4.19
Part of "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" series
"Talking to Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede is the fourth and final book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, a series that blends elements of traditional fairy tales with a refreshing dose of humor and modern sensibilities. In this installment, we follow the journey of Cimarron, a young prince who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of hero. After his three older sisters have all had their adventures in the Enchanted Forest, it's finally Cimarron's turn to prove himself. He sets out on a quest to find the missing princess, Daystar, who has been kidnapped by an evil witch. Along the way, he encounters a cast of fantastical creatures, including the wise-cracking dragon, Kazul, who becomes his unlikely ally. Wrede's world-building is rich and imaginative, filled with talking animals, magical spells, and enchanted objects. Yet, it is her characters that truly shine. Cimarron is a relatable and endearing protagonist, who must learn to trust himself and his own abilities in order to succeed. The dragon, Kazul, is a delightful and complex character, who challenges Cimarron's preconceptions about dragons and provides much of the comic relief. One of the strengths of "Talking to Dragons" is its exploration of gender roles and stereotypes. Wrede subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, presenting a world where princesses can be heroes and dragons can be friends. The book also touches on themes of courage, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Overall, "Talking to Dragons" is a satisfying conclusion to the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. It is a fun and engaging read that will appeal to both children and adults. With its clever writing, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a worthy addition to any fantasy collection...
Robin McKinley
The Blue Sword
An Harry Crewe, a young orphaned girl, is sent to live with her officer uncle in the colonial settlement of Damar. When the king of the Damarians calls for Harry to be a part of an elite group of female warriors known as the King's Riders, she discovers her destiny and the power within herself. This book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a strong female protagonist, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MorePatricia C. Wrede
Dealing with Dragons
In this first book of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Princess Cimerine runs away from her royal responsibilities to live among dragons. She quickly befriends the dragon Kazul and becomes the dragon's princess, tasked with the job of dealing with human problems. Fans of Talking to Dragons will enjoy this light-hearted, humorous, and adventurous tale of a princess who chooses her own path.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Hero and the Crown
Aerin, the bastard daughter of the king, must prove her worth to her father and his kingdom. She embarks on a dangerous journey to find and tame a dragon, and in the process, discovers her own strength and courage. This book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a strong female protagonist, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreKelly Barnhill
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. But the witch, Xan, is kind and gentle, and she rescues and raises the babies herself. When Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, she gives her magical powers that she must keep hidden. This Newbery Medal-winning book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a strong female protagonist, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreRachel Hartman
Seraphina
In a world where dragons and humans live in an uneasy alliance, Seraphina, a gifted musician, must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics and her own forbidden love for a dragon prince. This book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a richly imagined fantasy world, a strong female protagonist, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MorePeter S. Beagle
The Last Unicorn
A unicorn discovers that she is the last of her kind and sets out on a journey to find the others. Along the way, she encounters a magician, a king, and a bewildering array of other creatures. This classic fantasy novel is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a richly imagined fantasy world, a strong female protagonist, and a timeless tale of adventure and self-discovery.
Learn MoreMaggie Stiefvater
The Raven Boys
Blue Sargent, the daughter of a psychic, has always been told that she will kill her true love. When she meets Gansey, a wealthy student at the local private school, she becomes entangled in his quest to find the lost king of Wales, and in the process, discovers her own powers. This book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a richly imagined fantasy world, a strong female protagonist, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreLois Lowry
The Giver
In a society where sameness is valued above all else, Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, the one person who holds all the memories of the past. As he learns about the world before, he begins to question the society he has always known. This Newbery Medal-winning book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a richly imagined dystopian world, a strong protagonist, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreGail Carson Levine
Ella Enchanted
Ella is cursed to always obey any order given to her, no matter how ridiculous or dangerous. When she sets out to break the curse, she encounters a host of fairy tale characters and learns to stand up for herself. This Newbery Honor-winning book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a strong female protagonist, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreMadeleine L'Engle
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin set out on a journey through time and space to rescue Meg's father, a scientist who has been imprisoned on a distant planet. Along the way, they encounter strange creatures, face dangerous challenges, and learn about the power of love and family. This Newbery Medal-winning book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a richly imagined science fiction/fantasy world, a strong female protagonist, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Hero and the Crown
Aerin, the bastard daughter of the king, must prove her worth to her father and his kingdom. She embarks on a dangerous journey to find and tame a dragon, and in the process, discovers her own strength and courage. This book is a great choice for readers of Talking to Dragons as it features a strong female protagonist, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a coming-of-age story.
Learn More