What do you think?
Rate this book
Obsidian Chronicles #2
The Dragon Society
One Man Must Stand Against the Dragon Menace!
It all began with Dragon Weather : a wave of incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark angry clouds . . . and dragons. Dragons with no remorse, no sympathy, no use for humans; dragons who destroyed an entire village and everyone in it. Everyone, that is, except the young boy, Arlian.
Orphaned and alone, Arlian was captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. Years later he escaped, fueled by years of hatred for the dragons, bandits, and slavers that took away his youth—and a personal vow to exact retribution from those who have wronged him.
Arlian seeks out The Dragon Society, whose sworn purpose is to stand against the dragon menace. What he learns there is that he may well be the best hope humanity will ever have for defeating the dragons . . . permanently.
It all began with Dragon Weather : a wave of incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark angry clouds . . . and dragons. Dragons with no remorse, no sympathy, no use for humans; dragons who destroyed an entire village and everyone in it. Everyone, that is, except the young boy, Arlian.
Orphaned and alone, Arlian was captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. Years later he escaped, fueled by years of hatred for the dragons, bandits, and slavers that took away his youth—and a personal vow to exact retribution from those who have wronged him.
Arlian seeks out The Dragon Society, whose sworn purpose is to stand against the dragon menace. What he learns there is that he may well be the best hope humanity will ever have for defeating the dragons . . . permanently.
468 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
29 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 17, 2014
A Quickie Review
A bit better than the previous outing. Plenty of intensity, but none of the sexual content that plagued the first book.
A bit better than the previous outing. Plenty of intensity, but none of the sexual content that plagued the first book.
October 17, 2019
Read this a couple of months ago or so. I loved it just as much as the first one, although I did feel like there were some parts that were tedious. This book somehow felt a lot longer than 400+ and some pages. Weird. More likely I probably procrastinated in finishing it for so long.
---SOME SPOILERS---
That aside, this book was really fun and was just as enjoyable as the first one to me. Arlian developed much more than he was in the first book and worked to win the approval of the Duke to advance his conquest to avenge his village by destroying every single dragon in existence, (this would, later on, reveal that it included him and the other dragonhearts which was a pretty crazy twist, I wonder how this will resolve itself in the next book) The dragons essentially indebted a few select humans with bearing their young and it was also a unique explanation as to why dragonhearts lived so long too, they lived as long as it took for the young to come to fruition.
Its action-packed, filled with tragedy, in-fighting, twists, and an interesting world overall that almost forces you to egg on the protagonist in accomplishing his revenge (although it starts tiptoeing into delusion after awhile.) Great book removed from the perceived monotony.
August 16, 2020
A solid continuation of the Obsidian Chronicles. Arlian has come a long way from the sole survivor of a dragon attack followed by a mining slave. He's now completed the first part of his revenge, against the men who sold him to slavery, and the 6 powerful nobles who were responsible for horrible crimes against any who stood in the way of profit. He's even killed Lord Dragon, their leader.
Now Arlian finds himself saddled with the remains of the Dragon Society, made up of other dragon attack survivors, and all also granted the power and curse of their venom - more powerful, charismatic, and robust than mere humans, and seemingly immortal, but at the cost of their empathy over the years. After also learning a horrifying secret about the Dragon Society's true purpose, Arlian sets his sights on finding magic which can alter his and his fellow member's fate, as well as the rest of humanities.
Watt-Evans continues to throw moral quandaries in Arlian's way, making his quest for vengeance complicated and more and more impossible seeming. Arlian perseveres though and is willing to travel to the ends of the world, through wild magic regions to find options, even if doing so puts the status quo and all his friends, wealth, and fellow humans at risk.
Now Arlian finds himself saddled with the remains of the Dragon Society, made up of other dragon attack survivors, and all also granted the power and curse of their venom - more powerful, charismatic, and robust than mere humans, and seemingly immortal, but at the cost of their empathy over the years. After also learning a horrifying secret about the Dragon Society's true purpose, Arlian sets his sights on finding magic which can alter his and his fellow member's fate, as well as the rest of humanities.
