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Dragonfell: A Dragon Fantasy About Friendship, Danger, and Discovery for Kids
“An adventurous dragon tale that delivers an emotionally satisfying ending.” —Kirkus
Fly with the dragons in this stunning fantasy from Sarah Prineas, author of the acclaimed Magic Thief series!
Rafi Bywater is unlike anyone else. The people in his village don’t trust him because he spends too much time in an abandoned dragon lair. When a stranger, Mister Flitch, accuses Rafi of being “dragon-touched,” Rafi sets off to discover the truth about dragons—and about himself.
On his journey, Rafi befriends a brilliant scientist, Maud, who has secrets of her own. Together they search for dragons while escaping from a dangerous dragon hunter, engaging in a steam-engine car chase, and figuring out what Mister Flitch really wants with Rafi. And, oh yes, they do find the dragons.
Sarah Prineas delivers a sweeping adventure filled with glorious dragons of all kinds!
Fly with the dragons in this stunning fantasy from Sarah Prineas, author of the acclaimed Magic Thief series!
Rafi Bywater is unlike anyone else. The people in his village don’t trust him because he spends too much time in an abandoned dragon lair. When a stranger, Mister Flitch, accuses Rafi of being “dragon-touched,” Rafi sets off to discover the truth about dragons—and about himself.
On his journey, Rafi befriends a brilliant scientist, Maud, who has secrets of her own. Together they search for dragons while escaping from a dangerous dragon hunter, engaging in a steam-engine car chase, and figuring out what Mister Flitch really wants with Rafi. And, oh yes, they do find the dragons.
Sarah Prineas delivers a sweeping adventure filled with glorious dragons of all kinds!
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
19 people are currently reading
1932 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Prineas
45 books1,121 followersComing in April 2021 from Philomel, Trouble in the Stars! It's a middle grade science fiction adventure about a shapeshifter kid.
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 2, 2019
This is fine. It’s serviceable. It’s decently written, and every beat is both predictable and telegraphed, and I spent the entire book wondering if I’m a cynical has-been and children will love this, or if they, too, will find it to be a retread. I think it’s the latter. This is just so perfectly mediocre.
Also, the world is unusually small. I’ve found myself thinking that about a few children’s books recently. I don’t think it’s a trend as much as a deliberate feature (like absent parents, for example), and here it means that events with what should be wide-reaching consequences seem confined to an oddly small community. Their impact falls flat.
In summary: I was not particularly impressed. Where is my sequel to The Lost Books?
Also, the world is unusually small. I’ve found myself thinking that about a few children’s books recently. I don’t think it’s a trend as much as a deliberate feature (like absent parents, for example), and here it means that events with what should be wide-reaching consequences seem confined to an oddly small community. Their impact falls flat.
In summary: I was not particularly impressed. Where is my sequel to The Lost Books?
May 21, 2019
This was sweet. I would have loved it when I was the age of the target audience. Instead I just liked it. I loved the goats though. LOVED THEM.
July 9, 2021
Things had been changing for Rafi By-The-Water. His flaming red hair had always drawn a second look but now, as he has grown older, those who had been his friends had begun to whisper behind his back and avoid his company. Maybe it was the form of his developing features...or MAYBE it was the shadows that gathered in his eyes. Regardless, soon Rafi no longer felt at home where he had always lived. The only place he felt safe and accepted was atop the towering mountain that had looked over his village...and in particular the place known as the Dragonfell where once a true dragon had watched over and protected the town and its people.
But, what had become uncomfortable, turned unlivable as strangers had arrived in the village - strangers specifically looking for Rafi. Strangers who were not going to leave without taking Rafi with them and if not, then he wouldn't have a home...OR family...to protect him.
To save the only world he knew, Rafi had to flee out into a world he had never experienced and soon, the new friends he finds and the incredible secrets that he uncovers will change him forever.
