with a book like this
amazing amazing amazing
beautiful style, lovely characterization, exciting plot.
it has a very Black Beauty vibe crossed with Dreamwork's Spirit. The story of a dragon and his dealings with men, both good and bad, and the lifelong battle for freedom. It was incredible, the style was perfect for being inside the mind of a dragon, and by the end I was crying both happy and sad tears.
There is nothing I'm unhappy with, nothing I want to know more about.
There's a feeling of contentedness by the end that mirrors Stormfall's.
I know this is something I'll read again and again
It's been years since I spent hours with a book like this
amazing amazing amazing
beautiful style, lovely characterization, exciting plot.
it has a very Black Beauty vibe crossed with Dreamwork's Spirit. The story of a dragon and his dealings with men, both good and bad, and the lifelong battle for freedom. It was incredible, the style was perfect for being inside the mind of a dragon, and by the end I was crying both happy and sad tears.
There is nothing I'm unhappy with, nothing I want to know more about.
There's a feeling of contentedness by the end that mirrors Stormfall's.
I know this is something I'll read again and again
April 22, 2017
I have a long history of reading about dragons,and this did not disappoint.
This was a really entertaining and enjoyable autobiography of a Dragon,and well worth a read.
It is a bit of a coming of age story as well as an insight into the mind of a Dragon. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will read some more from author.
Final note,- love the cover.........
This was a really entertaining and enjoyable autobiography of a Dragon,and well worth a read.
It is a bit of a coming of age story as well as an insight into the mind of a Dragon. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will read some more from author.
Final note,- love the cover.........
September 10, 2019
3.5 stars
I really wanted to give this book four stars, but there were just a few things that prevented it.
First, let me say that I really enjoyed this. I've never read a book from the dragon's perspective and I just really really loved the idea. It was fun to see him start out as a hatchling and grow up into a fearsome dragon.
Having said that, there are just a few things I want to point out.
If you are at all familiar with Black Beauty you've pretty much read this book. Personally I've never read the book of Black Beauty but I have seen the movie quite a bit, it being one of my favorites growing up. There are so many similarities I would be shocked if H. Leighton Dickson said she didn't pull any inspiration from it. Now, for some people this could be a big negative mark, for me it wasn't quite so.
Sure I would have loved for it to not feel like so much dejavu in certain scenes but I can't say I disliked it. One of my favorite movies but in dragon form, what's not to love? I would also really like to see this as a film.
Alright, moving on. I want a disclaimer to say that I know they're dragons, and they are portrayed as animals rather than highly intelligent beings. But. There were moments when our dragon is experiencing emotion or very strong feelings toward something or someone and sometimes they fell a little flat. I wasn't partial to certain reactions he had but maybe that's just me.
Our dragon journeys a lot and even takes a shot at being a Flight Dragon, which was cool. Did I like it a little better when he was wild? Yes. But, the humans were a big part of his experiences so I understood why the plot needed to go in the direction it did.
The ending was somewhat predictable but in a good way. And there were parts of the ending that I was completely blindsided by. So it was a good mix of both.
All in all, I would recommend this book to others. It didn't quite make it to four stars but that didn't mean it wasn't an enjoyable read.
I really wanted to give this book four stars, but there were just a few things that prevented it.
First, let me say that I really enjoyed this. I've never read a book from the dragon's perspective and I just really really loved the idea. It was fun to see him start out as a hatchling and grow up into a fearsome dragon.
Having said that, there are just a few things I want to point out.
If you are at all familiar with Black Beauty you've pretty much read this book. Personally I've never read the book of Black Beauty but I have seen the movie quite a bit, it being one of my favorites growing up. There are so many similarities I would be shocked if H. Leighton Dickson said she didn't pull any inspiration from it. Now, for some people this could be a big negative mark, for me it wasn't quite so.
Sure I would have loved for it to not feel like so much dejavu in certain scenes but I can't say I disliked it. One of my favorite movies but in dragon form, what's not to love? I would also really like to see this as a film.
Alright, moving on. I want a disclaimer to say that I know they're dragons, and they are portrayed as animals rather than highly intelligent beings. But. There were moments when our dragon is experiencing emotion or very strong feelings toward something or someone and sometimes they fell a little flat. I wasn't partial to certain reactions he had but maybe that's just me.
