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Dragon Rider #1
Dragon Rider
A dragon. A boy. A journey. Firedrake, a brave young dragon, his loyal brownie friend Sorrel and a lonely boy called Ben are united as if by destiny. Together, they embark on a magical journey to find the legendary place where silver dragons can live in peace for ever. With only a curious map and the whispered memories of an old dragon to guide them, they fly across moonlit lands and seas to reach the highest mountains in the world. Along the way, they discover extraordinary new friends in unlikely places and a courage they never knew they had. Just as well, for the greatest enemy of all is never far behind them - a heartless monster from the past who's been waiting a very long time to destroy the last dragons on earth.
527 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1997
About the author
Cornelia Funke
377 books13.6k followersCornelia Funke is a multiple award-winning German illustrator and storyteller, who writes fantasy for all ages of readers. Amongst her best known books is the Inkheart trilogy. Many of Cornelia's titles are published all over the world and translated into more than 30 languages. She has two children, two birds and a very old dog and lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,915 reviews
December 10, 2020
Classic Coming of Age Story
--Minus the love triangles, savior complexes, and completely stupid decisions that plague many of the YA fiction I've read
The Dragons of this world are scattered. The packs have long been broken up and devoured by the Golden One. Firedrake the Dragon remembers hearing of safe place for dragons and so sets off to find it with Sorrel, his Brownie friend. No one thinks he can, no one thinks he will ever come back.
Firedrake meets with an orphan boy (Ben) (of course, there has to be an orphan) and once they pick up the homunculus, the quartet is complete. Only, their journey isn't nearly as straightforward it seems and cowardly Twigleg isn't quite what he seems as well. Will they find the other Dragons? What if by finding them, the others become far more in danger than they ever were before?
Be prepared for a whirlwind adventure out there full of magic, mystery and mayhem.
Audiobook Comments
Funke does such a great job of bringing together elements of a great story. What made this even better? Read by Brendan Fraser. The way he got into character - from the lisping Twigleg to the accented Brownie, I absolutely was riveted to this audiobook.
(this man knows how to read a book)
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
--Minus the love triangles, savior complexes, and completely stupid decisions that plague many of the YA fiction I've read
The Dragons of this world are scattered. The packs have long been broken up and devoured by the Golden One. Firedrake the Dragon remembers hearing of safe place for dragons and so sets off to find it with Sorrel, his Brownie friend. No one thinks he can, no one thinks he will ever come back.
Firedrake meets with an orphan boy (Ben) (of course, there has to be an orphan) and once they pick up the homunculus, the quartet is complete. Only, their journey isn't nearly as straightforward it seems and cowardly Twigleg isn't quite what he seems as well. Will they find the other Dragons? What if by finding them, the others become far more in danger than they ever were before?
Be prepared for a whirlwind adventure out there full of magic, mystery and mayhem.
Audiobook Comments
Funke does such a great job of bringing together elements of a great story. What made this even better? Read by Brendan Fraser. The way he got into character - from the lisping Twigleg to the accented Brownie, I absolutely was riveted to this audiobook.
(this man knows how to read a book)
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
June 4, 2018
$1.99 Kindle sale, June 4, 2018. This is a older middle grade/YA novel from Cornelia Funke, the talented author of the Inkheart series. It's a great epic adventure novel for younger readers. It's very different than Harry Potter, but I think it would appeal to the same types of readers.
HERE BE DRAGONS! Even better: friendly dragons, that you can ride on. But the dragons are dying out as their habitat is taken over by humans. A younger dragon, Firedrake, is chosen to go on a quest to find the ancient, mythical dragon home. He finds Ben, a lonely young boy, who joins him on their long journey. Lots of imaginative adventures ensue. It's a very heartwarming tale!
My kids who love fantasy novels LOVED this book. I read it too, and found it very good reading for a YA fantasy/adventure. If you have kids (or nephews or nieces or grandkids or students) in the 7-14 age range who like fantasy, this is a great book that's not very well known.
HERE BE DRAGONS! Even better: friendly dragons, that you can ride on. But the dragons are dying out as their habitat is taken over by humans. A younger dragon, Firedrake, is chosen to go on a quest to find the ancient, mythical dragon home. He finds Ben, a lonely young boy, who joins him on their long journey. Lots of imaginative adventures ensue. It's a very heartwarming tale!
My kids who love fantasy novels LOVED this book. I read it too, and found it very good reading for a YA fantasy/adventure. If you have kids (or nephews or nieces or grandkids or students) in the 7-14 age range who like fantasy, this is a great book that's not very well known.
