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sleepylizard's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
4.0
This was fun. Like a lot of people my familiarity with How to Train Your Dragon extends only to the movies. I knew that the books didn't have much in common with the movies outside of the concept so I figured I'd see for myself what the actual differences were.
HTTYD the book is a quirky tale of Hiccup; the Viking heir to the throne that doesn't have a prayer. It's got a lot of humor and wit and I found myself delighted by how charming it was. I didn't have to push through for the sake of comparing it to its successor. It stands as its own original story.
The boys of Berk have reached the age at which it's time to take the test to officially join their villages as serious Viking warriors.This test involves catching a dragon, training it to do a series of tasks, and demonstrating the strength of your training at an annual Viking festival in several months' time.
The book chronicles Hiccup's attempts at training his unruly dragon Toothless by using his own methods rather than the usual Viking technique of just yelling at them.
It's a very brisk read. Only a few hours as an audiobook. It's fairly straightforward though there were a few turns that kept me invested. It's somewhat predictable in one way yet unexpected in another. I think its strength lies in Cressida Cowell's concept as well her writing style. It's so distinctly her and establishes the whimsical tone of the book very well.
I've been moving away from books that are written in this specific kind of fanciful way because it feels so forced and often sacrifices good storytelling in favor of a poorly executed stylistic choice. Alice in Wonderland is an example of this type of writing I'm talking about, but done well.
The dragon lore was cool. Cowell put a lot of thought into the world building. It easy to see why Hiccup didn't fit in but she also balanced that with how Hiccup is actually a Hero (a very coveted position in Viking society) in his own right, he just hasn't realized it yet.
Toothless was super annoying yet I still somehow loved him?? The fact that Hiccup (or anyone technically speaking) could communicate with dragons was a fun surprise to me. Hiccup trying to figure out how to appeal to the little brats' better nature was a highlight.
There's also a whole framing device where in book the series apparently is by Hiccup. You're reading his memoirs. That does take away some of the tension, however, I still was into the story enough that I wasn't too bothered by it. At least for now it's not a big deal. But I do plan on reading the whole series so I reserve the right to change my mind.
One thing I didn't like was the lack of women. This is clearly intended to be for boys so girls don't need to have huge roles. Not every book has to appeal to every demographic. It's just the absence of literally any women even in passing made it super noticeable. I think Hiccup's mom is mentioned one time and that's literally the only time a woman is referred to at all. That was just way too extreme for me ignore. I hope that changes in future installments.
I can see why they decided to try and make a movie of it (even if the end product was so radically changed). I'd highly recommend it.
HTTYD the book is a quirky tale of Hiccup; the Viking heir to the throne that doesn't have a prayer. It's got a lot of humor and wit and I found myself delighted by how charming it was. I didn't have to push through for the sake of comparing it to its successor. It stands as its own original story.
The boys of Berk have reached the age at which it's time to take the test to officially join their villages as serious Viking warriors.This test involves catching a dragon, training it to do a series of tasks, and demonstrating the strength of your training at an annual Viking festival in several months' time.
The book chronicles Hiccup's attempts at training his unruly dragon Toothless by using his own methods rather than the usual Viking technique of just yelling at them.
It's a very brisk read. Only a few hours as an audiobook. It's fairly straightforward though there were a few turns that kept me invested. It's somewhat predictable in one way yet unexpected in another. I think its strength lies in Cressida Cowell's concept as well her writing style. It's so distinctly her and establishes the whimsical tone of the book very well.
I've been moving away from books that are written in this specific kind of fanciful way because it feels so forced and often sacrifices good storytelling in favor of a poorly executed stylistic choice. Alice in Wonderland is an example of this type of writing I'm talking about, but done well.
The dragon lore was cool. Cowell put a lot of thought into the world building. It easy to see why Hiccup didn't fit in but she also balanced that with how Hiccup is actually a Hero (a very coveted position in Viking society) in his own right, he just hasn't realized it yet.
