10 Best Fantasy Books About Dragons You Need to Read

Published: 2019 | Goodreads Rating: 4.19

Welcome to a world where dragons are more than just big, scaly flamethrowers, and are instead central to the fate of empires. The story follows Queen Sabran, who must produce an heir to protect her kingdom, and Ead, a secret warrior sent to protect her. Meanwhile, an ancient dragon stirs, ready to wake and unleash chaos. Magic, politics, and dragons make for an explosive combination in this doorstopper of a novel.

Why you should read it:
Dragons are more than just background scenery here—they’re crucial to the story. Plus, the world-building is so rich, you’ll feel like you need a map and caffeine to keep track of it all.

Published: 2003 | Goodreads Rating: 3.91

Eragon tells the tale of a farm boy who stumbles upon a dragon egg and ends up becoming the last hope for a kingdom on the brink of war. Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, embark on an epic quest to overthrow an evil king. Along the way, they face danger, adventure, and a lot of learning curves as Eragon grapples with the responsibilities of being a Dragon Rider. It’s basically the story of a kid suddenly getting the coolest puppy ever—and realizing it comes with some heavy responsibilities.

Why you should read it:
Eragon is a classic coming-of-age fantasy that blends dragons with a sense of epic adventure, plus a lot of “Oh no, I have to save the world now” moments.

Published: 2006 | Goodreads Rating: 4.09

Imagine the Napoleonic Wars, but with dragons. When Captain Will Laurence unexpectedly bonds with a dragon named Temeraire, his life changes drastically. Together, they join Britain’s Aerial Corps to fight off Napoleon’s forces. This is historical fiction with a big dose of dragon magic, and Novik does a fantastic job of making you bond with the dragons as well as the humans. Temeraire is as charming as he is powerful, and the bond between dragon and rider adds a heartwarming touch to all the fighting and chaos.

Why you should read it:
Because who doesn’t love a good alternate history—especially when you throw in dragons being used as military air support?

Published: 2003 | Goodreads Rating: 3.80

Pride and Prejudice with dragons, anyone? In Tooth and Claw, dragons live in a society with strict rules about inheritance, class, and eating each other. When a patriarch dies, his children are left to squabble over his estate—while also trying to maintain their dignity and their dragon scales. It’s a social commentary wrapped in dragon-shaped drama, complete with all the political and family intrigue you could want.

Why you should read it:
It’s a fun twist on Victorian-era manners, but everyone’s a dragon. Plus, the whole idea of dragons navigating inheritance disputes is just too funny to pass up.

Published: 1968 | Goodreads Rating: 4.18

On the planet Pern, dragons are necessary for survival. Specifically, the people of Pern depend on their dragons to protect them from the deadly Thread that falls from the sky. Lessa, a woman with a royal bloodline, bonds with the dragon queen Ramoth, and together must figure out how to defend their world from a deadly menace. This series is a genre-blending mix of fantasy and sci-fi, and it helped pave the way for dragons in modern fantasy literature.

Why you should read it:
It’s a classic for a reason. Dragonflight combines epic adventure with a deep connection between humans and dragons that has influenced countless dragon fantasy books since.

Published: 1937 | Goodreads Rating: 4.28

You’ve probably heard of this one. The Hobbit introduces us to Smaug, one of the most iconic dragons in literature. Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit, gets roped into an adventure to help a group of dwarves reclaim their homeland—and their treasure—from the dragon Smaug, who has made the Lonely Mountain his personal treasure vault. Smaug is as dangerous as he is vain, making him the perfect antagonist for Bilbo’s unlikely heroism.

Why you should read it:
Smaug is the quintessential greedy, fire-breathing dragon, and Tolkien’s whimsical yet epic storytelling makes this a must-read for any dragon lover.

Published: 2005 | Goodreads Rating: 3.89

In a world where dragons are hunted by humans, elves, and dwarves, young dragon Auron must fight for survival. Dragon Champion gives us a dragon’s-eye view of the world—literally. Auron narrates his own tale as he grows up and seeks a place for dragons in a world that wants them gone. It’s a gritty, often brutal story about what it means to be a dragon trying to survive in a world that fears and despises you.

Why you should read it:
If you’ve ever wanted to read a story from the dragon’s point of view, this one’s for you. It’s all about survival, family, and finding your place when the odds are stacked against you.

Published: 2017 | Goodreads Rating: 4.05

In a kingdom where dragons are seen as monsters, Asha is the fiercest dragon slayer around. However, as she uncovers the truth about her world and its history, she begins to question everything she’s been taught. The Last Namsara is filled with ancient stories, forbidden magic, and, of course, plenty of dragons. It’s a story about identity, power, and understanding the very creatures Asha has been trained to hunt.

Why you should read it:
It’s a fresh take on the classic dragon-slaying tale, with a heroine who’s as tough as she is complex. Plus, the dragons are more than just beasts—they’re tied to the kingdom’s history and magic.

Published: 1988 | Goodreads Rating: 4.02

In The Dragonbone Chair, the first book of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, we follow Simon, a lowly kitchen boy who becomes embroiled in a battle between good and evil. Ancient magic, dark prophecies and dragons play a central role in the unfolding drama. As Simon navigates the complexities of a kingdom on the brink of collapse, he learns that the old legends about dragons and ancient powers might be more real than anyone thought.

Why you should read it:
This book is a slow burn, but once it gets going, it’s a sprawling epic with deeply developed characters and a rich mythology.

Published: 2016 | Goodreads Rating: 4.05

In a world where the blood of dragons grants magical powers to a selected elite, corporations compete for control of these valuable beasts. The Waking Fire follows three characters—a spy, a thief, and a soldier—each playing their part in a conflict that could bring civilization to its knees. With dragons at the heart of it all, this is a story packed with action, intrigue, and large-scale battles.

Why you should read it:
If you’re into political intrigue, epic battles, and dragons being used as living weapons, this book hits all the right notes. Perfect for fans of gritty, high-stakes fantasy with plenty of action.