While we usually feature YA on Novel Novice, we also like to highlight noteworthy Middle Grade titles, as well. All this week we’ll be focusing on The Coming of the Dragon by Dr. Rebecca Barnhouse, who teaches in the English Department at Youngstown State University.
Her latest book was written and edited as Young Adult, but is also appropriate for Middle Grade readers. It focuses on a character that appears near the end of the epic poem, Beowulf. Below you’ll find our review, and later this week you can expect an exclusive Q&A; a guest blog from Dr. Barnhouse; a primer on Scandinavian mythology and reading recommendations; and gorgeous wallpaper made by Novel Novice’s Sara.
Synopsis:
When he was a baby, Rune washed up onshore in a boat, along with a sword and a pendant bearing the runes that gave him his nickname. There were some in the land of the Geats who believed that what was given to the sea should go back to it. Luckily for Rune, King Beowulf disagreed. He lifted the boy from the boat and gave him to Amma, a wisewoman living on a farm far removed from the king’s hall, to raise as she saw fit.
Sixteen years later, Rune spends his summers laboring on the farm. And at King Beowulf’s request, he comes to the hall each winter for weapons training. But somehow he never quite fits in. Many people still fear he will bring a curse on the kingdom.
Then a terrible thing happens. On a lonely crag on a mountain that belongs to the giants, someone awakens a dragon. It is time for Rune to find the warrior inside himself and prove to the doubters once and for all that he is a true hero.
The Coming of the Dragon weaves Norse gods, blood feuds, and a terrifying dragon into a spectacular retelling of the end of the Old English poem Beowulf.
Review:
In a YA world full of paranormal romance, it’s nice to get away now and then. In The Coming of the Dragon, Rebecca Barnhouse expertly combines elements of fantasy and mythology with a dash of historical fiction, adventure, and the tiniest pinch of romance. It imagines the backstory of a character introduced at the end of the epic tale, Beowulf, fleshing out his origins and his struggle to fit in with his adopted society. Rune’s journey isn’t easy — and it gets compounded when a centuries-old sleeping dragon is awakened and wreaks havoc on the kingdom.
Just a teenager, Rune must come to terms with the ever-present danger and rapid changes in his life. Not surprisingly, he falls down along the way. He doubts himself, he makes some wrong decisions, and he learns from his mistakes. In the end, Rune proves his worthiness and steps into his new life, not exactly confident, but with a pure heart and willingness to learn.
Dr. Barnhouse has written a classic bildungsroman perfect for both middle grade readers and young adults, especially boys. Even those who are reluctant to read can’t possibly balk at fire-breathing dragons, mythical gods, sword-fighting warriors and a likeable hero who is an “everyman” just like them. The Coming of the Dragon would also be a great companion for teachers to use when introducing Beowulf and classic, Old English literature. It’s full of folklore and rich with historical details. Barnhouse’s love of medieval literature and languages is evident on every well-researched page.
Novel Novice 
Leave a comment