For an entire year, my children pleaded with me to read the “Wings of Fire” series—a captivating collection about dragons that had captured their hearts. I dismissed their requests repeatedly, thinking the concept of talking dragons and a group of young “dragonets” on a world-saving quest was just another typical children’s series that wouldn’t appeal to me.
However, my kids were relentless. They were so engrossed in the books that they created fan art and watched YouTube cartoons based on the series. They read the books multiple times, even engaging in heated debates over characters like “Darkstalker.” One day, my daughter excitedly burst into my office, proclaiming that there were “gay dragons” in the story.
Reluctantly, I decided to at least sample the first book. I wanted to understand the world of Pyrrhia and its tribes of dragons that my kids couldn’t stop talking about.
Author Tui T. Sutherland immediately drew me in with the first installment, “The Dragonet Prophecy.” The book kicks off with a prophecy about five dragonets destined to end a long-standing war in Pyrrhia. However, these dragonets are just a quirky group of misfits, lacking any extraordinary powers that would suggest they could save the world.
Sutherland’s writing is vibrant, heartfelt, and smart. She immerses the reader in the action without wasting any words and avoids talking down to her younger audience with overly simplistic language. Her style is akin to that of a writer focused on adult thrillers, filled with tension and momentum in each scene. She shows rather than tells, which is likely why so many adults find themselves engrossed in the series alongside their children. The writing truly is exceptional.
Some parents have raised concerns about the books’ violence, given that the story unfolds during wartime. The dragons’ views of humans—referred to as “scavengers”—are dismissive and often brutal. In one shocking moment, a villainous dragon bites off a human’s head, a horrific act that underscores the villain’s apathy.
Sutherland’s portrayal of humans is intriguing, as the dragons regard us with the same disdain we might have for vermin or livestock. They casually ponder whether “scavengers” have emotions or suffer as dragons do, prompting readers to reflect on our own assumptions of superiority as the dominant species.
This kind of subtext—inviting introspection on moral certainties—permeates each book. Thus, I encourage parents to look beyond concerns about violence. To me, these scenes serve as lessons against brutality rather than glorifications of it.
The young dragons embark on a journey toward heroism they never thought possible. They learn to stand up for themselves while also caring for others, continuously evolving to become the best versions of themselves. Sutherland tackles complex themes of democracy and personal freedom within an adventurous framework, raising questions like, “Should you read others’ minds?”, “Is it ethical to alter someone’s feelings?”, and “Can you lie for someone’s protection?”
At its core, each story centers on character development, emphasizing empathy, kindness, and inclusion. Each book shifts perspectives, often delving into the minds of dragons previously shown as unlikable, revealing the depth of their character.
Sutherland’s treatment of an LGBTQ relationship is refreshingly natural—it’s simply part of the story. Dragons develop crushes without it becoming the focal point, and the same-gender relationship is treated with normalcy, devoid of judgment or commentary.
So, turns out my kids were spot on. I’ve now devoured all thirteen books in the series, eagerly awaiting the next release from Sutherland. I’m proud to say I’m part of the fandom, and if you introduce these books to your children, you might just find yourself enchanted by the world of Pyrrhia as well.
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In summary, “Wings of Fire” transcends typical children’s literature with its rich storytelling, character development, and profound themes. Despite initial hesitation, I now share my kids’ enthusiasm for the series.