Dragon Bones (Hurog Duology Book 1)

Dragon Bones is a nice, light little fantasy. It's short, relatively self-contained (a sequel just came out, but this book does stand by itself nicely) book that goes down smooth and easy, though it doesn't really have much body. I enjoyed it and it has a really nice climax (though the ending is a bit of a cheat). It just didn't really seem to mean much.

The first thing I'll address is the ending, because it's really the only thing that's wrong with an otherwise very interesting plot. The climax was exciting, with Ward having to make a decision that really builds his character. I was beginning to wonder how Briggs was going to end the book, and thought that maybe it would be a typical cliffhanger, making the reader wait until the next book to find out what happens. But then I found out I was wrong, and I was so pleased. I love it when characters have to make hard decisions. The bad thing is, though, subsequent events make it so that the decision ultimately doesn't mean anything, and it's robbed of most of its drama. Sure, the fact that he had to make the decision is character-building, and I'm glad Briggs didn't take the decision out of his hands, like sometimes happens. The problem is that Ward is saved from the consequences of his actions, and I was a bit sorry to see that.

Otherwise, this is a very good novel. It won't take very long to read, as it's very light. It's not very filling, though. There's plenty of action, which is nice. Swords flash, arrows fly, and the bad guys die. It's quite an exciting book, once it gets going. It just doesn't seem to have a lot of substance. It's a snack, almost. It's well-written, with very good prose and an air-tight plot. You definitely won't go wrong by picking this up and spending an afternoon with it.

The characterizations are very well done, with only Kariarn being the two-dimensional villain. A few figures at the beginning of the book start out looking like stereotypical bad guys too, but they develop a depth to them when Briggs writes from their point of view (the book is mostly in first person from Ward's point of view, but there are sections of the book written from others' point of view that were told to Ward after the fact). Ward's cousins, Beckram and Erdrick, start out as typical tormentors of both Ward and his sister. Garranon and his brother Landislaw are the men who come to take Ward away to the insane asylum after Ward won't produce Landislaw's slave. However, we find out that Garranon is the enforced lover of the king who just wants freedom for his people. Landislaw disappears from the story, so he doesn't get much characterization, but the others are very well-rounded by events. We find out that they are just doing what they have to do in order to get by in a crazy world under a cruel and sadistic king. It's nice to see characters get this kind of treatment, rather than becoming complete stereotypes.

Ward, the main character, is very interesting as well. He's played a role for so much of his life that he doesn't know where the real Ward is anymore. He's always fantasized about being his ancestor (the one who killed the dragon, though he doesn't find that out until this book), a great hero in all of the stories. When he sets out to prove himself, that's what he sees himself becoming. Ward has to learn through what happens in this novel to be his own person and a good leader. He is devastated when he finds out that his ancestor killed the dragon, and that his ancestor is the one who brought the curse down on his family that has made it what it is today. He has to work through all of that, and it makes for a very interesting character arc. He's a very good storyteller, and I'm glad Briggs decided to write this book in first person. It adds a sense of immediacy to the actions, and makes some of the choices he makes that much more intriguing.

The other characters fulfill their roles well, though there really isn't a lot to them. Tosten, Ward's formerly suicidal brother, isn't very interesting. He sulks when he thinks that Ward likes Oreg better than him (not knowing what Oreg really is). He does what he needs to do, but doesn't really distinguish himself. Oreg is a child and most of the time acts like one. The rest of them are fairly nondescript. They're certainly not badly done, they're just there.

The book is well worth a read, though. I did really enjoy it. I will definitely look up the sequel and see if it's as good. If you're in the mood for light fantasy, you could do worse than picking up Dragon Bones.

Ward pretends to be stupid to save himself from being seen as a threat to his Father's throne and killed. Dad is fatily injured in a hunting accedent and dies at home. Ward is relieved but still plays dumb for his uncle fearing the he might be like his abusive Father. A strange boy who claims to be the family ghost gives Ward his Father's ring. All this happens real quick and everything takes off after the slave hides in the casttle sewers and Ward reminds his Uncle that there are no slaves in his land. He his then sentenced to tdhe king's house for crazys and other wise enbarisments. He runs brings his sister, the ghost, the head stable man, the slave, his Father's body servant and his Father's stolen horse, who he renamed 'Pansy'.
Next in this sieres is DRAGON'S BLOOD
This book is writen in the 1st person from Ward's piont of veiw. Exolent read. Briggs made her charicter come to live in a way I haven't seen before and I am known for how much I read.
(Eat, sleep and read)

