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Dragon Seer #1
Dragon Seer
Enslaved since early childhood, Madoca is astonished to be chosen as dragon seer, one who will care for the dragons of Orkney. But people now question the age-old traditions that placed the dragons at the very heart of her society, and one of the older dragon seers has made enemies among the chieftains. When the Vikings arrive with a malevolent seer who has vowed to destroy all dragons, new alliances form and the people’s way of life is threatened. As Madoca’s powers emerge, strong but uncontrolled, she faces the fight of her life. How can she save her beloved dragons?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Janet McNaughton
22 books51 followersJanet McNaughton is the multi-award-winning author of many books, including The Secret Under My Skin, An Earthly Knight and her most recent novel, Dragon Seer, which was shortlisted for the prestigious TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as both the CLA Young Adult Book Award and the Book of the Year for Children Award. McNaughton lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 22, 2009
I'm going to put my jugemental hat on now and do some reviewing.
I found this story really hard to get into, simply because of the author's voice. Small words and simple descriptions just don't do it for me, sorry. I actually assumed at first that the story was MG, (though later plot points (romance, death) supported the idea that it was YA,) because of the simplistic story telling.
However, once I adjusted to the fact that this was not going to a thrill-a-minute tale, and the prose was not going to make me shiver with glee (yes, I do that occasionally) it turned out to be a mild and fun story. Madoca is a slave in an abusive household until she is chosen by the dragons to be the next dragon seer! (OMG FOR REALZ???) Once accepted into this prestigious position by many kind people, she learns that the job is more difficult than she thought, (Magic is hard? Lol Whut?) but also more rewarding. Life unfolds happily, she makes friends with a cute boy (though she doesn't know that's what she's doing, *blush* *cough* *scuff toe*) and then the Vikings arrive, and it all goes to heck in a hand-basket.
I really don't feel the need to spoiler the ending, but it was sufficiently unexpected and worked well.
Overall, the romance was talked off in simple terms for simple readers, but it was believable. It even had several "awwwwww" moments which made me happy. The two respective important death scenes were well done, and the bad guys were Very Bad. We know this because they kill helpless animals and make small boys cringe, also they have a magician who can turn into a raven. The dragons were small, clever, arrogant, pretty and awkward. They also talked mind-to-mind, which is is IMPERATIVE for YA dragons. Unfortunaly, I found myself not caring about Madoca's five years of being beaten and starved, or her dragons dying out, or even the terrible Vikings come to destroy our affinity with the land. I felt like I should care, but I was just annoyed at the sanctimonious tone of the tale whenever awful/ stressful things happened.
This book did not catch much of my attention, but I think that is because I am not the target audience. I wouldn't be distressed to find my little sister reading it.
I found this story really hard to get into, simply because of the author's voice. Small words and simple descriptions just don't do it for me, sorry. I actually assumed at first that the story was MG, (though later plot points (romance, death) supported the idea that it was YA,) because of the simplistic story telling.
However, once I adjusted to the fact that this was not going to a thrill-a-minute tale, and the prose was not going to make me shiver with glee (yes, I do that occasionally) it turned out to be a mild and fun story. Madoca is a slave in an abusive household until she is chosen by the dragons to be the next dragon seer! (OMG FOR REALZ???) Once accepted into this prestigious position by many kind people, she learns that the job is more difficult than she thought, (Magic is hard? Lol Whut?) but also more rewarding. Life unfolds happily, she makes friends with a cute boy (though she doesn't know that's what she's doing, *blush* *cough* *scuff toe*) and then the Vikings arrive, and it all goes to heck in a hand-basket.
I really don't feel the need to spoiler the ending, but it was sufficiently unexpected and worked well.
Overall, the romance was talked off in simple terms for simple readers, but it was believable. It even had several "awwwwww" moments which made me happy. The two respective important death scenes were well done, and the bad guys were Very Bad. We know this because they kill helpless animals and make small boys cringe, also they have a magician who can turn into a raven. The dragons were small, clever, arrogant, pretty and awkward. They also talked mind-to-mind, which is is IMPERATIVE for YA dragons. Unfortunaly, I found myself not caring about Madoca's five years of being beaten and starved, or her dragons dying out, or even the terrible Vikings come to destroy our affinity with the land. I felt like I should care, but I was just annoyed at the sanctimonious tone of the tale whenever awful/ stressful things happened.
