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6th out of 102 books
—
15 voters
Taming Fire (Dragonprince Trilogy #1)
by
Aaron Pogue (Goodreads Author)
Daven Carrickson grew up as a beggar in the filthy alleys beneath the shadows of the palace. He's the son of a known thief, disgraced and despised. His only real talent is his ability with a sword, and his only real chance at finding honor or a home is a desperate dream of joining the King's Guard.
Then Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study m...more
Then Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study m...more
Paperback, 350 pages
Published
June 21st 2011
by Consortium Books
(first published June 8th 2011)
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'Taming Fire' was a disappointing read with all the sophistication of a cup of ramen noodles. Pogue's first person perspective is better suited to the prose of an eighth-grader, and the repetitive use of certain words and phrases (i.e. the gross abuse of the word growl - "I growled/he growled/I held back a growl/my voice came out a growl..." - are your characters cave men or do they just have chronic laryngitis?) makes 'Taming Fire' clunky and distracts from what precious little plot there is. T...more
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"Taming Fire" is a good debut epic fantasy story by a new author that was entertaining and enjoyable to read. The main character is caught up in forces beyond his understanding and is swept along from one location to another seemingly with no real purpose. But just as he is caught trying to understand the "whys" of what is happening to him, so too are we. As the story evolves so too does our character as he discovers more good qualities about himself that others see in him. We get to meet many...more
Jul 12, 2012
Lewis Dix
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
friends
Recommended to Lewis by:
Amazon
WOW! This book is a steal at $0.99! I bought and downloaded it right after receiving my Kindle Fire but never got around to reading it. I finally decided to take a peak on Monday and ended up zipping through the book in about four days....not bad when you consider I spend 10 hours of those days at work, come home to a wife and kids, and play Mass Effect 3 after everyone has gone to bed. Especially when the book is of a decent length (over 100K words and almost 4oo pages).
Now onto the Review!
I w...more
Now onto the Review!
I w...more
This book was a nice little surprise. I was afraid it might be a Harry Potter ripoff but it wasn't at all. The main character, Daven, is young and does spend some time in a wizard's academy. But for the most part, the similarities between this book and the first of the Harry Potter series ends. Daven is the kind of character that is easy to care about. He's fiercely loyal to his few friends and very brave. That's not to say he's perfect. He has some anger issues that get him into trouble from ti...more
In "Taming Fire" I wanted to see more happen with the protagonist. I was unable to empathise with Daven, and trudged through the story pitying him, hoping that there would be more to him.
In finishing up the book this morning, I was reminded of the monotony of Raimi's "Spiderman 3". I was coaxed by trailers and my apparent love of the character of Spiderman to spend money to go to the cinema. When I did, the audience seemed quite frustrated by hero and villain alike, who would veer off into bout...more
In finishing up the book this morning, I was reminded of the monotony of Raimi's "Spiderman 3". I was coaxed by trailers and my apparent love of the character of Spiderman to spend money to go to the cinema. When I did, the audience seemed quite frustrated by hero and villain alike, who would veer off into bout...more
I really liked this book, and yet I'm not sure why. It's written in a sort of tone that I usually don't care for as much, but it this case really works, and I found myself with a just-one-more-page complex on more than one occasion during the course of reading it. I also really like the fact that while the protagonist is destined for greatness, it is more because of the experiences he has and how he chooses to respond to them rather than some prophetic fate that leads him by the nose. The Dragon...more
For a 99 cent Kindle book, this was an AWESOME read! I really like the character Daven - Pogue sets him up well with his fierce tenacity to always survive; it makes the character a bit dark and gritty but that is completely fitting given the arc he goes through here in the first book. As well, I enjoy how we immediately see (from the opening paragraph) that Daven can handle a sword and has practiced at it for years - we don't have to wonder why he is "suddenly" talented at wielding it when it be...more
**SPOILER ALERT**
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
It’s always an awkward time between books. I normally start reading the next book as soon as I’m finished with the first one (unless the book is so powerful that it takes a few days to get out of my system). I always like to have my escape from reality ready. After reading another Octavia...more
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
It’s always an awkward time between books. I normally start reading the next book as soon as I’m finished with the first one (unless the book is so powerful that it takes a few days to get out of my system). I always like to have my escape from reality ready. After reading another Octavia...more
I really enjoyed this book. The author takes a whole different spin on magic and how dragons are intertwined with magic. Almost as if the dragons are the anti-thesis of magic. I find myself very skeptical when authors bring new and innovative spins on magic or mages because most of their "systems" have so many flaws. This book sets the rules for magic. Sets the rules for Dragons. Then takes one man on a ride that merges the two. It was an extremely fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who...more
Okay, so I love fantasy, right? This book was not well written. First, nothing much happens until you're 90% through the novel. When you hit the 90% mark though, this babe shows up and she and the narrator have a very cliche relationship. By cliche, I mean I don't think they say anything to each other that hasn't been written about 1,000,000 times before (and better) by other authors. Finally, a large part of this novel is supposed to be the politics in the world. The author never really explain...more
Couldn't finish it. I'm 35% through the book and still waiting for anything to be explained. We've traveled (by foot, carriage, boat, and horse) from a still not-understood threat because of still not-understood political issues. We've been trying to get to a still not-understood magical academy which won't be safe, but for different still not-understood reasons. There are too many words (and miles) under our belts to be so far in the dark. A large part of our lack of understanding as readers is...more
This was a very fun read and an unpredictable, unique fantasy. The MC was a bit sulky now and then, but he was a hard worker and never gave up. I liked how he received his magical training, but I thought the one wizard gave him too much importance. Why would Claighan search for years for someone so specific? Why would he risk his life and kingdom for this boy he barely knows? These questions may be answered in the next book.
The dragons were well done. Not too tame. Not too overly powerful. Not t...more
The dragons were well done. Not too tame. Not too overly powerful. Not t...more
So good! Aaron Pogue has proved his ability to write in multiple genres.
The thing I liked best about Taming Fire is the main character, Daven. A talented swordsman, Daven is found early in the book by a wizard who wishes to train him up to be a wizard as well...a unique and powerful weapon against a coming threat. It's cool and "fantastic" but throughout the book the author manages to ground this fantastic tale into realistic and believable behavior. Daven, the hero, isn't more powerful than hi...more
The thing I liked best about Taming Fire is the main character, Daven. A talented swordsman, Daven is found early in the book by a wizard who wishes to train him up to be a wizard as well...a unique and powerful weapon against a coming threat. It's cool and "fantastic" but throughout the book the author manages to ground this fantastic tale into realistic and believable behavior. Daven, the hero, isn't more powerful than hi...more
Stilted dialog, lazy magic system, unbelievable flat characters, unfocused plot, melodramatic protagonist, clichés everywhere... I have no idea how this book is as popular as it seems to be. I started highlighting badly written passages and dialog after 3 chapters so I could give specific examples, but I soon realized I was highlighting the majority of the book.
I'll update this review with more specific examples soon, but for now, here's my conclusion: This is seriously one of the worst fantasy...more
I'll update this review with more specific examples soon, but for now, here's my conclusion: This is seriously one of the worst fantasy...more
Well for some reason this book got me hooked - I read until 3am (on a school night) and then rushed home the next day to finish. I really don't know why I was compelled to read so avidly as I do think the writing is not as good as it could be and there are a number of subplots that could have been teased out to make the story more complex and alive but have been ignored by the author.
The book really should have a three star rating but I have awarded an extra star for being so mysteriously compel...more
The book really should have a three star rating but I have awarded an extra star for being so mysteriously compel...more
Outstanding heroic fantasy. Well written with excellent character and plot development. I enjoyed the entire ride through this well thought out fantasy. I was hanging on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down. I have to admit that I was disappointed when I got to the last page because I wanted more!
I eagerly await the sequel that's scheduled for release this month. At least that was what the author had indicated at the end of the book. I'll have to check to see if that's still the ca...more
I eagerly await the sequel that's scheduled for release this month. At least that was what the author had indicated at the end of the book. I'll have to check to see if that's still the ca...more
Daven son of thief Carrick has spent his life under the shadow of his dead father's reputation, until a wizard gives him a chance to make something better of himself. A chance to make himself into a new experimental warrior that can fight with swords and magic. Unfortunately, he is soon wanted for murder and treason before he even begins his lessons.
Pretty good and I am interested to see where it goes.
Pretty good and I am interested to see where it goes.
First, whatever you do, don't judge this book by it's cover or title (especially the Kindle cover...).
