Joust

Vetch, an enslaved Altan farmer, gets a rare chance at a better life when a Tian dragonrider selects him to care for his dragon. He plots to learn the closely guarded secrets of dragon-taming to eventually liberate his conquered homeland.

Vetch's life is defined by grueling labor and misery after the Tian empire conquers his home region of Alta. He lives a life far worse than a slave, tied to the land his family once owned.

During an inspection, Ari, a Tian Jouster, a dragonrider, notices Vetch's harsh living conditions. Unlike the traditional, hardened Jousters, Ari is kind and needs a caretaker for his unique dragon, Kashet. He takes Vetch to the dragon compound.

Standard Tian dragons are captured as fledglings and require a sedative show more plant called tala to be controlled. However, Kashet is entirely gentle and was bonded from an egg, meaning she doesn't need to be drugged.

While serving as Ari’s caretaker, Vetch eagerly studies Kashet's temperament and learns how to properly hatch, raise, and tame dragons without the need for sedation. Vetch realizes this closely guarded secret is the key to helping his people form their dragon army and overthrow the Tian conquerors. show less

I'm generally a fan of Lackey's Valdemar books, but felt she was suffering from tired blood around the time Joust came out, so I didn't pick it up when it was first published. Recently I went on a nostalgic binge of rereading her books, and finding a lot of my old favorites like Magic's Pawn and Oathbreakers still stood up. So then I went back and tried Joust. I was pleasantly surprised--this book (and the three that follow in the series, Atla, Sanctuary and Aerie) are just as good as Lackey's best--they might even be my favorites. Joust, however, comes to a satisfying conclusion and can stand on its own.

The story begins in a vein very familiar to Lackey readers, with a seemingly orphaned boy, Vetch, in intolerable circumstances who show more only in leaving home finds his destiny. What separates Vetch from most Lackey heroes though is his anger and bitterness, and it makes it all the more interesting to see him grow and change in this book.

Besides that, instead of the usual pseudo-medieval European setting you get in most fantasy, including Lackey, these books are set in a land reminiscent of Ancient Egypt. And with dragons! Dragons just as winning in their way (but very different) than those of McCaffrey's Pern. I enjoyed how Lackey developed her dragon lore, the magical touches, the societies akin to Egypt and legends of Atlantis and the characters are appealing. This book and series is just as enchanting and full of heart as Lackey's best. show less

How can such well covered themes, dragons and freeing the enslaved, be covered so well? How did I go so long without reading this author? Mercedes Lackey is extremely prolific. If Joust is representative of her style, her loyal following is well deserved.

As the first installment in a series, Joust spends a lot of time introducing the reader to this new world and the main character. While some people may find the pacing slow because of this, I found the extended setup well done. We are introduced to two cultures, loosely based on terrestrial Egypt, engaged in an extended war. Dragons are considered beasts of war and the riders apparently, no real battles are detailed in this volume, engage in jousting style aerial battles.

Our sympathies show more are drawn to a young boy, Vetch, who has been made a serf by the conquering army. On this world, a serf is special class of slave, bound to the land they previously occupied, with no hope of ever attaining freedom from whoever holds their land. Dragon riders, Jousters, are something of an elite class, much like Anne McCaffery’s Dragonriders on her world of Pern. Through the character of Ari, a Jouster of the conquering army, we learn a great deal of the cultures of this world and dragon lore.

We also learn that Ari is an exception to his own culture. A subplot, concerning war in general and the breaking of traditions, is introduced. The relationship between Ari and Vetch, and subsequent plot developments, are nothing new and not unexpected, but Mercedes Lackey makes the journey through the story very entertaining. The ending makes this installment complete enough you may stop here and have a full story, but you are also left caring enough for Vetch that you will probably be wondering what happens to him next.

Despite having such a young lead character, I would not classify this as a Young Adult novel. There is a lot more character development and philosophical rumination than normally found YA literature. While there are some oblique references to sex, nothing is actually described. I found this a very refreshing change for adult literature.

If you grew up with McCaffery’s Pern based stories and still enjoy Dragons, this will make a great addition to your library. While adventure readers may find this a little slow paced, bear in mind this a one installment of a series. Personally, I intend to pursue the entire series to whatever end Mercedes Lackey has in mind for Vetch. I also enjoyed the author’s style enough I want to acquire more of her works. show less

3.5 stars. I really liked this book but then I haven't found a book about dragons that I haven't liked yet. I wish the dragons had more personality though. I guess I was spoiled by the Dragonriders of Pern.

Pleasantly surprised by this serf through dedication developing skills and escaping servitude. Egyptian themed world building enjoyable and engaging for me too. Look forward to the remainder of the trilogy.

A good fantasy. Not inspirationaly memorable, but very good reading--good enough that I'll keep the book for my library. Some good politics, presented from a serf's point of view (in that society, lower than a slave).

Fun, very rich story. I like Vetch - he makes sense as he develops. Odd how Kashet's size seems to differ through the story, though - if he were as big as he's painted later, I would have expected Vetch to notice the size along with the color and claws when he first sees him. There's a slight mention but it's not the first thing he sees. Good inteactions with the Jouster and various others - the scene where Vetch's master tries to get him back is just beautiful. Fun. And of course I want to read the rest as well - sigh.