Author Sarah Prineas has been dreaming and creating wonderful tales and fantastical stories that have touched readers of all ages. From her first book THE MAGIC THIEF and the series it launched of the same name, she has crafted journeys through worlds of fantasy in the juvenile...middle grade...and, with the release of Ash & Bramble, teen readers alike.
Now, with DRAGONFELL, Prineas returns to the arms of her younger readers as she spins a story of a hero who - much like many of those same young readers - is living in a world where he questions his place and himself. His worries about the uncertainty of growing up and the ever - and sometimes QUICKLY - changing elements of his life and how he deals with those questions and worries may strike a chord with readers young and old alike.
As a "mature" (read OLDER here...LOL) reader, I enjoyed the story and the journey. Readers new to this author should find this story charming and entertaining. Returning readers will find the Prineas touch here once more.
But, what had become uncomfortable, turned unlivable as strangers had arrived in the village - strangers specifically looking for Rafi. Strangers who were not going to leave without taking Rafi with them and if not, then he wouldn't have a home...OR family...to protect him.
To save the only world he knew, Rafi had to flee out into a world he had never experienced and soon, the new friends he finds and the incredible secrets that he uncovers will change him forever.
Author Sarah Prineas has been dreaming and creating wonderful tales and fantastical stories that have touched readers of all ages. From her first book THE MAGIC THIEF and the series it launched of the same name, she has crafted journeys through worlds of fantasy in the juvenile...middle grade...and, with the release of Ash & Bramble, teen readers alike.
Now, with DRAGONFELL, Prineas returns to the arms of her younger readers as she spins a story of a hero who - much like many of those same young readers - is living in a world where he questions his place and himself. His worries about the uncertainty of growing up and the ever - and sometimes QUICKLY - changing elements of his life and how he deals with those questions and worries may strike a chord with readers young and old alike.
As a "mature" (read OLDER here...LOL) reader, I enjoyed the story and the journey. Readers new to this author should find this story charming and entertaining. Returning readers will find the Prineas touch here once more.
December 10, 2018
E-arc provided by Edelweiss and HarperCollins. Thank you so much!
So, I'm a thirty-something woman who, now and again, loves her some MG fiction. Soooo, when I saw this listed, read the synopsis and got a good look at that cover, I knew I had to read it. I've been in a dragon mood lately, and this one satisfied my craving.
This story follows Rafi, who is different than other kids with his dark eyes and flaming red hair. When shifty things start happening to neighboring villages, some strange people come to Dragonfell to question Rafi and his father. The strangers accuse Rafi of being dragon-touched and seek to take his "power" from him ultimately. Rafi's ability to not feel the cold or be able to touch hot coals attract more than baddies. On his hero's journey to find out who he is and the secret about dragons, he meets a girl named Maud, who aids him. But there is more to her as there is to Rafi, so we've got some secrets bouncing around to keep us on our toes.
Oh, and dragons. Lots of dragons.
This story was insanely unique and entertaining. It was written age-appropriately. Rafi and Maud were exciting characters that readers will love. The story brought me back to a time when I thought dragons were real and that they could either be beaten or kept as pets. This is an adventurous and fun read for readers of all ages.
So, I'm a thirty-something woman who, now and again, loves her some MG fiction. Soooo, when I saw this listed, read the synopsis and got a good look at that cover, I knew I had to read it. I've been in a dragon mood lately, and this one satisfied my craving.
This story follows Rafi, who is different than other kids with his dark eyes and flaming red hair. When shifty things start happening to neighboring villages, some strange people come to Dragonfell to question Rafi and his father. The strangers accuse Rafi of being dragon-touched and seek to take his "power" from him ultimately. Rafi's ability to not feel the cold or be able to touch hot coals attract more than baddies. On his hero's journey to find out who he is and the secret about dragons, he meets a girl named Maud, who aids him. But there is more to her as there is to Rafi, so we've got some secrets bouncing around to keep us on our toes.
Oh, and dragons. Lots of dragons.
This story was insanely unique and entertaining. It was written age-appropriately. Rafi and Maud were exciting characters that readers will love. The story brought me back to a time when I thought dragons were real and that they could either be beaten or kept as pets. This is an adventurous and fun read for readers of all ages.
July 6, 2019
This was charming - the kind of book I would have loved to get as a book on tape for a family road trip as a kid. It ain't world-altering, but it's fun and a fast read, and as a dragon connoisseur I quite enjoyed Prineas's variation.
Read
March 28, 20221. I started watching Game of Thrones and loved it. But eventually it got to be too much for my sensitive self, and I stopped watching, but I never stopped loving the dragons or the Mother of Dragons, and yes, I know how it all turned out because I read the summaries on Wikipedia.
2. There is a picture book called Tell Me a Dragon by Jackie Morris which is not only a favorite of mine, but also a favorite of the kids at school. It shows all different varieties of dragons, including ice and sea dragons.
3. During the renovation at our school, there was a big closet built in a space where there wasn’t one before. It housed the library’s new HVAC stuff. Before it was working the right way, there were lots of clangs and bangs going on behind the door. The little kids would ask what that noise was, and I would very nonchalantly say, “Oh, that’s where our dragon lives. You didn’t know we had a dragon in the school? She’s very shy but very nice.”
4. And this fondness for dragons made me pull Sarah Prineas’s Dragonfell out of a big stack of books. It would be a great fantasy book for 2nd grade +.
The main character Rafi has never quite fit in with the people of his community. His bright orange hair and shadowy eyes put people on edge. One place Rafi is comfortable, though, is high on a cliff overlooking his village, in what used to be a dragon’s lair. Local lore says the dragon was evil but after a band of villains shows up in the village, Rafi is instructed to go find their dragon or what Old Shar called their protector. It’s on this adventure that Rafi meets a friend, learns more about dragons, and really ends up learning more about himself. I liked this book!
2. There is a picture book called Tell Me a Dragon by Jackie Morris which is not only a favorite of mine, but also a favorite of the kids at school. It shows all different varieties of dragons, including ice and sea dragons.
3. During the renovation at our school, there was a big closet built in a space where there wasn’t one before. It housed the library’s new HVAC stuff. Before it was working the right way, there were lots of clangs and bangs going on behind the door. The little kids would ask what that noise was, and I would very nonchalantly say, “Oh, that’s where our dragon lives. You didn’t know we had a dragon in the school? She’s very shy but very nice.”
4. And this fondness for dragons made me pull Sarah Prineas’s Dragonfell out of a big stack of books. It would be a great fantasy book for 2nd grade +.
The main character Rafi has never quite fit in with the people of his community. His bright orange hair and shadowy eyes put people on edge. One place Rafi is comfortable, though, is high on a cliff overlooking his village, in what used to be a dragon’s lair. Local lore says the dragon was evil but after a band of villains shows up in the village, Rafi is instructed to go find their dragon or what Old Shar called their protector. It’s on this adventure that Rafi meets a friend, learns more about dragons, and really ends up learning more about himself. I liked this book!
March 5, 2020
This week, Mrsreadforfun is very excited to share her review of Dragonfell by Sarah Prineas.
Rafi, a young boy, has been accused of being "dragon- touched" by the people in his village. Rafi decides to go on a quest to find out more about dragons and himself. He faces many dangers, can he survive?
https://youtu.be/8b3BFVRVSas
Rafi, a young boy, has been accused of being "dragon- touched" by the people in his village. Rafi decides to go on a quest to find out more about dragons and himself. He faces many dangers, can he survive?
https://youtu.be/8b3BFVRVSas
April 18, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and absolutely loved it!!
Such a unique and fun read! Very age appropriate as a middle school novel. Epic adventure with dragons galore!!