Our dragon journeys a lot and even takes a shot at being a Flight Dragon, which was cool. Did I like it a little better when he was wild? Yes. But, the humans were a big part of his experiences so I understood why the plot needed to go in the direction it did.
The ending was somewhat predictable but in a good way. And there were parts of the ending that I was completely blindsided by. So it was a good mix of both.
All in all, I would recommend this book to others. It didn't quite make it to four stars but that didn't mean it wasn't an enjoyable read.
February 5, 2025
I loved this book. Dragon of Ash & Stars is probably not for everyone. It's dark and depressing. It's raw and feral. If that's not your thing, then you might have a hard time with it. But if you're someone like me who loves it when a book tears your heart to shreds even more than a happy ending, then you're in for a treat.
I was very impressed by the writing. I actually felt like a dragon as I read. This was done both literally through the protagonist's thoughts and decisions, and more subtly through the prose and language. Neat motifs and metaphors, clever breaking of the fourth wall. Playing with names and meanings. It wasn't flowery just for the sake of it. It all worked together to help you understand the dragon's view of the world. I saw some reviews complaining that the protagonist made bad choices, and he did. But to that I say good! Please, make animalistic mistakes and subvert my human thought processes! Yes, I was frustrated by some of his decisions as well, but in a good way. Everything ties into the way he navigates his instincts. It was also interesting to untangle the subtle ideas of psychological imprinting and things like that.
No book is perfect. With all my praise of its dreariness being said, it could have done with a bit more lightness. I feel like some of the dark parts would have felt even darker if there was more light to contrast them against. I was almost numb to some of it. I also saw the twist with coming from literal chapters away, but on the other talon, there were many other plot twists that took me by total surprise (and some twists that were more like, "that's not gonna happen, there's no way the author would be that cruel!"). But over all, I was blown away. Instantly one of my favourites.
I was very impressed by the writing. I actually felt like a dragon as I read. This was done both literally through the protagonist's thoughts and decisions, and more subtly through the prose and language. Neat motifs and metaphors, clever breaking of the fourth wall. Playing with names and meanings. It wasn't flowery just for the sake of it. It all worked together to help you understand the dragon's view of the world. I saw some reviews complaining that the protagonist made bad choices, and he did. But to that I say good! Please, make animalistic mistakes and subvert my human thought processes! Yes, I was frustrated by some of his decisions as well, but in a good way. Everything ties into the way he navigates his instincts. It was also interesting to untangle the subtle ideas of psychological imprinting and things like that.
No book is perfect. With all my praise of its dreariness being said, it could have done with a bit more lightness. I feel like some of the dark parts would have felt even darker if there was more light to contrast them against. I was almost numb to some of it. I also saw the twist with coming from literal chapters away, but on the other talon, there were many other plot twists that took me by total surprise (and some twists that were more like, "that's not gonna happen, there's no way the author would be that cruel!"). But over all, I was blown away. Instantly one of my favourites.
February 10, 2017
A black Beauty rewrite
Much as the same of Anna sewells famous story of Black Beauty. Very much the same. Birth, suffering, pain, love. But little peace of heart. Even Black Beauty's "Ginger" was told in this story. Along with the pain of the side reins. It was a good book, but I feel like 3 stars are more than generous as the same story was told thru a horses eye and heart before. Thus not very original almost copied in some parts. But still was emotional and heartfelt. In fact I think the best writing was when it wasn't following Black Beauty.
Much as the same of Anna sewells famous story of Black Beauty. Very much the same. Birth, suffering, pain, love. But little peace of heart. Even Black Beauty's "Ginger" was told in this story. Along with the pain of the side reins. It was a good book, but I feel like 3 stars are more than generous as the same story was told thru a horses eye and heart before. Thus not very original almost copied in some parts. But still was emotional and heartfelt. In fact I think the best writing was when it wasn't following Black Beauty.
April 23, 2017
This was a fun read, even though parts of it were utterly heartbreaking. A little like Black Beauty, only with dragons in place of horses.
I did have a little trouble believing how some of the dragon-drawn carriages and carts would work--what with flight being the primary method of pulling, and how would that work with the dragon in the air and the vehicle on the ground...? But I can suspend disbelief in order to enjoy all the other great things this book had to offer.