This book did not catch much of my attention, but I think that is because I am not the target audience. I wouldn't be distressed to find my little sister reading it.
November 24, 2015
Plot is predictable. Orphan makes good, finds home, security, love. http://www.madoc.ca/ Real place. Patterning after real geography and history drags down for me.
Madoca 14 knows Annoc 16, her cruel mistress of five years, will be the Dragon Seer, chosen once in a generation" p 7. "Eena, the oldest .. was blind and failing" p 7. The dragon obeys Madoca, flies toward Annoc.
"Silence fell like a blessing" p 168 after throat rattles all night. Eena, in a drawn-out "tears spilled" p 168 scene, finally dies. This is sample of peak action. Maps at start presage details of place that accumulate, too many for me.
Madoca recommends Garit 16, her best friend, "red-haired boy" p 4, for delicate metal-work. Could have been a romance until she starts off badly, argues with Tollie 18 p 26.
Tollie is always kind to slaves; his mother was a slave. Tollie refuses her advance "I will not handfast with you" p 317.
"You'll fast for two days, then travel to the Speaking Place, a special chamber on Ancestors Isle, to see if the ancestors will speak to you". Some visit "three times before they receive their key .. They will test you .. With riddles .. That's why the dragons are always riddling" Madoca p 135. The Vikings are coming with an evil seer; of course Madoca gets done in a hurry.
"An ancient chant .. Try to fathom the nature of time .. a spiral .. time shall bend .. Once and once again" p 115, 272 draws her near and guides her. A slow sweet poem about the spiral of time repeats.
Is "shattered stone .. A vision of the future or just a fear?" p 73. Of a possible future, of course. She has visions of Viking attacks from the start.
"But those who wear them unaware will violate no rule" p 293. Nechtan, only senior seer now, refuses to wear belt woven by Madoca, claiming magic breaks his agreement with Vikings for battle. Tollie and others will be safe.
"Madoca was sure the feel of blood would never leave" washing her hands p 300. We see a battle only in the tent for the wounded. From a distance, enclosed, we are removed from the middle of the action. Leaves possibility of sequels open, not for me.
Madoca 14 knows Annoc 16, her cruel mistress of five years, will be the Dragon Seer, chosen once in a generation" p 7. "Eena, the oldest .. was blind and failing" p 7. The dragon obeys Madoca, flies toward Annoc.
"Silence fell like a blessing" p 168 after throat rattles all night. Eena, in a drawn-out "tears spilled" p 168 scene, finally dies. This is sample of peak action. Maps at start presage details of place that accumulate, too many for me.
Madoca recommends Garit 16, her best friend, "red-haired boy" p 4, for delicate metal-work. Could have been a romance until she starts off badly, argues with Tollie 18 p 26.
Tollie is always kind to slaves; his mother was a slave. Tollie refuses her advance "I will not handfast with you" p 317.
"You'll fast for two days, then travel to the Speaking Place, a special chamber on Ancestors Isle, to see if the ancestors will speak to you". Some visit "three times before they receive their key .. They will test you .. With riddles .. That's why the dragons are always riddling" Madoca p 135. The Vikings are coming with an evil seer; of course Madoca gets done in a hurry.
"An ancient chant .. Try to fathom the nature of time .. a spiral .. time shall bend .. Once and once again" p 115, 272 draws her near and guides her. A slow sweet poem about the spiral of time repeats.
Is "shattered stone .. A vision of the future or just a fear?" p 73. Of a possible future, of course. She has visions of Viking attacks from the start.
"But those who wear them unaware will violate no rule" p 293. Nechtan, only senior seer now, refuses to wear belt woven by Madoca, claiming magic breaks his agreement with Vikings for battle. Tollie and others will be safe.
"Madoca was sure the feel of blood would never leave" washing her hands p 300. We see a battle only in the tent for the wounded. From a distance, enclosed, we are removed from the middle of the action. Leaves possibility of sequels open, not for me.
January 12, 2011
Janet McNaughton has crafted a beautiful world in Dragon Seer. As readers, we feel that we are there with Madoca as she navigates the landscape and the challenges she faces. Dragon Seer has something for everyone: mystery, adventure, magic, dragons, history. Most remarkable of all, though, is McNaughton's character development. Her characters are fully formed human beings (or dragons). They use their strengths to their advantage and, like the rest of us, sometimes their weaknesses get the better of them.
