The best fantasy novels that help you decide if dragons are good or evil

Why am I passionate about this?

My fascination with dragons began at a young age and has intensified over the years. I think I’ve watched every movie with a dragon in it and read many of the books. I've tried to incorporate as much as I can, plus my own little twists, into each species of dragon in my world. The most excited I've been about dragons was while watching a special documentary on Discovery Channel. They explained how dragons could fly, the mechanics behind them breathing fire, and what their diet consisted of. It was a great speculative show but had enough science to make you wonder! I hope you enjoy the books on my list!


I wrote...

DragonSin

By C.M. Surowiec Jr.,

Book cover of DragonSin

What is my book about?

Cymm Reich possesses a rare, magical aura that hasn’t been seen in a millennium. He doesn't realize he has this power until many years later, but the gods already know. The first god, Terazhan, sends a dwarven cleric to train the young man to become a holy warrior in his name.

At sixteen years old, Cymm’s family is massacred and village razed. While Cymm struggles to discover himself and his place in the world, the benevolent Terazhan offers him a glimmer of hope to defeat the dragons responsible for murdering his loved ones. However, a dark secret entwines this gift of power, and the chain of events set in motion could change the history of the world forever.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Hobbit

C.M. Surowiec Jr. Why did I love this book?

I have read this book three times, and I absolutely love how the dragon is described and portrayed. Smaug is an ancient dragon of immense size and power with incredible intellect. The banter between Bilbo and Smaug is entertaining, but the dragon’s ego really draws you in. This was one of my first experiences with a dragon in a novel, and I was pleasantly horrified by the destructive power the beast could unleash on the world.

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

42 authors picked The Hobbit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Special collector's film tie-in hardback of the best-selling classic, featuring the complete story with a sumptuous cover design inspired by THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and brand new reproductions of all the drawings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey 'there and back again'. They have a plot to raid…


Book cover of A Storm of Swords

C.M. Surowiec Jr. Why did I love this book?

I love the way this novel portrays the relationship that can exist between humans and dragons. It is a beautiful friendship that is protective and loyal, but does not diminish their savage and vicious nature. Daenerys has raised them from hatchlings in the prior books, but in this book we start to see individual personalities developing, laying a foundation for what’s to come.

By George R. R. Martin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Storm of Swords as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE BOOK BEHIND THE THIRD SEASON OF GAME OF THRONES, AN ORIGINAL SERIES NOW ON HBO.

Here is the third volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one…


Book cover of Eldest

C.M. Surowiec Jr. Why did I love this book?

In this book, we get to see the dichotomy of good versus evil in dragons, but both believe they have chosen the righteous path. Saphira and Eragon care for each other deeply and although they fight and argue, they have formed an unbreakable bond. Eragon is the “chosen one” and Saphira makes sure he knows it. She selected him. I particularly like the training that they go through with the experienced dragon rider, and enjoy how the experienced dragon plays a significant part in educating the new pair.

By Christopher Paolini,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Eldest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The second book in The Inheritance Series

Darkness falls . . . Despair abounds . . . Evil reigns . . .

Fresh from their battle for the rebel state against King Galbatorix, Eragon has no time to rest.

He and his dragon, Saphira, must travel to Ellesmera, the land of the elves for more training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of a Dragon Rider.

Even though he's heading off on the journey of a lifetime, chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon doesn't know who to trust.

And while he's off on his own…


Book cover of Dragons of Autumn Twilight

C.M. Surowiec Jr. Why did I love this book?

What a classic! I have read the trilogy several times, and many other books in the Dragon Lance series. The story feels like a roleplaying quest right from the beginning, but it is very accessible for those that are unfamiliar with the concept. The traditional good vs. evil (or colored vs metallic) dragons sets the tone throughout the novel. However, in this story the leaders of the dragons, Tiamat and Bahamut, play vital roles in setting the stage for what is driving each of the dragon armies.

By Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Dragons of Autumn Twilight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy adventure is the first installment in the beloved Dragonlance Chronicles, set in the magical world of Krynn

Once merely creatures of legend, the dragons have returned to Krynn. But with their arrival comes the departure of the old gods—and all healing magic. As war threatens to engulf the land, lifelong friends reunite for an adventure that will change their lives and shape their world forever . . . 
 
When Tanis, Sturm, Caramon, Raistlin, Flint, and Tasslehoff see a woman use a blue crystal staff to heal a villager, they wonder if it's a sign the…


Book cover of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

C.M. Surowiec Jr. Why did I love this book?

The dragons are only a small part of this very popular book, but it is very memorable. The challenge that Harry (and others) must complete is very creative. The dragons in this story are closer to beasts than sentient creatures, and it forces the character and reader to realize that the dragons must be defeated with intelligence, not brute force. Although this is quite different from many stories, including mine, I can appreciate the difference and the value it brings to the trial Harry is trying to complete.

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

When the Quidditch World Cup is disrupted by Voldemort's rampaging supporters alongside the resurrection of the terrifying Dark Mark, it is obvious to Harry Potter that, far from weakening, Voldemort is getting stronger. Back at Hogwarts for his fourth year, Harry is astonished to be chosen by the Goblet of Fire to represent the school in the Triwizard Tournament. The competition is dangerous, the tasks terrifying, and true courage is no guarantee of survival - especially when the darkest forces are on the rise.

These adult editions with glorious jacket art by Andrew Davidson are now available in hardback for…


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Terracolina: A Place to Belong

By Carla Kessler, Richard Kessler (illustrator),

Book cover of Terracolina: A Place to Belong

Carla Kessler Author Of Terracolina: A Place to Belong

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, one of my favorite places was in the top branches of a tree. From up there I could watch the world pass by, remaining invisible. I could make up stories about the world below and no one would challenge me. The second best place for me was inside the story of a book, the kind that took you to magical places where children always found a way to win the day. I knew when I “grew up” I would write one of those empowering books. I became a middle school teacher and have since read many wonderful books for this age. Enjoy my list of favorites.  

Carla's book list on where kids who believe in nature make a difference

What is my book about?

Where do you turn when the only adult who gets you, your grandpa, is gone, and the world seems to be in self-destruct mode?

On his 12th birthday, Thomas runs away to the forest he used to visit with Grandpa. It is dying. Will saving it from a deadly parasite bring him closer to Grandpa or make his world safer? Before he can find out, he is enticed into a magical world under an attack of a different kind.

Welcomed by a garden of talking plants, mind-reading creatures, tree-climbing, nature-loving beings, Thomas conquers the stinging, prickly hedge that guards the portal to this alternate world. At last, a place where he fits in. A place that needs him. But what about his and Grandpa’s forest?

“…a magical book...” John Perkins, New York Times best-selling author

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Interested in dragons, wizards, and war?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about dragons, wizards, and war.

Dragons Explore 179 books about dragons
Wizards Explore 95 books about wizards
War Explore 1,877 books about war