Besides, the idea of an autobiography told by a magnificent, haughty night dragon is just so fascinating. Dragons!
I did have a little trouble believing how some of the dragon-drawn carriages and carts would work--what with flight being the primary method of pulling, and how would that work with the dragon in the air and the vehicle on the ground...? But I can suspend disbelief in order to enjoy all the other great things this book had to offer.
Besides, the idea of an autobiography told by a magnificent, haughty night dragon is just so fascinating. Dragons!
October 12, 2019
A wonderful dragon book.
Also free of charge (at least for the kindle edition, but I'll be getting the paperback of this), told from first person from the PoV of an incredible dragon.
Be warned, there will be tears, but it'll be worth it all in the end.
EDIT: I was just thinking, this is the dragon version of Gladiator, the soundtrack of that film reminds me of this book a lot. Over a year on now and I still get serious feels thinking about this book.
Also free of charge (at least for the kindle edition, but I'll be getting the paperback of this), told from first person from the PoV of an incredible dragon.
Be warned, there will be tears, but it'll be worth it all in the end.
EDIT: I was just thinking, this is the dragon version of Gladiator, the soundtrack of that film reminds me of this book a lot. Over a year on now and I still get serious feels thinking about this book.
March 4, 2017
The simple eloquence in this book is breathtaking. Rarely have I read a book that could move me so. The story told from a dragon's perspective, was believable, exhilarating, tragic, and satisfying. What a beautiful rollercoaster of a read!
February 5, 2022
Ah, what a story. Dark. Beautiful.
This one... this one is about dragons. True dragons. In every sense of the word. This book is beyond rating, I am placing it on my highest shelf and I will not forget it. I only know of one author that has ever told better tales of dragons to me and until now nothing has yet reached closer to that bar than this one. If you are seeking stories about dragons, this is the one. It will hurt you, but you will want to read it.
The storytelling is great. Character building is great. World building is good. This is a full story, a single glorious book with no cliffhangers or tentative hooks for sequels. You are unlikely to see a higher recommendation from me, unless Wilds himself becomes published someday. I sure hope I am wrong on this call, because there aren't enough of these stories on our sorry excuse of a world.
This one... this one is about dragons. True dragons. In every sense of the word. This book is beyond rating, I am placing it on my highest shelf and I will not forget it. I only know of one author that has ever told better tales of dragons to me and until now nothing has yet reached closer to that bar than this one. If you are seeking stories about dragons, this is the one. It will hurt you, but you will want to read it.
The storytelling is great. Character building is great. World building is good. This is a full story, a single glorious book with no cliffhangers or tentative hooks for sequels. You are unlikely to see a higher recommendation from me, unless Wilds himself becomes published someday. I sure hope I am wrong on this call, because there aren't enough of these stories on our sorry excuse of a world.
April 28, 2025
‘Dragon of Ash and Stars’ is the story of Stormfall, a dragon who is born in the wild but is captured by humans at a young age. Then, in similar fashion to the titular horse in ‘Black Beauty’, he goes through a succession of masters and jobs – a fisher, a plough-puller, a pit fighter, etc. He constantly laments his enslavement, yet for some reason adores the boy who initially caught him and subjugated him. It’s never explained quite why this is.
We are told that dragons have no language, and indeed they never speak, yet Stormfall articulately narrates the entire story in the first person. He states that dragons call humans “sticks” – how can they call them anything without words? How can he understand human speech and complex or abstract concepts without language? Again, this is never explained.
There are a couple of “surprise twists” in the plot that are so blatantly telegraphed that they might as well have had flashing neon signs above them, and the ending is so contrived and unlikely that I found myself rolling my eyes as I read it. There are also one or two spelling mistakes, and “pelt” (fur) used to mean a dragon’s scaly hide.
Additionally, the “dragons” of the story have only two legs and are therefore technically wyverns, and the males are referred to as drakes (traditionally a different species altogether). I know this won’t bother everyone, but I personally disliked it.
This book just isn’t very well written. I think it would have worked better told in the third person, but even then the whole “noble animal abused by humans” thing has been done to death, as has the “poor enslaved individual becomes a powerful leader” angle. I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t really enjoy it – there’s essentially nothing particularly interesting or original about it.
