Common Sense Media Review
Sex references, betting, violence in popular fantasy series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In DRAGON'S BLOOD: THE PIT DRAGON CHRONICLES: BOOK 1, 15-year-old Jakkin is a bond servant who works in the dragon barns, where they train the mystical beasts to become fighters. In order to be free, Jakkin must earn enough gold to pay off his bond to Master Sarkkhan. But every time he looks at his coin bag, it feels like an impossible task. He starts to think that his only hope is to steal a young hatchling and raise it in secret to become a prize fighter. But does he have what it takes to be a successful dragon trainer and really turn his life around?
Is It Any Good?
Author Jane Yolen is a talented world builder, and life on the planet Austar IV is vividly realized in gritty detail here. Dragon's Blood: The Pit Dragon Chronicles: Book 1 introduces the likable character of Jakkin, a teenager forced into servitude after his parents' death. He's brave and bold enough to inspire, but he shows a good level of caution and care in his approach to training his dragon. While the book's central premise—breeding and training dragons to fight one another for human entertainment/financial gain—is ethically troubling, it might open up conversations with kids and teens about how we treat animals. What's really at the core of the story is Jakkin's relationship with his dragon, Heart's Blood. He shows the creature respect and empathy, which proves to be the story's most powerful ingredient for success. The character of Akki, a confident, independent young woman, is a great addition, and she becomes more prominent in future books. It's a shame so many references toward her are sexualized at the start, but readers are introduced to her resourceful, determined, and knowledgeable side as well. This first book is a thrilling story in itself, but it's also full of exciting possibilities for the next ones in the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how humans treat dragons in Dragon's Blood: The Pit Dragon Chronicles: Book 1. They're bred for leather, meat, and to fight. How does that compare to how we treat animals in the real world? Can you see similarities? How do you feel about it?
How does Jakkin show reverence, care, and respect for his dragon? How does he also use it for his own gain?
Jakkin shows courage, perseverance, and empathy in stealing and training his dragon. How do these character traits help him achieve his goals? Can you think of times you've used any of these in real life?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harcourt Brace
- Publication date : January 1, 1982
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 12
- Number of pages : 303
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : May 19, 2026
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