March 24, 2018
Drachenreiter = Dragon Rider, Cornelia Funke
Dragon Rider (original title: Drachenreiter) is a 1997 German children's novel by Cornelia Funke. Dragon Rider was published in 2004. Dragon Rider follows the exploits of a silver dragon named Firedrake, the Brownie Sorrel, and Ben, a human boy, in their search for the mythical part of the Himalayas mountain range called the Rim of Heaven to find a safe place for Firedrake's kin to live when the dragon finds out that humans intend to flood the valley where he and his fellow dragons live. This book has 423 pages and is well-suited to readers aged nine to thirteen.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: هجدهم ماه سپتامبر سال 2007 میلادی
عنوان: اژدهاسوار در دو جلد؛ نویسنده: کورنلیا فونکه؛ مترجم: مهرداد مهدویان؛ تهران، افق، 1385؛ شابک: 9643693163؛ چاپ دوم 1387؛ چاپ دیگر در یک مجلد؛ سوم 1392؛ در 635 ص؛ شابک: 9789643699475؛
عنوان: اژدهاسوار؛ نویسنده: کورنلیا فونکه (فانک)؛ مترجم: گلبرگ درویشیان؛ تهران، چشمه، 1388؛ شابک: 9789643626761؛ در 566 ص؛
قدرت تخیل نویسنده در «اژدهاسوار» همچون دیگر آثار فونکه نیست، اما دنیای فانتزی به آسانی مخاطب را در فضای داستان و جستجوی شخصیتها، برای یافتن مکان موعود قرار میدهد و آنها را در ماجراهای مختلف درگیر میکند. اژدها سوار داستانی طولانی است اما فصلبندیهای کوتاه آن پر از بذله گویی و شوخیهاست که مانع از خستگی خوانشگر میشود. در جلد نخست این رمان، در پی خبر حمله ی آدمها به دره ی اژدها، «مرغ آتش» و دوست پریزادش «سورل» تصمیم میگیرند به دنبال لبه ی بهشت بگردند، سرزمینی که میدانند برای همیشه در آن صلح و آرامش برقرار است، اما ساکنان دره میکوشند آنها را از این سفر بی بازگشت منصرف کنند. آنها بر این عقیده هستند که چنین سرزمینی تنها یک رویاست، اما مرغ آتش قصد دارد تا در همان شب راه بیفتد. ... در مجلد دوم کتاب، «بن» و «لاغرمردنی» به دنبال «زوبیدا» معروفترین اژدهاشناس دنیا میگردند. اما در کمال تعجب، در خانه «زوبیدا» با پروفسور و دخترش «جنیفر» روبرو میشوند. پروفسور از «بن» میخواهد که هرچه زودتر «مرغ آتش» و «سورل» را نزد او بیاود، اما اتفاق نگران کننده ای میافتد چون مرغ آتشین مزاج از خیلی چیزها خبر دارد و این اصلاً خوب نیست. ... ا. شربیانی
Dragon Rider (original title: Drachenreiter) is a 1997 German children's novel by Cornelia Funke. Dragon Rider was published in 2004. Dragon Rider follows the exploits of a silver dragon named Firedrake, the Brownie Sorrel, and Ben, a human boy, in their search for the mythical part of the Himalayas mountain range called the Rim of Heaven to find a safe place for Firedrake's kin to live when the dragon finds out that humans intend to flood the valley where he and his fellow dragons live. This book has 423 pages and is well-suited to readers aged nine to thirteen.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: هجدهم ماه سپتامبر سال 2007 میلادی
عنوان: اژدهاسوار در دو جلد؛ نویسنده: کورنلیا فونکه؛ مترجم: مهرداد مهدویان؛ تهران، افق، 1385؛ شابک: 9643693163؛ چاپ دوم 1387؛ چاپ دیگر در یک مجلد؛ سوم 1392؛ در 635 ص؛ شابک: 9789643699475؛
عنوان: اژدهاسوار؛ نویسنده: کورنلیا فونکه (فانک)؛ مترجم: گلبرگ درویشیان؛ تهران، چشمه، 1388؛ شابک: 9789643626761؛ در 566 ص؛
قدرت تخیل نویسنده در «اژدهاسوار» همچون دیگر آثار فونکه نیست، اما دنیای فانتزی به آسانی مخاطب را در فضای داستان و جستجوی شخصیتها، برای یافتن مکان موعود قرار میدهد و آنها را در ماجراهای مختلف درگیر میکند. اژدها سوار داستانی طولانی است اما فصلبندیهای کوتاه آن پر از بذله گویی و شوخیهاست که مانع از خستگی خوانشگر میشود. در جلد نخست این رمان، در پی خبر حمله ی آدمها به دره ی اژدها، «مرغ آتش» و دوست پریزادش «سورل» تصمیم میگیرند به دنبال لبه ی بهشت بگردند، سرزمینی که میدانند برای همیشه در آن صلح و آرامش برقرار است، اما ساکنان دره میکوشند آنها را از این سفر بی بازگشت منصرف کنند. آنها بر این عقیده هستند که چنین سرزمینی تنها یک رویاست، اما مرغ آتش قصد دارد تا در همان شب راه بیفتد. ... در مجلد دوم کتاب، «بن» و «لاغرمردنی» به دنبال «زوبیدا» معروفترین اژدهاشناس دنیا میگردند. اما در کمال تعجب، در خانه «زوبیدا» با پروفسور و دخترش «جنیفر» روبرو میشوند. پروفسور از «بن» میخواهد که هرچه زودتر «مرغ آتش» و «سورل» را نزد او بیاود، اما اتفاق نگران کننده ای میافتد چون مرغ آتشین مزاج از خیلی چیزها خبر دارد و این اصلاً خوب نیست. ... ا. شربیانی
June 14, 2020
Oh okay this made way more sense when I figured out that the German version originally came out in 1997. If feels old in a good way. Magical middle grade from a pre-Harry Potter world.