We are told that dragons have no language, and indeed they never speak, yet Stormfall articulately narrates the entire story in the first person. He states that dragons call humans “sticks” – how can they call them anything without words? How can he understand human speech and complex or abstract concepts without language? Again, this is never explained.
There are a couple of “surprise twists” in the plot that are so blatantly telegraphed that they might as well have had flashing neon signs above them, and the ending is so contrived and unlikely that I found myself rolling my eyes as I read it. There are also one or two spelling mistakes, and “pelt” (fur) used to mean a dragon’s scaly hide.
Additionally, the “dragons” of the story have only two legs and are therefore technically wyverns, and the males are referred to as drakes (traditionally a different species altogether). I know this won’t bother everyone, but I personally disliked it.
This book just isn’t very well written. I think it would have worked better told in the third person, but even then the whole “noble animal abused by humans” thing has been done to death, as has the “poor enslaved individual becomes a powerful leader” angle. I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t really enjoy it – there’s essentially nothing particularly interesting or original about it.
March 29, 2018
I’ve never read a book from the perspective of a dragon so this one was really unique in that regard. It was definitely an interesting read; I love new perspectives and differing thought processes. Also just dragons in general. But, I think a lot of it was extraordinarily repetitive. We are told on numerous occasions that this dragon (and dragons in general) are very prideful creatures, that they are vain, and we are given continuous questioning for why they are in captivity or how they got into that position. That isn’t to say that it was unnecessary; I just think to that extent was a bit overkill.
Regardless, it was still a good read and I absolutely loved the ending. I feel like there were parts where the story tended to drag on for a while, but overall, definitely don't regret the read.
Regardless, it was still a good read and I absolutely loved the ending. I feel like there were parts where the story tended to drag on for a while, but overall, definitely don't regret the read.
May 14, 2017
I fell in love with the way this story was narrated. While at times, it was frustrating to see Stormfall fall prey to the lures of the "stick people", I understood that this was a creature still learning the world. Because of that, I found this character, although a creature of myth, to be so relateable.
The story itself was as long and winding and a dragon tail. It was a beautiful and somewhat tragic life that ended on a high note. For all of those who "couldn't get through it because it was too depressing" give it another shot. This story looks life in the face, showing you all the ugly sides but also all the beautiful ones a well. Hidden deep within this dragon's life is also the story of humanity.
I loved it and it will definitely be a book I re-read.
The story itself was as long and winding and a dragon tail. It was a beautiful and somewhat tragic life that ended on a high note. For all of those who "couldn't get through it because it was too depressing" give it another shot. This story looks life in the face, showing you all the ugly sides but also all the beautiful ones a well. Hidden deep within this dragon's life is also the story of humanity.
I loved it and it will definitely be a book I re-read.
August 12, 2016
Stunning
From the first page, this amazing story grabs you and pulls you in. I was totally immersed in the story within minutes, and read it in one sitting. Beautifully written and full of emotion.
From the first page, this amazing story grabs you and pulls you in. I was totally immersed in the story within minutes, and read it in one sitting. Beautifully written and full of emotion.
January 5, 2023
Firstly, all lovers of Fantasy need to read this book. It is available to borrow on KU in the UK, is only £2.11 to buy on Kindle right now. I loved it so much I feel the need to pimp it out as it deserves so much more love and respect. And that cover? Stunning.
Now that I've read this BEAUTIFUL tale, the title makes total sense. It really is Night Dragon's autobiography, told totally and authentically in his own style with his own words. I LOVED LOVED LOVED it.
Stormfall felt so much like a person it was hard not to feel what he was experiencing and feel emotions for him. And despite the fact that dragons are a purely mythical creature, this just felt so real, no matter at what stage of his life he was at, even as the destructive but desperate killer that was Warblood. As if Ms. Dickson has access to the dragon's inner thoughts.
It's a story of action and adventure, life and loss, curiosity and vanity, cruelty and kindness, cowardice and bravery. Of both the dragon and the human 'stick' kind. And it made me as emotional as many a romance I've read. [that means I cried! A couple of times]
This won't be the last I read of H. Leighton Dickson. By far.