Such a unique and fun read! Very age appropriate as a middle school novel. Epic adventure with dragons galore!!
April 27, 2021
This is a new-telling of an old concept, a dragon-shifting human who's unaware of his abilities.
Rafi doesn't know he's a dragon in a human boy's body, but he can reach into his father's blacksmith forge with bare hands and not burn himself, and he enjoys climbing up to the previous dragon's lair, where he hoarded blue and white china teacups, and leaning precariously over the edge.
When Rafi's accused of being dragon-touched by the evil Mister Flitch, he sets off to find real dragons and befriends a girl, Maud, who also loves and wants to study the beasts.
But dragons have no place in Mister Flitch's world, of coal-fired machines and mines and automobiles. Rafi and Maud discover it's Mister Flitch's henchmen who are flushing dragons out of their lairs and in all probability taking their sparks...but what is he doing with the sparks?
No spoilers! Enjoy the read.
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Rafi doesn't know he's a dragon in a human boy's body, but he can reach into his father's blacksmith forge with bare hands and not burn himself, and he enjoys climbing up to the previous dragon's lair, where he hoarded blue and white china teacups, and leaning precariously over the edge.
When Rafi's accused of being dragon-touched by the evil Mister Flitch, he sets off to find real dragons and befriends a girl, Maud, who also loves and wants to study the beasts.
But dragons have no place in Mister Flitch's world, of coal-fired machines and mines and automobiles. Rafi and Maud discover it's Mister Flitch's henchmen who are flushing dragons out of their lairs and in all probability taking their sparks...but what is he doing with the sparks?
No spoilers! Enjoy the read.
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
March 19, 2019
Full review can be found here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
DRAGONFELL is a fun middle grade that addresses being different and not fitting in easily in the context of a fantasy with dragons. Rafi has always been a little different. He has trouble in school not being able to read, and his appearance is odd enough that the villagers are never quite sure of him. When some new people show up in town, they declare that Rafi is dragon-touched and must come with them.
Rafi does not want to go with them, and instead, strikes out on his own to find the truth of the matter. As coal-powered factories are becoming more common in cities, dragons have been disappearing. On his journey, he meets the tenacious Maud, a dragon scientist who is determined to study them. Together, and accompanied by a herd of goats that follow Rafi, they must uncover what is happening to the dragons, as well as Rafi’s own identity.
What I loved: The message here is fantastic- being different can be a good thing, and it doesn’t make you any less than anyone else. Rafi is a sympathetic character and he’s a great lead as he sets out to discover who he really is. Maud is also fantastic, a female scientist who is very clever and bold. Combined, they make for an unbeatable duo. The mystery lying under the surface about the dragons is also a fun theme that makes the pages turn quickly.
What left me wanting more: As a small point, the villain (Mister Flitch) was a bit cartoonish at times, and it was unclear what motivated him beyond the abstract idea of power. I think it would have been interesting to make him more multi-dimensional, but this is a middle grade, so the story remains simpler this way.
Final thoughts: Overall, this is a fun and fast-paced middle grade fantasy which keeps the pages turning quickly. Presenting being different with dragons is a really great way to address a relatively common concern among this age group. Recommended for audiences who love dragons and fantasy novels across a broad age range.
DRAGONFELL is a fun middle grade that addresses being different and not fitting in easily in the context of a fantasy with dragons. Rafi has always been a little different. He has trouble in school not being able to read, and his appearance is odd enough that the villagers are never quite sure of him. When some new people show up in town, they declare that Rafi is dragon-touched and must come with them.
Rafi does not want to go with them, and instead, strikes out on his own to find the truth of the matter. As coal-powered factories are becoming more common in cities, dragons have been disappearing. On his journey, he meets the tenacious Maud, a dragon scientist who is determined to study them. Together, and accompanied by a herd of goats that follow Rafi, they must uncover what is happening to the dragons, as well as Rafi’s own identity.
What I loved: The message here is fantastic- being different can be a good thing, and it doesn’t make you any less than anyone else. Rafi is a sympathetic character and he’s a great lead as he sets out to discover who he really is. Maud is also fantastic, a female scientist who is very clever and bold. Combined, they make for an unbeatable duo. The mystery lying under the surface about the dragons is also a fun theme that makes the pages turn quickly.
What left me wanting more: As a small point, the villain (Mister Flitch) was a bit cartoonish at times, and it was unclear what motivated him beyond the abstract idea of power. I think it would have been interesting to make him more multi-dimensional, but this is a middle grade, so the story remains simpler this way.
Final thoughts: Overall, this is a fun and fast-paced middle grade fantasy which keeps the pages turning quickly. Presenting being different with dragons is a really great way to address a relatively common concern among this age group. Recommended for audiences who love dragons and fantasy novels across a broad age range.
June 20, 2021
260 pgs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was full of adventure, mystery, and old-world magic. If you have any interest in dragons, you MUST read this book. It is so different from any other book I have read before. The main character, Rafi, is a brave boy who knows something is different about him. His father weaves the best cloth in the village and protects his son the best he can. However, when two villagers threaten to burn his family home down, things heat up. Rafi is accused by Mr. Flitch of being "dragon-touched" and decides it is time to learn the truth about dragons AND himself. The author does a great job developing the main character along with a young dragon scientist named Maud he meets along his journey. The plot moves along at a good pace and will keep the reader engaged. The descriptions of the dragon lairs and other details in the story will make you feel like you are right there in the scene. This is a great novel for fifth graders. Highly recommended for 5-6th grade.
June 13, 2019
Rafi has never fit in with the other children in his village – he spends too much time at an abandoned dragon lair and just can’t seem to learn to read. When strangers threaten his village Rafi sets off on a quest to learn more about his past and the disappearing dragons. He befriends Maud, a young scientist enamored with dragons, and together they discover the evil plan to capture the power of the remaining dragons and just how different Rafi really is. This fast moving adventure story quickly pulls the reader into a beautifully imagined world of dragons with a touch of steam punk technology that is peopled with interesting characters and a beautifully build surprise ending. This story stands alone, but readers will most likely be clamoring for another story set in this world. Highly Recommended for middle grade readers.
November 7, 2022
Cuibul dragonului -Sarah Prineas
O carte ce se desfășoară în perioada apariției motoarelor cu abur, a primelor mașini, a fabricilor noi cu utilaje ce folosesc drept combustibil cărbunele.
O carte despre un copil diferit, ce simte că este diferit și este perceput de întreaga comunitate ca fiind diferit.Nu numai aspectul său îl face diferit, ci și faptul că nu simte frigul, focul nu îl poate răni, ci mai mult posedă "suflarea dragonului".
Această putere îl face să fie dorit de un om foarte bogat și este nevoit să fugă din calea lui și să găsească un dragon care să le salveze satul.
O carte despre dragoni și extincția lor.
Lui Damian i-a plăcut enorm această carte, chiar mi-a pus să caut dacă există volumul al doilea.
O carte ce se desfășoară în perioada apariției motoarelor cu abur, a primelor mașini, a fabricilor noi cu utilaje ce folosesc drept combustibil cărbunele.
O carte despre un copil diferit, ce simte că este diferit și este perceput de întreaga comunitate ca fiind diferit.Nu numai aspectul său îl face diferit, ci și faptul că nu simte frigul, focul nu îl poate răni, ci mai mult posedă "suflarea dragonului".
Această putere îl face să fie dorit de un om foarte bogat și este nevoit să fugă din calea lui și să găsească un dragon care să le salveze satul.
O carte despre dragoni și extincția lor.
Lui Damian i-a plăcut enorm această carte, chiar mi-a pus să caut dacă există volumul al doilea.
March 7, 2019
"It feels like flying." From the first page of this middle grade adventure book the author has us right on the edge of the fell feeling the wind lift us up.
For the middle grade child, male or female looking to discover their own unique spark of talent and a place where they belong. This book takes us on a journey of self discovery in a time when Dragons are disappearing and industry is taking over.
Highly recommended as a good read.
For the middle grade child, male or female looking to discover their own unique spark of talent and a place where they belong. This book takes us on a journey of self discovery in a time when Dragons are disappearing and industry is taking over.
Highly recommended as a good read.
December 30, 2021
This was such an adorable book. I love dragons, so I was hoping for lots of them - and we got some, but more in the "we're going to find them" way than "oh look, dragons everywhere" way - which is fine, but I was definitely more in the mood for the "dragons everywhere" way. Haha!
Regardless, I enjoyed the book. I quite liked the twist, even if it was predictable. And I love love loved the goats! I imagine the target age group is losing their minds over this book!
Regardless, I enjoyed the book. I quite liked the twist, even if it was predictable. And I love love loved the goats! I imagine the target age group is losing their minds over this book!
April 22, 2019
Rafi wonders what happened to the dragon that used to preside over his village until a fire strikes, he is accused of being "dragon-touched," and he sets off on a journey for his own safety while learning what happened to the dragons and what he really is. This somewhat predictable middle grade novel is a good choice for dragon lovers and those seeking a light fantasy.
September 9, 2019
I love her books-very original storyline. This one wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly but I still really liked it. Violence was very understated, it was not hugely long and seems to be a stand-alone novel, not part of a series. Doesn’t seem to be in AR yet, which is a shame. Would be good for younger kids with higher AR level
November 3, 2019
This adventure story is about Rafi, who lives in a small village and is really different from everyone else in the village. It turns out he's connected to dragons. He goes on a quest to figure out why someone would be trying to track him down as well as destroy his small village. This is a terrific adventure story!
April 20, 2019
I havered a bit between four and five stars, because I was pretty tense for a lot of the story and so couldn't actually enjoy it as much as I would have liked...but now I know how things work out, that won't be a problem when re-reading!
May 26, 2019
I love dragons, and the characters in this middle grade novel do, too. And they go on an exciting adventure to find the missing dragons and warn them about an evil man. The dragons are not always what they expect, though...and neither are the protagonists. Young readers should love it!
July 8, 2019
Just the sort of fantasy I really enjoy - well-written, fun, with an interesting plot and characters and a great pace. I'm not sure I found the resolution with the villain satisfying or convincing, but the rest was grand!
December 29, 2019
I loved this story of a boy who goes searching for the dragon who used to protect his village. The villains were cliche (villains usually are) but there was an an interesting mix of good guys. And the author gives us a satisfying conclusion, but leaves room for a sequel.
March 2, 2020
It's not as good as Sarah Prineas' Magic Thief series. But it's quite charming in its own right. If you're looking for a light read with dragons and steampunk flair, this might be just the thing.
Full review for the curious: http://bookmarkedone.home.blog/2020/0....
Full review for the curious: http://bookmarkedone.home.blog/2020/0....
April 27, 2025
The villain was a shallow power-hungry company guy, and the plot was quite predictable, but I enjoyed it. The final plot twist was quite epic and the ending was very well done. This was such a fun book.
January 1, 2019
(3.5 stars)
Interesting look at the effects of the industrial revolution on dragons. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Interesting look at the effects of the industrial revolution on dragons. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
January 3, 2019
For a kids fiction novel it kept me interested but wished that it would go more in-depth with the dragons. Overall it was an okay read.
April 8, 2019
Review coming soon...
May 27, 2019
Cute story. Great for kids who love dragons. Recommend ages 8 years old +
May 28, 2019
Lovely little story, so sweet.
June 16, 2019
Liked the overall flow and that there wasn't just one kind of dragon. Not a fan of Rafi's transformation, which is why it's a 3-star not more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews