📖 Overview
Dragons in Our Midst follows fifteen-year-old Billy Bannister, who discovers he has inherited dragon traits from his father. His classmate Bonnie Silver learns she too carries dragon blood, and together they must navigate their newfound abilities while facing threats from dragon slayers.
The teens seek answers about their heritage and powers through encounters with both modern-day threats and echoes of ancient dragon lore. Their quest leads them across the country as they work to protect themselves and uncover the truth about the relationship between dragons and humans throughout history.
This Christian fantasy blends elements of Arthurian legend with contemporary adventure, exploring themes of identity, faith, and courage through the lens of two teenagers coming to terms with their unique inheritance. The story addresses questions about good versus evil while examining how the past continues to influence the present.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Dragons in Our Midst as a Christian fantasy that blends Arthurian legend with modern-day adventure. The book holds a 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads from 3,800+ ratings and 4.6/5 on Amazon from 280+ reviews.
Readers appreciated:
- Complex moral themes woven naturally into the story
- Strong character development, especially Billy and Bonnie
- Clean content suitable for middle-grade readers
- Fresh take on dragon mythology
- Biblical references that enhance rather than overshadow the plot
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in early chapters
- Religious elements too overt for some readers
- Writing style can be uneven
- Some plot points require suspension of disbelief
Multiple reviewers noted the book improves significantly after the first few chapters. Parents frequently mentioned reading it alongside their children and using it for family discussions. Several readers compared it favorably to Chronicles of Narnia's approach to Christian themes, though noted it's more direct with its messaging.
📚 Similar books
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A teen discovers parallel worlds where dragons and knights battle for the fate of both realms while grappling with questions of faith and destiny.
Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson A slave girl in ancient China forms a mystical bond with a dragon and embarks on a journey that interweaves historical elements with mythological traditions.
Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey A princess born with a dragon claw must reconcile her curse with prophecy in a medieval world where dragons threaten the kingdom's survival.
The Last Dragon Chronicles by Chris d'Lacey A college student discovers clay dragons come to life and becomes entangled in an ancient conflict between good and evil forces.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke A young dragon teams up with a human boy to find the last dragon sanctuary while facing mythical creatures and modern threats to their existence.
Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson A slave girl in ancient China forms a mystical bond with a dragon and embarks on a journey that interweaves historical elements with mythological traditions.
Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey A princess born with a dragon claw must reconcile her curse with prophecy in a medieval world where dragons threaten the kingdom's survival.
The Last Dragon Chronicles by Chris d'Lacey A college student discovers clay dragons come to life and becomes entangled in an ancient conflict between good and evil forces.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke A young dragon teams up with a human boy to find the last dragon sanctuary while facing mythical creatures and modern threats to their existence.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐲 The book is the first in a series that blends Arthurian legend with contemporary fantasy, featuring modern-day descendants of medieval dragons who were transformed into humans.
🗡️ Author Bryan Davis worked as a computer professional for 20 years before becoming a full-time writer, publishing his first novel at age 45.
⚔️ The story incorporates elements of both science and faith, reflecting Davis's goal to write Christian fantasy that appeals to both religious and secular audiences.
🔥 The main character, Billy, has inherited dragon traits including fireproof skin and the ability to sense danger, while his friend Bonnie can fly using special wings that usually remain hidden.
🏰 The series was partly inspired by Davis's experience telling bedtime stories to his seven children, who helped shape the development of various characters and plot elements.