It's a very relaxed ride. There's a quest, an orphan boy, bratty magical creatures, cool magical creatures, evil magical creatures, and conflicted magical creatures. All of that feels like standard stuff today, but it's well-crafted and well-done overall here.
It's a very relaxed ride. There's a quest, an orphan boy, bratty magical creatures, cool magical creatures, evil magical creatures, and conflicted magical creatures. All of that feels like standard stuff today, but it's well-crafted and well-done overall here.
September 29, 2019
There is a crazy freedom to this plot that reminds me of the sweet weirdness of a Pixar film. It has everything from rats flying miniature biplanes to Scottish Brownies riding dragons, making this a madcap adventure. But it is also the sensitive coming-of-age story of a boy trying to find a family.
Normally, I don’t like Cornelia Funke’s style of writing – it feels clumpy and awkward – but this book was so much smoother and had a more definite style, leading me to believe that this translator was infinitely superior to Funke’s previous translators.
This book took “quest” and fulfilled that word to its full capacity. It was one long, side-splitting adventure that kept spiraling into wilder and wilder territory. It’s heartfelt, magical, and utterly hilarious.
I do have one caveat. I beg you, on my hands and knees, if you want to properly experience this story, LISTEN TO THE AUDIO BOOK. Brendan Fraser’s narration is PERFECTION. He even does the SOUND EFFECTS (his munching is particularly amusing) and it was like a wholehearted one-man radio show. There is a cozy, unstudied intimacy to his style – you’ll feel like you’re on a sofa in PJ’s in front of a crackling fire listening to your uncle read you a story.
At least, that’s how I felt!
Normally, I don’t like Cornelia Funke’s style of writing – it feels clumpy and awkward – but this book was so much smoother and had a more definite style, leading me to believe that this translator was infinitely superior to Funke’s previous translators.
This book took “quest” and fulfilled that word to its full capacity. It was one long, side-splitting adventure that kept spiraling into wilder and wilder territory. It’s heartfelt, magical, and utterly hilarious.
I do have one caveat. I beg you, on my hands and knees, if you want to properly experience this story, LISTEN TO THE AUDIO BOOK. Brendan Fraser’s narration is PERFECTION. He even does the SOUND EFFECTS (his munching is particularly amusing) and it was like a wholehearted one-man radio show. There is a cozy, unstudied intimacy to his style – you’ll feel like you’re on a sofa in PJ’s in front of a crackling fire listening to your uncle read you a story.
At least, that’s how I felt!
May 9, 2020
When all was still in the hall, and the only sound was the rustling of the monks' robes, Firedrake cleared his throat and began to tell the story--in the language of fabulous animals, the language that everyone can understand.
As the moon set outside and the sun began its daily journey across the sky, he told the tale of his quest from the very beginning. His words filled the hall with pictures. He spoke of a clever white rat, enchanted ravens and mountain dwarves, sand-elves and Dubidai. As he went on with his story, the basilisk fell to dust once more, the blue djinn opened his thousand eyes. The sea serpent swam through the waves, and the great roc bird snatched Ben away. Finally, as the sun outside was sinking in the sky, Nettlebrand climbed the dragons' mountain. His armour melted in blue dragon-fire, and a toad hopped out of his mouth.
Reading this book reminded me of all the adventure stories and folk tales I enjoyed reading as a child, which were full of magical beings and adventures without the stress/ anxiety of anything acutely tragic happening.
P.S.: I wouldn't mind having Sorrel the brownie as my spirit animal.
As the moon set outside and the sun began its daily journey across the sky, he told the tale of his quest from the very beginning. His words filled the hall with pictures. He spoke of a clever white rat, enchanted ravens and mountain dwarves, sand-elves and Dubidai. As he went on with his story, the basilisk fell to dust once more, the blue djinn opened his thousand eyes. The sea serpent swam through the waves, and the great roc bird snatched Ben away. Finally, as the sun outside was sinking in the sky, Nettlebrand climbed the dragons' mountain. His armour melted in blue dragon-fire, and a toad hopped out of his mouth.
Reading this book reminded me of all the adventure stories and folk tales I enjoyed reading as a child, which were full of magical beings and adventures without the stress/ anxiety of anything acutely tragic happening.
P.S.: I wouldn't mind having Sorrel the brownie as my spirit animal.
October 12, 2010
I tried very hard to get into this book, but like Ink Heart it just didn't catch me. Something about the way Funke writes puts a distance between me and the story that just makes it impossible for me become fully engaged. The classic fantasy archetype of friends on a quest, tons of magical creatures, etc is common and this text hardly adds anything new to the field.
Funke writes with a wealth of detail that is occasionally distracting and over-done. Her characters feel 2D, lacking real depth and anything to set them apart. I made it over a third of the way through before finally setting this one aside. I just can't make myself finish the book because I really don't care about any of the characters or the ultimate outcome. There's no mystery to capture me, no question that doesn't have an obvious answer and outcome. Dragon Rider lacks any interesting twists or turns in the narrative as far as I can tell.
I was listening to the Audiobook version of this text and the one good thing I can say is that Brendan Fraiser is an incredible narrator. His voice is well modulated and he is able to do a great variety of voices with obvious relish. He is the only redeeming factor I found in the book and likely the reason I stuck it out as long as I did.
