What do you think?
Rate this book
Dauntless Path #1.7
The Tears of a Dragon
Sometimes even fire-breathing apex predators need a helping hand.
Whether it’s rescuing strays or feeding a furry friend in need, Bean knows animals deserve friendship just as much as humans. (Possibly more.) So when a troop of visiting soldiers plans to use a baby dragon as bait to kill its mother, Bean knows it's up to her to stop them.
But facing a squad of fighters and the mage leading them is bigger than Bean’s usual rescues. Good thing she has a squad of her own: her fierce and practical older sister Rae, and Niya, her middle sister with a secret magical talent up her sleeve. A totally mighty team - so long as her big sisters understand this is Bean’s mission, one she won't give up even if it's dangerous. Even if the plan goes wrong.
And if she actually frees the hatchling? Maybe her siblings will finally notice what Bean's been trying to show them for ages: their little sister isn't so little anymore.
This short story in the Dauntless Path world takes place between The Bone Knife (#1.5) and The Theft of Sunlight (Book 2), but can be read out of order, whenever makes your heart happy!
Whether it’s rescuing strays or feeding a furry friend in need, Bean knows animals deserve friendship just as much as humans. (Possibly more.) So when a troop of visiting soldiers plans to use a baby dragon as bait to kill its mother, Bean knows it's up to her to stop them.
But facing a squad of fighters and the mage leading them is bigger than Bean’s usual rescues. Good thing she has a squad of her own: her fierce and practical older sister Rae, and Niya, her middle sister with a secret magical talent up her sleeve. A totally mighty team - so long as her big sisters understand this is Bean’s mission, one she won't give up even if it's dangerous. Even if the plan goes wrong.
And if she actually frees the hatchling? Maybe her siblings will finally notice what Bean's been trying to show them for ages: their little sister isn't so little anymore.
This short story in the Dauntless Path world takes place between The Bone Knife (#1.5) and The Theft of Sunlight (Book 2), but can be read out of order, whenever makes your heart happy!
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2023
27 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Intisar Khanani
18 books2,500 followersIntisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 23, 2023
4.5 stars for this lovely prequel short story, which is placed in-between the other prequel short story, The Bone Knife, and the first book in the Dauntless Path series, and has as its protagonist the youngest and spunkiest of the three sisters, Bean.
You probably recall that it was mentioned quite a few times in the main books that Bean girl shouted a dragon out of the sky, right? This little book tells the story of how that happened. Avoiding spoilers completely, the plot is essentially about saving dragons from their pursuers and how that led to Bean acquiring the animal empath-like magic she possesses. It's funny, daring, and ultimately sweet. Bean has quite the solid sense of right and wrong, and a personality that is even braver than Rae's, although she is also more of a trial on your nerves and patience.
It's a satisfying elaboration on that incident, and now, greedy fan of Intisar's writing that I am, I am thinking there needs be another little side short story, maybe one that is a sequel and involves a certain faerie... One can dream!
You probably recall that it was mentioned quite a few times in the main books that Bean girl shouted a dragon out of the sky, right? This little book tells the story of how that happened. Avoiding spoilers completely, the plot is essentially about saving dragons from their pursuers and how that led to Bean acquiring the animal empath-like magic she possesses. It's funny, daring, and ultimately sweet. Bean has quite the solid sense of right and wrong, and a personality that is even braver than Rae's, although she is also more of a trial on your nerves and patience.
It's a satisfying elaboration on that incident, and now, greedy fan of Intisar's writing that I am, I am thinking there needs be another little side short story, maybe one that is a sequel and involves a certain faerie... One can dream!
September 28, 2024
Lovely short story inbetween Thorn and The Theft of Sunlight in the Dauntless Path books by Intisar Khanani. I love these sisters and this one featured the youngest Bean.
July 24, 2025
Ramona Qimby meets a dragon
OK, that title is a lie. Intisar Khanani's The Tears of a Dragon is not really about Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby meeting a dragon.
Or is it?
The Tears of a Dragon is a novella in Khanani's Dauntless Path series. It immediately follows The Bone Knife. Both stories concern a family in rural Menaiya. The father trains horses and has three daughters: Niya, Rae, and Bean. Bean, the putative Ramona of this family, is the youngest. In The Bone Knife the sisters helped a visiting Elf, Genno Stonmane, and he gave each of them a gift. Bean's gift was a small stone horse, which she wears on a thong around her neck.
A troop of soldiers visits their village, and the gossip is that they have captured a baby dragon, whom they plan to use as bait to kill the mother. Bean is outraged and drags her sisters into a ill-planned raid to rescue the baby dragon.
It's a good little story. Since Cleary is no longer with us, it's nice to be reminded of Ramona.
Blog review.
OK, that title is a lie. Intisar Khanani's The Tears of a Dragon is not really about Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby meeting a dragon.
Or is it?
The Tears of a Dragon is a novella in Khanani's Dauntless Path series. It immediately follows The Bone Knife. Both stories concern a family in rural Menaiya. The father trains horses and has three daughters: Niya, Rae, and Bean. Bean, the putative Ramona of this family, is the youngest. In The Bone Knife the sisters helped a visiting Elf, Genno Stonmane, and he gave each of them a gift. Bean's gift was a small stone horse, which she wears on a thong around her neck.
A troop of soldiers visits their village, and the gossip is that they have captured a baby dragon, whom they plan to use as bait to kill the mother. Bean is outraged and drags her sisters into a ill-planned raid to rescue the baby dragon.
It's a good little story. Since Cleary is no longer with us, it's nice to be reminded of Ramona.
Blog review.
November 12, 2025
short and sweet!
This was rly fun and lighthearted! I liked meeting Bean and her sisters and I’m excited to meet them later in the series.
This was rly fun and lighthearted! I liked meeting Bean and her sisters and I’m excited to meet them later in the series.
March 7, 2023
It was a joy to return to one of my favorite fantastical worlds. I loved seeing how Bean shouted a dragon from the sky—and the bit about talking to animals cracked me up. I need more from this world, please and thank you <3
February 26, 2023
Ahhh I love this universe and it was great to get time with bean and see where her gift with animals lies 💙
November 28, 2022
This was adorable!! And now I badly want a story about Bean going on her own adventure with a dragon 🥺
January 10, 2023
Oh Bean, you're fabulous. Bean shouting a dragon out of the sky is mentioned a few times in the Dauntless Path books and I'm so happy to finally have the full tale! A brilliant little short story set in the world I love so much
March 14, 2023
Dragons!
A story from Bean's (Niya's and Rae's sister) viewpoint. It occurs after the faerie have visited and noticed Niya (The Bone Knife) and before Rae leaves for the court The Theft of Sunlight.
Sets up a strong love/affinity for animals to begin with and then explains her animal magic.
Love her sense of justice.
Also like the sister solidarity shown in the story.
A story from Bean's (Niya's and Rae's sister) viewpoint. It occurs after the faerie have visited and noticed Niya (The Bone Knife) and before Rae leaves for the court The Theft of Sunlight.
Sets up a strong love/affinity for animals to begin with and then explains her animal magic.
Love her sense of justice.
Also like the sister solidarity shown in the story.
December 13, 2022
Such a fun book! Loved seeing more of Bean and the magic!
January 12, 2023
Intisar continues to delight me with her Dauntless Path world, and I am always here for it!
December 17, 2022
THE TEARS OF A DRAGON was a short story unlocked as a stretch goal for A DARKNESS AT THE DOOR audiobook (etc) kickstarter. It recounts a tale referenced a few times in the Rae duology about Rae's utterly fearless younger sister, Bean.
This is a story about Bean leading the charge to rescue dragons when a mage and royal soldiers capture a baby dragon in order to snare the mother. And animal lover Bean is absolutely not standing for that outrage. It's a story of courage and kindness, fitting right in with the rest of the series, but just bringing a mythical creature into play!
Bean is the youngest sister by a fair bit and this book captures that younger voice so well, and the frustrations of being the youngest. Alyrra and Rae are teens who are almost adults with a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, and their voices reflect that. Such a distinct voice here really helps separate the narrators.
This is a story about Bean leading the charge to rescue dragons when a mage and royal soldiers capture a baby dragon in order to snare the mother. And animal lover Bean is absolutely not standing for that outrage. It's a story of courage and kindness, fitting right in with the rest of the series, but just bringing a mythical creature into play!
Bean is the youngest sister by a fair bit and this book captures that younger voice so well, and the frustrations of being the youngest. Alyrra and Rae are teens who are almost adults with a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, and their voices reflect that. Such a distinct voice here really helps separate the narrators.
May 1, 2024
4 Stars
I read this after book 2, and I am glad I did because I already knew the sisters well. Bean was so sweet and brave in this novella and it was nice getting to know her a bit more and finding out how she has such a way with animals! Loved the dragons too!
I read this after book 2, and I am glad I did because I already knew the sisters well. Bean was so sweet and brave in this novella and it was nice getting to know her a bit more and finding out how she has such a way with animals! Loved the dragons too!
March 13, 2023
A cute story set after the events of The Bone Knife. It was nice to dip back into this world and see Bean get her time in the spotlight <3
January 22, 2023
I had the honor of beta reading this story, but I also just read the final version last night as a delightful break in some longer books that I'm currently enjoying. Short, uplifting, and delightful, Bean's story is long enough to be satisfying but quick enough to finish in a single sitting. Perfect to go with a hot cup of tea and a snack!
January 25, 2023
I absolutely loved this beautiful little story! Bean is an awesome character, and it was delightful to hear her tell about her dragon adventure in her own voice. This book fully lives up to the quality of the Dauntless Path series it's in, and that's saying a lot. (But though it's attached to the series, it can stand on its own, so don't worry about not understanding it if you haven't read the others. However, definitely read them all!) I highly recommend The Tears of a Dragon to anyone who enjoys fantasy or just well-developed characters in a thoroughly well-designed world. Grab your copy now - you won't regret it!
December 13, 2022
I loved reading this story from Bean's perspective! The relationship between the three sisters in the family is one of my favorite things about this series and this book was a wonderful glimpse into that. Great little addition to the series and a must read if you are a fan.
August 13, 2023
CW: Animal endangerment
Read
December 20, 2023i am consuming as much intisar khanani as i can
December 13, 2022
Loved this delightful little short story.
February 24, 2023
Ah Bean.... I want a whole book of you, spunky girl.
July 24, 2023
I finally got a chance to sit down and read this lovely story about Rey's youngest sister Bean and the time she shouted a dragon out of the sky.
This short story was written in Bean's first person perspective and the telling shown as a result. She effectively came across as the youngest sister who is always trying to prove herself, but at the same time still has the carelessness of youth inside. It was fun to read and I thought that Intisar balanced Bean's two sides very well as the story progressed.
It's been a while since I've read The Dauntless Path and The Bone Knife, so I don't remember how old Bean is supposed to be, so sometimes some of the beautiful yet more advanced words Bean uses made me question her age. There was also one comment made by Rey that pulled me out of the story because it (for me) came across as a plot device and not natural to her character, but it was minor and easily missed by how engaging the story is.
I loved the dragons in the story. Intisar treats them as real, living creatures with personality and majesty instead of a simple cardboard friend or foe. Their magic fits the land and story.
I will certainly read more by Intisar Khanani whether short or long. The world she has developed is so rich with life and much story protential.
This short story was written in Bean's first person perspective and the telling shown as a result. She effectively came across as the youngest sister who is always trying to prove herself, but at the same time still has the carelessness of youth inside. It was fun to read and I thought that Intisar balanced Bean's two sides very well as the story progressed.
It's been a while since I've read The Dauntless Path and The Bone Knife, so I don't remember how old Bean is supposed to be, so sometimes some of the beautiful yet more advanced words Bean uses made me question her age. There was also one comment made by Rey that pulled me out of the story because it (for me) came across as a plot device and not natural to her character, but it was minor and easily missed by how engaging the story is.
I loved the dragons in the story. Intisar treats them as real, living creatures with personality and majesty instead of a simple cardboard friend or foe. Their magic fits the land and story.
I will certainly read more by Intisar Khanani whether short or long. The world she has developed is so rich with life and much story protential.
Read
January 19, 2023So lovely to get a new short story set in this world! This one takes place before The Theft of Sunlight and focuses on Bean, Rae's little sister. It's a short story about helping a dragon, which is a plot I can get behind. It was great to spend more time with this group of sisters, even if the feel is a bit different from the ones with Rae because of a younger main character.
I don't feel like you need to read any of the novels before reading this one, but I do think it'll work better if you first read the previous short story focusing on this family, The Bone Knife. They work well together with the first one introducing the family better, and there are some call-backs. All in all I find the short stories lighter in tone than the novels which delve on more hard-hitting topics. (The novels should get more love, btw, go read them!)
I don't feel like you need to read any of the novels before reading this one, but I do think it'll work better if you first read the previous short story focusing on this family, The Bone Knife. They work well together with the first one introducing the family better, and there are some call-backs. All in all I find the short stories lighter in tone than the novels which delve on more hard-hitting topics. (The novels should get more love, btw, go read them!)
December 13, 2024
Being the youngest sibling can be difficult, especially when you have two older siblings who are very accomplished in their own ways. Add in the fact that the accomplishments of this family are a bit dangerous and it is an even bigger legacy to fulfill. It is clear that Bean is feeling this and she wants to show her older sister's that she is ready to be doing her own missions to make the world a better place, it just so happens that she may bite off more than she can chew, which will either go very wrong or bring her her first big accomplishment. The story is a good journey following this as yet unfollowed character and really gives a good idea of the family dynamics and also what each of them brings to the table going forward.
April 24, 2023
This is my favourite kind of short story! Great characters, magic, adventure, world building, and dragons!
A beautifully written story about Bean and her two sisters when they (well, just Bean, really) decides to do something daring and dangerous because it is the right thing to do. There is tension and beautiful descriptions, and I vividly saw everything in this world even in the few short pages we are given.
I love how it hints at a greater world and story - the mages themselves, her sisters’ stories, more dragons and other creatures - and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Such a delightful read and a great way to start my morning! Highly recommend!
A beautifully written story about Bean and her two sisters when they (well, just Bean, really) decides to do something daring and dangerous because it is the right thing to do. There is tension and beautiful descriptions, and I vividly saw everything in this world even in the few short pages we are given.
I love how it hints at a greater world and story - the mages themselves, her sisters’ stories, more dragons and other creatures - and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Such a delightful read and a great way to start my morning! Highly recommend!
September 21, 2023
This is a lovely little story about Bean, the animal-rescuing, rambunctious little sister of Rae from The Theft of Sunlight. The goodness of the characters warmed my heart.
The Tears of a Dragon is also the famous tale of how Bean "shouted a dragon from the sky." It also follows up on the short story The Bone Knife, dealing with a certain seemingly lackluster gift Bean received in that story. This was a very short but extremely enjoyable, good-natured read about sisterhood, growing up and doing what's right against the odds.
The Tears of a Dragon is also the famous tale of how Bean "shouted a dragon from the sky." It also follows up on the short story The Bone Knife, dealing with a certain seemingly lackluster gift Bean received in that story. This was a very short but extremely enjoyable, good-natured read about sisterhood, growing up and doing what's right against the odds.
April 28, 2023
I loved this book, just as much as all the others in the series!! Loved reading through Bean's perspective, and my beloved Rae stayed true to her personality 😍 can't wait to dive in to Theft for a reread!!
I also can't wait for the author to write more about Bean so we get to see how the gift of the dragon comes in handy, just like the gifts of Stonemane to both Rae and Bean helped them.
I also can't wait for the author to write more about Bean so we get to see how the gift of the dragon comes in handy, just like the gifts of Stonemane to both Rae and Bean helped them.
December 31, 2023
Khanani has the remarkable ability to write short stories that are as fully realized as her full-length novels. I also appreciate that her stories add substantively to her Dauntless Path storylines rather than being mere trifles. And while I’m curmudgeonly these days about headstrong, impulsive young characters, but Bean won me over here.
December 4, 2022
I've been waiting to hear this story ever since Theft of Sunlight and I was not disappointed! Bean was just how I expected her to be and it was lovely to read about their sisterly shenanigans. I can't wait to hear the goat story in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews