Customer Reviews

Daughter of Dragons

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was an unexpected treat. While I am not very familiar with the brand of fantasy novels dealing with dragon lore, I suspect the book has some plot twists that are not that common for its genre. To some extent, Lathwi is the adult version of a female Mowgli. Sent away by her dragonic mother to gain experience and perfect her knowledge, Lathwi finds herself entangled unwittingly in sorcerous affairs involving an old dragonic nemesis. During the ensuing conflict, she learns a lot more about magic and being human than what she bargained for.

So far so good. Except that Lathwi is not your typical maiden in awe of finally discovering her humanity. Lathwi is a six-foot two-hundred pound mountain of a woman with the heart of a dragon, the appetites of a thief, and with a righteous impatience with civilization, romantic doggerels and metaphorical meanings. (Along those lines, a scene involving a male character who tries to explain to her what men and women could do naked in the water, and in the process take advantage of her lack of knowledge on the topic, is particularly hilarious -- and quite painful for the guy, serves him right!). I thought the interaction among characters was nicely done: the clash between the dragonic code of honor and the human obsession with apparently meaningless rules was sometimes funny, sometimes touching, but never boring.

Although the plot is perfectly contained and doesn't leave the reader hanging, this is not the end of the story. I found the sequel to be at least as good as this first book. Just in this isolated instance, let's hear it for 'more of the same' :)

by Vikky Bertling

Because of her magical abilities, Lathwi has been outcast by her village and sacrificed to a dragon. Fate, however, has something else in store for her, instead of being eaten; she is adopted and raised as a dragon. Later, as a woman, Lathwi is forced to leave her mother's cave and sets out into the world to find her fortune. As she follows her quest, Lathwi becomes a sorceress' apprentice, in the strangest world of all, a human city. She also learns that an ancient evil is trying to rise again to overcome the dragons.

In this marvelous novel we follow Lathwi's travels as she learns what it is to be human, yet strives to maintain her dragon identity. Lathwi's attitude towards humans and things that doesn't concern her is funny and infuriating at the same time! Kathleen Nelson has created a strong and intriguing female character in a primarily male dominated genre.

While the action is, at times, a bit graphic, it is always captivating. This was a wonderfully written novel that I was hard pressed to ever put down. I will definitely be looking towards the sequel as my next read.

A dragon lovers keeper cannot put down once start reading. Riveting . Makes one cheer when good conquers evil.

What would Mowgli have been like if he had been a woman, and was raised by dragons instead of wolves?

Although the "girl raised by dragons" story has been used elsewhere (see "Elvenbane", by Andre Norton & Mercedes Lackey) Nelson's story takes an original spin on the "feral child" genre. If you have read "Elvenbane" it would be very interesting to compare the two. (personally, I like "Daughter of Dragons" better, because I feel the dragon/human culture clash is better represented). This book definitely goes on my favorites list.

I was looking for a stand-alone fantasy book when I stumbled upon this gem. Don't be fooled by the price! This book is truly a standout fantasy novel. Ms. Nelson's characters are very well drawn and behave consistently. The heroine is engaging and alien enough to be highly intriguing. The magic and lore were original enough to keep my interest, and the plot line was well laid enough that I couldn't anticipate the next move. Ironically, I am now longing for more! What luck that Ms. Nelson has written a sequel!

I loved the way Miss Nelson writes. The story is paced well enough so the reader never quite loses interest in the slower places. Very intriguing idea and well done. Would reccomend for anyone who likes dragons.

As a long-time reader of science fiction and fantasy, I've become somewhat jaded with potboiler plots and one-dimensional characters. I'm pleased to recommend as a welcome change from the standard a novel by a new author, Kathleen H. Nelson. Daughter of Dragons breaks new ground with its plot twists, unresolved ending, and complex, introspective characters. Lathwi is the powerful female protagonist, and in her struggles to understand and master human behavior (she was raised by dragons), the reader recognizes again and again the age-old question, "What is human?" Ms. Nelson has written a layered novel that combines elements of philosophy and psychology with a rip-roaring, humor-rich tale that had me reading until 3 a.m. Don't miss this one!

This is a 'cover-to-cover' work...makes the reader anxious to turn the page while he/she aches for the heroine to meet her challenges. I have read this book twice, and both times was totally mesmerized by it! Can't wait to see more from this author!!

I truly enjoy a book that is so captivating, that I'm willing to pass up a good night's sleep in order to finish it. Daughter of Dragons was the first K.N. work I had the pleasure of reading, and it was a real treat. Extremely good character development, intriguing (but not typical) plotline, and name creativity that I've never seen the likes of before. Keep up the great writing K.N., your readership is eager for more!

Reminiscent of the "Dragon Riders of Pern" series. Playful interaction between the dragons and their human counterparts. Strong character development and imaginative plot twists. This story would be appealing to either a seasoned fantasy reader or a curious "newling". Anxiously waiting for the sequel to hatch!