The Dragon's Boy by Jane Yolen

The Dragon's Boy

 

Title: The Dragon's Boy

Author: Jane Yolen

Series: N/A

Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media

Publication Date: July 2 2013

Source: Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon,  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Summary: Before the legendary Arthur became king, he took lessons from a dragon . . .

Artos is a lonely child, teased or ignored by the other boys in the castle of Sir Ector. One day, he follows Sir Ector’s runaway hound into a mysterious, dark cave, where he encounters a dragon who offers him the gift of wisdom.

Both frightened and intrigued, Artos becomes the dragon’s student and gains what he’s always longed for: the friendship and respect of other boys. Under the guidance of the dragon, Artos’s life begins to take shape in a way he could never have imagined. But has Artos really learned everything the dragon has to teach? And what does the dragon mean when he refers to him as “Artos Pendragon,” or “Arthur son of dragon”?

My Thoughts

        Plot: This was a very interesting story. I liked how Yolen incorporated elements of Arthurian legends into her story. I really enjoyed the innocence of Artos as well as his wisdom. I thought it was interesting that even though he was the youngest among his peers Artos could control their feelings this is illustrated when on the way home he refuses to sing for them. It was also interesting that Lady Marion acknowledges Artos as the responsible boy who will get the others out of a scratch if it happens. 

                 I really enjoyed Yolen's twist on the Dragon and Merlin, I thought it was very interesting. I also liked how the book ended at the beginning of the Legend. 

This was a very cute and sweet story about Arthur as a child.

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