Watt-Evans continues to throw moral quandaries in Arlian's way, making his quest for vengeance complicated and more and more impossible seeming. Arlian perseveres though and is willing to travel to the ends of the world, through wild magic regions to find options, even if doing so puts the status quo and all his friends, wealth, and fellow humans at risk.
June 4, 2022
I read the Obsidian Chronicles when I was in middle school. They were the first fantasy saga I'd ever read and it inspired my love of fantasy. They aren't perfect books but I cannot view them through anything but my rose colored glasses.
TLDR: I 100% recommend this book and the other two of the Obsidian Chronicles.
TLDR: I 100% recommend this book and the other two of the Obsidian Chronicles.
August 3, 2018
I'm not sure what the other reviewers were talking about when they said this one had more action and was more exciting than the first book, because this was one of the most boring books I've read in a long time. It's like the author decided this should be a trilogy and it wouldn't be believable for this guy's campaign against the dragons to start immediately, so he wrote a book full of trivial bullshit to waste time for a while before getting back to the good part again.
This book is filled with talking, hemming and hawing about who to keep secrets from about what, more talking, politics, more talking, remaining undecided about what to do about anything, saying "I don't know" a lot, and most annoyingly at all, rehashing stuff that we already knew. Paragraphs upon paragraphs talking about stuff that we'd not only already knew from the previous book (every sequel does this, because maybe you haven't read the first book since it came out years ago and need a refresher) but stuff that had been explained earlier in the book.
The last 10% of a book is supposed to be the point where the story becomes a page-turner and you stay up until 2AM finishing it all because you can't bear to wait another day to find out what happens. For this book, that didn't happen until the last few chapters, so it was finished at a reasonable hour of the evening. I was groaning in boredom just before that and thinking "Well, at least it'll be over soon. Something exciting HAS to happen at the end, right?"
This book is filled with talking, hemming and hawing about who to keep secrets from about what, more talking, politics, more talking, remaining undecided about what to do about anything, saying "I don't know" a lot, and most annoyingly at all, rehashing stuff that we already knew. Paragraphs upon paragraphs talking about stuff that we'd not only already knew from the previous book (every sequel does this, because maybe you haven't read the first book since it came out years ago and need a refresher) but stuff that had been explained earlier in the book.
The last 10% of a book is supposed to be the point where the story becomes a page-turner and you stay up until 2AM finishing it all because you can't bear to wait another day to find out what happens. For this book, that didn't happen until the last few chapters, so it was finished at a reasonable hour of the evening. I was groaning in boredom just before that and thinking "Well, at least it'll be over soon. Something exciting HAS to happen at the end, right?"
July 5, 2025
I recently reread the first book in this series, Dragon Weather, in order to refresh myself before reading the rest, which I have finally found. This is a well done second book in the series. The main character, bent on revenge throughout the first book, discovers not everyone shares in his desire to get revenge, or even sees his nemesis as an enemy. Even close friends and associates question his opinion that he has been cursed rather than blessed.
There is a lot more psychological tension rather than physical action compared to book one. The need for the main character to grow mentally beyond his own desire for revenge is handled well. The debate about whether or not to see his condition as a curse or a blessing is handled in a way that does give considered reasons for both.
Like many trilogies, this book does primarily seem to be a bridge between book one and three. But the overall theme was continued throughout this very well, in my opinion, showing both character growth and the consequences, both planned and unplanned, of using purely revenge as a motivation.
There is a lot more psychological tension rather than physical action compared to book one. The need for the main character to grow mentally beyond his own desire for revenge is handled well. The debate about whether or not to see his condition as a curse or a blessing is handled in a way that does give considered reasons for both.
Like many trilogies, this book does primarily seem to be a bridge between book one and three. But the overall theme was continued throughout this very well, in my opinion, showing both character growth and the consequences, both planned and unplanned, of using purely revenge as a motivation.
