Dragon Prince (Book 1) [Paperback]

Melanie Rawn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 6, 1988

Nominated for the 1989 John W. Campbell Award, this book tells the story of Rohan, who has become the new prince of the desert. Rohan seeks to bring peace to his world of divided nations.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An arranged marriage between Prince Rohan of Stronghold and the "sunrunner" Sioned of Goddess Keep promises to bring a new kind of peace to a strife-torn land until the machinations of a self-serving High Prince plunge the world into war. Romance, intrigue, magic, and myth mingle freely in this first of a series that should appeal to readers of fantasy and epic romance. JC
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Melanie Rawn is good! (Anne McCaffrey) Does for fantasy what Frank Herbert did for science fiction in his classic novel Dune. (Rave Reviews) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: DAW Books (December 6, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886774500
• ISBN-13: 978-0886774509
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #453,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible epic - Dynamic, powerful and dreamlike , June 4, 2000

By 

Tira Misu - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon Prince (Book 1) (Paperback)

I guess I should keep this short. I don't have time to write the in depth review the book deserves. From the first page I was captivated, entranced, enchanted. By the time I'd finished the first two chapters I'd gotten a good look at the main characters, their traits and quirks and individual personalities - and with every page I read, the people and their interactions grew more complex and interesting. The thing I loved best about this novel was the people - they were real. They lived and breathed and brought the story to life. The romance between Rohan and Sioned was both poignant and amusing in the beginning, but as the story went on it acquired depth, as they suffered and were made stronger by the pain, by staying together. The extensive cast of supporting characters was engaging and ominous by turns, and the narrative throughout most of the story flowed easily. But apart from all that, perhaps the most important thing about the novel is that the people changed. They were three-dimensional, alive - there are certain stretches of narrative where I still have to pause, because I'll realize that my breathing has stopped and I'm suffering with the characters in the book. The author takes you so deep into the characters' minds that you will live the story with them, feel their pain and burn with their passions - an incredible experience. When I finally reached the end, I found myself gripping the book, willing it to become just a litle longer ...

Well, that was longer than I thought it would be. I encourage anyone who has any interest in people to read the book, because that was what it was about - people. Thanx for reading this, and enjoy the book!

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Short Response to the Criticism, June 27, 1999

By 

Justus G. Hartzok - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon Prince (Book 1) (Paperback)

Of all the many books I have read (with perhaps the exception of _A Game of Thrones_ by George R.R. Martin), _Dragon Prince_ captivated me the most. In my opinion it is the best of Melanie's books, and one of the most intricate. The characters are _not_ one-dimensional (as some have declared so loudly) and the world she creates is extremely detailed. I never actually intended to write a review of this book, because I feel that there are plenty of representative reviews here. But I have to take unction with one or two reviewers who claim Roelstra was a wimpy, one-dimensional villain. I thought Roelstra was one of the best crafted villains I've seen in quite a while. He is not obvious; his plotting is done quite deviously. And to anyone who claims he wasn't wicked enough (don't read further if you don't want the plot spoiled!), I think that a person willing to hold back dranath to ensure the deaths of his enemies (as well as untold innocents), or someone who has no problem permanently laying waste to the land to slow down an army is a pretty villainous person.

I also ask those who rate books with one star to give detailed reasons for their decision. In most cases, it seemed these reviewers probably hadn't read the book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What can I say? Wonderous..., July 23, 1999

By 

Camigwen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon Prince (Book 1) (Paperback)

Magic, strong female characters, multi-faceted characters that are well developed, a character you can relate too no matter who you are, dragons, princely politics at it's best, love, family, heartache, struggles, war, fantasy, sunrunners...if you like any or all of that...you must read Ms. Rawn's book, and continue with the series. Ms Rawn isn't an author to turn out books like other famous authors (Lackey, Eddings) that are short with no substance. Her books have thought and content that will grip ahold of you and not let your heart and mind go. These thick books will hold your attention for a while, not for someone looking for simple, no plot reading. How you could NOT read these books, I don't know. No, she isn't perfect, I won't give her that, you wouldn't trust my review if I did. But trust me in this- give Ms. Rawn a chance, you won't regret it.

To address the past negative comments:

One sided characters? These characters are the best developed people I've seen- logical, realistic, thought provoking, multi-sided. I dont' see how you could think otherwise!

Another facet of this book...it states perfectly my definition of love. (And no, the book isn't a romance novel by any means.) I often find myself quoting the book to find the correct heartening words!

And the politics being the downfall of the book? Not even...they add to it's plot and thickness ten fold!

The characters being just good or bad? NO! Look at Pandasala, read more on Rohan, see Sioned's reactions in later books, take a second glimpse at Andry...and Pol, good and bad in one person has never been so interesting!

And to you Ms. Rawn...thank you for writing a series that I could get into and look forward to reading. Thank you also for your definition of Love...you have brought me my husband because of it and your books! (Seriously!) Keep up the great work, continue improving, and thank you for your personal treatment of your fans!