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Chasing the Dragon
Centuries ago, St. George fought and killed a dragon or so the legend goes. The truth is somewhat different. George failed in his mission, and the Dragon still walks the Earth, protected by an undead army, hiding in the shadows and slaughtering men, women, and children for its prey. Each of George's descendants through time has been tasked with killing the Dragon, and each has failed. Twenty-five-year-old Georgia Quincey is the last of the line. But Georgia is also an addict, driven to the warm embrace of the needle by the weight of her responsibility and the loss of everything and everyone she has ever loved.
133 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Kaufmann
37 books217 followersNicholas Kaufmann is the Bram Stoker Award-, Thriller Award-, Shirley Jackson Award-, and Dragon Award-nominated author of numerous books and stories. In addition to his own work, he has written for such properties as Zombies vs. Robots, The Rocketeer, and Warhammer. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 3, 2011
Not being sure what the acceptable macho equivalent is, please pardon me while I unleash a high-pitched squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and before I proceed to heap praise on this outstanding, very impressive novella by Nicholas Kaufmann. 5 big, enthusiastic and gush-filled stars.
Here are the details (aka the deets according to my daughters):
1. A modernretelling, reimagining continuation and expansion of the legend of St. George and the Dragon, complete with a secret history exposing that events did not transpire as we were led to believe.
2. A present day descendant of St. George still pursuing a 1000 year old dragon that is crafty, seriously malevolent and as well drawn and interesting a creation as any dragon I have previously experienced.
3. A secret mythology that ties the dragon/dragonslayer cycle into the very fabric of history and creates a struggle with a real epic feel.
4. A most unique and creative use of the well, well, WELL worn creature known as the zombie (aka “meat puppets”). Trust me, you will love it.
5. Heroin addiction that adds a brilliant and gutsy wrinkle to the story and pushes an otherwise smart, well-written tale into the realm of the truly awesome.
Oh, and did I mention that you get all of this in a 140 page novella that does better character development and world-building than many multi-volume fantasy sagas.
Again….squeeeeeeeeeeee.
This book grabbed me from the very first page with its introduction of Georgina Quincy as she is tracking the dragon in New Mexico and being inundated by visions of the dragon’s carnage, complete with “screaming faces and geysers of blood, the wet rip of shredding flesh, the snapping of bone.” As a dragonslayer, Georgina is cursed/blessed with the ability to see through the dragons eyes whenever it kills and it is a most unpleasant experience.
As the story unfolds, I was awed by how perfectly toned the prose was and how quickly the author was able to create a fully fleshed picture of the main character in my head and imbue the narrative with such a sense of epicness in the span of a few well written paragraphs.
I don’t want to spoil any of the plot and the wonderful interactions between our two main players so I will just say that Georgina is a wonderful, tragic character that you will come to care about. She has experienced more pain and trauma that anyone should have to, but she carries on displaying oodles of inner fortitude and reserves of strength. She will need both because the dragon is a vicious and nasty as villain’s get.
The battle is titanic and timeless, the writing is descriptive yet concise and the story is brilliant and deftly rendered.
5.0 stars. HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!!!
P.S. Only 44 ratings for this gem...a travesty.
Here are the details (aka the deets according to my daughters):
1. A modern
2. A present day descendant of St. George still pursuing a 1000 year old dragon that is crafty, seriously malevolent and as well drawn and interesting a creation as any dragon I have previously experienced.
3. A secret mythology that ties the dragon/dragonslayer cycle into the very fabric of history and creates a struggle with a real epic feel.
4. A most unique and creative use of the well, well, WELL worn creature known as the zombie (aka “meat puppets”). Trust me, you will love it.
5. Heroin addiction that adds a brilliant and gutsy wrinkle to the story and pushes an otherwise smart, well-written tale into the realm of the truly awesome.
Oh, and did I mention that you get all of this in a 140 page novella that does better character development and world-building than many multi-volume fantasy sagas.
Again….squeeeeeeeeeeee.
This book grabbed me from the very first page with its introduction of Georgina Quincy as she is tracking the dragon in New Mexico and being inundated by visions of the dragon’s carnage, complete with “screaming faces and geysers of blood, the wet rip of shredding flesh, the snapping of bone.” As a dragonslayer, Georgina is cursed/blessed with the ability to see through the dragons eyes whenever it kills and it is a most unpleasant experience.