February 10, 2023
While the first book of the series was the Count of Monte Cristo with dragons (and I mean that as a high compliment), this book expands the world, fleshing out the secret society of 'dragonhearts' with the ramifications learned from the end of the first book. In fact, the first 150-odd pages of Dragon Society was more tension driven then any sword fight or dragon interaction, given what we the readers learned at the end of the Dragon Weather, and how the main protagonist kept dragging out (pun) not dealing with what was learned! Masterfully written.
November 1, 2020
I enjoyed it. Fun, pulpy fantasy epic.
It's a little prone to the fantasy trope where things just work out for the hero because the hero needs to win. They even question it a few times with people pointing out that the heroes choices will have terrible consequences, but then coincidence and luck result in those consequences being avoided or deferred
It's a little prone to the fantasy trope where things just work out for the hero because the hero needs to win. They even question it a few times with people pointing out that the heroes choices will have terrible consequences, but then coincidence and luck result in those consequences being avoided or deferred
June 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this series. I've just finished listening to the audiobook for all three. Arlian's development and growth was so very well done. I enjoyed the wide variety of different creatures/monsters in this world and I loved all the variations on magic. Well done! Thank you for an enjoyable book series.
May 9, 2023
The composition of this book was superior to the first book. I don’t know if the author got a better editor or if it was a calculated attempt to have the quality of the writing evolve with the evolution of the main character. there was less “he said… she said”, with more sophisticated vocabulary and a stronger plot.
April 18, 2018
Could have been better but the character keeps reacting and stumbles upon trouble without thinking.
July 19, 2019
Interesting idea, but not all that satisfying a resolution.
September 11, 2019
90% of the book is dialog. The exploration of interpersonal relationships between the characters is really good, but the book slows down and almost becomes a slog to get through.
June 21, 2020
A lot more info about the society in this 2nd book, still very enjoyable. Setting up for the final book of 3, looking forward to the conclusion.
June 5, 2021
One of the greatest books I have ever read! People need to talk about this more!
August 26, 2022
Good, but rather slow-moving plot. I think a lot of this story was setting up book 3 of the trilogy. The climax was exciting.
September 2, 2023
This trilogy is definitely one of my new favorite fantasy series. Excited to read the conclusion!
January 13, 2024
Better than book 1
September 19, 2020
This second book in the series is definitely not a stand alone. It only serves as a bridge between the first book Dragon Weather and the last Dragon Venom. This one was more the political intrigue than the coming of age/survival story the last one was... and a lot of it is just re-hashing ideas from the first book.
Unfortunately, most of the political intrigue was the result of the main protagonist's obsession with 'honor'
There were many EASY 'dishonorable' lies he could have told early on to solve most of the political problems caused by the ending of the first book. Instead his obsession with 'telling the truth' means he has to come up with evasions every time someone asks him how Enziet died that only stir the pot and delay causing unneeded drama.
Of course without those evasions, the tension disappears and you could have moved from there straight on to the third. I think the publishers were too eager for the $ stream of a trilogy and didn't have the editors restrain the author from exploring the inner workings of his character, Lord Obsidian.
Overall I still like the series.. but I did end up skipping a few pages here and there every time the main character was struggling with 'Ohhh Noooos.. what will I ever do.. I can't tell them the truth and I can't lie.. ohh noo
Review of last book in series here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Unfortunately, most of the political intrigue was the result of the main protagonist's obsession with 'honor'
There were many EASY 'dishonorable' lies he could have told early on to solve most of the political problems caused by the ending of the first book. Instead his obsession with 'telling the truth' means he has to come up with evasions every time someone asks him how Enziet died that only stir the pot and delay causing unneeded drama.
Of course without those evasions, the tension disappears and you could have moved from there straight on to the third. I think the publishers were too eager for the $ stream of a trilogy and didn't have the editors restrain the author from exploring the inner workings of his character, Lord Obsidian.