Funke writes with a wealth of detail that is occasionally distracting and over-done. Her characters feel 2D, lacking real depth and anything to set them apart. I made it over a third of the way through before finally setting this one aside. I just can't make myself finish the book because I really don't care about any of the characters or the ultimate outcome. There's no mystery to capture me, no question that doesn't have an obvious answer and outcome. Dragon Rider lacks any interesting twists or turns in the narrative as far as I can tell.
I was listening to the Audiobook version of this text and the one good thing I can say is that Brendan Fraiser is an incredible narrator. His voice is well modulated and he is able to do a great variety of voices with obvious relish. He is the only redeeming factor I found in the book and likely the reason I stuck it out as long as I did.
March 6, 2008
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.
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.
December 4, 2007
This book is very well written is one of my favorite books written Cornelia Funke. My favorite thing about this book is that it actually feels like you are in the story and one of the many companions.This book is about a dragon and a brownie (a lager squirle like creature) who set out to find a place where the other dragons can hide. This book rises and falls so many times you can't even tell where the rising and the falling actionis. Also, my favorite thing about this book is that it is about dragons.
Day finished December 4,2007
Day finished December 4,2007
December 17, 2011
I think it's important to note that I listened to the audio version of this book because it is, without a doubt, the reason I disliked it so much. Funke's story seems pretty good, and if I had read it, I imagine it would have been closer to 3 or 4 stars.
However, it must be said that the narrator Brendon Fraser is, unequivocally, the worst narrator I have ever heard in the 150+ audio books I have listened to over the last few years. Here are just a few examples of why he is so bad:
1. He smacks his lips and chews loudly when characters are eating.
2. He coughs, moans, grunts, squeals, etc. even when the text does not imply these things are happening.
3. When the text does note coughing, etc. he exaggerates them needlessly and tediously.
4. Every piece of dialogue is overacted and extravagant for no reason.
My guess is that Fraser doesn't actually enjoy reading, and so he feels the need to "spice up" the book in order to make it entertaining. Maybe others who don't often read would enjoy this type of narration, but it was endlessly frustrating and nearly impossible to get through in spite of an interesting plot. If you are interested in this book, please don't listen to the audio version.
However, it must be said that the narrator Brendon Fraser is, unequivocally, the worst narrator I have ever heard in the 150+ audio books I have listened to over the last few years. Here are just a few examples of why he is so bad:
1. He smacks his lips and chews loudly when characters are eating.
2. He coughs, moans, grunts, squeals, etc. even when the text does not imply these things are happening.
3. When the text does note coughing, etc. he exaggerates them needlessly and tediously.
4. Every piece of dialogue is overacted and extravagant for no reason.
My guess is that Fraser doesn't actually enjoy reading, and so he feels the need to "spice up" the book in order to make it entertaining. Maybe others who don't often read would enjoy this type of narration, but it was endlessly frustrating and nearly impossible to get through in spite of an interesting plot. If you are interested in this book, please don't listen to the audio version.
February 24, 2024
Auch wenn Rainer Strecker das Hörbuch überragend eingesprochen hatte und die Geschichte mit Geräuschen und Musik stimmungsvoll untermalt wurde, konnte mich dieses Buch nicht ganz abholen.
Wie ich es von Cornelia Funke bereits kenne hat sie auch für diese Reihe wieder eine Welt voller wundervoller Wesen erschaffen, aber irgendwie sind die Figuren blass und es gibt kaum Infos zum Background (besonders bei Ben hätte ich mehr gebraucht).
Mal sehen ob ich die Reihe weiter verfolge, bin mir da noch nicht sicher.
Wie ich es von Cornelia Funke bereits kenne hat sie auch für diese Reihe wieder eine Welt voller wundervoller Wesen erschaffen, aber irgendwie sind die Figuren blass und es gibt kaum Infos zum Background (besonders bei Ben hätte ich mehr gebraucht).
Mal sehen ob ich die Reihe weiter verfolge, bin mir da noch nicht sicher.
May 31, 2007
I gave this three stars, because I personally wanted to give it two, but I think it probably deserves four. I know that for other people, especially the audience it's actually intended for (children/YA), it would be a great book, and they'd love it. I didn't really get into the book, and it's not the author's fault at all. It was just too easy a book for me to really enjoy. The bad guy was really bad, the good guys were really good, and even the character who switched sides made all the right decisions when the time came, and no one seriously held his past evils against him.
It's not that the characters were flat--well, maybe some of the secondary characters were--it was just that it wasn't what I was looking for. One of the problems was that I read books (and watch tv and movies) for the characters. Their emotions. The ways they interact with each other. I found a lack of emotional intensity between the characters in this book. It was evident that the characters had emotions toward each other, but even when one of them was in a dangerous situation, there was no urgency, no heart-pounding terror, from the other characters.
So, anyway, it's a fantasy novel about a dragon, his magical-creature companions, and a boy, who are searching for the "Rim of Heaven" in hopes that other dragons will be living there (because the, uh, herd? of dragons that Firedrake currently lives with are about to be washed out by humans who want to flood their valley), safely under the radar of humans. Not for me, but I would recommend it for children/YA.
It's not that the characters were flat--well, maybe some of the secondary characters were--it was just that it wasn't what I was looking for. One of the problems was that I read books (and watch tv and movies) for the characters. Their emotions. The ways they interact with each other. I found a lack of emotional intensity between the characters in this book. It was evident that the characters had emotions toward each other, but even when one of them was in a dangerous situation, there was no urgency, no heart-pounding terror, from the other characters.
So, anyway, it's a fantasy novel about a dragon, his magical-creature companions, and a boy, who are searching for the "Rim of Heaven" in hopes that other dragons will be living there (because the, uh, herd? of dragons that Firedrake currently lives with are about to be washed out by humans who want to flood their valley), safely under the radar of humans. Not for me, but I would recommend it for children/YA.
August 25, 2016
Firedrake is a dragon with silvery scales that glint in the moonlight. Sorrel is a brownie with sulfur-yellow fur who loves to eat mushrooms. Ben is an orphan boy with a kind heart. Together they embark on a high-stakes adventure around the world. Dragon Rider is a charming tale that's sure to stir the imagination of young minds.
On a technical note: There's an awful lot of coincidences in this book, as well as several other dated approaches to storytelling (forgivable, since the book was first published in 1997, but still worth mentioning). Dialogue suffers from an excessive use of exclamation points. It's a story! About dragons! And humans! With exclamation points! All over the place! So many! Exclamations! Also, exposition is given in dialogue between characters who are stating facts the other character already knows. "I wanted to find out why my scales have been itching ever since sunset, in a way they haven't itched for more than a hundred years. I expect you know the rule: One fabulous creature attracts another, correct?" Finally, there's prophesy of a chosen one:
There's no reason to let the technicalities stand in the way of picking up this book. It's a thoroughly enjoyable tale bursting with fantasy creatures and likable characters.
On a technical note: There's an awful lot of coincidences in this book, as well as several other dated approaches to storytelling (forgivable, since the book was first published in 1997, but still worth mentioning). Dialogue suffers from an excessive use of exclamation points. It's a story! About dragons! And humans! With exclamation points! All over the place! So many! Exclamations! Also, exposition is given in dialogue between characters who are stating facts the other character already knows. "I wanted to find out why my scales have been itching ever since sunset, in a way they haven't itched for more than a hundred years. I expect you know the rule: One fabulous creature attracts another, correct?" Finally, there's prophesy of a chosen one:
There's no reason to let the technicalities stand in the way of picking up this book. It's a thoroughly enjoyable tale bursting with fantasy creatures and likable characters.
August 15, 2018
This was a middle grade book that featured talking dragons and other assorted mythical creatures. Of course there was a heroic but somewhat basic and kind boy (orphan) hero to compliment the story. I really enjoyed this book. The plot was simple: go on a quest to find a hidden land of dragons. What really made this book special was the element of friendship that is very present throughout the whole story.
It was at times a bit cliche but not really in a bad way, if you know what I mean. It's predictable but in a comfortable way - like when you go home to relax and put on your favorite movie that you've already seen 50 times. You already know what's going to happen but you don't care. It doesn't take away from the enjoyment one bit.
I feel like I would have adored this story as a kid, and so my inner child is satisfied. When it was over, I wanted it to be real. I wanted to fly with dragons too. If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy, I think that you would really enjoy this story.
It was at times a bit cliche but not really in a bad way, if you know what I mean. It's predictable but in a comfortable way - like when you go home to relax and put on your favorite movie that you've already seen 50 times. You already know what's going to happen but you don't care. It doesn't take away from the enjoyment one bit.
I feel like I would have adored this story as a kid, and so my inner child is satisfied. When it was over, I wanted it to be real. I wanted to fly with dragons too. If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy, I think that you would really enjoy this story.
October 8, 2018
I didn’t realize that this is written by a German author and was translated into English. So, cool.
The story is a journey/quest involving a few humans and a few magical creatures. It’s very simple and straightforward. The characters are often immature and bicker in a way that young kids love, though adults may find it annoying. The story is perfect for ages 8-10. As an adult I was a bit bored. It’s also way too long for most 8-year-olds at over 500 pages.
Brendan Fraser is a remarkable narrator; he does a whole range of completely different voices amazingly. He sounds like he’s reading a bedtime story. He includes the whole range of sounds (giggling, sneezing, chewing, etc.), which may put off some listeners.
The story is a journey/quest involving a few humans and a few magical creatures. It’s very simple and straightforward. The characters are often immature and bicker in a way that young kids love, though adults may find it annoying. The story is perfect for ages 8-10. As an adult I was a bit bored. It’s also way too long for most 8-year-olds at over 500 pages.
Brendan Fraser is a remarkable narrator; he does a whole range of completely different voices amazingly. He sounds like he’s reading a bedtime story. He includes the whole range of sounds (giggling, sneezing, chewing, etc.), which may put off some listeners.
July 10, 2018
Very sweet book. I'm a sucker for stories about dragons and little creatures. My favorite characters Sorrel the brownie and Lola Greytail, the spunky rat who had her own little plane. Okay, I love Twigleg the homunculus, too. Just too darn cute!
If you want to read this, LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK! Brendan Fraser does the narration. His voices for the characters are THE. BEST. He does all different accents and sound effects; the characters just come alive off the page. It was probably one of the best audiobooks I've listened to.
If you want to read this, LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK! Brendan Fraser does the narration. His voices for the characters are THE. BEST. He does all different accents and sound effects; the characters just come alive off the page. It was probably one of the best audiobooks I've listened to.
May 31, 2017
ספר הרפתקאות כייפי וקולח.
