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The Legend of Hooper's Dragons #1
If a Dragon Cries
An evil faerie who wants to rule. A mystical golden dragon could be the key. One man must embrace his destiny to save the world...Hooper never really believed in himself. The one thing he did believe was that dragons should stay as far away from him as possible. But when a dying emerald dragon gives him a magical gem, Hooper's life is changed forever...After discovering that he and his friends are the only ones who can keep an evil faerie from taking over the world, Hooper can't help but be reluctant. After all, to save humanity he'll need to protect Golden Wind, the most prized dragon of them all. As he fights his hatred of the creature, Hooper starts to question everything he's ever learned...Will Hooper forge his own destiny or will he succumb to the power of the dark, murderous faerie?If a Dragon Cries is the first book in a fantasy coming of age series with dragons, swords, magic, and more. If you like insightful character journeys, Tolkienesque worlds, and majestic dragons, then you'll love Gary Darby's series starter
406 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2016
252 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Gary J. Darby
24 books22 followersBorn and raised in Texas, USA. Was a voracious reader as a kid, loved science fiction and fantasy but would read most anything, including the encyclopedia and dictionary. 20-year US military veteran. Married for 43 years to the same wonderful angel of a woman. Began writing a few years ago, but don't consider myself a professional author, just someone who's trying to tell a good story for others to enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 31, 2018
Interesting twist on a dragon tale. Hooper the pooper scooper is a dragon hater. Wild dragons killed his father and brother when Hooper was ten. Now Hooper has been given a ultimate gift of a dragon tear, which only once every two hundred years. Follow Hooper on his strange journey of coming of age.
July 6, 2020
This is a self-published book, and I don't read many of these, but the author's social media postings in the main character's POV caught my attention. I bought it, as my public library would not purchase it for its collection.
It's definitely a young adult book, as the main character, Hooper, is 16. He works in the dragon stables, slinging dragon poo and tending to Golden Wind's sprogs, or chicks. Hooper hates dragons -- with a passion. A dragon flamed and killed his family and left him scarred all over his back, part of his face, and on the back of a leg, so it hurts to move and do things an ordinary boy his age would be able to do. He resents dragons horribly for forcing him to eek by in the stables, wrangling with his hatred of that which ruined his life and now, miraculously, may offer redemption as well.
An old emerald dragon is led by the stables to be slaughtered by drogs, sort of trollish creatures, and the green dragon looks at Hooper, senses something in him, and gifts him an incredibly powerful and rare jewel -- a dragon's tear.
Golden Wind senses the gem, and knows the time has come to trust Hooper.
Hooper himself isn't sure what to make of the gem, as it gives him dreams of an evil elven woman, a witch or sorceress, who's coming to get him and it.
Men posing as Wilders, or bandits, but really from a rival house, try to steal Golden Wind from her rightful owner, Dracon Haus. Hooper teams up with Cara, whose father, Lord Lorell, owns Golden Wind and is a dragon rider in her own right, Master Phigby, a sorcerer who's befriended Hooper (sorta) and loans him books, and Helmar, the dragon stable master, to sneak Golden Wind out of the stable before she's caught and stolen. Hooper rescues the four chicks, as well.
When Hooper can't keep up, "running away from death is hard work," he says, Golden Wind lets him ride her, so they can all escape and run head long into a quest to find out who was really behind the attempt to steal Golden Wind and wipe out Dragon Haus.
This is a first book in a series, which has many, many sequels, so if you enjoy this one, drop me a line about the subsequent books! I'd be interested to hear what you think of them and what else happens to Hooper, as the book of course doesn't wrap up all the plots, and since I can't get them through my public library.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
It's definitely a young adult book, as the main character, Hooper, is 16. He works in the dragon stables, slinging dragon poo and tending to Golden Wind's sprogs, or chicks. Hooper hates dragons -- with a passion. A dragon flamed and killed his family and left him scarred all over his back, part of his face, and on the back of a leg, so it hurts to move and do things an ordinary boy his age would be able to do. He resents dragons horribly for forcing him to eek by in the stables, wrangling with his hatred of that which ruined his life and now, miraculously, may offer redemption as well.
An old emerald dragon is led by the stables to be slaughtered by drogs, sort of trollish creatures, and the green dragon looks at Hooper, senses something in him, and gifts him an incredibly powerful and rare jewel -- a dragon's tear.
Golden Wind senses the gem, and knows the time has come to trust Hooper.
Hooper himself isn't sure what to make of the gem, as it gives him dreams of an evil elven woman, a witch or sorceress, who's coming to get him and it.
Men posing as Wilders, or bandits, but really from a rival house, try to steal Golden Wind from her rightful owner, Dracon Haus. Hooper teams up with Cara, whose father, Lord Lorell, owns Golden Wind and is a dragon rider in her own right, Master Phigby, a sorcerer who's befriended Hooper (sorta) and loans him books, and Helmar, the dragon stable master, to sneak Golden Wind out of the stable before she's caught and stolen. Hooper rescues the four chicks, as well.
When Hooper can't keep up, "running away from death is hard work," he says, Golden Wind lets him ride her, so they can all escape and run head long into a quest to find out who was really behind the attempt to steal Golden Wind and wipe out Dragon Haus.
This is a first book in a series, which has many, many sequels, so if you enjoy this one, drop me a line about the subsequent books! I'd be interested to hear what you think of them and what else happens to Hooper, as the book of course doesn't wrap up all the plots, and since I can't get them through my public library.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
November 18, 2017
An epic adventure with plenty of action, well played characters, intricate story and an intriguing world. This first person narrative saga leads us on a journey with Hooper, a downcast stable hand and his rather reluctant quest.
I loved the fact that the author didn't simply make the characters meld together, even at the end. It made it more realistic to life and to the setting of a world where status is still heavily adhered to. It gives the book a dynamic play between characters, which a lot of stories tend to lack.
The portrayal of the dragons, as well as Scamper (Hooper's furry, non-dragon, animal friend), is beautifully written and adds a lot of depth to the tale even when they are not the focus in a scene.
When it comes to the world and setting Darby offers you enough to entice without giving everything away. It leaves you wanting to read more about the history and current dynamics that these characters and creatures inhabit. He does very well at leading you along different layers as the description needs. Yet you get the sense that he has so much more to show as this series unfolds and will undoubtedly progress.
As someone who reads 2-3 books a week I have to admit this one had me guessing in nearly all regards. As soon as I thought I might have figured something out there would be a twist that I hadn't seen coming. It really kept me in the same step as the characters instead of me simply reading to get through to find I was right anyway.
The only real con I have with this book (and why it gets 4 stars instead of five) is the fact that the author tends to repeat things that were just said a few paragraphs earlier. It is rather aggravating at times. However, the overall writing, including characters, plot, and setting, is far more than enough to make me over look this 'flaw'.
If you enjoy fantasies, dragons, convincing portrayals and engrossing story lines, then I highly recommend this book and will most certainly be looking into the rest of the series!
I loved the fact that the author didn't simply make the characters meld together, even at the end. It made it more realistic to life and to the setting of a world where status is still heavily adhered to. It gives the book a dynamic play between characters, which a lot of stories tend to lack.
The portrayal of the dragons, as well as Scamper (Hooper's furry, non-dragon, animal friend), is beautifully written and adds a lot of depth to the tale even when they are not the focus in a scene.
When it comes to the world and setting Darby offers you enough to entice without giving everything away. It leaves you wanting to read more about the history and current dynamics that these characters and creatures inhabit. He does very well at leading you along different layers as the description needs. Yet you get the sense that he has so much more to show as this series unfolds and will undoubtedly progress.
As someone who reads 2-3 books a week I have to admit this one had me guessing in nearly all regards. As soon as I thought I might have figured something out there would be a twist that I hadn't seen coming. It really kept me in the same step as the characters instead of me simply reading to get through to find I was right anyway.
The only real con I have with this book (and why it gets 4 stars instead of five) is the fact that the author tends to repeat things that were just said a few paragraphs earlier. It is rather aggravating at times. However, the overall writing, including characters, plot, and setting, is far more than enough to make me over look this 'flaw'.
If you enjoy fantasies, dragons, convincing portrayals and engrossing story lines, then I highly recommend this book and will most certainly be looking into the rest of the series!
January 2, 2022
Great for pre-teens, for adults less
On Audible it's often not clear from the book's title nor the publisher's summary nor the genre description who the book is aimed at. As a consequence, I end up with YA and (pre)teen novels far more often than I'd like, to my own disappointment (I'm a 40 something). For instance, according to Audible the genre of this novel is Sword & Sorcery. Which technically is correct, but they really should find a way to add some children's category to it.
(While writing this review I discovered a better way to check the genre: search the title on amazon, it tells you more about the several genres. For instance, this book has 3 listed genres, among which children's SF&F. Very enlightening.)
Anyway, that being said, for a pre-teen novel the story is fun I guess. For me however, it was too slow, too much explanatory repetition, and the MC was - again, to me - very annoying in all his repetitive whining. Which is why I ended up rating it only 2 stars.