Overall I still like the series.. but I did end up skipping a few pages here and there every time the main character was struggling with 'Ohhh Noooos.. what will I ever do.. I can't tell them the truth and I can't lie.. ohh noo
Review of last book in series here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 14, 2015
Lawrence Watt-Evans certainly knows how to end a book with action and suspense!! I really love this story and how it twists and gets you thinking. I'm anxious to get my hands on the final book!!
Ari in this book is a bit complicated in that one minute he's smart and really thinking and using his head, and in the very next you're wondering how he's accomplished as much as he has thus far.
I think the only thing I didn't like in this book was the "bickering" among the society and the parts where people just wouldn't listen or were being contradictory. In hindsight it was good for the plot but while reading it it was frustrating (but that's a personal pet peeve of mine so others may not have a problem with it).
Ari in this book is a bit complicated in that one minute he's smart and really thinking and using his head, and in the very next you're wondering how he's accomplished as much as he has thus far.
I think the only thing I didn't like in this book was the "bickering" among the society and the parts where people just wouldn't listen or were being contradictory. In hindsight it was good for the plot but while reading it it was frustrating (but that's a personal pet peeve of mine so others may not have a problem with it).
May 14, 2014
This is book two of the Obsidian Chronicles. It starts with a bang and keeps moving at a fast pace. Arilian, now known as Lord Obsidian continues his quest of vengeance. He discovers that passion and revenge are not necessarily what he really seeks.
Arlian seems to develop a more mature conscience in this book. He also turns some friends into enemies and some enemies into friends. The interpersonal relationships have a duplicity or perhaps complexity that provides a thought provoking assessment of Dragonhearts.
There is plenty of action and violence with a great deal of soul searching.
I look forward to reading the final volume in the trilogy.
I recommend it.
Arlian seems to develop a more mature conscience in this book. He also turns some friends into enemies and some enemies into friends. The interpersonal relationships have a duplicity or perhaps complexity that provides a thought provoking assessment of Dragonhearts.
There is plenty of action and violence with a great deal of soul searching.
I look forward to reading the final volume in the trilogy.
I recommend it.
May 9, 2011
This is an action-packed story filled with sorrow an joy as young Lord Obsidian is after revenge for the death of his village by the hands of the cruel dragons. he travels to the mytical lands to find a way to kill all dragons and their young with obsidian weapons. i would recommend this book to anyone who likes fanasty,action, and REVENGE.
This book will keep you turning the pages
This book will keep you turning the pages
November 15, 2014
This is the second book in the series and it was interesting enough for me to go find the first one. In this world, dragons are evil enemies, responsible for death and destruction throughout the kingdom. Twentysomething Lord Obsidion comes from one such destroyed village and has sworn vengeance on the entire dragon race, even at the cost of his own life.
September 1, 2017
I liked this one better than the first. The writing improved (although still too much rehashing of the same points over and over). The action is pretty non-stop. I found myself liking and hating some characters more. And several characters grew and changed which is something I consider important to any good story. The story progressed nicely, and I'm excited for the next book.
December 2, 2008
Very similar to the first book. The inner turmoil of the main character was repeatative and the depth of supporting characters was minimal. The plotline, however, was interesting and I did enjoy the book.
June 17, 2010
Watt-Evans has great ideas for his books, but is in serious need of a good editor. At least a third of this book could be cut for redundancy and over-explanation. That said, I'll be reading the third book of this trilogy as soon as I can get ahold of it.
January 2, 2017
If it has one star I liked it a lot
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot
If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot
If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing
June 17, 2015
This was a really good follow up to the first book. With the secret he learned, Arlian takes his game to the next level by joining the Dragon Society. I recall really enjoying this book, but a little less than the first, even though it was a good follow up.
July 14, 2008
I loved seeing how Arlian grows from the challenges he faces.
February 26, 2009
Thsi book is freakin' awesome!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews