How to Twist a Dragon's Tale

By: Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon book 5 

Libby audiobook 4 hours

Read by: David Tennant 

Published: 2013

Genre: Children's fantasy

 

Again, I enjoyed the story. Again, it was hard to hear at times with the volume being variable and me driving in my car. I love Tennant's vocal work, but I kind of want to read these in print.

 

Hiccup discovers that there are Exterminator Dragons ready to hatch as a volcano is going to erupt. There's only one way to stop the complete destruction, but his father just won't listen.

 

I keep forgetting that in the print books, Hiccup's mom is still alive (though always away on quests). In the movie, she was killed by a dragon. Interesting differences.

 

I liked the new character Humungously Hotshot the Hero . . . and his back story. I mostly love when Hiccup, Fishlegs, and Camicazi go adventuring together. Toothless is both irritatingly reckless and actually heroic (again). 

 

How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse

 

By: Cressida Cowell

(How to Train Your Dragon book 4) 

Libby audiobook 3 hours

Read by: David Tennant

Published: 2006 (This version 2013)

Genre: Children's fantasy

 

I'm really enjoying this series! In this story, Hiccup is worried about Fishlegs and wants to find the cure for a bite from a Venomous Vorpent. He goes to Hysteria to find the Vegetable-That-No-One-Dares-Name (a potato) against his father's demand that he not go across the ice to the land of the Hysterics.

 

Since Fishlegs is sick and cannot go with, Camicazi offers to go on quest with him. They make a huge impression with Norbert the Nutjob, Chief of the Hysterics. Hilarity and danger ensue. I loved Hiccup's maternal grandfather, Old Wrinkly, with his sooth saying and general observations about life.

 

I have too many books right now, so I'll hold off on requesting book #5 for a bit. 

How to Speak Dragonese

By: Cressida Cowell

(How to Train Your Dragon book 3) 

Libby audiobook 3 hours

Read by: David Tennant

Published: 2005 (This version 2013)

Genre: Children's fantasy

Initially, I planned to enjoy this series with my grandson. But we don't spend much time in the car together, so now I'm just enjoying them on my own!

 

In this adventure, Hiccup and Fishlegs are in their poorly made boat, trying to find a peaceful fishing boat to board as part of their Boarding-an-Enemy-Ship lessons. Instead, they make an assault on a Roman galley ship filled with warriors. There they also find their old nemesis Alvin, intent on capturing all the dragons to retrieve the treasure which is deep underground.

 

The kidnap of Toothless and Hiccup's reaction was tender.

 

Another rollicking tale with a saucy heir of the Bog-Burglars. She's a fun character and I hope she shows up in another book!

How to Be a Pirate

By: Cressida Cowell

(How to Train Your Dragon book 2) 

Libby audiobook 3 hours

Read by: David Tennant (yes, the Dr. Who actor!)

Published: 2004 (this version 2013)

Genre: children's fantasy

 

This second book in the series continues the growth of Hiccup Haddock Horrible on his journey to becoming a full fighting member of the Hairy Hooligan tribe. Questions of who is the rightful heir to the chief and if Hiccup can overcome his challenges draw the story along. Alvin (who claims to be a poor and honest farmer) convinces the tribe to go on a dangerous quest, then attempts to overthrow the Hooligans. Leave it to Hiccup and his dragon Toothless (along with best friend Fish Legs) to save the day! 

 

This series is quite enjoyable. I've already requested book three.

How to Train Your Dragon

By: Cressida Cowell

(How to Train Your Dragon book 1)  

Libby audiobook 4 hours

Read by: Gerard Doyle

Published: 2003 (this version 2011)

Genre: Children's fantasy

This audiobook is in high demand! I waited for it so I could listen with Joshua, but ended up listening to it all day Sunday when I stayed home sick. It was more fun than I expected. I played it from the beginning for Joshua when he was in my car for a half hour yesterday, but I think I'll return it. He enjoyed it and wanted to hear more, but we don't spend as much time hanging out together as we used to . . . It's due before Thanksgiving and there's a long waiting list for it. Perhaps I'll just buy the print book for him.

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the protagonist (and the theoretical "author" of this "true" history) and the son of Chief Stoic the Vast, chief of the Hairy Hooligans tribe. Other characters include Snotface Snotlout, Fishlegs, and Gobber the Belch.

I enjoyed listening to it but it's been a few weeks since I started this (11.11 to 11.26 . . . ) so I'll just publish this much. It was silly but fun. I've requested book two in the series.