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The Dragon Dreamer (Dragon Dreamer, #1)

J.S. Burke

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Why we're reading this: Arak is no ordinary dragon. Ever since he was a hatchling he could mind-travel. "Worthless dreamer!" Dete…more
[close] Arak is no ordinary dragon. Ever since he was a hatchling he could mind-travel. "Worthless dreamer!" Determined to prove himself he leaves the clan, is caught in a fierce sea-storm and seriously wounded. A fearless, undersea shape-shifter named Scree heals him, and an unlikely friendship begins. When an undersea volcano erupts it triggers a towering tsunami and a deadly chain of events. How can Arak use his unique talents to save the dragons?

The Dragon Dreamer is a YA science fantasy with flying dragons, an undersea world, and a dangerous quest.

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* 2015 New Releases
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What Members Thought

May 29, 2014 J.S. Burke rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

A dying dragon, an undersea misfit, and a dangerous dream.

Arak is bullied as a worthless dreamer. Determined to prove himself, the young dragon leaves on a quest, flies far over the sea, and crashes. Badly wounded, he faces death. A fearless, shape-shifter octopus named Scree finds and heals him, and an unexpected friendship begins.

Arak returns to the Winter Festival, where dragons carve glaciers with fire and toss lightning bolts in the clouds. But a deadly illness stalks the dragon clan. Then ...more

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Feb 06, 2015 C.D. Gorri rated it it was amazing

J.S. Burke has managed, and with great success, to build a world that young readers will find a sheer delight to explore! While reading this novel I shared passages with my ten year old daughter and she was thrilled with the surprising friendship between Arak the dragon and Scree the octopus.
Both characters have so much to offer! Arak is a dreamer who deals with his own self-doubt as well as a bullying dragon, his first brush with love, and his overwhelming desire to help his community of drago ...more

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Feb 19, 2015 Joshua Blum rated it it was amazing

"Everything worth doing starts with a dream," says Arak, one of the main characters in J.S. Burke's wonderfully imaginative novel, "The Dragon Dreamer." On the surface, this is a fantasy book aimed at middle grade readers about a young dragon, Arak, who, after crash landing on an ice floe, is nursed back to health by an octopus healer, Scree, and the friendship that develops between them and their respective species. But it is a story that can be read on multiple levels and by multiple ages.

Alth "Everything worth doing starts with a dream," says Arak, one of the main characters in J.S. Burke's wonderfully imaginative novel, "The Dragon Dreamer." On the surface, this is a fantasy book aimed at middle grade readers about a young dragon, Arak, who, after crash landing on an ice floe, is nursed back to health by an octopus healer, Scree, and the friendship that develops between them and their respective species. But it is a story that can be read on multiple levels and by multiple ages.

Although there are no mentions of humans in this book, the characters have human qualities, experience human emotions, and face human dilemmas that are easy to relate to. Arak belongs to a race of dragons that is dependent on copper for health. His clan is running dangerously low, leading to widespread illness, so he sets out (on his maiden flight, no less), to find the clan a new copper source. Arak, who is young, inexperienced, but believes in something bigger than himself, makes an unlikely yet solid fantasy hero that readers can all root for. He longs for recognition from his clan and the female dragon of his heart's desire but is scoffed at for his dreams. Scree, the brave female octopus who has dedicated her life to helping others (whether they are from the same species or not) and Orm, her research scientist mate with the dry sense of humor, round out the cast of main characters. The relationship that develops between dragons and octopi, with mutual trading of goods, information, and protection is reminiscent of how human groups form alliances. It provides a wonderfully allegorical way of introducing diplomacy with those that are outwardly different in appearance (probably something certain political leaders could benefit from reviewing).

Beneath the tale of friendship between members of different species, there are a number of other deeper themes operating below the surface: 1.) the dragons' constant and sometimes fruitless quest for copper to ensure their own survival, paralleling the neverending human search for energy, 2.) the difficulty that medical professionals face in achieving work-life balance, hinted at a number of times in the lives of Scree and Zarina (Arak's love interest), who make personal sacrifices that, at times, make them doubt their career choices, 3.) the importance of communication and mutual respect means of avoiding conflict, as evidenced by Scree's brave attempts to understand and bridge the gap with the feared giant squid, predators of octopi, 4.) the impact on an ecological system when one part is disturbed, as evidenced by the sudden aggression shown by the dragons' neighbors when their food supply dwindles, and 5.) the importance of not letting naysayers destroy one's dreams, as shown by Arak's quote above and his continual search for copper in spite of overwhelming odds.