As the story unfolds, I was awed by how perfectly toned the prose was and how quickly the author was able to create a fully fleshed picture of the main character in my head and imbue the narrative with such a sense of epicness in the span of a few well written paragraphs.
There’s only one. But the Dragon appears in a new incarnation in every age of history. Reborn over and over. No one knows why or how the Dragon comes back, only that the cycle keeps repeating itself. Dragon and dragonslayer. Over and over, throughout time…Simply amazing. No wasted words but plenty of information and a wonderful balance between intimate, small scale story and its part in a larger context.
…She saw golden-haired Siegfried, millennia ago, spearing the dragon Fafnir before the mouth of a misty Teutonic cave. Further back in time she saw Thor, his muscles straining through his skin as he thrashed the Midgard Serpent Jormungandr against the rugged, rocky fjords of Norway; and further still to Indra, in his colourful Hindu headdress, wresting with the three-headed serpent Vritra the Enveloper in the jungles of India; and the Hittite storm god Tarhun, bolts of lightning glinting off the edges of his double-bladed axe as he slew the dragon Illuyankas amid the olive groves of Turkey; all the way back to Marduk of Sumer, a titanic shadow against the black emptiness of space, cutting the dragon Tiamet to pieces and creating the world from her bones.
I don’t want to spoil any of the plot and the wonderful interactions between our two main players so I will just say that Georgina is a wonderful, tragic character that you will come to care about. She has experienced more pain and trauma that anyone should have to, but she carries on displaying oodles of inner fortitude and reserves of strength. She will need both because the dragon is a vicious and nasty as villain’s get.
The battle is titanic and timeless, the writing is descriptive yet concise and the story is brilliant and deftly rendered.
5.0 stars. HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!!!
P.S. Only 44 ratings for this gem...a travesty.
November 11, 2017
Simply brilliant.
The coolest dragon, the creepiest zombies ever, abussive drug dealers and a flawed heroine whose story is told in such a clever way is what you've got in this too-short novella and you won’t get enough of it.
Chasing the -metaphorical and actual- Dragon is a creepy, action-packed and guts-and-blood-on-the-floor story worth reading.
The coolest dragon, the creepiest zombies ever, abussive drug dealers and a flawed heroine whose story is told in such a clever way is what you've got in this too-short novella and you won’t get enough of it.
Chasing the -metaphorical and actual- Dragon is a creepy, action-packed and guts-and-blood-on-the-floor story worth reading.
November 6, 2011
I read a couple of friends' reviews of this, and downloaded a sample chapter, and it just sort of got under my skin -- the whole idea of it. It does something pretty original with the mythology it uses, with dragons and with zombies -- something I've certainly never seen before, anyway. It's a novella, but it got me as involved as if it were a full-length novel: I held my breath for much of the last two chapters.
It's full of guts 'n' gore, so descriptions of that kind of thing gross you out, then you probably won't enjoy this, and there's also descriptions of drug-taking, which might make you uncomfortable. Normally, both the gore and the drugs would make me uncomfortable, but the story made it make sense.
The main antagonist and protagonist are both strong female characters, too, which might be a draw for some!
It's full of guts 'n' gore, so descriptions of that kind of thing gross you out, then you probably won't enjoy this, and there's also descriptions of drug-taking, which might make you uncomfortable. Normally, both the gore and the drugs would make me uncomfortable, but the story made it make sense.
The main antagonist and protagonist are both strong female characters, too, which might be a draw for some!
December 22, 2011
Due to this book's length, it is hard to properly review it without revealing any spoilers. It's either a novelette or a novella (it's hard to tell which, as I can't hold my Kindle copy sideways and analyze the thickness properly), but I don't say this as a detraction, rather as an accolade. After reading so many fantasy authors who are wordy and/or endlessly serialize their books, reading a stand-alone work of this length with so much depth and detail is an incredible breath of fresh air. Also, for Nicholas Kaufmann to be able to create this intricate world and story without it dragging or stalling is a testament to his skill as a writer.
As for the specific plot (mild spoilers follow), it is an urban fantasy that incorporates Christian mythology through a female protagonist that is the lone descendant of St. George, who while hunting the legendary dragon is also at the same time suffering from a heroin addiction. While I figured out a key element of the story very early on , it did not impede my enjoyment of the story at all.
As for the specific plot (mild spoilers follow), it is an urban fantasy that incorporates Christian mythology through a female protagonist that is the lone descendant of St. George, who while hunting the legendary dragon is also at the same time suffering from a heroin addiction. While I figured out a key element of the story very early on , it did not impede my enjoyment of the story at all.