לפני אלפי שנים עזבו הדרקונים את עמק פאתיי שמיים וברחו. לא ברור היכן הם שוכנים עתה אבל הם נעלמו. היתה להם סיבה טובה מאוד, דרקון אכזרי בשם שריפת סירפדים, שנוצר ע"י אלכימאי, רדף אותם והפך את העמק השקט והנעים שלהם לבית רעוע.
עתה, אלפי שנים אחרי, האנשים מגיעים לעמק הדרקונים ולונג יוצא לחפש את פאתיי שמיים שהדרך אליה אבדה ברבות השנים. אליו מצטרפים שדונית עצבנית בשם פרוות גופרית, נער יתום בשם בן ואיש קטן דמוי אדם בשם רגל זבוב, שהיה משרתו של שריפת סירפדים והצליח לברוח ממנו לאחר 300 שנות ציחצוח קשקשים.
בדרך לפאתיי שמים היצורים עוברים הרפתקאות מסקרנות ומתמודדים עם קשיים, במיוחד הקושי של הדרקון לעוף כשאין אור ירח. נסיונותיו של שריפת סירפדים לתפוס אותם ולהגיע לפאתיי שמים משעשעים ומגוחכים והמכות שהוא סופג מהחבורה, במיוחד מהחולדה לולה שמצטרפת אליהם בשליש האחרון של המסע, גרמו לי כל פעם לחשוב, הולה!!
מעבר לעניין של הדרקונים שעפים והיצורים האגדתיים אין בו הרבה פנטזיה, אין בו קסמים והאמת שאין בו הרבה תוכן לדמויות השונות. בכל מקרה גם יש פער בין ההבטחה שבשם הספר למה שקורה בפועל. מעבר לעובדה שבן רוכב על הדרקון ויש לו איזה חלק בהגעה לפאתי שמיים בקריאת המפה ולפעמים בהרגעת המצב, אין הסבר אמיתי מה המשמעות של רוכב הדרקונים ולמה הוא כל כך חשוב בסיפור.
בספר יש בעיקר מסע, חברות אמיצה והתגברות על קשיים.
לפני אלפי שנים עזבו הדרקונים את עמק פאתיי שמיים וברחו. לא ברור היכן הם שוכנים עתה אבל הם נעלמו. היתה להם סיבה טובה מאוד, דרקון אכזרי בשם שריפת סירפדים, שנוצר ע"י אלכימאי, רדף אותם והפך את העמק השקט והנעים שלהם לבית רעוע.
עתה, אלפי שנים אחרי, האנשים מגיעים לעמק הדרקונים ולונג יוצא לחפש את פאתיי שמיים שהדרך אליה אבדה ברבות השנים. אליו מצטרפים שדונית עצבנית בשם פרוות גופרית, נער יתום בשם בן ואיש קטן דמוי אדם בשם רגל זבוב, שהיה משרתו של שריפת סירפדים והצליח לברוח ממנו לאחר 300 שנות ציחצוח קשקשים.
בדרך לפאתיי שמים היצורים עוברים הרפתקאות מסקרנות ומתמודדים עם קשיים, במיוחד הקושי של הדרקון לעוף כשאין אור ירח. נסיונותיו של שריפת סירפדים לתפוס אותם ולהגיע לפאתיי שמים משעשעים ומגוחכים והמכות שהוא סופג מהחבורה, במיוחד מהחולדה לולה שמצטרפת אליהם בשליש האחרון של המסע, גרמו לי כל פעם לחשוב, הולה!!
מעבר לעניין של הדרקונים שעפים והיצורים האגדתיים אין בו הרבה פנטזיה, אין בו קסמים והאמת שאין בו הרבה תוכן לדמויות השונות. בכל מקרה גם יש פער בין ההבטחה שבשם הספר למה שקורה בפועל. מעבר לעובדה שבן רוכב על הדרקון ויש לו איזה חלק בהגעה לפאתי שמיים בקריאת המפה ולפעמים בהרגעת המצב, אין הסבר אמיתי מה המשמעות של רוכב הדרקונים ולמה הוא כל כך חשוב בסיפור.
בספר יש בעיקר מסע, חברות אמיצה והתגברות על קשיים.
August 7, 2023
A book reminiscent of J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke is a heartwarming and charming adventure that tells the story of a dragon and his rider across a world with fantastical creatures galore! While the characters exhibit little growth over their journey, I was captivated by the mythology displayed and the plot devices exhibited by Funke!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 26, 2022
Das ist selbst für einen 7jährigen zu viel deus ex machina in einer Geschichte.
Ein harmloses Märchen ohne Ecken und Kanten, dass sich wie Disney liest.
Ein harmloses Märchen ohne Ecken und Kanten, dass sich wie Disney liest.
January 5, 2021
Mit viel Witz und Charme hat Cornelia Funke hier eine spannende Fantasy-Geschichte für Kinder und Jugendliche geschrieben, die mich restlos begeistern konnte. Auch als Hörbuch ein absoluter Genuss!!!
April 13, 2023
Read for a challenge and really enjoyed it. Will continue the series
January 11, 2023
In our wonderful home book collection to be read are four by Cornelia Funke. I start with the earliest, guaranteeing that the best is ahead. We are exposed to little work outside North America and England. It is a joyous gift that translations enrich English speakers, like Germany’s “Drachenreiter”, which obviously means “Dragon Rider”.
Many read about dragons tenfold more than me and I myself, found this premise common. Humans are uneducated about ancient animal and magical species and hog space generally. They threaten what they misunderstand, necessitating secret homes for magic citizens. One evil dragon disappeared centuries ago. Most ancient animals are kind, merely wary.
The originality emerged for me in a dragon safe haven’s location being almost lost to legend. A cartographer rat in a city and human and other friends in the Middle East, know enough to guide scouts the right way: Firedrake, Sorrel, and Ben.
I guess if authors stalled on too many logistics, inventing new concepts would difficult, as it has been for me. Imagination must keep rising higher. If 1997 is the novel’s present day, would an orphan like Ben not know who his parents were or have a birth certificate? Joining the trip is helpful to the animals and gives Ben a new life... perhaps fulfills an actual destiny!
The major issue that could not be dismissed was how shockingly bitchy Sorrel was. I can’t fathom anyone finding her awful demeanour funny or justifiable, even in mistrust of people. Her presence was interminably so sour, I hoped she would disappear. My grade would have dovetailed to three stars, had the action and warmth elsewhere in this story not risen high.
My favourite scenes are those in which the archaeologist family meets the critters in whom they believed and also their mutual affection with Ben.
Many read about dragons tenfold more than me and I myself, found this premise common. Humans are uneducated about ancient animal and magical species and hog space generally. They threaten what they misunderstand, necessitating secret homes for magic citizens. One evil dragon disappeared centuries ago. Most ancient animals are kind, merely wary.
The originality emerged for me in a dragon safe haven’s location being almost lost to legend. A cartographer rat in a city and human and other friends in the Middle East, know enough to guide scouts the right way: Firedrake, Sorrel, and Ben.
I guess if authors stalled on too many logistics, inventing new concepts would difficult, as it has been for me. Imagination must keep rising higher. If 1997 is the novel’s present day, would an orphan like Ben not know who his parents were or have a birth certificate? Joining the trip is helpful to the animals and gives Ben a new life... perhaps fulfills an actual destiny!
The major issue that could not be dismissed was how shockingly bitchy Sorrel was. I can’t fathom anyone finding her awful demeanour funny or justifiable, even in mistrust of people. Her presence was interminably so sour, I hoped she would disappear. My grade would have dovetailed to three stars, had the action and warmth elsewhere in this story not risen high.
My favourite scenes are those in which the archaeologist family meets the critters in whom they believed and also their mutual affection with Ben.
September 10, 2007
I like this book because I like Cornelia funke and because I like fantasie.I think ths book is btter in german tan in english because that is the way it is original in and because tere are better adjectives in the german version.Although I like this book (and if i could speak any language than i would read it in any language)
This book is about a little boy called ben that has now parents but is found y an dragon who is on the way to the >>der Saum des Himmels<<.That is the only place where no humans will come and where the big,enourmas golden dragen can;t come and eat them.He follows the dragon and ben with the brownie allong ecetly)and than once they are sleeping,he wants tocome and gobble them up.While they are on their way,ben and his companens meet a profesor,who forshes Dragons ad other fantasie animals.He saves the dragon from a Basilisk and than he sees that this is a dragon that he alwayes wanted to iscover.He helpes them and ben hastime to be with someone of his kind,the profsor has a wife nd a doughter wich will be at the end the sister of Ben .but noone knows i the beginning.Ben likes Guinever allot,and he likes to be ith a human.When the go on they ,have to fly at night where no human sole can see them.Thegolden dragn is still on their way and he even gets into the place where all the dragons are.Lung and ben get into the secret cave and see many little hills,and between that,a beautiful Dragonlady.I belife that Lung loves maja!Maja tells them that all the other dragons got to stone because they did not fly in the moonlight anymore because they were scared that the golden dragon will get them!
This book is about a little boy called ben that has now parents but is found y an dragon who is on the way to the >>der Saum des Himmels<<.That is the only place where no humans will come and where the big,enourmas golden dragen can;t come and eat them.He follows the dragon and ben with the brownie allong ecetly)and than once they are sleeping,he wants tocome and gobble them up.While they are on their way,ben and his companens meet a profesor,who forshes Dragons ad other fantasie animals.He saves the dragon from a Basilisk and than he sees that this is a dragon that he alwayes wanted to iscover.He helpes them and ben hastime to be with someone of his kind,the profsor has a wife nd a doughter wich will be at the end the sister of Ben .but noone knows i the beginning.Ben likes Guinever allot,and he likes to be ith a human.When the go on they ,have to fly at night where no human sole can see them.Thegolden dragn is still on their way and he even gets into the place where all the dragons are.Lung and ben get into the secret cave and see many little hills,and between that,a beautiful Dragonlady.I belife that Lung loves maja!Maja tells them that all the other dragons got to stone because they did not fly in the moonlight anymore because they were scared that the golden dragon will get them!
January 17, 2022
Was für eine fantasievolle Reise mit aussergewöhnlichen Charakteren und so vielen wunderbaren Ideen, dass einem ganz warm ums Herz wird. Von der ersten Seite an im nebligen Schottland bis über die trockene Wüsten und schneebedeckte Berge fesselt die Geschichte und wir lernen so allerlei Fabelwesen und Menschen kennen, die einem (fast alle) sofort ans Herz wachsen. Sei es der immer schimpfende Kobold, der ängstliche Humunkulus, der märchenhafte Drache.. und noch so viele mehr. Jeder ein Unikum für sich. Zudem ist die Geschichte stets in sich schlüssig und wird sogar von der Autorin selbst illustriert, vom hervorragenden Schreibstil müssen wir ja sowieso nicht sprechen. Jedem, der sich noch Fantasie bewahrt hat, kann ich diese Geschichte nur wärmstens ans Herz legen.
Der Teil ist in sich abgeschlossen und kann auch alleinstehend gelesen werden.
Der Teil ist in sich abgeschlossen und kann auch alleinstehend gelesen werden.
February 8, 2011
I read this ages ago and loved it, and then recently listened to it with my kids. The narration is by Brendan Fraser and is awesome! I don't know if Cornelia Funke picked him to be Inkheart before or after he had narrated this book, but I can see why she did. He's amazing. Oh yeah, the story is good too. :) It's a nice journey, with fun characters and a bit of mystery and suspense. Great for kids in the 6-8 range, whereas the Inkheart books are really for a slightly older crowd.
August 10, 2018
My Video Review:
https://youtu.be/M-ThaE6ZqgI
https://youtu.be/M-ThaE6ZqgI
July 28, 2016
Ich habe den Jungs vor der langen Autofahrt E-Book + Hörbuch gekauft. ... beste Investition!!! 10 Stunden Autofahrt ohne Beschwerden, sie saßen nur hinten mit ihren Kopfhörer und es herrschte himmlische Ruhe. ..
Da musste ich dann auch herausfinden, was es damit auf sich hat - gute, spannende Geschichte, liebevoll erzählt, nicht so aufregend, dass sie nicht mehr schlafen können, aber so, dass sie gar nicht mehr damit aufhören konnten.
und wie gesagt: durchaus auch nett zu lesen für Erwachsene
Da musste ich dann auch herausfinden, was es damit auf sich hat - gute, spannende Geschichte, liebevoll erzählt, nicht so aufregend, dass sie nicht mehr schlafen können, aber so, dass sie gar nicht mehr damit aufhören konnten.
und wie gesagt: durchaus auch nett zu lesen für Erwachsene
January 18, 2008
This book is hysterical! If you are going to read it, get it on CD narrated by Brenden Fraser (I think that's how you spell his name). He does all the noises and sound effects and I guarentee you will have at least a few good laughs. If you don't... well... then you don't.
September 6, 2020
Un fantasy classico per ragazzi in pieno stile Cornelia Funke, con un viaggio di ricerca, una quest, a cui partecipano diversi personaggi fantastici ed esseri umani. Siamo nel nostro mondo, geograficamente parlando, ma a noi esseri comuni sfugge la presenza delle creature magiche, tranne, naturalmente che ad alcuni studiosi, come il Professor Barnaba Blumenbaum, sua moglie e sua figlia Ginevra e la sua collega indiana Subaida Ghalib.
Mi sono affezionata moltissimo ai personaggi di Lung, il drago argentato, della cobolda Fiore di Zolfo (che ha due sole zampe, al contrario di altri coboldi), di Ben l'orfano - il cavaliere dei draghi - di Filo di Ragno e un po' a tutti i personaggi che la nostra piccola processione incontra lungo il percorso e sì, persino ai personaggi negativi come il nano Grugnostagno (e quasi quasi mi è dispiaciuto per Colui Che Come Oro Sfavilla, Stralidor, ma, dopo tutto, torna a essere quello che era sempre stato.)
Mi sono affezionata moltissimo ai personaggi di Lung, il drago argentato, della cobolda Fiore di Zolfo (che ha due sole zampe, al contrario di altri coboldi), di Ben l'orfano - il cavaliere dei draghi - di Filo di Ragno e un po' a tutti i personaggi che la nostra piccola processione incontra lungo il percorso e sì, persino ai personaggi negativi come il nano Grugnostagno (e quasi quasi mi è dispiaciuto per Colui Che Come Oro Sfavilla, Stralidor, ma, dopo tutto, torna a essere quello che era sempre stato.)
December 11, 2012
Dragon Rider was an out of this world read. Despite the fact that it was meant for a younger crowd, I enjoyed every minute. This 523 paged story takes you on a classical adventure in which contain mythical creatures such as Dragons, dwarves, elves, and sea-serpents, and many more. Cornelia Funke puts the reader into the story and tells it on the back of a dragon named Firedrake with passengers named Ben, and Sorrel, and Twigleg. These heroes must help Firedrake find a new place for him and the rest of the dragons in the valley before the humans destroy the valley, in which they call home. However, the group must travel a long journey, and overcome many obstacles in order to reach ''The Rim of Heaven'', home of the Dragons. The antagonist, Nettlebrand, known as the golden one, is the only thing that stands in their way of achieving their goal. This story reminds me of a childhood movie called, '' The Never ending Story'', and is just a good old fashioned story-telling, that brings together a cast of elves,brownies,a thousand eyed djinn, a professor,and a basilisk, and many more. Funke's message to the reader is that good always overpowers evil. I would recommend this book not only to kids but anyone who wants to enjoy an easy-flowing story.
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