Toothless was super annoying yet I still somehow loved him?? The fact that Hiccup (or anyone technically speaking) could communicate with dragons was a fun surprise to me. Hiccup trying to figure out how to appeal to the little brats' better nature was a highlight.
There's also a whole framing device where in book the series apparently is by Hiccup. You're reading his memoirs. That does take away some of the tension, however, I still was into the story enough that I wasn't too bothered by it. At least for now it's not a big deal. But I do plan on reading the whole series so I reserve the right to change my mind.
One thing I didn't like was the lack of women. This is clearly intended to be for boys so girls don't need to have huge roles. Not every book has to appeal to every demographic. It's just the absence of literally any women even in passing made it super noticeable. I think Hiccup's mom is mentioned one time and that's literally the only time a woman is referred to at all. That was just way too extreme for me ignore. I hope that changes in future installments.
I can see why they decided to try and make a movie of it (even if the end product was so radically changed). I'd highly recommend it.
achillesheeled's review against another edition
4.0
[reread!]
i really like this book! very fun, though it is rather short. but the pacing is good and i do think it does a great job of keeping you turning the pages; i also think that it does a great job of introducing you to the world without bogging itself down too much with exposition. overall i really recommend this book (and the series as a whole, which i prefer to the movies!)
im excited to continue the series soon ^^
i really like this book! very fun, though it is rather short. but the pacing is good and i do think it does a great job of keeping you turning the pages; i also think that it does a great job of introducing you to the world without bogging itself down too much with exposition. overall i really recommend this book (and the series as a whole, which i prefer to the movies!)
im excited to continue the series soon ^^
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
The first book in which we meet Hiccup, discover dragons, YELL AT SAID DRAGONS, have a party, oh and did I mention the giant dragons that come to disturb the peace? Ah, no, well, they will pop around for some snacks as well.
After reading book 4 (the only book one of my libraries had in English) and really liking this series, I decided to just buy the books. And what does one do when one wants the books, indeed, just buy the 8 books boxset. :P Sure, RIP my TBR (which was finally going down), but yay me!
In this one we meet Hiccup, a short boy in the midst of many tougher boys. But Hiccup got something they clearly don't all have, brains and imagination. Yes, he may seem like he doesn't fit in with his role, the one of the Chief's son, the one to one day rule the village. But believe me when I say that I think that a smarter chief would be a nice change. Because brawn is good to have (and who knows what happens in Hiccup's puberty, for all we know he becomes super tall and buff), but brains and imagination also work wonders. As is also shown in this book at several moments, and most importantly during the last parts, when two giant dragons pop up and everyone's only idea of getting rid of it/them is to YELL AT THEM FROM THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS (because that is what that book from a dragon expert is telling them to do).
Toothless also makes an appearance, as every boy of Hiccup's age, or at least those who want to be initiated in the tribe, need to have a dragon. Boy, I want that as well, give me a dragon any day. I was already wondering in book 4 how Hiccup got Toothless, I just couldn't imagine him picking a dragon like that. But apparently, when in a hurry you do strange things (plus something to do with fate it seems, RIP Hiccup, fate seems to have a nice laughing fit about him). Throughout the book I wanted to strangle Toothless and I kept wishing maybe one of the proper dragons would just eat him. He is whiny, worthless piece of dragon. And sure, he shows his worth, but I still don't think one WOW moments saves him for me. He needs to do a lot less whining, a lot more obeying. He needs to be kinder to Hiccup who is treating him so well.
I felt sorry for Hiccup at many points in the book. He doesn't have the easiest life and gets bullied by Snotlout (and some of the other boys, but generally Snotlout). I am glad that he at least stays upright and tries to get through the days. He just tries his best, and I am glad he also has bravery and the guts to at times stand up for himself.
I was also happy to see that Hiccup has a mom! In the 4th book I thought that there were no woman in the village (as we never meet them). But apparently they are around, I wonder what happened to them then, or if they are just hidden well.
I loved the pages about the dragons, I would have loved to see more of them as there are so many kinds. I want to know all I can about the dragons in this world.
The ending was very exciting, and I was worried for Hiccup at times. I am really proud of what he cooked up. If you can't beat the beast with strength, than do it with brains. :P I was surprised at what the dragon knew, that is quite creepy and makes the dragon even more dangerous.
Oh, and even with a son like Hiccup, I just adore his father and how caring and protective he is of Hiccup.
Of course the book is also full with illustrations. Again, still not entire sold on the style, but after 3 books by this author I am starting to quite like them. They have a certain charm.
All in all, I will soon be reading book 2 as I want to know what happens next. I would recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
After reading book 4 (the only book one of my libraries had in English) and really liking this series, I decided to just buy the books. And what does one do when one wants the books, indeed, just buy the 8 books boxset. :P Sure, RIP my TBR (which was finally going down), but yay me!
In this one we meet Hiccup, a short boy in the midst of many tougher boys. But Hiccup got something they clearly don't all have, brains and imagination. Yes, he may seem like he doesn't fit in with his role, the one of the Chief's son, the one to one day rule the village. But believe me when I say that I think that a smarter chief would be a nice change. Because brawn is good to have (and who knows what happens in Hiccup's puberty, for all we know he becomes super tall and buff), but brains and imagination also work wonders. As is also shown in this book at several moments, and most importantly during the last parts, when two giant dragons pop up and everyone's only idea of getting rid of it/them is to YELL AT THEM FROM THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS (because that is what that book from a dragon expert is telling them to do).
Toothless also makes an appearance, as every boy of Hiccup's age, or at least those who want to be initiated in the tribe, need to have a dragon. Boy, I want that as well, give me a dragon any day. I was already wondering in book 4 how Hiccup got Toothless, I just couldn't imagine him picking a dragon like that. But apparently, when in a hurry you do strange things (plus something to do with fate it seems, RIP Hiccup, fate seems to have a nice laughing fit about him). Throughout the book I wanted to strangle Toothless and I kept wishing maybe one of the proper dragons would just eat him. He is whiny, worthless piece of dragon. And sure, he shows his worth, but I still don't think one WOW moments saves him for me. He needs to do a lot less whining, a lot more obeying. He needs to be kinder to Hiccup who is treating him so well.
I felt sorry for Hiccup at many points in the book. He doesn't have the easiest life and gets bullied by Snotlout (and some of the other boys, but generally Snotlout). I am glad that he at least stays upright and tries to get through the days. He just tries his best, and I am glad he also has bravery and the guts to at times stand up for himself.
I was also happy to see that Hiccup has a mom! In the 4th book I thought that there were no woman in the village (as we never meet them). But apparently they are around, I wonder what happened to them then, or if they are just hidden well.
I loved the pages about the dragons, I would have loved to see more of them as there are so many kinds. I want to know all I can about the dragons in this world.
The ending was very exciting, and I was worried for Hiccup at times. I am really proud of what he cooked up. If you can't beat the beast with strength, than do it with brains. :P I was surprised at what the dragon knew, that is quite creepy and makes the dragon even more dangerous.
Oh, and even with a son like Hiccup, I just adore his father and how caring and protective he is of Hiccup.
Of course the book is also full with illustrations. Again, still not entire sold on the style, but after 3 books by this author I am starting to quite like them. They have a certain charm.
All in all, I will soon be reading book 2 as I want to know what happens next. I would recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
elphabala's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
dom0811's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
carliereadsstuff's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
crickedcactus's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to the audiobook, narrated by DAVID TENNANT, it was a fantastic experience, completely different from the movie and extremely funny and interesting
therestlessbookflea07's review against another edition
3.0
The story, elements and structure adequately fits for middle grade reading but I um personally decided to stick with the movie adaptations. Only made until 2-3 chapters.