Dragon blood by Patricia Briggs

The sequel in the Hurog duology, following Dragon Bones, is set four years on and sees Ward, ruler of Hurog, trying to keep his lands and people prosperous. When a friend seeks refuge in Hurog Keep, after being tortured by King Jakouen, Ward is forced to think about the growing rebellion against the king and consider what side he will choose to join. When he realises that the King has a magical artifact that could ruin the country, he knows that he must find it as it is dragon’s blood, the very blood that runs through his veins, that will awaken it.

Readers will find Dragon blood to be much darker than Dragon bones, with themes of torture, abuse and rape, trigger points. Briggs does not overtly go into detail but these themes may make it suitable for adult readers only.

Ward grows in strength and self-confidence and his belief in looking after strays and his people shines throughout the book. He must use his wits to stop the High King from taking Hurog Keep and destroying the countryside.

The side romance between Ward and Tisala lightens the dark elements of the plot, with Ward gradually winning Tisala’s trust and love. Action is nonstop and keeps the reader breathless, eager to continue to see Ward’s developing leadership skills and how he will fare in his quest to save the kingdom.

Briggs has packed complex characters, dragons, dwarves, dark themes and romance, in 275 pages of well written, engrossing high fantasy. Readers who enjoy this may like Robin Hobb’s novels.

Themes: High fantasy, Torture, Court intrigue, Abuse.

Pat Pledger