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Dragon's Egg
It is a rare talent, and only she can care for the Inn's herd. She feeds them, gathers their eggs, and tends to their injuries. But Mella dreams about the dragons of legend, even though hardly anyone believes they still exist. Dragons are small farm animals, not huge fire-breathing monsters. Everyone knows that.
Until one day changes everything.
A Knight of the Order of Defenders arrives at the Inn. Signs of the mythical dragons have led him there, he says. Then a simple errand takes Mella through the forest, where she stumbles across a dragon's egg and faces the true, terrifying dragon guarding it. On the spot, Mella vows to get the egg safely to the fabled Hatching Grounds. She must leave her home for the first time, and she finds an unlikely companion in the Defender's squire, Roger.
For Mella and Roger, this one day is the beginning of an adventure. Where will it take them?
Until one day changes everything.
A Knight of the Order of Defenders arrives at the Inn. Signs of the mythical dragons have led him there, he says. Then a simple errand takes Mella through the forest, where she stumbles across a dragon's egg and faces the true, terrifying dragon guarding it. On the spot, Mella vows to get the egg safely to the fabled Hatching Grounds. She must leave her home for the first time, and she finds an unlikely companion in the Defender's squire, Roger.
For Mella and Roger, this one day is the beginning of an adventure. Where will it take them?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2007
22 people are currently reading
3350 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Thomson
70 books83 followersSarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 19, 2011
This was a fun dragon-story adventure. I liked how responsible and goal-oriented Mella was, and how loyal and kind Roger was. They made a good pair. The adventure moved along at a quick pace, which is always appreciated, and was the kind of thing that was fun to read about. I liked their journey and all the setbacks they had and how nothing came easily to them--which seemed realistic to me. I also liked how Mella got stuck up on a narrow cliff ledge as a show of the dragon's trust; that also seemed realistic. I probably would have given this four stars, but there were a few really important plot-related questions the author never answered, which really bothered me. For example, what, exactly, did Coel do? It hints but never says anything outright. Also, how did he "make" them? Is that literal or were they already in existence and he found them? Also, what dragon laid the Egg in the first place, and if the dragons are all in one locale, how come it had to be transported? Why wasn't it with the body of the dragons the whole time? Anyway. All the questions I was left with sort of tainted the story for me, but all in all I liked it.
October 16, 2016
Hmmmm....... I can't say that I enjoyed this book, but I can't either say that it was horrible either...
That's why its 2 stars. Not more, not less.
This book, well, didn't really hit me. The characters were quite bland. They had no color in them, so I could never relate to their feelings. They story itself wasn't quite well thought of.
Okay. This book doesn't only have it's down parts, though.
I liked the title and cover. That, I liked. That's what mainly drew me to the book. I liked the fact that the book was about dragons. About tending dragons. Having dragon eggs. Okay, that's cool, right?
Anyways, this book did not appeal to me, I would have rated this book one star, but since SOME parts of the book were okay, I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
Nice cover. OK book.
That's why its 2 stars. Not more, not less.
This book, well, didn't really hit me. The characters were quite bland. They had no color in them, so I could never relate to their feelings. They story itself wasn't quite well thought of.
Okay. This book doesn't only have it's down parts, though.
I liked the title and cover. That, I liked. That's what mainly drew me to the book. I liked the fact that the book was about dragons. About tending dragons. Having dragon eggs. Okay, that's cool, right?
Anyways, this book did not appeal to me, I would have rated this book one star, but since SOME parts of the book were okay, I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
Nice cover. OK book.
July 12, 2008
I have such a soft spot for dragon books, and this was a warm, cozy read. It reminded me _a lot_ of Susan Fletcher's dragon trilogy, which I read in middle school and adored, without being derivative of those stories. Of course, "teen/preteen talks to dragons" is a plot with a million variations in fantasy, so a lot depends on how (and how well) an author does it.
Mella and Roger, the main characters, are believable pre-teens and good foils for each other. The plot, while somewhat predictable to an older reader, is fast-moving and exciting. I did think the notion of common dragons being raised as domestic animals was a nice touch. The story is complete in one volume, but I think there's room for a sequel, if the author felt like writing one.
_Dragon's Egg_ is definitely a middle-grade book, rather than YA, but I think it could be enjoyable to an older reader.
Mella and Roger, the main characters, are believable pre-teens and good foils for each other. The plot, while somewhat predictable to an older reader, is fast-moving and exciting. I did think the notion of common dragons being raised as domestic animals was a nice touch. The story is complete in one volume, but I think there's room for a sequel, if the author felt like writing one.
_Dragon's Egg_ is definitely a middle-grade book, rather than YA, but I think it could be enjoyable to an older reader.
July 10, 2019
Mella is a young dragon keeper at her family's inn. Only the dragon's she tends are small in comparison to the giant dragons of old. One day she finds a dragon egg and is tasked by a dying "real" dragon with taking the egg to the hatching grounds. She is joined on her quest by Roger, the dragon slayers squire. Mella is a strong female character in a traditionally male role. She succeeds in her mission and helps bring peace between dragons and humans. The ending is a little too perfect, but since this is for elementary age kids it is fine. Thompson definitely leaves you wanting to know more about how dragons and humans became enemies and how the fragile peace will play out. Hopefully she will continue with this story in future books.
May 17, 2017
It was alright. However, the majority of the book I found a bit...boring.
Plot:
Mella is known as a keeper, it's kinda like a sheperd but for dragons. She has a special bond with dragons that is not found in others. These dragons are not the big ones you hear from legend, they're basically small farm animals. She tends for them at her family's inn and does this until she discovers a real dragon and because of certain events, promises to deliver its egg to the hatching grounds.
Sounds like my type of book. The problem is I needed more action. Also maybe an older or more mature character. I know she's only 12 but some of her actions got on my nerves. Other than that it wasn't bad and I did enjoy a few moments.
2.5 Stars
Plot:
Mella is known as a keeper, it's kinda like a sheperd but for dragons. She has a special bond with dragons that is not found in others. These dragons are not the big ones you hear from legend, they're basically small farm animals. She tends for them at her family's inn and does this until she discovers a real dragon and because of certain events, promises to deliver its egg to the hatching grounds.
Sounds like my type of book. The problem is I needed more action. Also maybe an older or more mature character. I know she's only 12 but some of her actions got on my nerves. Other than that it wasn't bad and I did enjoy a few moments.
2.5 Stars
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December 25, 2017Really enjoyed this!
October 31, 2010
This was on Danny's recommended middle school list. It's very suitable for that age. It's an easy read and the vocabulary is not difficult. It should be accessable to better elementary readers as well. The main character is a 12yo girl "dragon keeper" (who tends to small tame dragons at an inn and gathers their eggs) and there's also a boy the same age who gets involved in a quest of sorts with her. Very clean, decent plot. I'll read the next one with Dan if he brings it home. Danny enjoyed this.
April 1, 2009
This one made an excellent read aloud for my 4th grade class. A fantasy flavored story about a young girl, who is the keeper of a small flock of dragons at her family's inn, who is tasked by a "real" dragon (unlike the smaller donesticated ones she raises) to bring an egg to the sacred dragon hatching ground.
A 2008 DCF nominee, the is the only one that will become a regular read aloud in my classes.
A 2008 DCF nominee, the is the only one that will become a regular read aloud in my classes.
July 9, 2011
This book is a terrific book about friendship, loyalty, and teamwork. Two children work together to save a species from extinction. It's a great lead-in to the Dragons of Perth series or any of the mythological fiction books adults enjoy. With a saucy female heroine, and the help of an unexpectedly aly, respect is gained and growing up to do things because it is right even when there is danger has its own rewards. A great read-aloud or indpendent read for high level readers.
December 23, 2012
I would be quite content to have a herd of domestic dragons, but can understand Mella's interest in the stories, legends of big, flying, fire-breathing dragons. She made the appropriate choice - heading off to deliver the Egg - but I appreciated how it wasn't an easy choice, how she took her promise to her herd seriously. The whole betrayal/legend of Coel was a bit vague, though the implications were not terribly nice so maybe best left to the imagination. Satisfactory dragons all 'round!
January 7, 2010
Simplistic plot and little character development. Antagonist seems to come from nowehere and has a weak rationale for attacking the protagonists. However, the topic of dragons and a quest will be appealing to readers looking for a fantasy adventure. Focus is less on the dragons than the journey to return the egg.
August 28, 2017
.
This was an exciting tale for pre-teen and upward past parenthood. It was exceptional for an adult, but I liked none the less.
The characters were developed, independent, and compassionate. It did indeed show the reader that doing the right thing, even if it is scary, should be the goal.
Would recommend.
This was an exciting tale for pre-teen and upward past parenthood. It was exceptional for an adult, but I liked none the less.
The characters were developed, independent, and compassionate. It did indeed show the reader that doing the right thing, even if it is scary, should be the goal.
Would recommend.
March 6, 2017
There needs to be a second book, things are implied but never really revealed. Also, Mella is a country girl but did she really have to appear simple minded? It's fine for little kids but older audience will not find it that interesting.
June 12, 2015
A fun, fulfilling adventure story. Good for all ages.
March 1, 2014
I really liked this book! Its what got me started on medieval fantasy <3
April 27, 2015
I absolutely loved this book!! It was really good, and the details were in perfectly. Mella's thoughts even gave me an idea for a story!
August 22, 2016
A nice little read, although I was a bit disappointed that the mysterious history was never explained.
November 6, 2024
Girl finds weird thing, takes weird thing without waiting to see if weird thing was left by anything, and now girl must take weird thing to where it belongs or risk the lives of herself, her family, and her town. No pressure!
This is a great little story about a girl, a boy, and a few dragons. Dragons are not supposed to exist in their massive, village-burning size, but only in their smaller, chicken-sheep size where they are kept like, well, chickens, but only a few people are accepted by the dragons as "keepers." It's a cool idea, and I love it! We don't actually spend a lot of time with the main character's flock, but we do get to hear a lot about them and meet some little wild dragons. The rest of the setting and environment is pretty standard, generic "fantasy slash medieval," but not bad, just not "wow" inspiring.
Unfortunately, the main character, Mella, is not a very pleasant character to follow. Her entire personality seems to be, "Belligerant, stubborn, single-minded." Individually, none of these things are wrong, and it's great to see a flawed character, but we also need to see some other aspects to her as a person. The story did do a reasonably good job of showcasing the good aspect of stubbornness in that she never gives up until she succeeds in her goal, but that's about it. She's also just not a very nice person. She's always being rude and snippy with the secondary character to the point where I genuinely have no idea why he started out on the quest with her, let alone stuck with her to the end.
The secondary character, Roger, is the squire to an older knight determined to hunt the mythical giant dragons, and he is a pretty decent fellow. He's not a particularly strong character, but he's not completely pointless. I do repeat that I don't know why he joined Mella on her quest, he had zero compelling reasons to do so, but he was a nice guy who had more character growth than Mella.
The biggest, BIGGEST complaint I have about this otherwise inoffensive and even enjoyable book is that it leaves us with far more questions than it answers. Especially at the end! It just piles on more questions and mysteries in the last twenty-ish pages! It is so frustrating!
Overall, this is a pretty decent book that falls a bit flat at the end. I think a large majority of dragon lovers will enjoy this book, especially under about 13 years old or so. If you are or know a dragon lover and don't mind unanswered questions, consider checking it out!
This is a great little story about a girl, a boy, and a few dragons. Dragons are not supposed to exist in their massive, village-burning size, but only in their smaller, chicken-sheep size where they are kept like, well, chickens, but only a few people are accepted by the dragons as "keepers." It's a cool idea, and I love it! We don't actually spend a lot of time with the main character's flock, but we do get to hear a lot about them and meet some little wild dragons. The rest of the setting and environment is pretty standard, generic "fantasy slash medieval," but not bad, just not "wow" inspiring.
Unfortunately, the main character, Mella, is not a very pleasant character to follow. Her entire personality seems to be, "Belligerant, stubborn, single-minded." Individually, none of these things are wrong, and it's great to see a flawed character, but we also need to see some other aspects to her as a person. The story did do a reasonably good job of showcasing the good aspect of stubbornness in that she never gives up until she succeeds in her goal, but that's about it. She's also just not a very nice person. She's always being rude and snippy with the secondary character to the point where I genuinely have no idea why he started out on the quest with her, let alone stuck with her to the end.
The secondary character, Roger, is the squire to an older knight determined to hunt the mythical giant dragons, and he is a pretty decent fellow. He's not a particularly strong character, but he's not completely pointless. I do repeat that I don't know why he joined Mella on her quest, he had zero compelling reasons to do so, but he was a nice guy who had more character growth than Mella.
The biggest, BIGGEST complaint I have about this otherwise inoffensive and even enjoyable book is that it leaves us with far more questions than it answers. Especially at the end! It just piles on more questions and mysteries in the last twenty-ish pages! It is so frustrating!
Overall, this is a pretty decent book that falls a bit flat at the end. I think a large majority of dragon lovers will enjoy this book, especially under about 13 years old or so. If you are or know a dragon lover and don't mind unanswered questions, consider checking it out!
July 17, 2018
My name is Mella, and I have the rare ability to care for our Inn's herd of domestic dragons. There are rumors of wild dragons roaming the forest, but no one had actually seen one... until I came across a black egg left in a cave. Unfortunately, my discovery led to a dragon's death, and I've promised to guard the egg and return it to the land of the dragons. Thankfully, Roger, the dragonslayer's apprentice, has offered to accompany me, since I've never been this far into the forest. We must trek into the mountains,find an opening near a huge waterfall, and the Hatching Ground will be found between the Fangs. Everything had been going fairly well until we were captured and tied up by a nasty man named Damien. It seems Roger has failed to tell me about an important secret from his past.
The plot moved along quickly with moments of suspense caused by Damien and the dragons. Mella was an admirable character, as she was determined to honor her promise to a dying dragon. Honor was very important to Mella and Roger, and it was a big factor in the resolution of the conflict. Mella constantly cared for the egg and was concerned when she thought it might cool. She was willing to protect it with her life. On the other hand, she felt guilty for leaving her herd of dragons behind at the Inn; her absence would upset them greatly. Roger's character was a paradox. He was apprenticed to a Defender, guardians against wild dragons, yet he offered all of his support to aid Mella in her quest to save the dragon egg. The problems created by Roger's secret lingered throughout the whole story, and it was clear the secret would need to be addressed by the end. I could have seen this book being written as a more detailed adventure for older readers, but it worked well for an upper elementary audience. Overall, it was an entertaining book that most young readers will enjoy.
The plot moved along quickly with moments of suspense caused by Damien and the dragons. Mella was an admirable character, as she was determined to honor her promise to a dying dragon. Honor was very important to Mella and Roger, and it was a big factor in the resolution of the conflict. Mella constantly cared for the egg and was concerned when she thought it might cool. She was willing to protect it with her life. On the other hand, she felt guilty for leaving her herd of dragons behind at the Inn; her absence would upset them greatly. Roger's character was a paradox. He was apprenticed to a Defender, guardians against wild dragons, yet he offered all of his support to aid Mella in her quest to save the dragon egg. The problems created by Roger's secret lingered throughout the whole story, and it was clear the secret would need to be addressed by the end. I could have seen this book being written as a more detailed adventure for older readers, but it worked well for an upper elementary audience. Overall, it was an entertaining book that most young readers will enjoy.
November 27, 2019
With a strong start, a strong middle, and a weak ending focusing on the second character Roger instead of Mella, this book was a good read. Mella is obviously the more interesting character, and she is driven by her job as a dragonkeeper to help dragons. Roger is a "dragon hunter" who discourses from the life his dad wants him to have. Roger is the weaker of the two, often pointed out by Mella herself(so the reader doesn't have to), while Mella devotes herself to accomplishing the task she promises to do to a dying dragon.
The beginning and the middle are powerful, amazing. The goal is strong, and both of them are determined to accomplish it. As we near the end, however, it fizzles into an ending focusing upon Roger being appreciated and accepted and Mella's ending or fate left unanswered.
I would definitely rate this two-and-a-half stars off the ending alone, so much is unanswered, what becomes of Mella? What comes of the friendships? What happens to the relationship between them?
Off the rest of it, three-and-a-half to four stars, it's really good and pulls you in fast. It's the last few chapters that are complete bummers and really feel like a quick wrap up and nothing more. It ends too sharply, and cuts off swift, without any real answers for Mella, our focal protagonist.
The beginning and the middle are powerful, amazing. The goal is strong, and both of them are determined to accomplish it. As we near the end, however, it fizzles into an ending focusing upon Roger being appreciated and accepted and Mella's ending or fate left unanswered.
I would definitely rate this two-and-a-half stars off the ending alone, so much is unanswered, what becomes of Mella? What comes of the friendships? What happens to the relationship between them?
Off the rest of it, three-and-a-half to four stars, it's really good and pulls you in fast. It's the last few chapters that are complete bummers and really feel like a quick wrap up and nothing more. It ends too sharply, and cuts off swift, without any real answers for Mella, our focal protagonist.
January 8, 2024
Better than your average girl on a quest story. The details of there being a smaller, domesticated version of dragons, and of an innkeeper's daughter being a dragon keeper, and the rune, the ancient history, etc., enrich the story a lot. So does the fact that at every time the girl has to make a choice, she does so thoughtfully, considering loyalty, promises, justice, and what she is learning about honor.
I'd read a sequel.
I love that the dragons are like very effective chameleons, or octopuses, meaning that they can be in human territory and we wouldn't know.
I do have one quibble with the very premise. The 'stone' was nestled in a fire. Clearly it belonged to something. Mella did indeed steal it, not just find it. That does make her a thief. Of course she finally learns that, but so subtly I don't know if young readers will realize it. For their sake, let me reiterate: If it doesn't belong to you, leave it alone.
I like the two versions of the game-playing rhyme, and that one that was truer to history.
"Tears mend nothing.... Work mends all." Well, the second part of that isn't quite true completely, but I do like the first part. Once you've had the chemical release, use the motto to help you move along; don't savor your self-pity or regret.
I'd read a sequel.
I love that the dragons are like very effective chameleons, or octopuses, meaning that they can be in human territory and we wouldn't know.
I do have one quibble with the very premise. The 'stone' was nestled in a fire. Clearly it belonged to something. Mella did indeed steal it, not just find it. That does make her a thief. Of course she finally learns that, but so subtly I don't know if young readers will realize it. For their sake, let me reiterate: If it doesn't belong to you, leave it alone.
I like the two versions of the game-playing rhyme, and that one that was truer to history.
"Tears mend nothing.... Work mends all." Well, the second part of that isn't quite true completely, but I do like the first part. Once you've had the chemical release, use the motto to help you move along; don't savor your self-pity or regret.
January 13, 2023
What an amazing adventure! Sarah L. Thompson should have written a hundred more!
Mella lives in a little village in a world that tiny dragons are practically chickens. This is the second book I've read where people believe in amall dragons but not big ones. Anyway, Mella is their keeper like her grandma before her.
So when she finds what she thinks is a rock in a fire and takes it, she sets off a crazy series of events. See, the rock was actually a dragon egg. So the large size dragon found her and demanded the egg back, Mella ran back and ended up getting Roger involved.
Roger was a junior Defender and also had a family that Mella knew nothing about. Then a Defender mortally wounds the dragon waiting for the egg. He gives Mella instructions on how to take the egg to the Hatching Grounds.
This starts Mella and Roger's epic adventure. They tangle with bad guys and people that they don't know their allegiances of. This is an amazing adventure. They lose the egg and get it back more than once.
Once they get to the Hatching Grounds another adventure starts. I don't want to spoil any of the adventure but it is a great one on every page!
Mella lives in a little village in a world that tiny dragons are practically chickens. This is the second book I've read where people believe in amall dragons but not big ones. Anyway, Mella is their keeper like her grandma before her.
So when she finds what she thinks is a rock in a fire and takes it, she sets off a crazy series of events. See, the rock was actually a dragon egg. So the large size dragon found her and demanded the egg back, Mella ran back and ended up getting Roger involved.
Roger was a junior Defender and also had a family that Mella knew nothing about. Then a Defender mortally wounds the dragon waiting for the egg. He gives Mella instructions on how to take the egg to the Hatching Grounds.
This starts Mella and Roger's epic adventure. They tangle with bad guys and people that they don't know their allegiances of. This is an amazing adventure. They lose the egg and get it back more than once.
Once they get to the Hatching Grounds another adventure starts. I don't want to spoil any of the adventure but it is a great one on every page!
July 7, 2017
The storyline was interesting, but the characters were weak. I'd like to know more about the history of the dragons, Coel's betrayal, the Defenders, and Gwyn's family. The set up feels like there should be more to the story, but it appears to be a standalone novel. Mella was a complete disappointment to me - she had a cool role and could have been very badass, but instead I felt like she was rude, whiny, and fairly incompetent on the journey. Roger was a nice kid with an overdeveloped sense of honor. Alain was a ridiculous villain (at what point do you cut your losses?) that didn't serve much purpose. Gwyn also felt like someone just tossed in to add a character. Despite the concern over her own dragons, it never mentions what happens when Mella returns, which I did expect.
Not a bad read exactly, just not one that I would really recommend either.
Not a bad read exactly, just not one that I would really recommend either.
November 29, 2018
When you're watching a sitcom, and a fake TV show comes on in the background that's obviously way too simple and uninteresting to be anything more than a background event--that's this book in a nutshell. At one point even the protagonist is so bored, she plays tic tac toe to pass the time, in this epic fantasy novel about dragons. The POV character is too limited and boring. She only makes two active decisions during the entire book, the rest of the events that occur are beyond her control. She is passive and that, not her physical strength or demeanor, is what makes her a weak character. This book has very little to offer, but if you want the most generic fantasy dragon book available, this is absolutely perfect for you.
March 12, 2019
Spoiler-free review below:
I really liked reading this book. I picked it up at a library sale because anything with dragons in it immediately interests me, so I had to read it. I did not anticipate how good it ended up being and how realistic the characters were. Since this book was so good, I managed to read the entire thing in one sitting (this is something I rarely do). It got my attention from the first page and I could not stop reading it until I finished it.
I really liked reading this book. I picked it up at a library sale because anything with dragons in it immediately interests me, so I had to read it. I did not anticipate how good it ended up being and how realistic the characters were. Since this book was so good, I managed to read the entire thing in one sitting (this is something I rarely do). It got my attention from the first page and I could not stop reading it until I finished it.
January 1, 2023
Twelve-year-old Mella is a dragon keeper, tending the small herd of hen-like animals that her family depends on for fresh eggs and dreaming of the “real” fire-breathing large dragons that everyone knows are mythical. Until one fateful day that Mella actually does encounter a real dragon and promises to deliver a special egg to the dragon hatching ground high in the Dragontooth Mountains. Mella is joined in her journey by Roger, squire to the Defender. The Defender who mortally wounded the dragon and unknowingly set Mella’s journey in motion. Mella and Roger are well developed characters in this fast paced plot filled with rich detail and imagery.
May 14, 2020
This is one of those books that I come back to and smile every time I see it. I loved it as a kid and still enjoy reading it to this day. I liked the fact that the author decided not to cause any romance for the characters. In a lot of books these days they have kids kissing at twelve. It is just a personal preference but, as a kid, I did not want to read romantic books. If you are looking for a short read with dragons and adventures then this would be a perfect pick. It is for younger readers but I think it could still be enjoyable for an older group also.
September 24, 2020
I was surprised that I absolutely loved this book. When I picked it up, I thought it would be just another average children's book. The suspense, however, elevated it to another level. There were several days on which I had a hard time putting it down! The characters were vivid and the tale of an unlikely heroine is always a welcome one, in my book. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good fantasy story, especially children in grades 4 or 5.
May 25, 2020
I definitely recommend.
Mella became a dragon Kepler after her grandmother passed away. After coming across a dragons egg in a cave and called a thief. She had promised to deliver the egg to a place where the egg needs to hatch. Her travel companion was helpful in this journey. Dragons and humans can be friends.
Mella became a dragon Kepler after her grandmother passed away. After coming across a dragons egg in a cave and called a thief. She had promised to deliver the egg to a place where the egg needs to hatch. Her travel companion was helpful in this journey. Dragons and humans can be friends.
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