November 14, 2014
The book deserves to be much longer than it is. The writing is quite good and the book contains gangs, exploding cars, shotguns, the undead, dragons, drug addicts and more.
This is copy 3 of 65 signed numbered copies.
This is copy 3 of 65 signed numbered copies.
June 10, 2011
"Chasing the Dragon" is a fabulous and fantastic novella. Nicholas Kaufmann brings dragons and the modern world together with superb plotting and surprising brevity, answering all of the questions that arise from his premise--such as: how does a dragon rampage across modern America and escape notice? What connects the slayer to the dragon? How can the slayer hope to fulfill her quest? He conflates the traditional phrase "chasing the dragon" with modern metaphor, and steers this linguistic feat past simple word-play into use as a genuine literary accomplishment.
In fact, "accomplished" is the best word I can think of to describe this novella. It is beautifully written, brimming with emotion, entertaining throughout, and fully satisfying. It is the kind of book that I wish came along more often.
Read this, and then tell your friends to read it and to further spread the word. Kaufmann deserves wide recognition for this wonderful book.
In fact, "accomplished" is the best word I can think of to describe this novella. It is beautifully written, brimming with emotion, entertaining throughout, and fully satisfying. It is the kind of book that I wish came along more often.
Read this, and then tell your friends to read it and to further spread the word. Kaufmann deserves wide recognition for this wonderful book.
October 11, 2010
Chasing the Dragon is yet another fine bit of fiction released by the folks at Chizine Publications. This short novella features a modern twist on the heroic legend of St. George and the Dragon. The title character of Chasing the Dragon is Georgia Quincy, the latest and potentially last, in a long line of ancient dragon slayers stretching as far back as the Summerian Marduk (slayer of Tiamat) and including other such luminaries as Sigfried (slayer of Fafnir) and Thor (slayer of Jörmungandr), amongst countless more. Indeed as her father’s Book of Ascalon reveals all of these tales are in truth a retelling of the same tale over and over again.
As I mentioned Chasing the Dragon is a short novella, a pocket-sized book clocking in at 135 pages. It reads fast but its brevity and machine gun pacing belie the surprising depth of the world that Kaufmann manages to evoke. By tying his tale into a network of history and legend Kaufmann manages to lend an added layer of depth to his world without any lengthy exposition. Flashbacks to Georgia’s youth and experiences with her father provide both needed background and help enhance the tragedy that forms the foundation of her character and heroic role.
For those more in the know than myself (and who pay attention to cover art!), and something that is revealed later in the novel, the phrase chasing the dragon caries a double meaning: looking for the next high. For Georgia the drug of choice is heroin which she uses to hide from the horrific dream visions the rampaging dragon sends her as she sleeps and which somehow combats the entropy and decay from the horrible wounds the dragon’s claws left on her person. Georgia’s heroin addiction adds a fascinating layer to the structure of Chasing the Dragon. On the one hand it is a crutch and Achilles heel and on the other it is a valuable weapon in her fight and it leaves the reader constantly wonder if her addiction will kill her before the dragon does (or aid the dragon in killing her) or if it’s dulling effect on the dragon’s effect on her will be the slight edge she needs to overcome her nemesis. Furthermore there is the unspoken question Georgia’s addiction raises about what it is we’re seeing in the novel. Particularly early in the novel I found myself wondering just how much of what Georgia was experiencing was real and how much was warped perception from her drug use.
The dragon of Chasing the Dragon isn’t your average run of the mill dragon either. Kaufmann’s dragon is a shape changer, a herald of death and decay, whose wounds don’t just kill you but also turn you into a walking puppet of the dragon’s will. It’s nice change of pace and adds a neat horror element to the story. While some might complain about the zombie element being a bit played out I certainly found Kaufmann’s take to be surprisingly fresh and the dragon an absolutely terrifying creation.
Chasing the Dragon is a taught, superbly written tale falling somewhere in the middle of urban fantasy and horror that manages to defy most if not all of the convention familiar to those genres. My only complaint being that I want more. Kaufmann has primarily published short fiction and his only other book length work is his entry to the Gabriel Hunt series (Gabriel Hunt at World’s End). My struggle with short fiction is well documented so pardon me for hoping that Kaufmann tries his hand some more novel-length works. For those looking for something new, different and exciting I highly recommend giving Chasing the Dragon a try.