(04.01.23 - Re-up from export file following the Great GR Data Loss of Oct 2022)
Now that I've read this BEAUTIFUL tale, the title makes total sense. It really is Night Dragon's autobiography, told totally and authentically in his own style with his own words. I LOVED LOVED LOVED it.
Stormfall felt so much like a person it was hard not to feel what he was experiencing and feel emotions for him. And despite the fact that dragons are a purely mythical creature, this just felt so real, no matter at what stage of his life he was at, even as the destructive but desperate killer that was Warblood. As if Ms. Dickson has access to the dragon's inner thoughts.
It's a story of action and adventure, life and loss, curiosity and vanity, cruelty and kindness, cowardice and bravery. Of both the dragon and the human 'stick' kind. And it made me as emotional as many a romance I've read. [that means I cried! A couple of times]
This won't be the last I read of H. Leighton Dickson. By far.
(04.01.23 - Re-up from export file following the Great GR Data Loss of Oct 2022)
Want to read
May 14, 2018Currently FREE UK & US
December 18, 2025
3.75⭐️
I really wished for more anger to be expressed
I really wished for more anger to be expressed
March 14, 2022
Man, this book was... an interesting one. Very dark, very gritty and very focused on dragons. Honestly, I kept bouncing between 3 and 4 stars, and really wish I could rate it 3.5 stars, somewhere in the middle. For the sake of Goodreads' rating system, I'll leave it at 3, but this is a very solid 3.5 in my mind, and down the line as I think about it more, I might up my rating to 4.
It most certainly isn't a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I would say that it's a very good book, and I enjoyed reading it, but unfortunately, I just didn't find the characters or plot that engaging. The world building was great though, and the ancient Roman/Latin inspiration for many character names was quite interesting and not something I've seen before.
For me, the book had two things that stuck out to me that I didn't quite enjoy. First off, the fact that the dragons don't speak. They don't have a language. This book couldn't have been anything else than an autobiography of a dragon reciting his entire life, simply because dragons cannot communicate verbally, they're quite animalistic in that regard. Yet at the same time, the dragon can understand human speech and human concepts almost right from the get-go, from his first few interactions with humans. He listens to Rue tell him stories about the history and the lore of both the dragons and the humans and the dragon just kinda....absorbs all that knowledge, without being able to understand a single spoken word. He's never heard or experienced language or verbal communication before, but he quickly "learns" the human language and can understand the meaning of words and concepts and expressions. And in his recollection, his thoughts and descriptions are very in depth and well thought out, but the other dragons seem kinda dumb in comparison to him. I'll admit, writing a book where this specific aspect is built upon and explained through time would be, I imagine, very difficult and probably tedious, but the oddity in regards to the communication just kept sticking out to me. But then again, I vastly prefer dragons in literature that can actually speak and interact with others through vocal thought and speech. Just a personal preference. The characters would've been far more interesting and well developed if the humans and dragons could've talked to each other.
The other thing that stuck out to me and is more minor and plot related is the dragon's weird thinking and philosophy. There were several situations early on in the book where he could've just... flew away to freedom, without any constraints, but he didn't because he would either lay down and fall asleep or land and just let humans chain him up and sell him at the market. The dragon talks so much about freedom, about how great the dragon species are, but he also comes across as a huge pushover that wants to fight to be free, but then doesn't, and just lets humans treat him as they please. He really seems to be more "bark than bite". In a way, a vast majority of what makes this book so dark comes down to the dragon being really depressed and miserable, and just accepting all the bad that happens to him and everybody else without putting in much effort to change that.
As someone who loves dark fantasy though, I've gotta admit that this book does that exceptionally well. I couldn't really get attached to the characters that much, although I will commend the fact that the author doesn't hold back on making the world and characters feel really dark and gritty. Characters will die, their lives won't be happy, they will be miserable, and quite frankly, I don't think there was any happiness in this book at all. It wasn't edgy, it was just really dark and depressing, from start to finish, the world, the characters, the motivations - everything. The atmosphere of the whole book was fantastic in that regard
All in all, I'm very happy I read this book. It was truly about dragons, just not quite to my liking in terms of how I like my dragons. Would highly recommend it to anyone who's a fan of dragons. However, if you're looking for a story that is happy, funny or a story that is going to make you smile, then look elsewhere.
