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Dragons of Introvertia #1
Dragons of Introvertia
He's a quiet introvert. She's a brilliant blabbermouth. Can they work together to save the dragons and stop a war without annoying each other to death?Introvertia is – get ready for this – a kingdom full of introverts. People there enjoy reading, spending time at home or with one or two friends, and eating good food; you know how it goes. Small talk is explicitly banned in the constitution and no one will mind if you spend the entire day in the Reading Square with a good book. I bet you'd love it there.
Fifteen-year-old Eza Skywing is training to join the Rangers, the kingdom's legendary protectors – the ones who can talk to dragons! He's just finished his Year of Silence, the final step before getting a dragon of his very own, only to be devastated when he learns that hundreds of dragons have gone missing and there are none for his class at the Dragon Academy! What could possibly have happened?
Fifty miles away, on the far side of the Very Large Forest, the brilliant Cammie Ravenwood has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She loves living in Exclaimovia, with all its loud parties and chaotic streets and constant interruptions – although she hates the way people look at her sideways when she wants some time alone, in silence. That stings, but what could she do...flee to Introvertia?
Everything changes for Cammie when she learns a horrible her people have stolen Introvertia's dragons and are planning to start a war. Her father, a famous general, will be thrown into danger again. There's no way Cammie will let that happen, so she does the unthinkable. She sets off for Introvertia, desperate to find someone who will help her.
In the Very Large Forest she meets Eza, and the two of them immediately discover why their kingdoms have been bitter enemies for thousands of years. It's up to them to find the stolen dragons and stop the war...if they don't annoy each other to death in the process! Yet they find that there are forces behind the scenes more sinister than anything they ever suspected - and that both Exclaimovia and Introvertia may merely be pawns in an even bigger scheme...
Dragons of Introvertia is a young adult series like no other. It's optimistic in tone, a deliberate push-back against all the bleak, dismal, and dystopian young-adult fantasy that seems to be everywhere these days. It also highlights the introvert experience, letting introverts of all ages know that they're awesome because of who they are. (Our ideal reader is a teenage introvert who flips the pages and exclaims, “Wow! There's a word for people like me!”) It also hits on big issues, like mental illness, losing a parent, war and its effects on normal people, and staying positive when everything looks impossible. There's humor, adventure, magic, and dragons...what more could you want?
Buy Dragons of Introvertia for an exciting adventure today!
Fifteen-year-old Eza Skywing is training to join the Rangers, the kingdom's legendary protectors – the ones who can talk to dragons! He's just finished his Year of Silence, the final step before getting a dragon of his very own, only to be devastated when he learns that hundreds of dragons have gone missing and there are none for his class at the Dragon Academy! What could possibly have happened?
Fifty miles away, on the far side of the Very Large Forest, the brilliant Cammie Ravenwood has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She loves living in Exclaimovia, with all its loud parties and chaotic streets and constant interruptions – although she hates the way people look at her sideways when she wants some time alone, in silence. That stings, but what could she do...flee to Introvertia?
Everything changes for Cammie when she learns a horrible her people have stolen Introvertia's dragons and are planning to start a war. Her father, a famous general, will be thrown into danger again. There's no way Cammie will let that happen, so she does the unthinkable. She sets off for Introvertia, desperate to find someone who will help her.
In the Very Large Forest she meets Eza, and the two of them immediately discover why their kingdoms have been bitter enemies for thousands of years. It's up to them to find the stolen dragons and stop the war...if they don't annoy each other to death in the process! Yet they find that there are forces behind the scenes more sinister than anything they ever suspected - and that both Exclaimovia and Introvertia may merely be pawns in an even bigger scheme...
Dragons of Introvertia is a young adult series like no other. It's optimistic in tone, a deliberate push-back against all the bleak, dismal, and dystopian young-adult fantasy that seems to be everywhere these days. It also highlights the introvert experience, letting introverts of all ages know that they're awesome because of who they are. (Our ideal reader is a teenage introvert who flips the pages and exclaims, “Wow! There's a word for people like me!”) It also hits on big issues, like mental illness, losing a parent, war and its effects on normal people, and staying positive when everything looks impossible. There's humor, adventure, magic, and dragons...what more could you want?
Buy Dragons of Introvertia for an exciting adventure today!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2020
56 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 17, 2023
Based on how I felt about the title, I enjoyed this exactly as much as I knew I would. Dragons, an entire kingdom where no one interupts while you're reading, and a fantasy adventure--what more could a girl ask for? Looking forward to checking out more from this author.
April 19, 2023
When a friend recently recommended Dragons of Introvertia by James and Bit Barringer, I was intrigued, and when I saw that it is considered “optimistic fantasy” I immediately started listening to the audiobook. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the book, and I think we need more optimistic fantasy stories in the world.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the way Eza and Cammie, two teenagers from opposing kingdoms, found joy in their differences. The two frequently joked that they were rubbing off on one another, and I enjoyed the way they appreciated each other’s culture, even though they were not familiar or comfortable with it.
Similarly, I love the fact that Eza’s kingdom, Introvertia, focuses on active listening and empathy. The idea of a culture based on these key communication skills is enthralling, and it made me wonder what kind of place we would be living in if our world was a little more like that.
Additionally, I know the book is technically labeled as young adult, but it certainly reads more like middle grade, but regardless, I enjoyed it.
Finally, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Chris Jackman, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I finished it in under two days. If I had not already known that this was the first book Jackman narrated, I certainly would never have guessed it. I appreciated the way he gave each character unique intonations. Oftentimes, I think the best audiobooks have narrators where you can hear that they are excited to be telling the story, and this book was a perfect example of that. It seemed like Jackman had fun narrating, which made me have fun listening.
As a whole, I would definitely recommend this novel, especially for anyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy. I think the audiobook specifically would be a great way to encourage reading within children who are in middle school.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the way Eza and Cammie, two teenagers from opposing kingdoms, found joy in their differences. The two frequently joked that they were rubbing off on one another, and I enjoyed the way they appreciated each other’s culture, even though they were not familiar or comfortable with it.
Similarly, I love the fact that Eza’s kingdom, Introvertia, focuses on active listening and empathy. The idea of a culture based on these key communication skills is enthralling, and it made me wonder what kind of place we would be living in if our world was a little more like that.
Additionally, I know the book is technically labeled as young adult, but it certainly reads more like middle grade, but regardless, I enjoyed it.
Finally, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Chris Jackman, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I finished it in under two days. If I had not already known that this was the first book Jackman narrated, I certainly would never have guessed it. I appreciated the way he gave each character unique intonations. Oftentimes, I think the best audiobooks have narrators where you can hear that they are excited to be telling the story, and this book was a perfect example of that. It seemed like Jackman had fun narrating, which made me have fun listening.
As a whole, I would definitely recommend this novel, especially for anyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy. I think the audiobook specifically would be a great way to encourage reading within children who are in middle school.
June 12, 2021
This fantasy is different from any other I've ever read. The characters are focused on their differences at first, but then come together to find common ground and strength together to solve the troubles facing them. It's a cleverly written book that allows children (and adults) to recognise themselves and their personalities in the characters. Eza Skywing is an Introvert. His friend, Cammie is both introvert and extrovert, not feeling as though she really fits in. As a member of the Dragon Acadamy, Eza was supposed to receive a dragon, but we quickly learn the dragons have been stolen, and Eza and Cammie are determined to find out why and where they went. The way this story develops allows for a great deal of personal growth for the characters and gives us all a great insight into how different people view life, and its events.
I can see kids being able to relate so well to these characters. I love the way the main characters learn so much about themselves throughout the story.
It's well written and well edited. A great story with a wonderful fantasy world that comes alive as you read. Great descriptions and I especially loved the conclusion of the mystery of the missing dragons. Don't want to give away any secrets so you'll have to read the book to discover the outcome.
I can see kids being able to relate so well to these characters. I love the way the main characters learn so much about themselves throughout the story.
It's well written and well edited. A great story with a wonderful fantasy world that comes alive as you read. Great descriptions and I especially loved the conclusion of the mystery of the missing dragons. Don't want to give away any secrets so you'll have to read the book to discover the outcome.
April 10, 2023
This book was genius, and I could hardly put it down. Two kingdoms, Exclaimovia and Introvertia, are about as opposite as you can imagine, but a plot involving missing dragons brings together a teenager from each kingdom to prevent a war. The two are quite opposites, which makes their interactions fun, but I also loved to see how they both challenged each other. There was also a huge emphasis on kindness and empathy, far more than I am used to seeing in middle-grade books with their focus on action. There was still plenty of action though.
I also want to give a shout-out to the narrator, Chris Jackman. This is his debut audiobook, and the quality was fantastic. His character voicings were also particularly well done. I could listen to him read all day.
I received a free audio ARC from the narrator and have reviewed it willingly.
I also want to give a shout-out to the narrator, Chris Jackman. This is his debut audiobook, and the quality was fantastic. His character voicings were also particularly well done. I could listen to him read all day.
I received a free audio ARC from the narrator and have reviewed it willingly.
July 1, 2021
What a clever and fun book! I’d recommend this upbeat, playful read for anyone who’s an introvert or knows one…so, just about everyone. The book highlights the very special gifts and qualities that come with being an introvert. Plus it has dragons and magic. Everything’s better with dragons and magic.
May 7, 2025
From the Amazon review and synopsis: He's a quiet introvert. She's a brilliant blabbermouth. Can they work together to save the dragons and stop a war without annoying each other to death?
Introvertia is – get ready for this – a kingdom full of introverts. People there enjoy reading, spending time at home or with one or two friends, and eating good food; you know how it goes. Small talk is explicitly banned in the constitution and no one will mind if you spend the entire day in the Reading Square with a good book. I bet you'd love it there.
Fifteen-year-old Eza Skywing is training to join the Rangers, the kingdom's legendary protectors – the ones who can talk to dragons! He's just finished his Year of Silence, the final step before getting a dragon of his very own, only to be devastated when he learns that hundreds of dragons have gone missing and there are none for his class at the Dragon Academy! What could possibly have happened?
Fifty miles away, on the far side of the Very Large Forest, the brilliant Cammie Ravenwood has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She loves living in Exclaimovia, with all its loud parties and chaotic streets and constant interruptions – although she hates the way people look at her sideways when she wants some time alone, in silence. That stings, but what could she do...flee to Introvertia?
Everything changes for Cammie when she learns a horrible secret: her people have stolen Introvertia's dragons and are planning to start a war. Her father, a famous general, will be thrown into danger again. There's no way Cammie will let that happen, so she does the unthinkable. She sets off for Introvertia, desperate to find someone who will help her.
In the Very Large Forest she meets Eza, and the two of them immediately discover why their kingdoms have been bitter enemies for thousands of years. It's up to them to find the stolen dragons and stop the war...if they don't annoy each other to death in the process! Yet they find that there are forces behind the scenes more sinister than anything they ever suspected - and that both Exclaimovia and Introvertia may merely be pawns in an even bigger scheme...
Dragons of Introvertia is a young adult series like no other. It's optimistic in tone, a deliberate push-back against all the bleak, dismal, and dystopian young-adult fantasy that seems to be everywhere these days. It also highlights the introvert experience, letting introverts of all ages know that they're awesome because of who they are. (Our ideal reader is a teenage introvert who flips the pages and exclaims, “Wow! There's a word for people like me!”) It also hits on big issues, like mental illness, losing a parent, war and its effects on normal people, and staying positive when everything looks impossible. There's humor, adventure, magic, and dragons...what more could you want?
I totally agree with this review. I know "Surprise!" Right?
I actually enjoyed listening to this audiobook and am a little disappointed none of the others are available with audio narration.
Introvertia is – get ready for this – a kingdom full of introverts. People there enjoy reading, spending time at home or with one or two friends, and eating good food; you know how it goes. Small talk is explicitly banned in the constitution and no one will mind if you spend the entire day in the Reading Square with a good book. I bet you'd love it there.
Fifteen-year-old Eza Skywing is training to join the Rangers, the kingdom's legendary protectors – the ones who can talk to dragons! He's just finished his Year of Silence, the final step before getting a dragon of his very own, only to be devastated when he learns that hundreds of dragons have gone missing and there are none for his class at the Dragon Academy! What could possibly have happened?
Fifty miles away, on the far side of the Very Large Forest, the brilliant Cammie Ravenwood has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She loves living in Exclaimovia, with all its loud parties and chaotic streets and constant interruptions – although she hates the way people look at her sideways when she wants some time alone, in silence. That stings, but what could she do...flee to Introvertia?
Everything changes for Cammie when she learns a horrible secret: her people have stolen Introvertia's dragons and are planning to start a war. Her father, a famous general, will be thrown into danger again. There's no way Cammie will let that happen, so she does the unthinkable. She sets off for Introvertia, desperate to find someone who will help her.
In the Very Large Forest she meets Eza, and the two of them immediately discover why their kingdoms have been bitter enemies for thousands of years. It's up to them to find the stolen dragons and stop the war...if they don't annoy each other to death in the process! Yet they find that there are forces behind the scenes more sinister than anything they ever suspected - and that both Exclaimovia and Introvertia may merely be pawns in an even bigger scheme...
