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Dragon Knight #9
The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent
Gordon R. Dickson has entertained readers for over two decades with his tales of Jim Eckert. Now the Dragon Knight must confront the three disas-ters that lie in wait for any visitor to the English Middle Ages: war, plague, and Plantagenets. The plague is caused by a covert invasion of shapechanging goblins who seek to take over the world. Meanwhile, Eckerts castle is invaded by Plantagenets: Edward III, his son Edward The Black Prince, and Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. Against the background of a full-scale human-versus-goblin war, these worthies move in a swirl of intrigue and dynastic tension.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Gordon R. Dickson
563 books388 followersGordon Rupert Dickson was an American science fiction author. He was born in Canada, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a teenager. He is probably most famous for his Childe Cycle and the Dragon Knight series. He won three Hugo awards and one Nebula award.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 8, 2015
The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent (2000) 531 pages by Gordon Dickson.
The ninth book in the Dragon Knight series. Not necessarily the conclusion, but the last one that Dickson wrote. Jim and Angie Eckert come from modern times, but are transported to an alternate 14th century earth where magic (or magick) is prevalent. Through the series Jim is becoming a better magician, at the beginning of Fair Maid he learns that Carolinus (his Master) has nominated him for membership in the collegiate of magickians.
Of course there are problems that arise. A plague or rather the plague breaks out throughout England. Goblins are trying to kill the King. And closer to home Sir Brian and Geronde are going to have a wedding.
Hob (Jim's hob from Malencontri) and other Hobs take on more of a role in this book. We get the back story of how Goblins and Hobgoblins were all the same until the Goblins took out their fury on the Hobgoblins, until they split and had different powers.
This was another fine tale in the Dragon Knight series. A nice touch to finally have Brian and Geronde get married. It took me a while to read it, because I didn't have enough reading time, not because it was a slog. Even broken up over weeks it was very enjoyable.
The ninth book in the Dragon Knight series. Not necessarily the conclusion, but the last one that Dickson wrote. Jim and Angie Eckert come from modern times, but are transported to an alternate 14th century earth where magic (or magick) is prevalent. Through the series Jim is becoming a better magician, at the beginning of Fair Maid he learns that Carolinus (his Master) has nominated him for membership in the collegiate of magickians.
Of course there are problems that arise. A plague or rather the plague breaks out throughout England. Goblins are trying to kill the King. And closer to home Sir Brian and Geronde are going to have a wedding.
Hob (Jim's hob from Malencontri) and other Hobs take on more of a role in this book. We get the back story of how Goblins and Hobgoblins were all the same until the Goblins took out their fury on the Hobgoblins, until they split and had different powers.
This was another fine tale in the Dragon Knight series. A nice touch to finally have Brian and Geronde get married. It took me a while to read it, because I didn't have enough reading time, not because it was a slog. Even broken up over weeks it was very enjoyable.
August 25, 2026
Back when I was in high school, I watched an animated film called The Flight of Dragons. I liked it at the time although I remember very little of it now (and when I double-checked the title it looks nothing like my memories!). Anyhow, at the end of that move the credits said it was based on The Dragon and the George by Gordon R. Dickson.
I was a really cool high schooler and I'd also heard of Philip K. Dick as an SF visionary. Dickson & Dick blended together in my brain and I headed off to the library to get my hands on some visionary SF time traveling dragons. And then I read the whole series because that's exactly how cool I am.
Recently Tantor offered me the audio of the 9th book in the Dragon Knight series, and because I'm delulu I thought I could jump right back in after [redacted] years. Although maybe I'm delulu in the right way because for the most part I followed the story and remembered all the characters. I do, however, recommend reading this series IN ORDER!!!!
So what's up with this one? Jim and Angie are getting ready for the marriage of their two best friends, Brian and Gironde. Unfortunately, the plague and not fewer than three Plantaganets get in the way. Also a goblin siege, magician rivalries, an unkept promise from years ago, and more. ("More" as in "this was a little bit longer than it had to be, OK?)
The narration is good, although the narrator reads just about everyone in different shades of American accents, despite the 14th Century setting. That said, I guess it's not fair to demand authenticity when all of the dialogue would have been in Middle English, anyway, right?
This objective review (and trip down memory lane) is based on a complimentary copy of the audiobook.
I was a really cool high schooler and I'd also heard of Philip K. Dick as an SF visionary. Dickson & Dick blended together in my brain and I headed off to the library to get my hands on some visionary SF time traveling dragons. And then I read the whole series because that's exactly how cool I am.
Recently Tantor offered me the audio of the 9th book in the Dragon Knight series, and because I'm delulu I thought I could jump right back in after [redacted] years. Although maybe I'm delulu in the right way because for the most part I followed the story and remembered all the characters. I do, however, recommend reading this series IN ORDER!!!!
So what's up with this one? Jim and Angie are getting ready for the marriage of their two best friends, Brian and Gironde. Unfortunately, the plague and not fewer than three Plantaganets get in the way. Also a goblin siege, magician rivalries, an unkept promise from years ago, and more. ("More" as in "this was a little bit longer than it had to be, OK?)
The narration is good, although the narrator reads just about everyone in different shades of American accents, despite the 14th Century setting. That said, I guess it's not fair to demand authenticity when all of the dialogue would have been in Middle English, anyway, right?
This objective review (and trip down memory lane) is based on a complimentary copy of the audiobook.
July 31, 2026
This review refers to the audiobook narrated by Eric Burgher.
I really wish the Dragon Knight books were better known. It's a grand fantasy adventure series with imaginative plots and wonderful characters. This final book in the series has Jim, the time-traveling protagonist, dealing with goblins, plague, and Plantagenets.
Narration
Eric Burgher does a great job narrating the book. He speaks clearly and each character's personality shines through in his reading.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher.
I really wish the Dragon Knight books were better known. It's a grand fantasy adventure series with imaginative plots and wonderful characters. This final book in the series has Jim, the time-traveling protagonist, dealing with goblins, plague, and Plantagenets.
Narration
Eric Burgher does a great job narrating the book. He speaks clearly and each character's personality shines through in his reading.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher.
January 13, 2018
I love this series! Not nearly enough dragon in this book, mind you, but still great. Dickson did such an excellent job of slowly revealing more information over the course of the series, so that questions you forgot you had suddenly are answered. Highly recommended for those who love dragon stories.
October 30, 2018
Nope
Too much left undone if this is the final book. Too much time spent with the main character in self denial. This book just missed the mark as a finish to what was a really good series.
Too much left undone if this is the final book. Too much time spent with the main character in self denial. This book just missed the mark as a finish to what was a really good series.
August 31, 2025
A fine entry in the series. Sadly, the last. We will never know if Jim enters the
Collegiate of Magickians.
Collegiate of Magickians.
August 14, 2009
The Dragon Knight uses his 20 century knowledge to tackle the problem of the plague when it sweeps its way through England. A lot is at stake; his people, his wife and foster son, and the King of England. Dark influences try to spread the plague to eliminate the King and make room for his bastard brother Lord Cumberland to take control while usurping the King's son. Dickson includes a lot of details that are loosely based on actual historical events and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2012
Sensiblemente mejor que el anterior, aunque como de costumbre el final del libro deja muchas cosas a medias y sin explicación, lo cuál es una lástima al ser el último de la saga.
June 20, 2012
One of the best of the series. Quite well written, a bittersweet read, knowing it was the last.
April 5, 2013
Just re-read the entire series and appreciate even more the excellent characterizations from the differing ages. what an enjoyable read!
October 22, 2013
This is a fun book, where a talking dragon attempts to impress a fair lady. The whole plot is based on this and the resulting problems and fun resulting. Enjoyed the book a lot.
Want to Read
April 5, 2015Dragons AND Plantagenets? Yes, please!
February 3, 2017
Entertaining tale.
November 17, 2023
A fitting climax to the Dragon Knight series.
Good story, but bad editing. Dickson deserved better.
Good story, but bad editing. Dickson deserved better.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews