Dragon (Brust novel)

Plot summary

The story unfolds across three separate timeframes. One timeline shows Vlad during the decisive clash of a war he has joined.

Another timeline covers the events that bring him to that battle. The third timeline deals with what happens afterward. Each chapter starts in the first timeline, then shifts to the second, while several interludes and the epilogue follow the third.

A few weeks after the events of Taltos, a Dragon wizard named Baritt is killed. Morrolan asks Vlad to guard a stash of Morganti weapons located in Baritt's home. Vlad takes on the job with assistance from Daymar, a psychic Hawklord. One of the weapons, a plain-looking greatsword, gets stolen.

Vlad tracks the theft to Fornia, an ambitious Dragonlord whose territory borders Morrolan's. Morrolan is uncertain whether the sword is truly valuable or if the theft is just a pretext for war, but he decides to fight Fornia anyway. Fornia sends some thugs to intimidate Vlad at his home, which is a serious violation of Jhereg rules. In response, Vlad impulsively offers to help Morrolan in the coming war.

Vlad and Morrolan go to Baritt's funeral, where they encounter Fornia. The two sides confront each other, and Morrolan delivers the required insult to begin the war. Vlad also insults Fornia, publicly tying himself to the conflict.

After this exchange, Morrolan figures out that Fornia wants the stolen sword for some reason. To find out more, Morrolan brings Vlad to meet a Serioli. The Serioli explains that the stolen sword might be a Great Weapon, and that Vlad's magical chain, Spellbreaker, is actually a piece of one as well.

The House of the Dragon

The House of the Dragon is one of the most noble and powerful Great Houses in the Dragaeran Empire. Dragonlords are notoriously militaristic, aggressive, and arrogant. They tend to have black hair, angular features, prominent chins, and noble's points that indicate their nobility. Their House colors are black and silver.

Dragonlords are natural soldiers and battle commanders. Periodic service in the Phoenix Guards is mandatory, and Dragonlords make up a bulk of the company's members. Dragons tend to have a rigid sense of honor and glory as well as a keen interest in lineage.

While most Dragaerans go only by personal names and titles, Dragonlords use patronymics honoring their most famous ancestor. The House of the Dragon was named after dragons, huge reptiles that cannot breathe fire but have tentacles that pick up psychic impressions. Symbols of war, they represent the House's aggressive and arrogant nature. The Cycle Poem observes, 'Haughty dragon yearns to slay'.

Reception

Critics praised the book as an exciting, twist-filled read. One reviewer noted that the plot is more linear than earlier entries in the series, which let the author play with narrative style.

The same critic admired how the novel conveys war's fear and hardship without graphic violence, as there is very little bloodshed. Another commentator observed that while the story jumps between different time periods, it remains clear and easy to follow, though it is not a good starting point for new readers. This book works best for those who already care about the main character and his ongoing saga.