7 Books With Dragons To Read In 2025

Dragons have long captured human imagination, symbolizing power, wisdom, danger, and wonder. From ancient myths to modern fantasy novels, these majestic creatures ignite our curiosity and take us on unforgettable journeys. If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring through skies on dragon wings or delving into magical realms where dragons rule, you’re in the right place. Below is a list of 7 books with dragons to read in 2025.

Whether you’re a seasoned dragon fan or a newcomer to fantasy literature, this guide will help you find books that inspire awe, adventure, and insight into the fascinating world of dragons.

1. “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini

Eragon tells the story of a farm boy whose life changes when he discovers a dragon egg. As the dragon hatches, he forms a telepathic bond with Saphira, setting him on a path filled with magic, danger, and discovery. Paolini’s world-building is intricate, exploring politics, war, and mythology alongside the unique relationship between dragon and rider. Themes of courage, growth, and responsibility shine through, making it a formative story for young adult fantasy fans. Eragon remains a defining modern dragon novel because it immerses readers in a world where dragons are powerful, intelligent, and central to the hero’s journey.

2. “Dragonflight” by Anne McCaffrey

Dragonflight is the first book in the Dragonriders of Pern series, blending fantasy and science fiction. Humans and dragons work together to protect their world from deadly Thread, a life-threatening spore. McCaffrey’s dragons are telepathic, loyal, and deeply bonded with their riders, creating emotionally rich relationships rarely seen in fantasy. The novel explores themes of partnership, courage, and environmental stewardship while providing thrilling adventure and high-stakes battles. Its influence is profound, inspiring generations of authors to depict dragons as sentient, intelligent beings rather than simple monsters. Dragonflight is essential for readers who appreciate epic storytelling with layered emotional depth.

3. “Seraphina” by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina is set in a kingdom where dragons can take human form, creating tension between species. The protagonist, Seraphina, struggles with her own dragon heritage while navigating political intrigue and societal prejudice. Hartman explores identity, acceptance, and the moral complexities of coexistence, presenting dragons as intelligent and morally nuanced beings. The story balances adventure, romance, and mystery, creating a multi-dimensional narrative. Seraphina is significant because it challenges traditional dragon portrayals, emphasizing empathy and understanding across differences. Readers gain both thrilling action and thoughtful reflection on diversity, making this novel a standout in modern dragon literature.

4. “His Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, His Majesty’s Dragon introduces Captain Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire, who fight together in aerial battles. Novik combines historical accuracy with imaginative fantasy, making dragons integral to warfare and strategy. Each dragon is characterized with intelligence, personality, and emotion, deepening the reader’s connection to them. Themes of loyalty, honor, and friendship are explored against the backdrop of war, blending epic adventure with thoughtful character development. This novel is crucial because it redefines dragons as fully sentient allies rather than mythical adversaries, offering a fresh perspective that engages both historical fiction fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike.

5. “Tooth and Claw” by Jo Walton

Tooth and Claw portrays dragons living in a Victorian-style society, complete with social hierarchies, inheritance disputes, and ethical dilemmas. Walton humanizes dragons, exploring morality, family dynamics, and ambition through their unique perspective. The novel blends political intrigue with fantasy, offering a sophisticated and witty take on dragon culture. Dragons are not just symbols of power—they reflect social norms, prejudices, and ethical questions, challenging readers to think critically about society. Tooth and Claw is essential for readers who enjoy thought-provoking fantasy with depth, offering a rare glimpse into dragons as intelligent, morally complex, and socially conscious beings.

6. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit features Smaug, one of the most iconic dragons in literature, embodying greed, intelligence, and menace. Smaug’s interactions with Bilbo highlight themes of courage, cunning, and resourcefulness. Tolkien emphasizes dragons as more than obstacles—they are strategic, intelligent forces that shape the hero’s journey. The story combines adventure, humor, and moral lessons, showing the consequences of desire and arrogance. Smaug’s characterization influenced countless modern fantasy depictions of dragons as both fearsome and intelligent. The Hobbit is essential reading for anyone exploring dragon mythology, as it blends thrilling adventure with nuanced reflections on power, greed, and heroism.

7. “The Inheritance” by Robin Hobb

In The Inheritance, dragons are central to the Rain Wild Chronicles, navigating a world that is harsh, magical, and constantly changing. Hobb portrays dragons as sentient, complex creatures capable of emotion, thought, and personal growth. Themes of survival, trust, and transformation drive the narrative, offering insight into dragon psychology and their interactions with humans. The series emphasizes the moral and emotional dimensions of these creatures, making them more than mythical beasts. The Inheritance is significant because it portrays dragons as living beings with agency, vulnerability, and intelligence, enriching the fantasy genre and offering readers a deeply immersive, emotionally resonant experience.

Conclusion

Dragons continue to dominate the landscape of fantasy literature because they embody both imagination and emotional resonance.

For readers seeking adventure, wisdom, and wonder, these books provide rich narratives that stay with you long after the final page. Pick one, dive in, and let the dragons take flight—you might just discover more about courage, loyalty, and imagination than you ever expected.