The author's love of the sea is apparent throughout the book, as the descriptions of undersea life are vivid and easily stoke the imagination. Her love of chemistry is as well, as there are many bits that add depth to the book's world. For example, since the dragons are so short on copper, they turn to turquoise rock (which has traces of copper) as a poor substitute. There are also charming M.C. Escher-like line illustrations, generally in the shape of snowflakes made of repeating stylized versions of creatures from the book. They are sprinkled throughout and complement the story nicely. In addition, the author has a glossary at the end to help younger readers with the pronunciation and definition of some of the bigger words – all done using examples from the story, which is a nice touch.

All in all, this is an enchanting book that is not only a great adventure story but provides a nice way to begin talking about topics such as conflict between groups of people, the importance of understanding other cultures before passing judgment, and the importance of dreaming big and not giving up. Given its depth, it could easily be read and enjoyed by a young adult population as well. I'm looking forward to seeing what lies in store for Arak, Scree, and Orm in the future.
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Nov 29, 2014 Valerie Hemlin rated it it was amazing

A Feast for the Imagination!

In this marvelous book, J. S. Burke creates a world so vivid we can taste colors, smell feelings, see music, and feel flavors. With her artistic use of imagery the words sing. And what a song ~ of friendship, love, grief, fear, anguish, hope, and, yes adventure.

The story of Arak, a young dragon full of dreams and Scree, a philosophical octopus-healer, sounds unlikely. So did the story of a talking spider or a farm whose animal society represents a microcosm of our own A Feast for the Imagination!

In this marvelous book, J. S. Burke creates a world so vivid we can taste colors, smell feelings, see music, and feel flavors. With her artistic use of imagery the words sing. And what a song ~ of friendship, love, grief, fear, anguish, hope, and, yes adventure.

The story of Arak, a young dragon full of dreams and Scree, a philosophical octopus-healer, sounds unlikely. So did the story of a talking spider or a farm whose animal society represents a microcosm of our own. Yet CHARLOTTE'S WEB and ANIMAL FARM are two icons of 'children's literature' because their language speaks to both children and adults alike. I see this in THE DRAGON DREAMER.

The characters and storyline are so well drawn we are hopelessly hooked in the very first chapter and held captive throughout the whole book. Dragons grow intricately patterned snowflakes, carve story-telling ice sculptures, and dance with the clouds. The octopi create living murals using tiny glowing sea creatures, build "tentacle artwork" from driftwood that stimulate all their senses, and they speak with colors. Burke throws these two unlikely societies together who find their way through adversity to a deep, abiding friendship/alliance. The beautiful metaphors, philosophy, and imagery evoke a style reminiscent of Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. This enchanting story also weaves in science, politics, and social awareness.

I bought a copy for my granddaughter and one for my grandson, and I intend to read it again. Over and over. When the sequel comes out--I do hope we get to meet the mythical/legendary ice dragons--I will buy it as well. This is a world for anyone who wants a journey into fantasia while enjoying valuable life observations and science-based realism. I highly recommend it for all ages but parents beware! Your child WILL learn while having fun.

On a personal note, I would like to add that this book came into my life during a particularly difficult crisis ~ it saved my sanity. I read for one magical hour each night and "flew the oceans" in my mind with Arak and Scree all the next day.

Finally, in the book if a Dragon likes something they call it art. I call THE DRAGON DREAMER more than art ~ it's like a geode. Crack it open and discover the sparkling world within. If you do, I promise you will "surf the tangled currents of the sea (and sky) forever."

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Aug 13, 2015 J.M.D. Reid rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned

“But there had to be more to life than avoiding danger. Helping a friend was certainly more important...”

Arak is a young dragon on his first ever solo flight, a right of passage for his kind. He's a dreamer, the odd dragon out always thinking and imagining, forever getting his head lost in the clouds. And this time it may cost him his life. He went out too far, hoping to be the dragon to find new copper mines for his race and an ice storm has caught up with him. Injured, he falls to the sea ice ...more

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Feb 24, 2021 Neil rated it really liked it

A charming and delightful story about a dragon and an octopus who forge an unlikely friendship, in a world of magic and mystery. Very enjoyable and heart-warming!

1 like · Like · see review