Ms. Briggs weaves a richly detailed world, with dark overtones and obstacles that would leave the typcial fantasy hero searching for a quiet corner to hide in. Mental illness seems to be a common affliction in the land of Hurog. Ward's father is megalomaniacle with homocidal tendencies, his mother lives in a drug-assisted psychotic stupor, his suicidal brother has chosen fugue and exile, and his sister is mute. Ward only acts autistic to avoid attrating paternal attention!
After his father dies, his cousins betray him and the high king declares him unfit to rule, he gathers his siblings, a mentally-disturbed ghost, an aging stablemaster, and a dwarven prince masquerading as an armsman, and sets out to become a hero. . .
The amazing thing about this novel is that it worked. Really, really worked. The masterfully-drawn characters vibrate with life. The vein of humor that is Briggs's hallmark shines brighly against the dark and hostile world. Ward is a very sympathetic hero, and the story is colored by his determined, unflinching efforts to do the right thing. He and his band of wanderers echo the best parts of Robin Hood, Arthur's round table, and Miles Vorkosigan. The story is by turns tragic, humorous, adverturous and touching, and the pacing is flawless.
While I'm waiting for the promised sequel, I may have to laminate the cover (clear contact paper for those who don't know this trick) so that I can re-live this adventure often in the coming months.

Dragon Bones is one of my favorite books. *I also like the seqeul Dragons Blood*

Ward has been considered a simpleton for a very long time and that suits him all to well until his father *who beat him almost senseless on occansion* dies and his uncle is being considered his father's hier. So Ward has to come out of his safety shell and defend his family and land. The only thing is how to become a sane man. Our faithful hero takes a chapter out of his hero's book Selieg. *I think that's how you spell it* and becomes a hero!

Before he leaves though he brings along Oreg the casle ghost, a slave girl, his brother Tosten,his sister, whom he calls Brat, and his fathers man (who is actually half dwarf).

So Ward sets off with his band of unlikely heroes.

Yep so I hope that helped and hope you enjoy! ^.^

One of my favorite books! Well written with wonderful characters. I usually avoid first person stories but I was completely taken with Wardwick. Great portrayal of the realities of abuse and the lasting effects it can have. Briggs also has a wonderful understanding of horses and horse training. Nicely done!

Finally a main character that isn't... well... dashing. Having built a wall of safety and stupidity around himself, Ward, must convince the world that he is not who he has pretended to be. So how do you clear your name? By stepping out of the mire of mediocrity and claiming the throne of a hero, of course.

It is easier said than done. But the journey is what we are here for, right? This book definitely takes you on a trip worth taking....

A great plot, interesting characterisations, and a fast-paced engaging writing style make this fantasy book a great read. The ONLY thing I didn't like about this book was the back cover blurb by the publishers at ACE Fantasy in the edition I read. It's erroneous and it gives away too much of the plot, so skip it if you wish to avoid premature enlightenment.

All in all, the right fantasy elements are here, with magic, dragons, dwarves, border wars and scheming, conniving princes. Enjoy!

Just got this audio book on Friday and listened nonstop all weekend. It went from my house to the car into the supermarket back home and to the park. What a great listen. I have enjoyed everything that Patricia Briggs has written and the Hurog books were the first of her books that I ever read. Way to go Joe Manganiello (FYI he plays a werewolf on True Blood). He made my pulse race. For those who never read Dragon Bones there is a classic hero's journey but the hero is by no means typical. Also tere are many strong female characters but this is no feminist treatise.

I LOVE this book! (I love all her books actually - at least the ones I've read so far). The characters are well-developed, their interactions with each other are realistic and wonderful, the people aren't all perfectly perfect - they have flaws yet I still care about them and what happens to them. She is great about weaving pertinent information into the story, giving the reader the chance (and respect) to come to an understanding while reading rather than presenting facts in a nice neat boring wrapped gift with a bow on top.

I LOVE this book! (I love all her books actually - at least the ones I've read so far). The characters are well-developed, their interactions with each other are realistic and wonderful, the people aren't all perfectly perfect - they have flaws yet I still care about them and what happens to them. She is great about weaving pertinent information into the story, giving the reader the chance (and respect) to come to an understanding while reading rather than presenting facts in a nice neat boring wrapped gift with a bow on top.

I love this series. Patricia Briggs is able to keep the reader interested through-out the book. You immerse yourself into the story and want to keep on reading to see what is going to happen next. I would recommend for readers of all ages from 14-110.

I found this novel to be very entertaining and well written. Her character development is tremendous and I found myself right there along side Ward and his comrades. I did not want to put the book down and was saddened when it ended. I look forward to another story about Hurog!

At first I was thinking that it was lacking something, i wasn't buying the idiot theme. But it really started to pick up and i was having so much fun reading it i ran out and got the second before i was finished with the 1st. Both great books.

Holy Unfortunate Implications Batman! So, why is it all of the non-straight characters are villains or start-as-villain-then-shown-to-be-victim-of-a-homosexual-villain (and probably actually straight if not for the eeeeevil mind control)?

I was introduced to Briggs by reading the Raven Duology. Once I find an author I enjoy, I usually get and read his or her other works. So once I finished that series, I went decided to try some of Briggs' earlier works. Boy, was that a big mistake! This book and the next one are utterly terrible. Poor writing, poor characters, and just nothing to offer really. The good news is, Briggs writing really turns the corner in her later works. Just steer clear of these and you'll be happy.