It's so much better than these things let on. I really enjoyed the book. So much so, that I actually finished the book in a little over a day. My only problem with the book was that I found the writing to sometimes be a little convoluted. Otherwise, excellent, and I'll probably read the sequel someday.
It's so much better than these things let on. I really enjoyed the book. So much so, that I actually finished the book in a little over a day. My only problem with the book was that I found the writing to sometimes be a little convoluted. Otherwise, excellent, and I'll probably read the sequel someday.
Decent, but not great fantasy - much like too many others out there. Most of the characters were flat and there were no women characters of significance -- what's up with that? The strongest character for me was the dragon, but we don't see enough of him and he appears too close to the end. I know there are a couple of books remaining in the trilogy, but I'm not sure I'll carry on with them.
This book has a plot but that's about it. There is no setting, just a generic fantasy version of feudal Europe. No character development, all the characters are just 1 dimensional sketches. The author also uses just about every fantasy trope available to flesh out his story.
The decision to use a first person narrative hinders the series, especially with character development.
The decision to use a first person narrative hinders the series, especially with character development.
I was not prepared to enjoy this book and the characters so much... which is to say this book, series really, totally surprised me. The lead character Daven, is believable, and flawed, which I love. The supporting characters are not over-powering with their presence and do a good job of adding to the story line. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
Without delving into the story, I can say that there were no big surprises in this book. I wouldn't call it predictable. It might have simply lacked a type of shock value that I enjoy. However, I enjoyed it anyway. I made it all the way through without effort. Magic and sword-play do it for me. This book takes an interesting turn on those two things. Even though the ending didn't satisfy me, I am eager to move on to the next in the series...if I can find it anywhere!
A story about a boy name daven that good at sword and can do a little magic. A sscolar magician wants to make him a paladin, someone who can use sword and magic. But the plan went a stray. the story goes and he become a dragonrider.....
Too many enemy, a little romance, a great deal of magic without the hack and slash action.
Too many enemy, a little romance, a great deal of magic without the hack and slash action.
I loved this book. If you're a fan of magic and dragons I recommend it, but the magic system was a little odd to me. Almost frustratingly so. But never fear, It gets away from the theory behind the most frustrating type of magic quickly, and then gets great. Heck, you might even like the idea. Just note, if you dont like it, it moves on fast.
Great read!! For a Kindle read, this was surprisingly well done. I was impressed with the fact that a single character was able to hold my attention throughout the entire book...seeing as secondary characters were introduced and dismissed at a whim it seems. I am definitely looking forward to the second installment.
85% of the way through this book, there is still only one character. Nobody else lasts longer than a few chapters before their tragic death and/or parting. It's this one guy versus the world, and frankly the world is winning.
I'm sure he turns it around before the end of the book, but I'm tired of reading this.
I'm sure he turns it around before the end of the book, but I'm tired of reading this.
The character & world building are very well done in this book. Aaron Pogue creates an every man's hero that you want to get back up when he gets knocked down.
Although I really like the way the story progresses, I feel that the passage of time goes a bit fast.
I am looking foward to the rest of the trilogy.
Although I really like the way the story progresses, I feel that the passage of time goes a bit fast.
I am looking foward to the rest of the trilogy.
I can't stand reading it...
it's the way the book is written
the way the author describe how the author act, it just feel bland, boring and lack depth
the book get one star as the only problem with this book is the lack of skill and that made me unable to read this in peace of mind.
it's the way the book is written
the way the author describe how the author act, it just feel bland, boring and lack depth
the book get one star as the only problem with this book is the lack of skill and that made me unable to read this in peace of mind.
I really wanted to rate this book higher... I liked the premise and the world that Pogue depicts, but I was really irritated by the inconsistent character development and plot holes. The protagonist Daven comes off as both a wise, world weary stoicist and an impetuous brat.
I struggled to get into the book in the beginning, it was one thing after another that drug the MC down.. but then things changed, and I read the rest of the book in half the time it took me to get to where I was.
I recommend it to others, hang in there. It gets better :)
I recommend it to others, hang in there. It gets better :)
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Aaron Pogue is a husband and a father of two who lives in Oklahoma City, OK. He started writing at the age of ten, and lays claim to eleven finished novels, as well as a handful of short stories, scripts, and videogame storylines. His first novels were high fantasy set in the rich world of the FirstKing, but he's explored mainstream thrillers, urban fantasy, and several kinds of science fiction. G...more
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