This one is truly for the lovers of dragons who appreciate darkness and grittiness in their stories, where hope doesn't prevail and the bleakness doesn't ever go away.
It most certainly isn't a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I would say that it's a very good book, and I enjoyed reading it, but unfortunately, I just didn't find the characters or plot that engaging. The world building was great though, and the ancient Roman/Latin inspiration for many character names was quite interesting and not something I've seen before.
For me, the book had two things that stuck out to me that I didn't quite enjoy. First off, the fact that the dragons don't speak. They don't have a language. This book couldn't have been anything else than an autobiography of a dragon reciting his entire life, simply because dragons cannot communicate verbally, they're quite animalistic in that regard. Yet at the same time, the dragon can understand human speech and human concepts almost right from the get-go, from his first few interactions with humans. He listens to Rue tell him stories about the history and the lore of both the dragons and the humans and the dragon just kinda....absorbs all that knowledge, without being able to understand a single spoken word. He's never heard or experienced language or verbal communication before, but he quickly "learns" the human language and can understand the meaning of words and concepts and expressions. And in his recollection, his thoughts and descriptions are very in depth and well thought out, but the other dragons seem kinda dumb in comparison to him. I'll admit, writing a book where this specific aspect is built upon and explained through time would be, I imagine, very difficult and probably tedious, but the oddity in regards to the communication just kept sticking out to me. But then again, I vastly prefer dragons in literature that can actually speak and interact with others through vocal thought and speech. Just a personal preference. The characters would've been far more interesting and well developed if the humans and dragons could've talked to each other.
The other thing that stuck out to me and is more minor and plot related is the dragon's weird thinking and philosophy. There were several situations early on in the book where he could've just... flew away to freedom, without any constraints, but he didn't because he would either lay down and fall asleep or land and just let humans chain him up and sell him at the market. The dragon talks so much about freedom, about how great the dragon species are, but he also comes across as a huge pushover that wants to fight to be free, but then doesn't, and just lets humans treat him as they please. He really seems to be more "bark than bite". In a way, a vast majority of what makes this book so dark comes down to the dragon being really depressed and miserable, and just accepting all the bad that happens to him and everybody else without putting in much effort to change that.
As someone who loves dark fantasy though, I've gotta admit that this book does that exceptionally well. I couldn't really get attached to the characters that much, although I will commend the fact that the author doesn't hold back on making the world and characters feel really dark and gritty. Characters will die, their lives won't be happy, they will be miserable, and quite frankly, I don't think there was any happiness in this book at all. It wasn't edgy, it was just really dark and depressing, from start to finish, the world, the characters, the motivations - everything. The atmosphere of the whole book was fantastic in that regard
All in all, I'm very happy I read this book. It was truly about dragons, just not quite to my liking in terms of how I like my dragons. Would highly recommend it to anyone who's a fan of dragons. However, if you're looking for a story that is happy, funny or a story that is going to make you smile, then look elsewhere.
This one is truly for the lovers of dragons who appreciate darkness and grittiness in their stories, where hope doesn't prevail and the bleakness doesn't ever go away.
August 23, 2022
It’s only the first of February and I’ve already DNF’d a book.
Two thirds of the book were worthwhile. It was like a dragon version of Black Beauty, only more brutal and gritty, and there were some times where I’d gotten emotional even for characters who only showed up for a chapter or two. The chapters with Gavius’s family were my favourites, about a guy moseying along with his kids until everything literally blew up in flames in a horrific accident.
The third act felt like I was reading an entirely different book. Characters showed up from absolutely nowhere specifically to die and the action and fighting scenes were all the same, resulting in no lasting emotional value. Having skimmed to the last few pages, the ending turned out to be anticlimactic too, so it wasn’t worth trudging through the last four chapters like I tried to.
My other gripes were that (especially from the second act onward) the writing style/formatting was so clunky that it took several times to understand what some passages meant, and typos and grammatical errors were everywhere. Some lines could have been proofread, as some dragon riders here can’t seem to tell southwest from east.
The main character’s thoughts and monologues became so repetitive in the end that I could only sigh and roll my eyes whenever he interjected with his opinions, or needed to remind me for the thousandth time how proud people dragons are. Did you know that dragons are proud creatures? Perhaps you’ll realise this after being told throughout every other page in this 348 page book.