Madoca is given in desperation as a slave by her father after her mother and baby brother die. Annoc, just two years older than Madoca, becomes her mistress. The house to which Madoca is enslaved is exceptionally cruel and Madoca endures many hard years in this unfortunate position. As Dragon Seer opens, the family is at The Gathering. Here, the next Dragon Seer will be chosen. Annoc is confidently hopeful that she will be chosen. Madoca is also hopeful for change. When the dragon appears, however, it is Madoca who is chosen. Annoc's family is forced to release her so that she can take her place among the dragon seers. Thus begins Madoca's journey of self-discovery.
As we travel along with Madoca and delve into this rich landscape, we come to appreciate our own strengths and shortcomings. When we see the errors made through pride and arrogance, and the gains made through a true listening to ourselves and the world around us, do we not wonder what this means back here is the real world?
As we begin a new calendar year, everyone is busy with their resolutions - to lose weight, to get in shape, to save money. At this time, we also need to look into our own characters. Do we treat others kindly and with respect? How do we settle our differences? As we learn from Dragon Seer, we don't always get what we think we want. When we come to accept ourselves and our situation, we can make what we get, what we want. We can make the best of our situation - and make the best of ourselves.
Madoca is given in desperation as a slave by her father after her mother and baby brother die. Annoc, just two years older than Madoca, becomes her mistress. The house to which Madoca is enslaved is exceptionally cruel and Madoca endures many hard years in this unfortunate position. As Dragon Seer opens, the family is at The Gathering. Here, the next Dragon Seer will be chosen. Annoc is confidently hopeful that she will be chosen. Madoca is also hopeful for change. When the dragon appears, however, it is Madoca who is chosen. Annoc's family is forced to release her so that she can take her place among the dragon seers. Thus begins Madoca's journey of self-discovery.
As we travel along with Madoca and delve into this rich landscape, we come to appreciate our own strengths and shortcomings. When we see the errors made through pride and arrogance, and the gains made through a true listening to ourselves and the world around us, do we not wonder what this means back here is the real world?
As we begin a new calendar year, everyone is busy with their resolutions - to lose weight, to get in shape, to save money. At this time, we also need to look into our own characters. Do we treat others kindly and with respect? How do we settle our differences? As we learn from Dragon Seer, we don't always get what we think we want. When we come to accept ourselves and our situation, we can make what we get, what we want. We can make the best of our situation - and make the best of ourselves.
August 2, 2010
I really like this book! Sure, the words were simple, but the whole idea and plot were pretty well-done. Although, I hate it when there is romance going on the main character doesn't really notice it until the very end. Which, by the way, is what's happened with this book.
The character development was good, and I'm glad each character actually HAS a personality, unlike other books I've read. Although, for some reason, I found myself attached to Ross (he appears when the Vikings are first talking to Nechtan). He was only a very minor character, but something made me want to read his backstory, were it possible.
Overall, it's a good book. And by the way, I would have rated it three and a half stars if I could.
The character development was good, and I'm glad each character actually HAS a personality, unlike other books I've read. Although, for some reason, I found myself attached to Ross (he appears when the Vikings are first talking to Nechtan). He was only a very minor character, but something made me want to read his backstory, were it possible.
Overall, it's a good book. And by the way, I would have rated it three and a half stars if I could.
August 28, 2020
3.5/5 A young slave girl is chosen by a dragon at the gathering to become the next Dragon Seer, even though her owners daughter thought it would be her.Her whole life changes in an instant. She goes to the island where they learn to feel the dragons feelings and communicate with them. She can't hardly believe that she no longer has to spend 18 hours a day in servitude, and now she s being served. She makes friends in her new situation.
Ok story with random action scenes. I enjoyed it, but know I will never pick it up again.
All opinions are solely my own and have no ill intent towards the author , publisher , or promoters of this book,
Ok story with random action scenes. I enjoyed it, but know I will never pick it up again.
All opinions are solely my own and have no ill intent towards the author , publisher , or promoters of this book,
July 8, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I can see that some people could find this book a little boring as it is mostly building up to an amazing unforeseen ending! The writing is beautiful and the characters are so strong.
September 3, 2020
Decent. Fairly simply written, but I liked the story and especially the location. I would read again.
March 18, 2011
Reason for Reading: I enjoy dragon fantasy and this seemed like it might be a bit different, with a society centred around the dragons.
I have to admit I thought this book was going to be about the Celts but it's not and I won't tell you what group of people it is about as it isn't given away until the Historical Note at the end. Just in case you are not up on your early history. Set in the same time period though, that of the eight century in the Orkney Islands at the tip of Scotland. The book is firmly grounded in its medieval historical setting. While no famous personages make appearances except for a passing remark about St. Brendan, the monk that myth tells us sailed the seas in a coracle, the Vikings are the looming threat to these peaceful people of the dragons.
The book starts off immediately with Madoca, a slave girl, being chosen as the new Dragon Seer apprentice and going off to live in seclusion with a small group of people who look after the Dragons. But the Dragons are really there to look after the people; they have memorized the lore, history, laws of the ancients and all that came before and through them the people can have the knowledge of the past, as they are a people without a written language. Madoca learns from the dragons, and learns how to access and use the magic of earth. She is surprisingly a powerful receptacle for the magic, much more so than anyone has seen in some time. Danger threatens the dragons from one side and the life of the people is threatened from more than one side. After only a year of apprenticeship, can Madoca save the dragons.
This is a beautiful story! The dragons are not what one expects. McNaughton has made them long, slender, agile and yet ungainly when they walk on the land. They are much more like the dragons of the East as they fly in the air and form knots together, each with special meaning. They don't breath fire, but they can speak the language of the people when taught as hatchlings. They communicate with each other, and teach the dragon seers, by projecting feelings over any amount of distance. The writing is lyrical yet simple and there is a mystical atmosphere throughout the book. Madoca starts off at 14 years of age and grows as a person through the story as her character moves through the various stages of her life, maturing and at first doubting, then accepting the important role she is destined to play in the future. The book ends in a complete and satisfactory ending making it feel as if it could be a stand-alone book, but I see that this Fall a second book will be published whether it be a companion or the next in a trilogy I can't find any information. I'll definitely be adding it to my list though.
I'm very pleased to have found Canadian author Janet McNaughton this way. I'm afraid I've never heard of her before and she has an impressive backlist of books including historical fantasy, historical fiction and dystopia. I will be making her an author to read.
I have to admit I thought this book was going to be about the Celts but it's not and I won't tell you what group of people it is about as it isn't given away until the Historical Note at the end. Just in case you are not up on your early history. Set in the same time period though, that of the eight century in the Orkney Islands at the tip of Scotland. The book is firmly grounded in its medieval historical setting. While no famous personages make appearances except for a passing remark about St. Brendan, the monk that myth tells us sailed the seas in a coracle, the Vikings are the looming threat to these peaceful people of the dragons.
The book starts off immediately with Madoca, a slave girl, being chosen as the new Dragon Seer apprentice and going off to live in seclusion with a small group of people who look after the Dragons. But the Dragons are really there to look after the people; they have memorized the lore, history, laws of the ancients and all that came before and through them the people can have the knowledge of the past, as they are a people without a written language. Madoca learns from the dragons, and learns how to access and use the magic of earth. She is surprisingly a powerful receptacle for the magic, much more so than anyone has seen in some time. Danger threatens the dragons from one side and the life of the people is threatened from more than one side. After only a year of apprenticeship, can Madoca save the dragons.
This is a beautiful story! The dragons are not what one expects. McNaughton has made them long, slender, agile and yet ungainly when they walk on the land. They are much more like the dragons of the East as they fly in the air and form knots together, each with special meaning. They don't breath fire, but they can speak the language of the people when taught as hatchlings. They communicate with each other, and teach the dragon seers, by projecting feelings over any amount of distance. The writing is lyrical yet simple and there is a mystical atmosphere throughout the book. Madoca starts off at 14 years of age and grows as a person through the story as her character moves through the various stages of her life, maturing and at first doubting, then accepting the important role she is destined to play in the future. The book ends in a complete and satisfactory ending making it feel as if it could be a stand-alone book, but I see that this Fall a second book will be published whether it be a companion or the next in a trilogy I can't find any information. I'll definitely be adding it to my list though.
I'm very pleased to have found Canadian author Janet McNaughton this way. I'm afraid I've never heard of her before and she has an impressive backlist of books including historical fantasy, historical fiction and dystopia. I will be making her an author to read.
June 20, 2011
This review appeared in The New York Review of Science Fiction in April, 2011. The original much longer essay includes discussions of several other 2009 YA titles published by Canadians and appears on my Goodreads blog.
Notes on the 2010 Sunburst Award by Ursula Pflug
Chairing the Sunburst jury for the 2010 awards (for speculative fiction books published by Canadians in 2009) coincided with leaving behind a lifelong cigarette habit. I contented myself with bits of teaching and editing and this and that. I had to prioritize it, everyone said, or the whole project would nosedive. If I didn’t write while I quit, so be it. What’s the rest of your life worth? So, in a way, the timing of the jury was a blessing. Unable to write, I could read all I wanted. Unable to really write, I drafted voluminous notes for books on my personal shortlist, especially for the YA category. I like to get more than one use out of a piece of writing when I can, and hence include below some of these notes, on occasion slightly revised. I think I drove my fellow jurors crazy. These favourites of my own all ended up not as finalists but as Honourable Mentions except for "Half World," which won the Sunburst for YA, and Dragon Seer, which didn’t appear on any of our final lists and is reviewed below.
Dragon Seer by Janet McNaughton
I was quite taken with this novel in which young Madoca is chosen as dragon seer in place of her mistress Annoc. Sensitive, loyal, and possessing a deep power surpassing that of her predecessors, Madoca is trained as the last of the dragon seers, eventually helping the gentle creatures move safely to another dimension as their time on Earth fades. McNaughton travelled to Orkney to research this book and her feel for the landscape and history including the marauding Vikings who aim to destroy the fictive dragon culture is evident. McNaughton’s twist—drawing the dragons as small, funny, wisdom keepers full of personality—was refreshing. None of my fellow Sunburst jurors selected this book which was slightly unusual as there was much similarity of taste among us; it was however recognized by the jury for the TD Bank Canadian Children’s Literature Award which, at 25 K, is Canada’s richest prize for YA fiction. The 2010 TD honoured previous Governor General Award-winner Arthur Slade’s steampunk The Hunchback Assignments, a novel we also short-listed. The nifty part is that two sf books made it onto the TD short list, and one of them won.
Dragon Seer
Notes on the 2010 Sunburst Award by Ursula Pflug
Chairing the Sunburst jury for the 2010 awards (for speculative fiction books published by Canadians in 2009) coincided with leaving behind a lifelong cigarette habit. I contented myself with bits of teaching and editing and this and that. I had to prioritize it, everyone said, or the whole project would nosedive. If I didn’t write while I quit, so be it. What’s the rest of your life worth? So, in a way, the timing of the jury was a blessing. Unable to write, I could read all I wanted. Unable to really write, I drafted voluminous notes for books on my personal shortlist, especially for the YA category. I like to get more than one use out of a piece of writing when I can, and hence include below some of these notes, on occasion slightly revised. I think I drove my fellow jurors crazy. These favourites of my own all ended up not as finalists but as Honourable Mentions except for "Half World," which won the Sunburst for YA, and Dragon Seer, which didn’t appear on any of our final lists and is reviewed below.
Dragon Seer by Janet McNaughton
I was quite taken with this novel in which young Madoca is chosen as dragon seer in place of her mistress Annoc. Sensitive, loyal, and possessing a deep power surpassing that of her predecessors, Madoca is trained as the last of the dragon seers, eventually helping the gentle creatures move safely to another dimension as their time on Earth fades. McNaughton travelled to Orkney to research this book and her feel for the landscape and history including the marauding Vikings who aim to destroy the fictive dragon culture is evident. McNaughton’s twist—drawing the dragons as small, funny, wisdom keepers full of personality—was refreshing. None of my fellow Sunburst jurors selected this book which was slightly unusual as there was much similarity of taste among us; it was however recognized by the jury for the TD Bank Canadian Children’s Literature Award which, at 25 K, is Canada’s richest prize for YA fiction. The 2010 TD honoured previous Governor General Award-winner Arthur Slade’s steampunk The Hunchback Assignments, a novel we also short-listed. The nifty part is that two sf books made it onto the TD short list, and one of them won.
Dragon Seer
July 19, 2013
“You will never be magic, nor will you ever have magic. These powers are not possessed or commanded. But, if you join with the world, magic will find you.”
Dragon Seers lead their people, mastering magic, taking care of the dragons and learning from them. A dragon chooses Madoca, a slave in a chieftain’s household, to be the newest Dragon Seer. As Madoca’s new life unfolds her devotion to the dragons never wavers. Resentful chieftains challenge traditions and invading Vikings threaten the dragons and an ancient way of life. Madoca learns to rely on the support and guidance of her new peers, human and dragon as well as her growing skill and courage.
In Dragon Seer Janet McNaughton imagines a rich culture of dragons, magic and wisdom in 8th century Orkney. She skillfully combines elements of fantasy with history to fully and convincingly realize a time, place and appealingly realistic characters. While the events of their day-to-day life are different from our own, their emotional struggles are familiar. The dragons are not mere scenery, but refreshingly original characters with depth and personality. The story advances with a good balance of action, description and dialogue.
I enjoyed Modoca’s growing awareness of the inter-connectedness of people with each other and the natural world, and the recognition in this story that strength is not synonymous with physical power. I liked this book and have since begun reading Janet McNaughton’s Catch me Once, Catch Me Twice . I’m also looking forward to reading Dragon Seer's Gift, sequel to Dragon Seer, shortlisted for a Silver Birch fiction award with the 2013 Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading.
Janet McNaughton Dragon Seer's Gift
Dragon Seers lead their people, mastering magic, taking care of the dragons and learning from them. A dragon chooses Madoca, a slave in a chieftain’s household, to be the newest Dragon Seer. As Madoca’s new life unfolds her devotion to the dragons never wavers. Resentful chieftains challenge traditions and invading Vikings threaten the dragons and an ancient way of life. Madoca learns to rely on the support and guidance of her new peers, human and dragon as well as her growing skill and courage.
In Dragon Seer Janet McNaughton imagines a rich culture of dragons, magic and wisdom in 8th century Orkney. She skillfully combines elements of fantasy with history to fully and convincingly realize a time, place and appealingly realistic characters. While the events of their day-to-day life are different from our own, their emotional struggles are familiar. The dragons are not mere scenery, but refreshingly original characters with depth and personality. The story advances with a good balance of action, description and dialogue.
I enjoyed Modoca’s growing awareness of the inter-connectedness of people with each other and the natural world, and the recognition in this story that strength is not synonymous with physical power. I liked this book and have since begun reading Janet McNaughton’s Catch me Once, Catch Me Twice . I’m also looking forward to reading Dragon Seer's Gift, sequel to Dragon Seer, shortlisted for a Silver Birch fiction award with the 2013 Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading.
Janet McNaughton Dragon Seer's Gift
August 8, 2015
I'll admit, I thought this book was going to be "just another fantasy" book - you know, the forgettable, mildly cliché children's fantasy fare. Oh, how wrong was I. Despite a weak, slightly confusing beginning, The Dragon Seer caught up to itself quick and created a vivid, fun and easy-to-read tale.
I really liked the main character, Madoca (despite the fact that her powers progressed almost unbelievably fast), and I liked how she reacted in unreasonable ways to certain things: she doesn't like babies, she judged someone very important much too quickly, and after a year away from her former mistress, she still wants to make her jealous. These flaws added depth to her character that I found refreshing for a YA fantasy heroine. The love story is nicely woven in; unlike most of these stories, it did not take away from or fight for attention with the main plot. In fact, I found the subtle-yet-not-subtle hints throughout the novel were very believable.
The best part about the book, though, is the setting. Northern Scotland, eighth century, where chieftains rule above all but the dragons and dragon seers. The character's names in particular were lovely, from Madoca to Nechtan, Annoc or Garit (although I was less enamored with the dragon's names - when your human's names are more awesome than those of the DRAGONS, I'm a bit disappointed). The world itself was wonderfully historical despite the dragons and I was eating it up as I read. Honestly, I could read almost any story so incredibly well placed - AND, above all, the author gets brownie points from me for the historical note at the end of the novel. I was very impressed in the end.
This book may not be a must-read or an all-time-favourite, but it will definitely leave a lasting impression. I'd recommend it to any young fantasy fan or to anyone who enjoys YA literature.
I really liked the main character, Madoca (despite the fact that her powers progressed almost unbelievably fast), and I liked how she reacted in unreasonable ways to certain things: she doesn't like babies, she judged someone very important much too quickly, and after a year away from her former mistress, she still wants to make her jealous. These flaws added depth to her character that I found refreshing for a YA fantasy heroine. The love story is nicely woven in; unlike most of these stories, it did not take away from or fight for attention with the main plot. In fact, I found the subtle-yet-not-subtle hints throughout the novel were very believable.
The best part about the book, though, is the setting. Northern Scotland, eighth century, where chieftains rule above all but the dragons and dragon seers. The character's names in particular were lovely, from Madoca to Nechtan, Annoc or Garit (although I was less enamored with the dragon's names - when your human's names are more awesome than those of the DRAGONS, I'm a bit disappointed). The world itself was wonderfully historical despite the dragons and I was eating it up as I read. Honestly, I could read almost any story so incredibly well placed - AND, above all, the author gets brownie points from me for the historical note at the end of the novel. I was very impressed in the end.
This book may not be a must-read or an all-time-favourite, but it will definitely leave a lasting impression. I'd recommend it to any young fantasy fan or to anyone who enjoys YA literature.
February 12, 2019
It's enjoyable enough, I suppose, but there is so much untapped potential in this book.
It started off really well, and Eenna's death really hit me hard, but after she was gone, things really started to go downhill.
I hate that Heather, who seemed from the beginning like she would become a significant character, ended up taking a background role once she found a mate, and that we hardly ever saw her again. I hate that Nechtan's death was glossed over and didn't have any of the emotional impact that Eenna's did, despite him having ended up becoming the father figure Madoca had lost all those years ago.
And while I understand that this book was, in part, meant to give a story to the Picti people, who disappeared centuries ago and whom we know nothing about, McNaughton should have given her readers a much more satisfying ending. The way she ended it, it was as if she was just rushing to get through with it. The ending to the confrontation with the Vikings made all their struggles up until then seem absolutely pointless.
And not to mention that she seems to have written an impossible prophecy at the end there, with little Hermit Crab, the last of the dragons in our world.
Over all, it had a lot of plot holes and a lot of disappointments, but given that it is written as if it's meant more for a middle-grade audience, it was probably not meant to be that closely analyzed.
In the end, it still engrossed me enough to finish the entire book in one sitting, so I guess it couldn't have been that bad.
It started off really well, and Eenna's death really hit me hard, but after she was gone, things really started to go downhill.
I hate that Heather, who seemed from the beginning like she would become a significant character, ended up taking a background role once she found a mate, and that we hardly ever saw her again. I hate that Nechtan's death was glossed over and didn't have any of the emotional impact that Eenna's did, despite him having ended up becoming the father figure Madoca had lost all those years ago.
And while I understand that this book was, in part, meant to give a story to the Picti people, who disappeared centuries ago and whom we know nothing about, McNaughton should have given her readers a much more satisfying ending. The way she ended it, it was as if she was just rushing to get through with it. The ending to the confrontation with the Vikings made all their struggles up until then seem absolutely pointless.
And not to mention that she seems to have written an impossible prophecy at the end there, with little Hermit Crab, the last of the dragons in our world.
Over all, it had a lot of plot holes and a lot of disappointments, but given that it is written as if it's meant more for a middle-grade audience, it was probably not meant to be that closely analyzed.
In the end, it still engrossed me enough to finish the entire book in one sitting, so I guess it couldn't have been that bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2012
Dragon Seer starts of with a girl named Madoca. Madoca was a slave, but she secretly wanted to be a dragon seer, a person that can connect with the dragons and the rest of the world. One day, her wish comes true, she was chosen to become a dragon seer by a dragon! Madoca's life changes immediately. She starts learning new things about the dragons and the world. She also learned that the vikings are the people who wanted to get rid of the dragons. Everything was going perfectly, until the vikings suddenly showed up, but why now?
I picked this book up because the title and the summary seemed intresting so I decided to read a few pages. The story seemed intresting so I decided to continue.
The reason why I finished this book is because I wanted to know what would happen to Madoca and the other dragon seers. Also, I didn't have any other books to read at that time so I decided to finish it since there was nothing else to do.
I would recommend this book to my cousin because she likes animals. The dragons in this book have charateristics like some animals, not like those ferocious man-eating ones you would usually find in books.
I picked this book up because the title and the summary seemed intresting so I decided to read a few pages. The story seemed intresting so I decided to continue.
The reason why I finished this book is because I wanted to know what would happen to Madoca and the other dragon seers. Also, I didn't have any other books to read at that time so I decided to finish it since there was nothing else to do.
I would recommend this book to my cousin because she likes animals. The dragons in this book have charateristics like some animals, not like those ferocious man-eating ones you would usually find in books.
May 6, 2013
Well, it was okay. But I wasn't really satisfied by it. It held promise, but it didn't really live up to the magic. The book starts being less about a girl who discovers magic, and more about a girl who gets too involved with the politics that she can't seem to understand without the guidance of the older Dragon Seer, Nechtan. Madoca isn't ready for the responsibilities that befall her, and I think that makes her more relatable, but she's still in over her head. The dragons were also a disappointment to me, they weren't as lively as I thought they would be, they were kind of cold and distant, hard to connect with as characters. They could have been warmer and more open. I really was kind of disappointed with it, I was actually kind of sad, I really wanted to enjoy this book to its fullest, but I just couldn't. It was good though, in some ways. They setting was beautiful and the author is very talented, but I just don't think that this is the right kind of book for them to write.
November 3, 2012
This was such a good book. I have not read a lot of books about dragons and i found this one completely fascinating. Watching Madoca grow from a young slave into this strong, confidant and independent woman, was amazing. These are the kind of characters that inspire you to become a better person. The ending was perfect. The last few pages were so sweet, and the loss of the dragons and the war balanced the happiness to make it a realistic ending. Overall, I was glued to the pages from start to finish, and loved the whole thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2016
Wow! This book!
So I first started this book back in 2009 when I bought it... About 5 chapters in I set it down and didnt see it for years. Then last year, I came across it again. It became my "in-between books" go to story... Until suddenly it became "must finish this book now" story.
I wish I would ahve read it all those years ago when I first received it, but no matter, because it was a wonderful, beautiful story no matter my age- although I might not have been so good at coping with the end of the book at such a young age...
A+ for this wonderful, magic induced, adventurous book!
So I first started this book back in 2009 when I bought it... About 5 chapters in I set it down and didnt see it for years. Then last year, I came across it again. It became my "in-between books" go to story... Until suddenly it became "must finish this book now" story.
I wish I would ahve read it all those years ago when I first received it, but no matter, because it was a wonderful, beautiful story no matter my age- although I might not have been so good at coping with the end of the book at such a young age...
A+ for this wonderful, magic induced, adventurous book!
April 20, 2015
Enjoyable, but definitely written for a younger YA audience--it felt more middle grade to me most of the time.
The pacing was a bit weird and some of that made it difficult to develop many of the secondary characters. Still, there was definitely magic and awe with the way McNaughton wrote the dragons. But it almost felt that there was more to explore here than we ever got the chance. Like the book could've been twice as long and given me some more of the depth I craved.
The pacing was a bit weird and some of that made it difficult to develop many of the secondary characters. Still, there was definitely magic and awe with the way McNaughton wrote the dragons. But it almost felt that there was more to explore here than we ever got the chance. Like the book could've been twice as long and given me some more of the depth I craved.
August 19, 2011
OK, but very young YA voice - a 14 year old girl in the 8th century should sound a lot more mature than what I would expect a 14 year old would today, and in this book she sounds even younger. I can't see anyone older than 10 really accepting the young "Mary Sue" heroine and the fairly bland, obvious plot. Definitely would not have been on my favourites list as a kid, let alone as an adult!
August 15, 2012
It was a decent book and very well written, I thought the characters were very realistic. But there was never that *wow* moment for me, even the climax was anticlimactic. Overall, it was a nice, but slow read.
March 25, 2013
It was a nice little read, i was kind of hearttron about the ending, just vanishing away like you never existed your people everything.she was like the perfect main character very likeable simple brave mysterious
February 4, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was full of excellent characters with an amazing plot, with a large helping of dragons. While reading this, I had difficulty putting it down! I always wanted to know what happened next. This book was great!
January 6, 2014
The history was of course all made up, however it felt real. It was a lovely, simple story but I wish it had ended differently... even though I know for it to remain "Historical" it needed to end the way it did.
July 3, 2010
It felt a bit choppy - the plot moves on without you, before you've had a chance to adjust to the new surroundings, so to speak.
October 24, 2010
I liked this book. Its not a fav book but the story was solid and it was an easy read.
November 3, 2010
OK novel about a young slave girl living on the Orkney Islands who is chosen to be the next dragon seer - a dubious honour as the dragons are fast disappearing.
Read
August 3, 2011Very intriguing topic!
July 12, 2012
I loved this book
August 14, 2012
read in jail. actual rating: 3.3
Read
August 27, 2012We reviewed and recommended this book for our girls in Pathfinders and Rangers, ages 13 – 17.
September 25, 2013
Not my type of book.
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