Editorial Review
It's a fantasy, it's long, and it's got dragons in it.
Dragon Rider is bound to be another hit book from Cornelia Funke! Ever since the popularity of bestselling fantasies
The Thief Lord and
Inkheart went global a few years ago, legions of fans have demanded more books from the German author than she can reasonably hope to write each year. So, re-discovering this hefty, earlier novel from 1997 was a logical development--and her keenest readers will devour it as before.
Aimed at slightly younger readers than her previous novels, despite its massive five hundred pages, Dragon Rider is about a brave young dragon called Firedrake who embarks upon a dangerous journey to the Rim of Heaven in the Himalayas--a magical place where silver dragons can rest easy, free from the threat of destruction by mankind and their only hope of sanctuary. The key to its location is a map rendered by a rat who is a master cartographer.
Firedrake is joined on his quest by Ben, an orphaned boy, and Sorrell--a wise-cracking Brownie that is an odd, but ingenious, grumpy kind of fairy. Their journey is not a straightforward one by any means. Created by an alchemist called Petrosius Henbane in 1424, Nettlebrand (a malevolent creature covered in impenetrable gold plates) is their biggest threat--he is intent on destroying them. Nettlebrand is aided by Twigleg, a homunculus who has stowed away in Ben's bag and who is feeding reports on their progress back to his master.
Their exciting encounters are many... It is easy to forgive the narrative's excessive length when readers are gorging on such a wonderfully inventive and readable story from an author who has her readers in the palm of her hand on every page. (Age 9 and over) --John McLay
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Customer Reviews
Dragon Rider 
2008-05-01
Dragon Rider tells about a boy named Ben, a dragon named Firedrake, and a
Brownie named Sorrel. This book tells about Ben, Sorrel, and Firedrake
going on their journey to the Rim of Heaven in the Himalayas. They pass by weird creatures, including: a sea serpent, a djinni, Nettlebrand who is a dragon eater, and Twigleg who is a homocules, a small type of creature that is about as tall as a pint. Throughout their voyage, Nettlebrand is trying to kill them. It tells about them defending themselves from Nettlebrand. Will they die, or will Nettlebrand?
I think Dragon Rider is a fantastic book because it has adventure in it. It has mystical creatures. It just has a good story-line. It tells about things that will make you jump out of your pants. It also has things that are funny, especially the things Sorrel says. I also like this book because my favorite genre is fantasy and Cornelia Funke is one of my favorite authors. The only thing I don't like to talk about is, there is a tragedy.
I recommend this for ages 8-10. The genre is fantasy.
By Sara
Great Adventure for Dragon Lovers 2008-04-03
This book is perfect for kids who are into the dragon fantasies but not ready for alot of the darkness and violence that is often prevelant in this particular genre. My kids (9, 7) loved the appearance of various mythological creatures and I appreciated the well rounded characters and quest of the book. Dragon Rider has the villan you love to hate, honorable heros, an outspoken and hillariously opinionated sidekick, and an aquaintance with questionable loyalties. It has a challenging vocabulary which my eldest word lover enjoyed but might make it a tough read for a struggling reader to pick up by his/herself. We overcame this by making it a family read aloud.
This book lacks the seriousness of Funke's Inkheart Series but still has the undercurrent of good vs. evil, characters growing as they decide and then act on right and wrong, and has a theme of doing good for the sake of good. The kids, even the younger ones, loved the humor and occasionally whimsical storyline. If Eragon and Lord of the Rings is your style, you will find this book childish but if you are looking for the fantastic creatures without some of the heavier content, you will find this book an enjoyable, worthwile read!!!
Manifest Dragon Destiny 
2008-03-06
Dragon Rider is a good dragon book that doesn't delve too deeply into dragon lore, preferring to stand on it's own as more of an adventure tale involving dragons. The premise of the book is that the lair of a group of dragons is threatened and one of their own - Firedrake - is the only one willing and able to set out and explore the scary world to find a better place for his clan to live: a mysterious place called the Rim of Heaven.
Like many such books when the protagonist steps beyond the sheltered confines of his/her character-incubator world, they quickly learn just how hard real life is. In Dragon Rider this trauma is embodied in Nettlebrand, a compelling although not completely fleshed out mechanic dragon.
The cast of characters includes a young orphan named Ben, who becomes the namesake dragon rider, a homunculus named Twigleg that borders on Jar Jar Binks annoyingness, and a professor of fabulous beings, interested in Firedrake for obvious reasons.
