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Dragon Obsession – The Visual Files

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Cadmus and the Dragon of Ares

by Ciruelo

 I’ll admit that the first couple of times I saw this painting I didn’t even notice the dragon – that sense of discovery I felt when I finally saw it is probably why this is one of my favorites. Not only is it visually stunning, but it evokes in me feelings of everything I love about dragons and fantasy, indicating that magic is all around us even when we aren’t aware of it. The inspiration from this photo is actually the starting point from which I developed a new breed of forest-dwelling dragons in the novel I’m working on. It always gets me in the mood to write when I see it.

My Dragon Obsession files would not have been complete without this one, and it probably won’t be the last Ciruelo picture I post, either – he has some of the best dragon paintings out there. This is the book I snagged it from:

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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book! (4/30/2013)

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This is a feature posted by The Broke and The Bookish that allows book bloggers to talk about the books they loved – or hated – and provides a platform for us to get to know each other. This week’s topic is:

Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

I want to disclaim that these subjects will almost always make me give the book a second glance, but I have a much more thorough selection process before they actually wind up on my shelf at home (I’ve gotten really picky lately). There is a broad spectrum of books in the categories I’m about to name. For the sake of geeking out about books I love, I have chosen to provide pictures of the covers that best represent each category.

 #1 dragons:

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Dragon Avenger by E.E. Knight

Because I am a slave to my obsessions. I try everything I can get my hands on, Seriously though, if publishers were marketing specifically to me all they would have to do is put a pretty dragon on the cover and I would pick the book up – regardless if there is an actual dragon anywhere in it.

#2 animals:  

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Wild Born by Brandon Mull

Yep this is pretty much the only subject that will get me to read nonfiction. However, any genre novel that manages to incorporate animals will grab my attention right away.

#3 magic/wizards:

Magician Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist

Magician Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist

It seems like all of my favorite books have at least some element of magic. When you love dragons and fantasy as much as I do, magic sort of goes hand in hand with those topics. Unique magic systems, like the ones found in the Mistborn trilogy, can be highly memorable and sometimes the best parts of a story.

#4 dystopian:

Partials by Dan Wells

I am up to the point where I will actually read anything set in a dystopian story as long as the basic concept sounds good. I am so glad I have, because it has allowed me to enjoy some of the best books I’ve read in years!

#5 vampire/werewolf:

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

I went through all of my teen years saying with conviction that I hate paranormal creatures. And then along came an unsuspecting paranormal romance by Lori Handeland…One thing led to another, and now I simply can’t get enough. Who knew these stories also had some of the best characterization and romance for any genre – with robust, complex storylines to boot!

#6 Richelle Mead:

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead (June 4th)

Yep, put this name on any cover and I guarantee you I will pick it up. Vampire Academy was great, but my favorite was her Succubus series. And I really liked Gameboard of the Gods coming out in June.

#7 swords/adventure:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Most of the fantasy books I’ve and loved offered a great deal of battle scenes and adventure. To have a cool adventure, you usually have to be in a cool setting; therefore, most of my favorite world building stories also had a major elements of adventure and exploration.

#8 teen:

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Teen is my weak spot, my guilty pleasure. Anything that can be categorized as fantasy or paranormal gets at least a basic look through, and I usually spend most of my browsing time in this section. I also am quite fond of books with girls in pretty dresses… And they’re everywhere.

#9 love:

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I’m a romantic at heart, and I usually don’t pick up a book unless it has at least a chance for a love story. PS. This cover in particular is one of the most intriguing covers/titles out there… I’m going to read it.

#10 nonhuman races:

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Whether it be elves or aliens the opportunity to read about someone’s take on the development of a new species (or a spin of a well-known one) grabs my attention every time. On a side note, I will also pick up ANYTHING with cover art done by Luis Royo…And you know what? He hasn’t led me astray yet!

What are your book-trigger words?  Leave a blog address in the comments area so I can visit your TTT. :)

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Book Review: The Ghost King by R.A. Salvatore

a1Title: The Ghost King

Author: R. A. Salvatore

Series: Transitions III

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!!

The Overview: When the Spellplague ravages Faerûn, Drizzt and his companions are caught in the chaos. Seeking out the help of the priest Cadderly–the hero of the recently reissued series The Cleric Quintet–Drizzt finds himself facing his most powerful and elusive foe, the twisted Crenshinibon, the demonic crystal shard he believed had been destroyed years ago.

The Review: 

One of the best ones yet! I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed the snot out of this book. Just when I think I’ve read everything he has to offer he comes out with an excellent novel like this that reminds me why I loved the series in the first place.

The last book (The Pirate King) focused more on political uprisings and storylines of secondary characters. While interesting in their own right, I’m glad to be getting back to these beloved characters that could frankly be doing anything at this point and I would still enjoy reading about it. There are so many great characters with epic histories packed into this novel that I wondered how Salvatore manages to keep them feeling rounded and fresh. Most notably is the reappearance of one of my favorite characters, Jarlaxle. He’s one of the best characters in fantasy because he’s dynamic – you are never quite sure whether he’s on our hero’s side and it’s always interesting to see what he does next! I also appreciated the villain of this particular book although the names were so wonky I had a difficult time keeping all of them straight. Without physical bodies as reference (you’ll see) it made those passages a bit boring because they flew right over my head.

Overall, the book felt like the culmination of everything we’ve read so far into one incredibly grand climax to the series. There were several clever tiebacks to past books, and it really had the best bits from everything. This is a fabulous series that I think any fantasy lover shouldn’t be without! There is definitely a bit of violence and darkness in this series, but nothing overly graphic. I usually feel comfortable recommending this everyone 13+.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

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Dragon Obsession – The Visual Files

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Ciruelo Dragon Art

Taken from www.fantasygalleryart.com this Ciruelo print has always been one of my favorites. I love the blend of colors for the sky and the rock and I love the little castle in the distant. My favorite element (obviously) is the dragon, particularly the obsidian scales and the pointed shape of  its head. Ciruelo has some of the best life-like dragon paintings out there, so I knew my Dragon Obsession list wouldn’t be complete  without at least one of his prints.

For a great compilation of his paintings, check out:

a1Title: The Book of Dragons

Author: Ciruelo

Overview: They lurk in the most hidden corners of the world: the powerful and beautiful creatures known as dragons. We know them as the terrifying beasts of fairy tales, but their own story has remained a mystery–until now. Ciruelo, an illustrator of astounding skill, delves into their secret universe, revealing a rich and fascinating culture filled with poetry, magic, enchantment, and knowledge. Each of these wondrous creatures has its own unique personality and history, and it’s captured dramatically on these spectacular pages. But the revelations go beyond the images, as we gain insight into their psychological characteristics; encounter many different types (Earth Dragons, Water Dragons, Fire Dragons, and the legendary Golden Dragon); learn about their long-held customs; and explore the many legends in which they have figured so prominently–including the heroic tales of Perseus, Hercules, and Tristan.

Dragon Obsession: The Visual Files

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The Crescent Moon Dragon!

This is by-far the funnest project I’ve ever worked on – so much so that I actually finished it! Four years of inconsistent work and a smidge of carpel-tunnel later, I now have a gorgeous piece of pride hanging in my library. 

For what it’s worth, here’s some information on the book:

as2Title: Bewitching Cross Stitch

Author: Joan Elliot

Genre: Crafts/Hobbies

Rating: 5/5 stars!!

The Overview: Cross stitchers will be bewitched by this original collection of fantasy-inspired designs from one of the cross stitch world’s favorite designers, Joan Elliott. Fans of fantasy will love this collection of imaginative designs, including wizards, witches, dragons and pixies—all intricately brought to life with luxurious metallic threads and glittering beads. Projects include enchanting cards, gift bags keepsakes, framed pictures, and more.

The Review: Best book ever! There are at least a dozen projects in here that I’m going to do, and that’s rare for a pattern book (all the other ones I own have 2, maybe 3 projects I like). The fantasy subject matter is right up my alley, and the vibrant color variety keeps me interested in the pattern. The finished product speaks for itself! :)

Niki’s Book Recommendations! – If You Liked Sword of Shannara…

If you liked: Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

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Then you might like:

a2Title: The Cleric Quintet

Author: R. A. Salvatore

Series: Cleric Quintet 1-5

Genre: Fantasy

I felt the need to include this book in the list because, although it’s not highly adventurous, the overall writing style and character development made me nostalgic of Brooks’ work. Salvatore also happens to be excellent with epic battle scenes and intricate sword-fights, something I think fans of the Brooks’ books will enjoy (also consider reading the Drizzt series).

a4Title: The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Series: Kingkiller Chronicles

Genre: Fantasy

This is the best book that I’ve read in a long time! It has the same overall world-building and general feel to the story that I loved in Shannara, but takes it so much further with everything from character development to plot. I deem this a masterpiece that any fantasy buff should have on their shelf. Read Full Review

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a3Title: Pawn of Prophecy

Author: David Eddings

Series: Belgariad

Genre: Fantasy

Arguably one of the first-movers in the genre, these books have everything you’ve come to expect from classic fantasy: fun characters, high adventure, and good conquering evil. These novels are short, but memorable. Read Full Review

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a5Title: The Misenchanted Sword

Author: Lawrence Watt-Evans

Series: Legends of Ethshar

Genre: Fantasy

This is one of my favorite authors and one that not many have heard of. All of his books are highly entertaining, and I daresay I liked them better than Brooks. Don’t let the cover scare you off – these are great!

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a7Title: Magician: Apprentice

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Series: Riftwar Saga

Genre: Fantasy

This series is a family favorite, and my go-to for customers wanting a good fantasy. While it has the same adventure, I think the character development and overall storyline drew me in a bit more than Brooks’ work. It was also more fast-paced. Read Full Review

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a8Title: Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini

Series: Eragon

Genre: Teen Fantasy

For a kid’s book, this series actually reminds me the most of the Shannara series. Between the characters, the adventure, and the dark creatures they battle along the way, the similarities are endless – including the fact that they are both lengthy and entertaining.

eheTitle: The Eye of the World

Author: Robert Jordan

Series: Wheel of Time

Genre: Fantasy

I don’t think there are many people who haven’t read the Wheel of Time novels, but in case you haven’t, they follow along the same basic storyline of a young man taken from his home for a grand adventure. It compliments the Shannara series quite well. Read Full Review

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a9Title: Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Authors: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Series: Dragonlance

Genre: Fantasy

My final recommend is a series that boasts some of the funnest characters in the entire genre, and is yet another epic fantasy that most people I talk to really liked (including me).
There you have it! Did I miss any? :)