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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I have vague recollections of this book [and series] being in the teens/YA section of the library for years, and I feel like I may have tried reading it before without success. It popped up at one point in Amazon recommendations, and I decided to take a chance on it and buy the first book.
All-in-all, this book wasn't terrible. I definitely feel like I find more faults with it than I do virtues, though that isn't to say that I dislike it or it wasn't interesting. This qualifies as a science-fantasy in my opinion, much in the same way Pern does, and if I had to liken this in any capacity to any other book series, it would be the Pern novels (just for a younger target audience.) The concept behind the world of Austar IV, the social structure its people live by, and everything to do with the dragons on the planet is very intriguing, as is the aim of our protagonist, Jakkin. We learn pretty quickly that Jakkin is rather honorable in his behavior, but still wishes to buy himself out of bond-slavery that he was unfortunately thrust into as a child, and that means stealing a dragon egg or baby dragon. In regards to the world-building and the question of what happens next for Jakkin at the end of the book, I'm intrigued to see where it goes in the rest of the series.
Unfortunately the book does have its faults, as I said, and one of them is arguably how short it is and how rapidly the book reaches its conclusion. It makes it easier to read quickly, sure, but it ultimately feels like only 25% of the way into an actual story by the time we reach the final page. This isn't terrible per se, but it left me feeling unsatisfied with a sense that the book was sorely lacking something. Perhaps it's simply the author's writing style, but I feel like we barely scratched the surface of a story and it read more like a novella than a full-length book.
Additionally, I have to call attention to the way women are treated in this book, because I do feel like there is an astonishing amount of internalized misogyny in the narrative. I get it, the series is originally from the 80s, that's probably something I should have expected. But the way that women and girls in this book are viewed as so much property and only good for a few set occupations (whether they're free or enslaved, called "bonded" on this world) really shocked and appalled me, especially coming from a female author. No, this isn't the first time I've taken issue with this sort of thing from a female author from the 80s who wrote a series with dragons and a bunch of internalized misogyny; and yeah, I imagine Yolen attempted to subvert her own misogynistic-coded world in the character of Akki, who is a compassionate healer-in-training determined not to let any man choose her fate, but if so, it's grossly overshadowed by a couple of discussions Jakkin has with both her and his master by the end of the book.
So all-in-all, this book isn't bad, and I can hope the series gets better with the later books. Would I recommend this first book right now? Doubtful. If you choose to read it, take it with a grain of salt.
All-in-all, this book wasn't terrible. I definitely feel like I find more faults with it than I do virtues, though that isn't to say that I dislike it or it wasn't interesting. This qualifies as a science-fantasy in my opinion, much in the same way Pern does, and if I had to liken this in any capacity to any other book series, it would be the Pern novels (just for a younger target audience.) The concept behind the world of Austar IV, the social structure its people live by, and everything to do with the dragons on the planet is very intriguing, as is the aim of our protagonist, Jakkin. We learn pretty quickly that Jakkin is rather honorable in his behavior, but still wishes to buy himself out of bond-slavery that he was unfortunately thrust into as a child, and that means stealing a dragon egg or baby dragon. In regards to the world-building and the question of what happens next for Jakkin at the end of the book, I'm intrigued to see where it goes in the rest of the series.
Unfortunately the book does have its faults, as I said, and one of them is arguably how short it is and how rapidly the book reaches its conclusion. It makes it easier to read quickly, sure, but it ultimately feels like only 25% of the way into an actual story by the time we reach the final page. This isn't terrible per se, but it left me feeling unsatisfied with a sense that the book was sorely lacking something. Perhaps it's simply the author's writing style, but I feel like we barely scratched the surface of a story and it read more like a novella than a full-length book.
Additionally, I have to call attention to the way women are treated in this book, because I do feel like there is an astonishing amount of internalized misogyny in the narrative. I get it, the series is originally from the 80s, that's probably something I should have expected. But the way that women and girls in this book are viewed as so much property and only good for a few set occupations (whether they're free or enslaved, called "bonded" on this world) really shocked and appalled me, especially coming from a female author. No, this isn't the first time I've taken issue with this sort of thing from a female author from the 80s who wrote a series with dragons and a bunch of internalized misogyny; and yeah, I imagine Yolen attempted to subvert her own misogynistic-coded world in the character of Akki, who is a compassionate healer-in-training determined not to let any man choose her fate, but if so, it's grossly overshadowed by a couple of discussions Jakkin has with both her and his master by the end of the book.
So all-in-all, this book isn't bad, and I can hope the series gets better with the later books. Would I recommend this first book right now? Doubtful. If you choose to read it, take it with a grain of salt.
Well, this book didn't click with me. Neither the characters nor the story managed to catch me. There was a bit too little worldbuilding for me in it and some things were left unexplained (why are the male dragons named "Blood xy", why the females "Heart xy"? Why does Master Sarkkhan have an eye on Jakkin and hopes that he'll succeed? Why are dragons more likely to respond to "thou" and "thee"?).
This book had a huge impact on my reading habits, as a kid. I have no idea how many times I went through it, but it was many. The idea of starting life at a disadvantage and fighting your way free resonated. I always wished it was Akki rather than Jakkin who was the protagonist, though.
Fantastic. Well written, lore-deep, and wholly entertaining. A unique prose style that feels engaging no matter what is going on.
My only complaints? The age of the character changes from the beginning of to the end... and goes backwards. Jakkin is said to be 16 at the beginning, and 15 at the end. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed Dragon's Blood, and have purchased the rest of the Pit Dragon Chronicles (as of Oct.4.20).
If you like dragons, and you like sci-fi, do read this book!
My only complaints? The age of the character changes from the beginning of to the end... and goes backwards. Jakkin is said to be 16 at the beginning, and 15 at the end. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed Dragon's Blood, and have purchased the rest of the Pit Dragon Chronicles (as of Oct.4.20).
If you like dragons, and you like sci-fi, do read this book!
I first read this in elementary school. Strangely, I can remember exactly where I found it in my local public library.
This book is classic young-adult fiction, with a coming-of-age story wrapped in a setting on a different planet. Which adds a bit of science-fiction spice to it, and every now and then the author contextualizes the medieval-esque fantasy setting by mentioning the "rocket jockies" that come to the planet to bet on the dragon fights. Settlement on the planet mimics the settlement of Australia; it was originally established as a penal colony. The penal society structure remains in the form of "masters" and "bonders." Bonders are essentially indentured servants.
The point-of-view character, Jakkin, is a smart, determined young bonder living at a dragon nursury who dreams of becoming a master, and a dragon trainer. He has a love for and talent with adult dragons.
The story opens with Jakkin's plan to steal a dragon egg in order to raise it and train it and fight it to win gold for his freedom, and a sponsor to continue fighting his dragon. The plot follows his secret dragon-training, his relationships with the ornery, hate-filled, addicted overseer, and a mysterious young female healer. The plot is quite fast-paced, and the writing style is clear and simple but very descriptive.
This book was entertaining, and really a dream to read. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series.
This book is classic young-adult fiction, with a coming-of-age story wrapped in a setting on a different planet. Which adds a bit of science-fiction spice to it, and every now and then the author contextualizes the medieval-esque fantasy setting by mentioning the "rocket jockies" that come to the planet to bet on the dragon fights. Settlement on the planet mimics the settlement of Australia; it was originally established as a penal colony. The penal society structure remains in the form of "masters" and "bonders." Bonders are essentially indentured servants.
The point-of-view character, Jakkin, is a smart, determined young bonder living at a dragon nursury who dreams of becoming a master, and a dragon trainer. He has a love for and talent with adult dragons.
The story opens with Jakkin's plan to steal a dragon egg in order to raise it and train it and fight it to win gold for his freedom, and a sponsor to continue fighting his dragon. The plot follows his secret dragon-training, his relationships with the ornery, hate-filled, addicted overseer, and a mysterious young female healer. The plot is quite fast-paced, and the writing style is clear and simple but very descriptive.
This book was entertaining, and really a dream to read. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series.
I swear to god if I read the phrase "I fill my bag myself!" one more time I was going to slam my head in a door.
This did absolutely nothing for me, and the double-k affectation in all of the names and many of the words just annoyed me.
This did absolutely nothing for me, and the double-k affectation in all of the names and many of the words just annoyed me.
Austar IV started life as a prison planet, over the generations and years it has evolved into a deeply segregated, almost feudal society. Jakkin was born free, but in order to survive his mother sold herself and her son into “bond”. Every bonder wears a bag, and when they fill this bag they will be free. They will be a master. But many bonders never make it that far. Jakkin is determined that he will fill his bag himself and he has a plan. He intends to steal a dragon egg, hatch it out, and raise it to be a champion pit fighter.
http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2015/11/dragons-blood/
http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2015/11/dragons-blood/
I always enjoy Jane Yolen's books; I think she really knows how to craft a story and characters. The Pit Dragon Chronicles is one of my favorite series of hers and it definitely holds up over time. I do think the first couple books are the strongest and then it does tail off a bit after that. There are many dragon stories but this does not feel repetitive or similar to others.
Another dragon book series from my childhood I'm re-reading. I absolutely love this series. The characters, the world, the plot. It's great! And, I would totally recommend this to any teen 6th grade or over who wants to read dragon books or sci-fi. It does take place on a different planet where the local wildlife are lizard and dragon-like. The names are a bit strange with double kk's in them (which they explain why in the book), but other than that it's easy to fall into this book and read it in one sitting (well, one sitting for an avid reader). This is book one of a series.