This book is a fun read as long as you don't take it too seriously and the 400+ pages fly by as you get engrossed in the story.
dragon rider 2008-02-19
Just a comment to the idea that Dragon Rider was published after Eragon (and may be "inspired" by it) and that is too simple and boring, "don't pick it up if you are older than 9.".
All of you well read kids may want to check a listing or ask in a bookstore...Dragon Rider was published 1997, so if anything the author of Eragon may have read it and been inspired. Which is ok, dragon stories are as old as mankind.
Is it easier to read? Well, check the author's and publisher's recommendation, it is written for younger readers, younger than teens! Cornelia Funke has written books for small children, Elementary age and teens and young adults. The Thief Lord and Inkheart are for the older set. By her own account the Dragon Rider is for young readers. So dont complain, give it to second grader who will enjoy it.
Slow, but Awesome. 2008-02-01
If you're a dragon lover, you have GOT to read this book. It is slow at some points but the characters are well-rounded, and it's a great story. I read it to my younger brother and put voices to all the characters. It was such a fun book!
I was a bit if-y about the villian's only motivation for trapsing all over the face of the earth was to eat Firedrake...... But it was completely enjoyable otherwise. READ IT!!!!
Great Imagery 2008-07-23
I have never been a reader of high fantasy. I listened to this book on tape. The acting and voices of Brendan Frazier were more entertaining than any movie.
I enjoyed the length of the story. It was just right.
The dragons are leaving their home after many years of safety. Man has come to their valley, and it is no longer safe.
Firedrake, the silver dragon, sets out to find the Rim of Heaven. He has his trusty furry brownie on his back. When they land in a human town with high rises, they pick up a human boy, who has no home. They encounter danger from humans, and many creatures along the way. They are also shown great kindness in the form of a rat who has given them a map, a genie with 1000 eyes who will only speak to humans, and a professor, a dracologist, and a sea creature who gives them a ride. They have gone quite a way on their journey, before realizing they have a stowaway. Twigleg is a tiny man in human form, born in a test tube. He is also a spy for the golden dragon, Nettlebrand.
Nettlebrand, the golden dragon, has been formed by a human alchemist to be a dragon killer. Nettlebrand is following the dragon, in hopes that he will lead him to the Rim of Heaven so the golden dragon can eat the other dragons. Nettlebrand has already eaten all of Twigleg's brothers and his own maker.
Nettlebrand is so large and so powerful that all other creatures and even dragons fear him. He is unable to fly, since his golden armor is so heavy. Nettlebrand has become king of the water.
Will the silver dragon ever reach the Rim of Heaven? Will the boy be safe among the creatures who are trying to destroy the dragon? Will the golden dragon destroy the last of the silver dragons?
I enjoyed this story of The Dragon Rider very much. It is a great imaginative tale, of courage and friendship. I will look for other books in this series.
Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author of the magical adventure series:
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Excellent story! 2008-07-20
(I am typing this for my 8 year old son)....Dragon Rider is a very good book! I started reading it and couldn't put it down. My favorite character is Twigleg, because he always helps Ben. The story was very interesting. I recommend this book to kids who like to read about magical creatures.
Dragon Rider 2008-05-28
Dragon Rider is a book about a dragon named Firedrake, a brounie named Sorrel, and a human named Ben. The main characters ran into two problems. The first problem was that they did not know where the rim of heaven was and the second problem was that Nettlebrand, another main character, was after them. I like the book because it was adventurous and very interesting. I would recommend this book to a person who likes fantasy and adventure.
Sweet Dragon Rider Review 2008-05-27
This book was an awesome book because it was by my favorite author. This book is a Dragon named FireDrake. He was trying to find the Rim of Heaven because his fellow Dragons were being attached by the humans. Along his way. he meets a boy that also helps him along the way. First they go to a rat because they need a map to find out where they need to go. Then they travel at night because the dragons can only travel because they need the moonlight for strength. But there is a monster that looks like a dragon because he likes to hunt dragons and his name is the Golden One. He hasn't hunted in a long time and he has servants that go and try to find the dragons but they have a spy that is spying on the dragon to find the other dragons in the Rim of Heaven . Will he find the Dragons or will the dragons try to kill him. Read to find out.
Dragon Rider 2008-05-12
Dragon Rider is such a great book you can't wait to find out what happens next. This book takes place in a valley where dragons are trying to escape to the Rim of Heaven before the humans come. This story is so adventurous. It's just like cause and effect. The book also has a lot of great action. The author wrote this book with so much excitement you'll be on your toes. Every chapter it gets more interesting. I hope you enjoy this book like I did.