Dragons of Introvertia is a young adult series like no other. It's optimistic in tone, a deliberate push-back against all the bleak, dismal, and dystopian young-adult fantasy that seems to be everywhere these days. It also highlights the introvert experience, letting introverts of all ages know that they're awesome because of who they are. (Our ideal reader is a teenage introvert who flips the pages and exclaims, “Wow! There's a word for people like me!”) It also hits on big issues, like mental illness, losing a parent, war and its effects on normal people, and staying positive when everything looks impossible. There's humor, adventure, magic, and dragons...what more could you want?
I totally agree with this review. I know "Surprise!" Right?
I actually enjoyed listening to this audiobook and am a little disappointed none of the others are available with audio narration.
August 31, 2023
A great Christmas present for a niece - don't tell her!
I think I found the perfect present for one of my nieces: a great story with an important message.
A boy and a girl, and who cares what others assume... Hundreds of missing dragons, so there aren't any for Introvertian Ranger Cadet Ezalem Skywing... An overheard conversation by Cammie, daughter of a renowned but retired Extravertian General: they want him back, because they stole the dragons, and that will mean war...
Eza is on a training exercise, scouting towards Extrovertia but with the puzzle of the dragons front and centre. Cammie is on her own mission to meet an Introvertian, but has her own agenda in relation to the stolen dragons. It is inevitable that the meet. It is inevitable that there will be conflict. But really they both want the same thing.
Though Eza is accompanied by his family dragon, Neemie, who starts to grow on Cammie.
The authors are a couple, writer and artist, who may just have a bit of Eza and Cammie in them. The book, now a nine book series, started as a joke - as the country names may suggest - and light tongue-in-cheek humour pervades the book. The main characters are well drawn, with the two protagonists eschewing the clichéd caricatures of their kingdoms.
This is the best book I've read this year, and I read hundreds a year. It is a wonderful, optimistic story for young people from 9 to 99, with a lot for us to learn from its hero and heroine.
The book will be accessible and characters recognisable for any who have ever had a label applied to them, or someone they love: whether diagnosis or spectrum, or name-calling. It teaches us the social skills we need to get along in a world that is increasingly dividing us with burgeoning labels and asserted rights.
This is illustrated well by our protagonists recognition of one of the unwritten laws of Extravertia: "Be different, as long as it's the same different as everyone else." It helps us see through the different ideas of political correctness of our various societies, and sort through our cultural baggage to understand each other as individuals despite the social strictures that bind us.
But whereas so much more speculative fiction, and even children's literature depressing self-serving and pessimistic, this is "An Optimistic Young Adult Fantasy Series".
It deserves every one of the 5 out of 5 stars that I award it without any hesitation or reservation.
I think I found the perfect present for one of my nieces: a great story with an important message.
A boy and a girl, and who cares what others assume... Hundreds of missing dragons, so there aren't any for Introvertian Ranger Cadet Ezalem Skywing... An overheard conversation by Cammie, daughter of a renowned but retired Extravertian General: they want him back, because they stole the dragons, and that will mean war...
Eza is on a training exercise, scouting towards Extrovertia but with the puzzle of the dragons front and centre. Cammie is on her own mission to meet an Introvertian, but has her own agenda in relation to the stolen dragons. It is inevitable that the meet. It is inevitable that there will be conflict. But really they both want the same thing.
Though Eza is accompanied by his family dragon, Neemie, who starts to grow on Cammie.
The authors are a couple, writer and artist, who may just have a bit of Eza and Cammie in them. The book, now a nine book series, started as a joke - as the country names may suggest - and light tongue-in-cheek humour pervades the book. The main characters are well drawn, with the two protagonists eschewing the clichéd caricatures of their kingdoms.
This is the best book I've read this year, and I read hundreds a year. It is a wonderful, optimistic story for young people from 9 to 99, with a lot for us to learn from its hero and heroine.
The book will be accessible and characters recognisable for any who have ever had a label applied to them, or someone they love: whether diagnosis or spectrum, or name-calling. It teaches us the social skills we need to get along in a world that is increasingly dividing us with burgeoning labels and asserted rights.
This is illustrated well by our protagonists recognition of one of the unwritten laws of Extravertia: "Be different, as long as it's the same different as everyone else." It helps us see through the different ideas of political correctness of our various societies, and sort through our cultural baggage to understand each other as individuals despite the social strictures that bind us.
But whereas so much more speculative fiction, and even children's literature depressing self-serving and pessimistic, this is "An Optimistic Young Adult Fantasy Series".
It deserves every one of the 5 out of 5 stars that I award it without any hesitation or reservation.
May 10, 2024
Eza loves his quiet home of Introvertia, but when Cammie, an outspoken girl of Exclaimovia - who is beginning to question her place amongst other extroverts - reveals that her kingdom has stolen his land's dragons, they must work together to save the creatures before their disappearance starts a war. Barringer and Barringer offer young fantasy fans a decently entertaining adventure headed by a quite likeable duo and full of promising lore, though shaky in its pacing and darker tones. Can Cammie and Eza overcome their cultural differences to save their homes in time?
February 28, 2024
I love these kinds of fantasy novels that can sell themselves solely on their premise, and I have to say this book did not disappoint. This book definitely speaks to the introvert experience.
Aside from its really interesting premise, one notable thing I appreciate is how the story subverts the whole "magic and swords" trope, as both protagonists get to practice their own kind(s) of magic.
Aside from its really interesting premise, one notable thing I appreciate is how the story subverts the whole "magic and swords" trope, as both protagonists get to practice their own kind(s) of magic.
June 9, 2021
Surprising
The title was misleading, I thought that this book was more or less, a joke. Once I got into it, I thouroghly enjoyed it. This fantasy book has a few cliches, such as the two main characters being opposites. Either way I recommend this book.
The title was misleading, I thought that this book was more or less, a joke. Once I got into it, I thouroghly enjoyed it. This fantasy book has a few cliches, such as the two main characters being opposites. Either way I recommend this book.
July 19, 2021
A land divided by personality types isn’t enough to keep two opposites from teaming together to do the right thing. This story is full of action, adventure and magic; and appealing to young teen readers who love conflict and dragons!
May 6, 2024
Teen fantasy
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get into this book, it grew on me even though I am far being a teenager! It was a fun read and the two main characters quit likeable, aside from all of Cammies shouting.
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get into this book, it grew on me even though I am far being a teenager! It was a fun read and the two main characters quit likeable, aside from all of Cammies shouting.
August 23, 2023
The Dragons of Introvertia is a cute story that didn't quite seem to know what it wanted to be. The characters act and talk as if they are far younger than they are. At times, it seems like the story wants to be a fun, middle grade silly story exaggerating the differences between introverts and extraverts. However, at other times it seemed to want to be a story for older readers and tried to delve into more complex adventures.
I saw someone else call it "How to Train Your Dragon but sweeter" and I would have to agree with that assessment.
The main characters each come from opposite sides of the map in terms of culture, family, and general customs. It is fun to see them interact and learn that their family's way of doing things is not the only way to do things.
I will say that the authors seemed to be clearly biased towards introverts, as Introvertia and Introvertians are portrayed far more kindly than the Exclamovians, as if the authors were having a hard time coming up with annoying things or flaws with the Introvertian culture.
The dragons were cool, but I would have liked some more time with them. When a book has the word "dragons" in the title and the first few pages promised me interaction between humans and dragons, and then the dragons were quickly sidelined and the few that made it into the story didn't do much, it was a little disappointing.
There were a few questions I was left with, but as this is the first book in the series, I'm not expecting all the questions to be answered.
The narration of this book is quite good. The narrator has a very soothing voice, which is always nice. He also does all the different voices, something I always appreciate.
Overall, it was good clean fun and I will probably try to snag a copy of the next book when it comes out.
I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I saw someone else call it "How to Train Your Dragon but sweeter" and I would have to agree with that assessment.
The main characters each come from opposite sides of the map in terms of culture, family, and general customs. It is fun to see them interact and learn that their family's way of doing things is not the only way to do things.
I will say that the authors seemed to be clearly biased towards introverts, as Introvertia and Introvertians are portrayed far more kindly than the Exclamovians, as if the authors were having a hard time coming up with annoying things or flaws with the Introvertian culture.
The dragons were cool, but I would have liked some more time with them. When a book has the word "dragons" in the title and the first few pages promised me interaction between humans and dragons, and then the dragons were quickly sidelined and the few that made it into the story didn't do much, it was a little disappointing.
There were a few questions I was left with, but as this is the first book in the series, I'm not expecting all the questions to be answered.
The narration of this book is quite good. The narrator has a very soothing voice, which is always nice. He also does all the different voices, something I always appreciate.
Overall, it was good clean fun and I will probably try to snag a copy of the next book when it comes out.
I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
interesting concept and the book was over all pretty good. I wasn't a massive fan of how much all the adults were obsessed with a relationship between them though. it just makes me cringe whenever adults are/are written with an obsession with kids love lives. like it's 2022 can boys and girls please be friends without it being a big ordeal
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews