However, House of Dragons is a satisfying story for a young adult reader, with a satisfying ending. The endįairly early on I predicted the ultimate outcome, even suspecting something along the lines of the last chapter titled “Elsewhere” that is, in effect, a teaser for the next book. I hesitate to say much more because spoilers. Dragons bond with riders at the dragons’ hatching. With a title like House of Dragons, it’s hardly surprising I need to mention Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series. Unfortunately, Cluess also relies too heavily on melodrama and “because plot” character pivots, so the story feels uneven. Diplomacy and backstories together take House of Dragons from your average YA novel to add relevance and punch. BackstoriesĮach character’s backstory is essential to the story, adding depth and speaking to the human condition. House of Dragons’ competition requires diplomacy and, likewise, engaging in the diplomatic process reveals character. It’s definitely one way to learn about a person’s character.

Only losers like me keep their commitments. It’s a game where alliances are made only to be broken. Any infraction of this rule earns demerit points. However, the religious leaders controlling this competition specify that they frown upon killing one another. The obvious comparison to the Hunger Games springs to mind. Hyperia is determined to rule so she slashes her beloved sister’s throat to take her place, arriving at the Hunger Games covered in her sister’s blood. Vespir’s house had no second child so she, the only child’s lover, is called instead. Usually it’s the eldest of every house but this time it is the second child. All five must compete to become emperor and head of the House of Dragons.Īfter the emperor dies, a magical call goes out to summon the competitors. Her parents trained her to win this competition. Hyperia is the eldest child of a wealthy house.

Ajax is an unlikeable bastard son of the head of a house. Now he wants nothing more than to enter into service in a religious order. Lucian was a soldier who committed war crimes under his father’s command. If found out, authorities will torture her until she dies.

House of dragons jessica cluess series