One of the few things I liked about this book was that it appears to have been inspired by Ancient Rome, and I wish this was explored a little more just for the sake of just a little more world-building. The most we got was that all people are bad and the world is black and white. Oh, and dragons are PROUD.
The irony in this is that the story tries to tell readers that apathy is a terrible thing, when that’s all I ended up feeling for the main character and everyone else he met for 5 minutes. Oh no! I was supposed to feel sad here and there? Oh no! This randomly forced couple die just seconds after they copulated! Oh dear! Silly me!
I barely knew anyone after the scenes in the Pits and consequently stopped caring. I thought the return of Rue would’ve changed my mind, but he quickly became as bland as everyone else he stumbled upon thereafter.
I only had 50 pages left, but couldn’t stomach it any longer.
I’d really been looking forward to reading this one, too.
Two thirds of the book were worthwhile. It was like a dragon version of Black Beauty, only more brutal and gritty, and there were some times where I’d gotten emotional even for characters who only showed up for a chapter or two. The chapters with Gavius’s family were my favourites, about a guy moseying along with his kids until everything literally blew up in flames in a horrific accident.
The third act felt like I was reading an entirely different book. Characters showed up from absolutely nowhere specifically to die and the action and fighting scenes were all the same, resulting in no lasting emotional value. Having skimmed to the last few pages, the ending turned out to be anticlimactic too, so it wasn’t worth trudging through the last four chapters like I tried to.
My other gripes were that (especially from the second act onward) the writing style/formatting was so clunky that it took several times to understand what some passages meant, and typos and grammatical errors were everywhere. Some lines could have been proofread, as some dragon riders here can’t seem to tell southwest from east.
The main character’s thoughts and monologues became so repetitive in the end that I could only sigh and roll my eyes whenever he interjected with his opinions, or needed to remind me for the thousandth time how proud people dragons are. Did you know that dragons are proud creatures? Perhaps you’ll realise this after being told throughout every other page in this 348 page book.
One of the few things I liked about this book was that it appears to have been inspired by Ancient Rome, and I wish this was explored a little more just for the sake of just a little more world-building. The most we got was that all people are bad and the world is black and white. Oh, and dragons are PROUD.
The irony in this is that the story tries to tell readers that apathy is a terrible thing, when that’s all I ended up feeling for the main character and everyone else he met for 5 minutes. Oh no! I was supposed to feel sad here and there? Oh no! This randomly forced couple die just seconds after they copulated! Oh dear! Silly me!
I barely knew anyone after the scenes in the Pits and consequently stopped caring. I thought the return of Rue would’ve changed my mind, but he quickly became as bland as everyone else he stumbled upon thereafter.
I only had 50 pages left, but couldn’t stomach it any longer.
I’d really been looking forward to reading this one, too.
November 11, 2016
I’ll just say it right away: Great book, constantly growing alongside its protagonist and narrator, who’s quite a character himself and whose “voice” and style fit almost perfectly and significantly add to the experience. The perhaps simple and humble beginnings are followed by ever more captivating and impactful stages, each relevant, each with a purpose, each leading into the next until the reader may find it difficult to contain the effects of what they see and experience. I know I did, at least, and you may think you know what I mean once you reach the Night of Dragonsong & Fire… But you may wish to take that as a warning to prepare for what’s to come, because it merely marks the beginning of a series of truly powerful scenes.
I once again find myself wishing for half-star ratings, because I may have wanted to add one here. Then again, considering the very end, maybe not, as it didn’t need to go where it did and shouldn’t have done so. Other than that, it may need a little more editing, as there are a handful of things that slipped through, perhaps including the fact that the hundred keeps being added to and yet remains a hundred. Much more notably, the world of sticks and the few sticks that appear as characters may be said to be more of a sketch, or stick figures if you will, but the fact that it’s all presented from the point of view of a dragon helps with that, as it’s understandable that he neither knows nor cares much about such matters unless they directly affect him and it’d be quite out of character if he did. The fact that this also applies to the notable other dragons is somewhat more troubling, however.
I once again find myself wishing for half-star ratings, because I may have wanted to add one here. Then again, considering the very end, maybe not, as it didn’t need to go where it did and shouldn’t have done so. Other than that, it may need a little more editing, as there are a handful of things that slipped through, perhaps including the fact that the hundred keeps being added to and yet remains a hundred. Much more notably, the world of sticks and the few sticks that appear as characters may be said to be more of a sketch, or stick figures if you will, but the fact that it’s all presented from the point of view of a dragon helps with that, as it’s understandable that he neither knows nor cares much about such matters unless they directly affect him and it’d be quite out of character if he did. The fact that this also applies to the notable other dragons is somewhat more troubling, however.
July 30, 2016
I loved this story. I loved the fantastical dragon world Dickson created, so much that I'm starting to wonder if she knows of some place far away where dragons soar and isn't telling anyone her secret. The story explores the mythology of dragons but it also shows the reader what makes a dragon - deep down inside - its desires and its spirit. I fell in love with Stormfall, so much that when he showed his character flaws - as most characters must do - I didn't want to see him fail.
The book has a sort of Black Beauty thing going on - a story told in the perspective of an animal - where both caring and abusive humans exist and dragons are subject to either their loving caresses or abusive and self-serving ways.
The book is a real page turner, where one adventure quickly flies into another and another. I stayed up several nights reading, telling myself just one more chapter, just one more. But it never worked. I kept on reading way past my bedtime. Totally recommend this book to anyone.
The book has a sort of Black Beauty thing going on - a story told in the perspective of an animal - where both caring and abusive humans exist and dragons are subject to either their loving caresses or abusive and self-serving ways.
The book is a real page turner, where one adventure quickly flies into another and another. I stayed up several nights reading, telling myself just one more chapter, just one more. But it never worked. I kept on reading way past my bedtime. Totally recommend this book to anyone.
September 13, 2016
H. Leighton Dickson has yet again gifted us with a book which I could not put down until I had finished it. In a Black Beauty-like story with several twists, we follow the Night Dragon Stormfall, from his first adventures as a hatchling, through multiple strata of society, both human and dragon.
Captured from the wild after a storm, Stormfall is domesticated by a young bond-servant but then becomes tempest-tossed by fortune and misfortune, as he moves from being a fisher-dragon to herd guardian to funeral bearer, fighter, and finally, soldier. Stormfall, unlike many of his kind and even his human captors, is a thinking dragon capable also of great loyalty.
During his journey, he learns that war, treachery and cruelty are universal, but so also is love, and ultimately, the call of the wild.
I stayed up until 4am reading this book (as I always do with Ms Dickson's creations!)!
Captured from the wild after a storm, Stormfall is domesticated by a young bond-servant but then becomes tempest-tossed by fortune and misfortune, as he moves from being a fisher-dragon to herd guardian to funeral bearer, fighter, and finally, soldier. Stormfall, unlike many of his kind and even his human captors, is a thinking dragon capable also of great loyalty.
During his journey, he learns that war, treachery and cruelty are universal, but so also is love, and ultimately, the call of the wild.
I stayed up until 4am reading this book (as I always do with Ms Dickson's creations!)!
September 9, 2025
Something different. Poignant and thoughtful. Sad and grim but also occasionally upbeat. Not a happy ever after story. Not quite. Not a heroic orphan tale. Not quite. A tragedy, I suppose, but the dragon STORMFALL is so sympathetic and likable, and so is his “boy.”
This is a take on the Romans and the Greeks, of Rome and Athens. A tale of two embittered brothers, deadly enemies, probably patterned after Romulus and Remus.
I don’t usually like first person POV in fiction but it worked well here.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the excellent John Lee.
I have enjoyed other books/series with dragon riders: His Majesty’s Dragon Temeraire series, written by Naomi Novik. The Dragon Riders of Pern, by McCaffrey.
This is a take on the Romans and the Greeks, of Rome and Athens. A tale of two embittered brothers, deadly enemies, probably patterned after Romulus and Remus.
I don’t usually like first person POV in fiction but it worked well here.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the excellent John Lee.
I have enjoyed other books/series with dragon riders: His Majesty’s Dragon Temeraire series, written by Naomi Novik. The Dragon Riders of Pern, by McCaffrey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews