For an entire year, my children pleaded with me to explore the “Wings of Fire” book series, which revolves around dragons and had captivated their imaginations. I, however, resisted their enthusiasm. They assured me I’d enjoy it, but I was skeptical—talking dragons? A group of “dragonets” on a quest to save their world? It sounded like just another children’s series, far from my usual adult literature preferences.
Despite my doubts, my kids’ relentless enthusiasm finally wore me down. I had never witnessed them so captivated by a series before, engrossed in fan-made videos on YouTube and creating their own versions of the dragon characters in their sketchbooks. They even debated the complexities of a character named “Darkstalker” during dinner. One day, my daughter burst into my office, ecstatic about the introduction of “gay dragons” in the series.
Reluctantly, I decided to read the first book, eager to understand the world of Pyrrhia and the characters my kids were so passionate about.
Author Tui T. Sutherland quickly hooked me with the opening of The Dragonet Prophecy, which introduces five dragonets destined to end a long-standing war in their world. Hidden away in a secret cave, these dragonets are just a mismatched group lacking extraordinary powers—hardly the heroes one would expect to save the world.
Sutherland’s writing is engaging, full of heart, and intelligent. She immerses readers in the action without unnecessary fluff, crafting a narrative that feels akin to a thrilling adult novel. Her skillful storytelling is a significant reason many adults find themselves engrossed in the series alongside their children.
Some parents have raised concerns about violence in the books, given the wartime setting. For instance, one scene in the first book features a villainous dragon abruptly biting off a human’s head. While shocking, it serves to illustrate the villain’s callous nature.
I found Sutherland’s portrayal of humans intriguing, as the dragons view them much like we view pests or livestock—arrogantly dismissive. This perspective invites readers to examine their own views about superiority among species. Sutherland cleverly infuses this kind of moral questioning throughout the series.
The dragon characters are faced with challenges that force them to grow and evolve as they learn about heroism, self-defense, and empathy. The stories address profound questions about democracy and personal freedom while maintaining an adventurous tone. Themes like, “Is it ethical to read minds?” or “Can you change someone’s feelings without their consent?” are woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Each book shifts perspective, allowing readers to experience the thoughts and histories of dragons who may initially appear unsympathetic, revealing the complexity of their characters. Sutherland’s inclusion of an LGBTQ relationship is refreshingly organic—these dragons simply love each other, without any need for commentary or questioning from others.
My kids were absolutely right. Together, we’ve devoured all 13 books in the series so far, eagerly anticipating the next installment from Sutherland. I’ve officially joined the fandom. If you pick up these books for your children, you might find yourself enchanted by the world of Pyrrhia too. For more insights on home insemination, you can check out this related blog post.
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In summary, my initial reluctance to read the “Wings of Fire” series has transformed into genuine enthusiasm. The engaging storytelling and complex themes have made me a fan alongside my children. This series not only captivates young readers but also offers rich narratives that resonate with adults.