As I mentioned Chasing the Dragon is a short novella, a pocket-sized book clocking in at 135 pages. It reads fast but its brevity and machine gun pacing belie the surprising depth of the world that Kaufmann manages to evoke. By tying his tale into a network of history and legend Kaufmann manages to lend an added layer of depth to his world without any lengthy exposition. Flashbacks to Georgia’s youth and experiences with her father provide both needed background and help enhance the tragedy that forms the foundation of her character and heroic role.
For those more in the know than myself (and who pay attention to cover art!), and something that is revealed later in the novel, the phrase chasing the dragon caries a double meaning: looking for the next high. For Georgia the drug of choice is heroin which she uses to hide from the horrific dream visions the rampaging dragon sends her as she sleeps and which somehow combats the entropy and decay from the horrible wounds the dragon’s claws left on her person. Georgia’s heroin addiction adds a fascinating layer to the structure of Chasing the Dragon. On the one hand it is a crutch and Achilles heel and on the other it is a valuable weapon in her fight and it leaves the reader constantly wonder if her addiction will kill her before the dragon does (or aid the dragon in killing her) or if it’s dulling effect on the dragon’s effect on her will be the slight edge she needs to overcome her nemesis. Furthermore there is the unspoken question Georgia’s addiction raises about what it is we’re seeing in the novel. Particularly early in the novel I found myself wondering just how much of what Georgia was experiencing was real and how much was warped perception from her drug use.
The dragon of Chasing the Dragon isn’t your average run of the mill dragon either. Kaufmann’s dragon is a shape changer, a herald of death and decay, whose wounds don’t just kill you but also turn you into a walking puppet of the dragon’s will. It’s nice change of pace and adds a neat horror element to the story. While some might complain about the zombie element being a bit played out I certainly found Kaufmann’s take to be surprisingly fresh and the dragon an absolutely terrifying creation.
Chasing the Dragon is a taught, superbly written tale falling somewhere in the middle of urban fantasy and horror that manages to defy most if not all of the convention familiar to those genres. My only complaint being that I want more. Kaufmann has primarily published short fiction and his only other book length work is his entry to the Gabriel Hunt series (Gabriel Hunt at World’s End). My struggle with short fiction is well documented so pardon me for hoping that Kaufmann tries his hand some more novel-length works. For those looking for something new, different and exciting I highly recommend giving Chasing the Dragon a try.
February 21, 2011
Finished reading Chasing the Dragon (2009) by Nicholas Kaufmann a couple of nights ago. It’s a novella packaged up as a short novel & it’s a pretty decent read. It’s the story of the current, of a long line, of George’s who fight Dragons. It seems a thousand years ago St. George didn’t really kill the dragon & it’s been wreaking havoc ever since.
Georgia, the current George and the first female dragonslayer, has some serious problems. Not only is the dragon destroying road side diners and creating zombies from the victims, but it seems she (the dragon) has a bigger plan.
Georgia doesn’t really want to be the dragon slayer, although the idea it seemed pretty cool when she was 5. Now the dragon has taken away everyone she’s ever loved. And then there’s that heroin addiction…
Chasing the Dragon is short (less than 150 pages) and doesn’t need to be any longer. A fun read that moves pretty fast, but not so fast you can’t catch your breath.
Georgia, the current George and the first female dragonslayer, has some serious problems. Not only is the dragon destroying road side diners and creating zombies from the victims, but it seems she (the dragon) has a bigger plan.
Georgia doesn’t really want to be the dragon slayer, although the idea it seemed pretty cool when she was 5. Now the dragon has taken away everyone she’s ever loved. And then there’s that heroin addiction…
Chasing the Dragon is short (less than 150 pages) and doesn’t need to be any longer. A fun read that moves pretty fast, but not so fast you can’t catch your breath.
October 8, 2014
This was a high-octane thriller well worth the quick read. A kick-ass heroine in the urban fantasy mold is the Chosen One destined to hunt dragons, or more precisely, one dragon, as she is the latest in a long line of dragonslayers. But our heroine has a few problems. PTSD. Heroin addiction. Homelessness. Basically, she's a mess.
This novella works fine at the length it is at; a full-length novel would have dragged on too long (though I was a little disappointed at the full-length-novel price for a very short ebook, but I won't hold that against the author). It's lots of fun, full of violent action and blood and mayhem, and a real page-turner with a few twists at the end.
Chasing the Dragon wasn't able to earn 5 stars from me because the action scenes began to take on an unrealistic video-game quality, and there were a couple of great big plot holes at the end, but the story was entertaining enough for me to give it a solid 4 stars.
This novella works fine at the length it is at; a full-length novel would have dragged on too long (though I was a little disappointed at the full-length-novel price for a very short ebook, but I won't hold that against the author). It's lots of fun, full of violent action and blood and mayhem, and a real page-turner with a few twists at the end.
Chasing the Dragon wasn't able to earn 5 stars from me because the action scenes began to take on an unrealistic video-game quality, and there were a couple of great big plot holes at the end, but the story was entertaining enough for me to give it a solid 4 stars.
November 27, 2014
Normally I groan at the trend to characterize books as "a cross between X and Y" but Chasing the Dragon is dragging this comparison out of me: a cross between Supernatural and the metaphorical drug-addict journey. With a dash of the Walking Dead. I liked the take on zombies as the "meat puppets" of the Dragon. And the mythology. The interesting take on addiction works for me as metaphor. Pleased by the conclusion, especially how a very ordinary and unassuming minor character becomes important because he was there and survived to be a friend.
Published by Canada's up and coming house for horror and spec fic, ChiZine Publications.
Published by Canada's up and coming house for horror and spec fic, ChiZine Publications.
April 23, 2017
Tight and lean, this book is a good quick read. Because I was so invested in the main character, Georgia, I would have liked to have seen a couple of the themes involving her expanded upon (the dual meaning of the title and how dragon-chasing impacts Georgia, for example), but it works wonderfully as a novella. There's no filler or bogging down in ponderous garden paths here. This book is as direct and fast as a crash-test.
December 3, 2014
This was a fun, fast paced quick read. Georgia Quincey is the last of her bloodline who can slay the dragon that has wandered the Earth for centuries, leaving destruction in its wake. Georgia's quest to chase the dragon (which has dual meaning here) brings her to New Mexico for the final showdown.
I've been a fan of Kaufmann since I read his short story collection WALK IN SHADOWS, and he certainly didn't let me down here.
Highly recommended.
I've been a fan of Kaufmann since I read his short story collection WALK IN SHADOWS, and he certainly didn't let me down here.
Highly recommended.
February 12, 2024
⭐️ 3.7 stars
Dragons in spirit form? that concept alone intrigued me and indeed, the plot is both gory and horrifying yet it captivated my curiosity in every chapter. Georgia's struggles evoked strong emotions within me, but her unwavering bravery stood out as the highlight. I enjoyed everything in this book and I really like how it ends.
Dragons in spirit form? that concept alone intrigued me and indeed, the plot is both gory and horrifying yet it captivated my curiosity in every chapter. Georgia's struggles evoked strong emotions within me, but her unwavering bravery stood out as the highlight. I enjoyed everything in this book and I really like how it ends.
August 29, 2011
Interesting take on a medieval tale that manages to include zombies, heroin and a dragon, which comes in many wicked forms. Not to put down the story or concept, because I really liked both, but Kaufmann seems too good of a writer for this action-driven material. I like the fantasy and action he incorporates in his work (General Slocum's Gold), although it would be interesting to see his handling of deeper emotional complications in the story, something he only touches here. It is a shorter writing form though and this story is what it needs to be.
Also, I admire Chizine publications for printing this novella with the dragon cover art. Marketing-wise, it is pretty bold of them to exclude the possibility of including zombies in some way, just to cash in on them. This cover shows that the publisher cares more for the story than just the easy impulse buy.
Also, I admire Chizine publications for printing this novella with the dragon cover art. Marketing-wise, it is pretty bold of them to exclude the possibility of including zombies in some way, just to cash in on them. This cover shows that the publisher cares more for the story than just the easy impulse buy.
April 10, 2015
A rather enjoyable read, although only 133 pages. The narrative felt effortless which really pulls the reader along and before you know it, you've finished the book. I also enjoyed the flawed heroine. Well done on pretty much every front. I'll be looking for more by this author.
June 2, 2018
This was a fun and quick read. I also enjoyed the spin on the strong female lead who chases, and is chased by both her personal demons and dragons.
July 20, 2017
Chasing the Dragon wanted to be epic. It had a dragon, that’s pretty epic. A modern dragon slayer whose whole family -for centuries- had hunted the dragon and tried to kill her- that’s pretty epic. The dragon slayer (Georgia) was addicted to heroin, and the plot knots up her drug addiction and dragon hunting into a pretty neat little symbolic package, which I appreciated. The dragon was gruesome! And could turn the people she killed into zombie- like followers, or as Georgia calls them: meat puppets.
I mean come on! A dragon! Zombies! A modern, female dragon slayer with a drug addiction! THAT’S FUCKING SWEET! But then you get this kind of thing:
“She was pretty sure that was the moment she’d stupidly fallen in love with a dorky philosophy major from Topeka with a girlfriend waiting for him back home.”
And my eyes roll so far back in my head I think they’re going to get stuck there and Georgia’s voice and appearance instantly become something resembling Valley Girl in my head, which is distracting when she’s trying to trash talk the dragon.
This book had the backbone of something great, and if you could forget about Georgia, and focus entirely on the plot, you might have a better opinion of this book, but you would have to ignore this kind of thing:
Georgia meets a guy outside of the hotel she’s staying at (he’s an older black guy with a kid). They start talking about things and she tells him she’s in town on business, he says- “Hell, you should be living in a loft in New York with eight other kids trying to figure out what to do with your life, not traveling all over the damn place on business.”
Is this not the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard? Number one, wtf?! Number two, I would love to be 25 and have a job that paid me to travel around, I mean, that sounds like a pretty kick ass job! Number three, why the fuck NYC in a loft with eight other “kids”? Who would want to live with eight other 25 year olds? That sounds like mental torture.
I’m being persnickety, but I have a real problem connecting to a story where I hate everyone except the nasty, world- devouring dragon.
It’s all just hokey, which detracts from the really strong horror plot that’s going on in the background. I kept thinking the whole time I was reading this- if Nicholas Kaufmann had written this like The Gunslinger, or maybe if Stephen King had written this story, it would’ve been AWESOME, but… alack and alas it became a big ole dud. The ending was awful.
July 30, 2015
Georgia Quincey is the last of her line, a direct descendent of the medieval St. George who, according to Chasing the Dragon's author Nicholas Kaufmann, failed in his mission to slay the Dragon. As a result, the mantle of dragonslayer was passed onto George's son, and his son after him, all the way down the line. When Georgia's father too is slain by the Dragon, it falls to Georgia to take up her father's gun and go after the Dragon herself.
But defeating the Dragon is no easy task. The Dragon is powerful, Georgia is all alone, and the monster which has haunted her family through the ages is not the only demon that chases her. In despair over the Dragon's murder of her parents and destruction of her own life, Georgia fell prey to the needle. Therefore, her life of "chasing the Dragon" is now a double entendre in which Georgia must find a way to fulfill her lineage's quest while simultaneously waging her own battle with her heroin addiction.
Chasing the Dragon is a rip-roaring splatterpunk adventure full of blood, gore, zombies, intense fight scenes and danger enough to satisfy any adrenaline-junkie. The book was an irresistible purchase for me thanks to Erik Mohr's stunning blood-red cover featuring a magnificent Eastern Dragon design, and the text within this slim volume's pages did not disappoint.
Georgia Quincey faces an epic battle. The stakes? The destruction or survival of the world. But Georgia's story is far more than gory mayhem. For, while Georgia is beaten and battered, she is never broken, and, though she holds the fate of the world in her hands, Georgia's battle with the Dragon is nevertheless deeply personal. Georgia's strength of character and Nicholas Kaufmann's strength of characterization lie at the heart of this novella and lift it well above the ranks of pure adrenaline rush. Add to this one way-cool dragon and Chasing the Dragon is a satisfying read indeed.
But defeating the Dragon is no easy task. The Dragon is powerful, Georgia is all alone, and the monster which has haunted her family through the ages is not the only demon that chases her. In despair over the Dragon's murder of her parents and destruction of her own life, Georgia fell prey to the needle. Therefore, her life of "chasing the Dragon" is now a double entendre in which Georgia must find a way to fulfill her lineage's quest while simultaneously waging her own battle with her heroin addiction.
Chasing the Dragon is a rip-roaring splatterpunk adventure full of blood, gore, zombies, intense fight scenes and danger enough to satisfy any adrenaline-junkie. The book was an irresistible purchase for me thanks to Erik Mohr's stunning blood-red cover featuring a magnificent Eastern Dragon design, and the text within this slim volume's pages did not disappoint.
Georgia Quincey faces an epic battle. The stakes? The destruction or survival of the world. But Georgia's story is far more than gory mayhem. For, while Georgia is beaten and battered, she is never broken, and, though she holds the fate of the world in her hands, Georgia's battle with the Dragon is nevertheless deeply personal. Georgia's strength of character and Nicholas Kaufmann's strength of characterization lie at the heart of this novella and lift it well above the ranks of pure adrenaline rush. Add to this one way-cool dragon and Chasing the Dragon is a satisfying read indeed.
July 15, 2011
4 AND 1/2 STARS
This book was truly a pleasant surprise. I've read Kaufmann's "General Slocum's Gold", but "Chasing The Dragon" is even better. Author Nicholas Kaufmann melds various themes and genres together into a seamless and very suspenseful action/horror tale set in an urban landscape. Kaufmann strategically drops clues - little crumbs -- along the way, feeding the reader's hunger like the drug addicted heroine. And like all great storytellers, Kaufmann weaves those pieces of the puzzle into a wonderfully original narrative.
I was very impressed with the clear descriptions of the many action scenes. Most authors cannot handle writing elaborate fight sequences without confusing the reader and making a mess of what the characters are doing at any given time. But Kaufmann's vivid descriptions are never clouded or confusing. His writing allows the reader to feel as if they are right there in the middle of the action, participating along with the characters.
I am so glad I gave this book a try. The familiar mythology of dragon slaying was given new life in a very unique way. The main character's journey was completely satisfying and equally strong throughout each act of the story. With the exception of a couple typos in the book (which is surprising, since the copy editor is credited by name), this is a near perfect tale of a character's journey from rock bottom to persevering and achieving her full potential. For succeeding with such an ambitious project, this gets my top recommendation.
This book was truly a pleasant surprise. I've read Kaufmann's "General Slocum's Gold", but "Chasing The Dragon" is even better. Author Nicholas Kaufmann melds various themes and genres together into a seamless and very suspenseful action/horror tale set in an urban landscape. Kaufmann strategically drops clues - little crumbs -- along the way, feeding the reader's hunger like the drug addicted heroine. And like all great storytellers, Kaufmann weaves those pieces of the puzzle into a wonderfully original narrative.
I was very impressed with the clear descriptions of the many action scenes. Most authors cannot handle writing elaborate fight sequences without confusing the reader and making a mess of what the characters are doing at any given time. But Kaufmann's vivid descriptions are never clouded or confusing. His writing allows the reader to feel as if they are right there in the middle of the action, participating along with the characters.
I am so glad I gave this book a try. The familiar mythology of dragon slaying was given new life in a very unique way. The main character's journey was completely satisfying and equally strong throughout each act of the story. With the exception of a couple typos in the book (which is surprising, since the copy editor is credited by name), this is a near perfect tale of a character's journey from rock bottom to persevering and achieving her full potential. For succeeding with such an ambitious project, this gets my top recommendation.
February 10, 2017
Chasing the Dragon takes on double meanings, but the one you know at the start is Georgia Quincey, who is a female Dragon slayer. The story starts out at a diner where the dragon just slaughtered everyone inside the diner. Georgia arrives after she sees this slaughter in a vision, it's how she tracks the dragon. And, the dragon has left behind some zombie like dead bodies, to take care of Georgia, who they are controlled by the dragon. This is a typical day in Georgia's life.
Georgia's life is tracking the dragon, as it was her father's, and everyone else in her bloodline, throughout history. This tale takes place in the present time with Georgia, a heroin addict, and is an unlikely dragon slayer. The story tells of her following the dragon, and the eventual confrontation that is to come (and as you would expect it's going to be bloody). This is an excellent urban fantasy/horror story. I really liked it, and it is easily recommended!
Georgia's life is tracking the dragon, as it was her father's, and everyone else in her bloodline, throughout history. This tale takes place in the present time with Georgia, a heroin addict, and is an unlikely dragon slayer. The story tells of her following the dragon, and the eventual confrontation that is to come (and as you would expect it's going to be bloody). This is an excellent urban fantasy/horror story. I really liked it, and it is easily recommended!
February 2, 2011
The legend goes that Saint George fought and killed the dragon, but the legend is wrong. Saint George failed and the dragon still walks the earth, feeding and killing and raising the dead for her own personal army. The charge of battling the dragon has passed down through the family line all the way to Georgia, who is torn up by her own internal demons, dealing with her addiction to heroine. While she hunts the dragon, the dragon also hunts her.
This is a good old fashioned horror story, the kind that pulls no punches and incorporates perfect amounts of blood and guts, while presenting a character who is believable. I love Georgia, because while she has been broken down by her life and her addiction, she perseveres and finds the strength to keep fighting.
This is a good old fashioned horror story, the kind that pulls no punches and incorporates perfect amounts of blood and guts, while presenting a character who is believable. I love Georgia, because while she has been broken down by her life and her addiction, she perseveres and finds the strength to keep fighting.
December 30, 2016
Kaufmann takes the story of St George and the dragons and decides that zombies and heroin would be good additions. Surprisingly, he is correct. Set in the modern day, St George's line continued and has been fighting dragons for centuries, though the dragon proves to be frustratingly immortal. Cue Georgia, the last of the dragon slayers, a heroin addict, and a woman ready to give up. But somehow she survives her encounter with the dragon, kills its current body, and ensures that future dragon slayers won't be facing quite the epic task that she did. It's a strange story, but full of energy and creativity. It does well with the novella format, and tells a fascinating tale that I never would have expected from a story about dragons.
February 21, 2012
An okay novella, but this kind of thing really isn't my bag. It has great action and an interesting concept, but it came up short as far as investing me emotionally, and having that can't-wait-to-pick-it-up-again quality.
I'm just not that big on action first when it comes to reading.
But that's okay, this novella will appeal to a lot of people who would
enjoy this action filled story. And it has a pretty good ending as well.
So a strong three stars for integrating generations of dragonslayers and
a dragon, and heroin addiction.
I couldn't help thinking, though, that this would have made a much stronger graphic novel (i.e. comic) than a novella.
I'm just not that big on action first when it comes to reading.
But that's okay, this novella will appeal to a lot of people who would
enjoy this action filled story. And it has a pretty good ending as well.
So a strong three stars for integrating generations of dragonslayers and
a dragon, and heroin addiction.
I couldn't help thinking, though, that this would have made a much stronger graphic novel (i.e. comic) than a novella.
September 7, 2016
Beginning with disturbing gore, and continuing with disturbing gore, I was surprised I liked this so much. Georgia's journey tracking the dragon is short and intense, and damn did I enjoy it.
The surprise ending didn't come as much of a surprise, but that didn't mar my enjoyment of the book.
Seeing through the eyes of an addict was interesting, and even more so because of her circumstances. I liked the well-placed flashbacks, they added very well to the story, and weren't at all distracting. I also appreciated the very neat ending, with everything being addressed. I'll be reading more from this author.
The surprise ending didn't come as much of a surprise, but that didn't mar my enjoyment of the book.
Seeing through the eyes of an addict was interesting, and even more so because of her circumstances. I liked the well-placed flashbacks, they added very well to the story, and weren't at all distracting. I also appreciated the very neat ending, with everything being addressed. I'll be reading more from this author.
October 10, 2012
I read this in one sitting at work. It is a small book, a bit predictable, but has some interesting elements regarding dragons and drug use. The ending was a bit weird, but overall I thought the book was ok. Not sure if I'd recommend it highly like some other books I have read, but it was good to pass the time at work.
September 9, 2013
The second book I've finished by this author, and it--too--was an excellent read. The hero of the story was an antihero that, for nostalgic reasons, reminded me of Stephen King's earliest (and best) work. This may not be a novel-length story, but that doesn't mean that the story skimps out. It felt like it was exactly as long as it needed to be.
August 23, 2013
One of the best books I've ever read. It is a very short book, which doesn't allow for a good review because it would contain a lot of spoilers. One thing I can say is that there is such a clear relationship between the dragon that Georgia is chasing (and is chasing her) and the drug she is pursuing (and seemingly pursues her). Such a good book.
August 29, 2015
Even though this book was a short read, I still found it very entertaining. I felt the rush of adrenaline as Georgia, our protagonist, was up against her worst nightmares and it was beautiful. At points I wish the author was more clear with their writing, often doing flashbacks without properly transitioning it, but I still found the book throughly enjoyable and an easy read.
March 7, 2011
I'd give this one 3 1/2 stars if I could. I didn't like it as much as I was hoping I would. There's a lot of action to start it off, then ends with an equal amount. The middle however, dragged on a little. Still a decent, quick read.
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