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The Dragon Quintet by Orson Scott Card, Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, Elizabeth Moon & Micharel Swanwick
01/11/2004 . Source: Laura Kayne 
pub: TOR. 299 page hardback. Price: $24.95 (US), $34.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-31035-X. Buy from Amazon US - Buy from Amazon UK
nb: US titles may only be available from Amazon US, and UK titles from Amazon UK. check out website: www.tor.com
Dragons have long been a fascinating part of myth and fantasy, from JRR Tolkien to Anne McCaffrey, Beowulf to Disney. Editor Marvin Kaye has taken this often background element and created an anthology in which the dragon is the central character. Five different authors give five very different stories, each one including a unique and personal image of the dragon. Although the dragon plays a central part, it is mainly through the relationships to more human characters and how they interact with the 'real' world that the characters of the dragons come through.
The opening story, 'In The Dragon's House' by Orson Scott Card, tells of a young boy's discovery of a locked room in his grandparents' house. He is drawn to the mystery of this space but unsure why. Through discovery of his family's history both he and the reader begin to learn more about the eerie room and the secret that his great-grandfather kept there. But what links this room and the dragon that only the boy appears to be aware of, slowly communicating with him when he sleeps? When he finally brings the two otherworldly elements of his life together, he is faced with a truth and a choice that will change his life forever. This is a delightful story, full of tension, solid characters and vivid description. There is also a sense, as in most of these tales, that the last page is not the end and there is a want to see what happens next.
'Judgement' by Elizabeth Moon, is also about a boy. Here, Kir, amidst the background of a secret discovery of precious rocks with his prospective father-in-law and the possible danger this might lead to, must deal with upcoming wedding plans and the task of sitting judgement in the village so that his bride-to-be and his prospective father-in-law are satisfied that he is strong of character and conviction. But one secret and lie leads to more and the threat of the rocks brings more danger than Kir could imagine, not only to himself but to his family, his in-laws and eventually to the rest of the village. When he is given the change to put things right, Kir does so willingly and learns that he is not the only one being judged. This is thought-provoking and interesting, keeping the mystery of the rocks until the end and creating a small twist in the ending.
The third story, 'Love In The Time Of Dragons' by Tanith Lee, is exactly that. An unusual and poignant love-story in which a girl, ill-treated by men, sees and gradually falls in love with a dragon, forgoing human lovers. When a hunter comes to search out the dragon, she tricks him into taking her along and finally goes to meet her extraordinary love. This is a bittersweet piece on the nature of love, human relationships and on what we really want from a lover.
'Joust' by Mercedes Lackey, is the engaging tale of Vetch, a slave boy who is taken away from his uncaring master to serve a Jouster, one who owns and rides a dragon. He soon forges a connection with both Jouster and his dragon, gaining independence and respect. Then, when another dragon falls pregnant, he embarks on a life or death mission which could ultimately lead to freedom. Vitch is a very strong and well-developed character, as is Ari the Jouster and even the dragon Kashet. It is also full of powerful description of the dragon's behaviour and relationships between Jouster and dragon. An upbeat but open ending will definitely leave the reader wanting more.
The final story, 'Dragon King' by Michael Swanwick, stands somewhat apart from the previous four. His is a cruel and destructive dragon, much more so than any of the other dragons encountered in this volume. He is a strange mixture of technology/metal and flesh, with a touch of magic thrown in. He is a controlled instrument of war but is alive and when his pilot crash-lands and dies in a village, the dragon decides to become its king. But can Will, who is both repulsed by and drawn to the beast and eventually chosen to be its lieutenant, work to defeat him or defend him?
This is an interesting and very readable collection of stories, each unique and together attempt to create something new. With five to choose from, it is likely that most fantasy fans will find at least one story here to engage with. They are accompanied by an informative introduction by Kaye on the place of dragons in myth and lore, a further reading and watching section and by detailed black and white sketches at the beginning of each story. A beautifully illustrated cover completes the book which should appeal to many people intrigued and fascinated by dragons.
Laura Kayne
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