For over a year, my children pleaded with me to read the “Wings of Fire” series, a captivating tale about dragons that had completely captured their imaginations. I kept putting them off, thinking it sounded odd—dragons that speak? A quirky group of “dragonets” on a mission to save the world? It didn’t fit my usual taste for adult literature.
However, their enthusiasm was contagious. I’d never seen them so engaged with a book series before. They were watching fan-created animations on YouTube, sketching their favorite dragon characters, and re-reading the books while passionately debating whether a character named “Darkstalker” was inherently evil or shaped by his experiences. One day, my daughter rushed into my office, ecstatic to share that there were “gay dragons” in the story.
Finally, I relented and decided to at least read the first book, wanting to understand the enchanting world of Pyrrhia and its diverse dragon tribes.
Captivated by the Story
Author Tui T. Sutherland had me captivated from the very first book, “The Dragonet Prophecy.” It unveils a prophecy about five dragonets destined to end a long-standing war in Pyrrhia. However, these young dragons, hidden away in a secret cave for their safety, are just a group of misfits lacking any extraordinary powers.
Sutherland’s writing is dynamic, heartfelt, and clever—drawing readers into the action without pedantic explanations. She crafts each scene with tension and momentum, reminiscent of a gripping adult thriller. This quality is likely why many adults find themselves absorbed in the series alongside their children; the writing is genuinely exceptional.
Addressing Concerns
Some parents have raised concerns about violence in these books, given the wartime setting and the dragons’ harsh views of humans, whom they refer to as “scavengers.” In one particularly shocking moment, a villainous dragon bites off a human’s head, which, while gruesome, serves to highlight the villain’s heartless nature.
Sutherland’s portrayal of humans is thought-provoking, as the dragons regard us much like we view lesser creatures—arrogantly questioning whether “scavengers” possess emotions or feelings. This narrative element invites readers to reflect on our own claims of superiority as the dominant species capable of complex emotions.
Moral Complexities and Character Development
Throughout the series, Sutherland weaves subtle themes that challenge readers to consider moral complexities. While some may be concerned about graphic content, I believe each violent moment serves as a lesson against violence rather than glorification.
The young dragons are called to heroism beyond what they believe they can achieve, constantly learning to balance self-advocacy with caring for others. Sutherland uses adventure to approach deeper questions about democracy and personal freedom, posing moral dilemmas like, “If you could read minds, should you?” and “Is it acceptable to lie for someone’s protection?”
At its core, the series emphasizes character development, empathy, and inclusivity. Each book provides a different dragon’s viewpoint, often flipping the narrative on characters previously seen as antagonistic. This perspective shift reveals the complexity of their characters, highlighting that there’s always more beneath the surface.
Representation and Inclusivity
Sutherland’s representation of a same-sex relationship is also strikingly normal; it’s simply a part of the narrative without any commentary or judgment from other dragons. The relationship is treated as a natural occurrence between two dragons in love, devoid of questioning or stigma.
So, my kids were right. I’ve now read all 13 books in the series and eagerly await the next installment from Sutherland. I’m officially a member of the fandom, and if you pick up these books for your kids, you might just find yourself enchanted by the world of Pyrrhia as well.
Further Reading
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In summary, my initial hesitation about the ‘Wings of Fire’ series melted away as I became enthralled by the engaging writing and rich themes. Tui T. Sutherland’s storytelling provides not only entertainment for young readers but also important lessons about empathy and moral complexity that resonate with adults as well.
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