Dragondoom: A Novel of Mithgar

by Dennis L. McKiernan

Book Overview

A thousand years before the Winter War, Elgo, prince of the Vanadurin, killed the Dragon Sleeth and returned home with the fabulous wealth from the dead beast's lair. But there was more in the bounty than gems and gold, for the treasure was cursed, and in time it brought death to noble and peasant, war between Man and Dwarf, strife and destruction beyond reckoning. Now, generations later, as the conflict continues, the great Dragon Black Kalgalath,...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451458818
• ISBN13: 9780451458810
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

derrick Stahl's "Dragondoom" Review

Elyn (human) and Thork (dwarf) search for a magic war-hammer to kill a dragon that is tormenting both of their homelands. Story - 3 out of 5 (Standard "small group searches for something to save the day" story. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's done a lot. The grade is for a few very clichéd "love" parts. A poem at the beginning of the book, which is meant to be heart wrenching, caused me to laugh out loud. The book is claimed to be a "love story," but the "love" sections are written too corny to be taken seriously. The novel switches between "the present" and "the past" every two dozen pages or so, but it's done in a way that actually adds to the reading experience.) Style - 4 out of 5 (His long, period-needing sentences take about 25 pages to get used to. But once you learn how to read Mr. McKiernan's run-ons, the pages really start to come alive.) --- Sex - 1 out of 5 (A single kiss and a nude scene, but nothing descriptive.) Violence - 4 out of 5 (War, war, and more war. There is also a fair amount of one-on-one fighting.) Blood / Gore - 3 out of 5 (Brief descriptions of dead bodies and skin / bodily disfigurations.) Language - 2 out of 5 (A few bad words here and there, but nothing to cry about.) --- Overall - 5 out of 5 (Despite its minor setbacks, "Dragondoom" is one of the best titles I've read this year. I recommend it to everyone.)

one of the best books every written

Dragon Doom Dennis L. McKiernan "Would you fight to the death For that which you love, In a cause surely hopeless For that which you love? (P.56) The answer to this question is buried amongst the pages of this epic tale. It is so intertwined with every theme in the novel that one cannot escape it. This single verse poises a question that each character must answer for themselves. The central characters Elyn and Thork do so much more then simply answers the question in words they answer the question thought their every action. Dennis L. McKiernan presents this epic tale with an interesting twist. Instead of writing, the tale chronologically Dennis L. McKiernan plagues the reader into the middle of Elyn and Thorks story without the reader knowing anything about their background. Only later does the reader find their story revealed. Dennis L. McKiernan writes from several different characters' points of view. Instead of giving the reader all the history at once, Dennis L. McKiernan instead presents what the reader really needs to know when they need it. At first, this may seem confusing but after a while, it begins to make sense. The author dose more then just gives Elyn and Thorks point of view. He gives the reader a taste of every side of the tale from the innocents, corrupted, the pure souls of the heroes to the darkest recess of the Dragons heart. By presenting the two mine characters together with no background, gives the reader an unbiased view of whose side is right, and whose is wrong. As the two characters Elyn and Thork progress on their journey, the reader learns about how and why they hate each other. The final pieces of Elyn and Thork history are reviled to the readers as the characters come to an understanding of each other. This leaves the reader with the feeling that all has been laid bare the finale piece of the puzzle put into place. Summery"In is an adventure story; it is a War story; it is a story of cultures clashing; it is a story about magic, and about mystical and mythical creatures; it is the story of a high quest; it is a story about people rising to meet the challenge in times of great distress, regardless of the odds. But most of all, it is a love story." The author Dennis L. McKiernan sums up his novel quite well. Dragon Doom is all of what he says and much more. On the surface, it is an adventure story. An epic tale, about Elyn and Thork two warriors on a heroic quest to find the one weapon that will enable them to kill Black Kalgalath, a dragon capable of mass distraction with unquenchable thirst for blood and gold. In order to defeat this terrible menace Elyn and Thork most deadly of enemies must overcome their hatred of each other in order to save the lives of their people. Dragon Doom is a beautiful tale filled with incredibly rich language, in descriptions and dialogue. Enriched by the several different languages that the author crated; each representing a different race or culture. There are m

Vividly memorable

Years ago, I forget exactly when, I randomly came across this book at the library and gave it a read. I had never heard of the author or his books, so I casually read it without expectations. It stealthily sucked me in; I recall it was a real page-turner. Anyway I enjoyed it a lot and remembered it for its vivid imagery and sense of action and drama. Basically it gives you what you want (although it builds things up nicely beforehand). I never remembered the name or the author, just that it had something to do with dragons and that he'd written the "Iron Tower Trilogy." Well, I've finally figured out what it was. Now I just have to find a copy.

One of the best books I have ever read.

Excellent storytelling. I read this book several times a few years ago and sadly have not discovered a book of its equal. A must for fantasy enthusiasts that want more than just action. A great story with interesting characters.

An absolute MUST!

This was the first book I ever read of this author and I was hooked on his books ever since. A tragic love story that is set in a fantastic backdrop of dragons, dwarven gold, heroic figures, and warring races. McKiernan creates a fabulous world with hints of other storylines to whet your appetites for more!! Should be made a Classic!