The Coming of the Dragon

Like most everyone else, I had to read Beowulf in high school. I hated it. However, I did like Grendel more, so I was still interested in a book based on Beowulf. To be honest, though, I really do not remember the end of Beowulf, like at all. So, I can only base this on itself, and not on the cleverness of the retelling.

The story is definitely told in an ancient epic kind of manner that seems fitting to the tale Barnhouse is telling. The writing is good. I see no reason why fans of Beowulf should not enjoy this.

For me, though, this book turned out to be a solid meh. I just didn't connect to Rune as a character. He spends all of his time whining about how weak he is. It makes sense that he has such low self-esteem, since he's surrounded show more by so many people putting him down all the time, but reading about it got tiring. Amma is an intriguing character but we don't learn much about her. Actually, I don't feel like I got a good handle on anyone but Rune himself.

However, I do have slightly higher hopes for Peaceweaver, since it seems like there might be a strong female lead in that one, which would be excellent. show less

Loved this book! Quick read, plausible action. Great to recommend to those who want books about dragons, but it's also a coming-of-age, figuring-out-who you are story. Rune washed up on the shore of the Gaet's land as a young child, and was taken in by another foreigner, Amma. He grows up as a farmer, but then ultimately comes into his own as a warrior when the dragon is unleashed in their lands. Based on the story of Beowulf, who is the king when Rune is a youth, this is a great way to understand more about this time and place. This story is continued in the new book, The Peaceweaver.

A retelling of the death of Beowulf and the warrior who takes his place as king.
Very nicely imagined and written. Recommended if you enjoy retellings like this. (And the audio is excellent, too.)

A retelling of Beowulf.