Hurog (1) - Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs
And now to Dragon Bones, part one of the Hurog duology by Patricia Briggs! (In German both books together are called Drachenzauber, in French Les chaînes du dragon). I read it in German where it contained 798 pages. 11 - Death (boys & girls). Originally published 2002.
Ward, our hero, is the heir to Hurog, the northern part of the Five Kingdoms. While his mother flees into drug-induced dreams and illusions, it is Ward's task to take care of his little siblings… and stay alive through playing dumb. The latter proves to be his biggest mistake. Because his seeming stupidity makes the High King of the Five Kingdoms send a decree to put Ward away in the Asylum. Ward's only chance to ever be the official Hurogmeten is to become a war hero. With the help of an undead magician tied to him, a warrior who claims to be a dwarf, a magician and slave, his mute sister, paranoid brother and his groom, he travels through the lands to defeat the curse of the Five Kingdoms. But the seemingly impossible task, that has nothing to do with Ward, proves to be his responsibility. Because the young enemy has an unhealthy interest in the dragon bones buried in Ward's home – and “Hurogmeten” means protector dragons.
The book is really cool. The characters are realistic, especially Ward. It's really funny how he plays dump and fools everyone with it – and how he's afraid to let the charade go. I can totally understand that. The acting was what kept him alive the whole time. His resulting identity crisis is very well done, even though you could have empathised it more. And I love the scene with the horses!
Ward is an interesting character, very intelligent, funny, loyal and caring. And, of course, totally fixed on morality. Which is his biggest strength and greatest weakness: But the thing with the pyre? That rocked. It's good he got his magic back, helpful and necessary for the second part.
I'm sorry for his sister, Ciara. Even though it's cool how he takes care of her. Her own way of speaking is nicely done, as is how she slowly wins the hearts of the others around her.
As for Oreg... my, that poor poor man!
Spoiler: It's cool that his release actually saved and destroyed Hurog in the end. Even though this scene was so brutal! I was so sorry for Ward and Ciarra, Ward because he had to do it, Ciarra because she couldn't understand it.
And I like how Oreg slowly begins to trust Ward – but also how he reacts to his plan.
Oreg reminds me of Tosten – which is actually funny, because Tosten can't stand him. I'm sorry for him – but more for Ward because of how Tosten treats his brother.
I like Axiel and Penrod. The two have something.
That something's not right with Bastilla... that was pretty obvious.
As for Ward's cousins... I don't know whether I'm supposed to like or hate them. They are very deep indeed.
Beside the characters, I like how the obsessions are shown. And that Ward definitely knows he's in a way obsessed as well – and fights it to do the right thing, in the end.
In brief:
The ideas, the plot, the characters, the style and last, but not least, the humour all gain a star.
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