Dragon Magic (1972)

That's good. Funny, by modern standards it's basically an unfinished story - there 'must' be some reason, some quest or duty for the boys that the dragons made for them. But the story just ends - with the four of them as friends, now, and each with an insight into the proper way to act, but without any real point to the dragons. My view is probably affected by knowing there's a sequel, which will probably be more 'proper' by modern fantasy standards, with a purpose and a quest. But Draqon Magic is extremely rich without that overarching quest. I liked the shoutout to Rosemary Sutcliff - Judith Tarr's Egyptian stories are younger, and probably Norton's own as well. I don't know a good Fafnir story nor any for the Slumbering Dragon - but I'll be keeping an eye out for them from now on. This is one of those stories that without any great fanfare or even quoteable lines weaves its way into your (well, my, at least) worldview. I like. ( )