But again, I guess to 10-15 year olds this might just be a grand adventure, receiving 5 stars left and right.
The narrator was not my favorite, he didn't sound strong enough, perhaps he could have projected more and put more power into his character voicing. I especially didn't like the way he voiced female characters, including the dragon, it was too soft in a weak way, for me.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I was not required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
On Audible it's often not clear from the book's title nor the publisher's summary nor the genre description who the book is aimed at. As a consequence, I end up with YA and (pre)teen novels far more often than I'd like, to my own disappointment (I'm a 40 something). For instance, according to Audible the genre of this novel is Sword & Sorcery. Which technically is correct, but they really should find a way to add some children's category to it.
(While writing this review I discovered a better way to check the genre: search the title on amazon, it tells you more about the several genres. For instance, this book has 3 listed genres, among which children's SF&F. Very enlightening.)
Anyway, that being said, for a pre-teen novel the story is fun I guess. For me however, it was too slow, too much explanatory repetition, and the MC was - again, to me - very annoying in all his repetitive whining. Which is why I ended up rating it only 2 stars.
But again, I guess to 10-15 year olds this might just be a grand adventure, receiving 5 stars left and right.
The narrator was not my favorite, he didn't sound strong enough, perhaps he could have projected more and put more power into his character voicing. I especially didn't like the way he voiced female characters, including the dragon, it was too soft in a weak way, for me.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I was not required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
September 27, 2019
This is a really well-done fantasy that follows a group of unlikely people and animals on a quest to save the world. Hooper, a boy who was physically hurt and lost his parents when dragons destroyed his home. He has been employed to work at a dragon farm where he cleans the pens. His only friend is an intelligent animal named Scamper. He finds himself on a quest after receiving the tear of a dragon. Included in the group is Cara, a girl he loves, but she is the daughter of the Baron and so far above his class. He is joined by Helmar, who is an apprentice to the Baron and a warrior. The town’s bookseller, Phigby, a man of mystery, becomes an important part of the group.
Their quest is to save the world from evil by not letting the golden dragon fall into the evil witch’s hands. Can they do it? With everyone against them, can they survive? The story reminded me of Tolkien’s world but not as a copy or in a bad way. It was just some elements which actually made me love the story more. This story can also be seen as a teaching story as each of the characters learn more about themselves and grow into fulfilling their destiny. Really loved this story and especially that it did not end in a cliffhanger but still leaves you wanting to know more.
Their quest is to save the world from evil by not letting the golden dragon fall into the evil witch’s hands. Can they do it? With everyone against them, can they survive? The story reminded me of Tolkien’s world but not as a copy or in a bad way. It was just some elements which actually made me love the story more. This story can also be seen as a teaching story as each of the characters learn more about themselves and grow into fulfilling their destiny. Really loved this story and especially that it did not end in a cliffhanger but still leaves you wanting to know more.
April 24, 2025
review for the 8 book series
'I got some mad to get rid of'….. I read this whole series, and I don’t do that unless I feel it’s worth it. That said, I have some issues. Too much non stop action especially in the first few books, to a point where I remember thinking, 'ok, now what..?' Character development stopped after 'their' book, and that was just sad. The slow burn romance between two main characters was just stunted. No heat, no passion, completely forgettable.. should have made them brother and sister, it would have more believable.
The ending was bad. Really bad. Eight books building characters, two pages of denouement, and then nothing? The ending is why I won’t read anymore by this author. Bada boom buh bye? I needed more. I read all 8, frankly I should have stopped, that’s how bad the ending was. Knowing how hard authors work, I gave this 4 stars mostly because I can’t bring myself to give less. But I was tempted….
'I got some mad to get rid of'….. I read this whole series, and I don’t do that unless I feel it’s worth it. That said, I have some issues. Too much non stop action especially in the first few books, to a point where I remember thinking, 'ok, now what..?' Character development stopped after 'their' book, and that was just sad. The slow burn romance between two main characters was just stunted. No heat, no passion, completely forgettable.. should have made them brother and sister, it would have more believable.
The ending was bad. Really bad. Eight books building characters, two pages of denouement, and then nothing? The ending is why I won’t read anymore by this author. Bada boom buh bye? I needed more. I read all 8, frankly I should have stopped, that’s how bad the ending was. Knowing how hard authors work, I gave this 4 stars mostly because I can’t bring myself to give less. But I was tempted….
May 11, 2021
A FANTASTIC FANTASY STORY!
Gary Darby has given us A FANTASTIC FANTASY STORY! I have never read so much Action in one story ... But there is a GREAT STORY being told with many emotional feelings being dealt with! I did feel that I was there, in this story, and was trying to help the Hero to see who he was and what he is capable of! I believe that we ALL are a Hero! This Book is worth your time to read and sure worth the price!! THANKS GARY DARBY!!
Gary Darby has given us A FANTASTIC FANTASY STORY! I have never read so much Action in one story ... But there is a GREAT STORY being told with many emotional feelings being dealt with! I did feel that I was there, in this story, and was trying to help the Hero to see who he was and what he is capable of! I believe that we ALL are a Hero! This Book is worth your time to read and sure worth the price!! THANKS GARY DARBY!!
December 18, 2025
Going back to rate the series
Action, adventure, emotions and loads of awesome content await you if you choose to engage with this book series. I have been sucked into another world (I'm currently on book 6) so I returned to rate this first book. There's something for everyone who is a fantasy fiction fan. Just be ready to put aside everyday tasks as these books will make everything else seem not as important. Fully endorse this book series. Gotta go, my next book awaits.
Action, adventure, emotions and loads of awesome content await you if you choose to engage with this book series. I have been sucked into another world (I'm currently on book 6) so I returned to rate this first book. There's something for everyone who is a fantasy fiction fan. Just be ready to put aside everyday tasks as these books will make everything else seem not as important. Fully endorse this book series. Gotta go, my next book awaits.
September 20, 2018
This is an excellent boy hates dragons,boy has to deal w/dragons story.Hooper is a stallboy tending dragons.When bad dragon riders come to wreak havoc Hooper finds himself in the center of the action.I found it a bit long.It was well written and Scott Glennon was a very good narator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
June 2, 2017
Blazing story has action and adventures.
I like this author and this saga. It has dramatic lines and realistic characters who are likable and fun. The story has good dialogue. It is a recommended book for lovers of dragon fantasies.
I like this author and this saga. It has dramatic lines and realistic characters who are likable and fun. The story has good dialogue. It is a recommended book for lovers of dragon fantasies.
November 6, 2018
How deep does self doubt run?
This is a great story. It is well written. It is an epic fantasy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. The main character deals with much self doubt and challenges. If you like dragons and adventure read this book.
This is a great story. It is well written. It is an epic fantasy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. The main character deals with much self doubt and challenges. If you like dragons and adventure read this book.
December 13, 2018
Very good fantasy
I really enjoyed reading about Hooper and the adventures he gets in to. I only gave the book 4 stars rather than 5 due to the amount of punctuation and grammar errors I continued to come across.
I really enjoyed reading about Hooper and the adventures he gets in to. I only gave the book 4 stars rather than 5 due to the amount of punctuation and grammar errors I continued to come across.
March 12, 2019
Hooper
From nothing to greatness. The least can give more if the spirit believes. Even when filled with fear Hooper realizes he holds the gift of life and success. He will lead with the dying year of a mighty Dragon
From nothing to greatness. The least can give more if the spirit believes. Even when filled with fear Hooper realizes he holds the gift of life and success. He will lead with the dying year of a mighty Dragon
September 10, 2017
If a dragon cries
This is a wonderful book that teens and adults a like would enjoy.
It made me feel like I was in the story and riding the dragons with them. Awesome book!
This is a wonderful book that teens and adults a like would enjoy.
It made me feel like I was in the story and riding the dragons with them. Awesome book!
September 10, 2018
Dungeon master
No matter how shifty your job in life how you live your life is what is important. Not how you look or where you originate.
No matter how shifty your job in life how you live your life is what is important. Not how you look or where you originate.
March 22, 2019
Really couldn’t get into the book. Maybe where my head is at right now?
September 22, 2020
On a scale of 1 to 10. this story was a 15. brilliant story that kept me hooked right to the end. I hope there will be more of hoopers story in another book one day.
September 3, 2024
Wow
I wasn't planning on reading this today but I couldn't stop reading! Good story about a nobody on his way to become a hero.
I wasn't planning on reading this today but I couldn't stop reading! Good story about a nobody on his way to become a hero.
April 3, 2025
fantasy
An epic beginning to a series about the battle between good and evil.
Dragons and a dog as important characters.
An epic beginning to a series about the battle between good and evil.
Dragons and a dog as important characters.
September 27, 2019
This is a really well-done fantasy that follows a group of unlikely people and animals on a quest to save the world. Hooper, a boy who was physically hurt and lost his parents when dragons destroyed his home. He has been employed to work at a dragon farm where he cleans the pens. His only friend is an intelligent animal named Scamper. He finds himself on a quest after receiving the tear of a dragon. Included in the group is Cara, a girl he loves, but she is the daughter of the Baron and so far above his class. He is joined by Helmar, who is an apprentice to the Baron and a warrior. The town’s bookseller, Phigby, a man of mystery, becomes an important part of the group.
Their quest is to save the world from evil by not letting the golden dragon fall into the evil witch’s hands. Can they do it? With everyone against them, can they survive? The story reminded me of Tolkien’s world but not as a copy or in a bad way. It was just some elements which actually made me love the story more. This story can also be seen as a teaching story as each of the characters learn more about themselves and grow into fulfilling their destiny. Really loved this story and especially that it did not end in a cliffhanger but still leaves you wanting to know more.
Their quest is to save the world from evil by not letting the golden dragon fall into the evil witch’s hands. Can they do it? With everyone against them, can they survive? The story reminded me of Tolkien’s world but not as a copy or in a bad way. It was just some elements which actually made me love the story more. This story can also be seen as a teaching story as each of the characters learn more about themselves and grow into fulfilling their destiny. Really loved this story and especially that it did not end in a cliffhanger but still leaves you wanting to know more.
November 1, 2016
"I start to reply but she shoves her muzzle so close that I’m staring up into her glistening nostrils. Please don’t sneeze, I think."
3.5 stars. Once Hooper emerges from his morose, self-absorbed earlier being, he's a good "everyman" and is, I'm sure, a welcome source of levity for his companions on their perilous journey. Or at least he should be, but they don't seem to appreciate his comments (life-and-death situations tend to damper one's sense of humor, I've found). Though I'm not the intended audience (prophecies make my eyes glaze over, even in Harry Potter, and I don't often stray towards quest books), I found the book full of gripping action in a world worth developing--good for young and old readers alike.
3.5 stars. Once Hooper emerges from his morose, self-absorbed earlier being, he's a good "everyman" and is, I'm sure, a welcome source of levity for his companions on their perilous journey. Or at least he should be, but they don't seem to appreciate his comments (life-and-death situations tend to damper one's sense of humor, I've found). Though I'm not the intended audience (prophecies make my eyes glaze over, even in Harry Potter, and I don't often stray towards quest books), I found the book full of gripping action in a world worth developing--good for young and old readers alike.
December 8, 2016
Terribly good.
I both liked and disliked this book greatly. On on hand the world, lore, and story are fascinating. I want to read more about dragons and the quest to fight Vay.
However, Hooper and his friends are annoying to an almost intolerable level. It doesn't matter how Hooper saves everyone or even takes an arrow for his friends , they refuse to treat him well or acknowledge him as a worthwhile person . He doesn't even like himself and that never changed no matter how many great deeds he did.
I would like to smack everyone in the head and I would have dumped this party 15 minutes into the adverture. I'm not sure even the setting will offset the level of rage on the characters personality conflicts to make reading a second book tolerable.
I both liked and disliked this book greatly. On on hand the world, lore, and story are fascinating. I want to read more about dragons and the quest to fight Vay.
However, Hooper and his friends are annoying to an almost intolerable level. It doesn't matter how Hooper saves everyone or even takes an arrow for his friends , they refuse to treat him well or acknowledge him as a worthwhile person . He doesn't even like himself and that never changed no matter how many great deeds he did.
I would like to smack everyone in the head and I would have dumped this party 15 minutes into the adverture. I'm not sure even the setting will offset the level of rage on the characters personality conflicts to make reading a second book tolerable.
January 5, 2017
Surprising plot twist
At first I hated the beginning due to my love for dragons. Then as I continued hoping it get better for the dragons it kind of did. Really hoping relationship between hooper and gold wind grow more deeper. Such a beautiful lovely female dragon hooper has and does not even know it. Best part of story is all female dragons that are in it lol. I hope more dragons can be freed and saved. So many plot twist I could not put book down. I was not wanting to sleep cause of getting to so many good parts but at last had to sleep so picked it up next day. Must get give it a try. Nothing good happens till like above 30% and a lot of dark moments or thoughts during the book.
At first I hated the beginning due to my love for dragons. Then as I continued hoping it get better for the dragons it kind of did. Really hoping relationship between hooper and gold wind grow more deeper. Such a beautiful lovely female dragon hooper has and does not even know it. Best part of story is all female dragons that are in it lol. I hope more dragons can be freed and saved. So many plot twist I could not put book down. I was not wanting to sleep cause of getting to so many good parts but at last had to sleep so picked it up next day. Must get give it a try. Nothing good happens till like above 30% and a lot of dark moments or thoughts during the book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews