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How to Train Your Dragon #12
携泻 锌褉懈褉褍褔懈褌懈 写褉邪泻芯薪邪. 携泻 锌芯写芯谢邪褌懈 谐薪褨胁 写褉邪泻芯薪邪
效邪褋, 胁褨写胁械写械薪懈泄 袛芯谢械褞, 写芯斜褨谐邪褦 泻褨薪褑褟. 袧邪斜谢懈卸邪褦褌褜褋褟 袨褋褌邪薪薪褟 袘懈褌胁邪 屑褨卸 写褉邪泻芯薪邪屑懈 褌邪 谢褞写褜屑懈. 袉 邪斜懈 锌械褉械屑芯谐褌懈 胁 褑褨泄 斜懈褌胁褨, 谢褞写褟屑 锌芯褌褉褨斜械薪 袣芯褉芯谢褜, 斜芯 谢懈褕械 褋锌褉邪胁卸薪褜芯屑褍 袣芯褉芯谢褞 胁褨写泻褉懈褦褌褜褋褟 褋褌褉邪褕薪邪 褌邪褦屑薪懈褑褟 袣邪屑械薪褟 袛褉邪泻芯薪邪: 褟泻 蟹薪懈褖懈褌懈 胁褋褨褏 写褉邪泻芯薪褨胁. 袚懈泻泻褍褋 小褌褉邪褏褨褌薪懈泄 袨泻褍薪褜鈥喰喰� 屑邪褦 褋褌邪褌懈 袣芯褉芯谢械屑, 褖芯斜 胁褉褟褌褍胁邪褌懈 谢褞写械泄 褌邪 写褉邪泻芯薪褨胁 鈥� 褨 蟹褍锌懈薪懈褌懈 胁褨泄薪褍.
孝邪 褖芯 胁褨薪 屑芯卸械 鈥� 蟹褉邪薪械薪懈泄, 蟹屑褍褔械薪懈泄, 胁懈泻懈薪褍褌懈泄 斜褍褉械褞 薪邪 锌褍褋褌械谢褜薪懈泄 斜械褉械谐? 袟 薪懈屑 薪械屑邪褦 写褉褍蟹褨胁, 薪械屑邪褦 薪邪胁褨褌褜 袘械蟹蟹褍斜泻邪. 袗谢械 泄 胁懈斜芯褉褍 胁 薪褜芯谐芯 褌邪泻芯卸 薪械屑邪褦. 袡芯屑褍 写褨褋褌邪胁褋褟 袙邪卸泻懈泄 袩褍褌褜 褍 袚械褉芯褩.
孝邪 褖芯 胁褨薪 屑芯卸械 鈥� 蟹褉邪薪械薪懈泄, 蟹屑褍褔械薪懈泄, 胁懈泻懈薪褍褌懈泄 斜褍褉械褞 薪邪 锌褍褋褌械谢褜薪懈泄 斜械褉械谐? 袟 薪懈屑 薪械屑邪褦 写褉褍蟹褨胁, 薪械屑邪褦 薪邪胁褨褌褜 袘械蟹蟹褍斜泻邪. 袗谢械 泄 胁懈斜芯褉褍 胁 薪褜芯谐芯 褌邪泻芯卸 薪械屑邪褦. 袡芯屑褍 写褨褋褌邪胁褋褟 袙邪卸泻懈泄 袩褍褌褜 褍 袚械褉芯褩.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
289 people are currently reading
4,104 people want to read
About the author
Cressida Cowell
240听books2,339听followersCressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon鈥檚 Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon鈥檚 Tale (2007)
6. A Hero鈥檚 Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon鈥檚 Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon鈥檚 Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon鈥檚 Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon鈥檚 Tale (2007)
6. A Hero鈥檚 Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon鈥檚 Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon鈥檚 Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
August 10, 2016
鈥淚t was as if the whole world was on fire.鈥�
It's been so long since I started this series. I've read these books over the years and it feels like I've finally come to the end of a long, memorable journey with Hiccup and his friends.
You may have seen the popular , but I promise you it's NOTHING like the book. For one thing, the dragons are neither friends nor enemies of the Vikings. The Vikings enslave the dragons and treat them like their working machines. But Hiccup can speak the language of the dragons and understand their suffering.
The Vikings in the movie aren't nearly as ferocious or terrifying as the ones in the book. There are no mentions of Alvin the Treacherous, Hiccup's courageous companion, Camicazi, or any of Hiccup's nearly impossible adventures. In the books there are prophecies and terrifying scrapes the characters constantly find themselves stuck in. Even the humor is different (and much funnier).
I'm not saying I hate the movie. I actually really enjoyed it when I watched it for the first time, but I think if you're considering starting the book series then you should erase any thoughts of the movie from your mind. Even Hiccup's dearest friends, Toothless and Fishlegs, were changed in the film. In the book Toothless is Hiccup's tiny, stubborn hunting dragon whom Hiccup can communicate with because he speaks Dragonese. Fishlegs is his loyal human friend who has stuck by Hiccup's side from the beginning until the very end.
There's Stoick, Gobber, Bertha, the Wodensfang, and so many more. I loved all the characters, including the villains, but my favorite would have to be Hiccup鈥攄ear, noble, brave Hiccup. He was a wonderful narrator who started out as the smallest, reediest, and weakest kid of the bunch. His transformation into the strong leader he became and eventually, a king, who looked death in the eye and didn't flinch, was phenomenal.
In this last book Hiccup must face the dragon Furious, stop Alvin and his witch of a mother, and become King of the Wilderwest.
I feel like I have come to know these characters and gone through all their trials and hardships with them, and I'm so sad that it's over now. I never got to experience Harry Potter as a kid (yes, I was one of those people whose parents thought Harry Potter was evil) but I feel like this might have been my Harry Potter.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.
It's been so long since I started this series. I've read these books over the years and it feels like I've finally come to the end of a long, memorable journey with Hiccup and his friends.
You may have seen the popular , but I promise you it's NOTHING like the book. For one thing, the dragons are neither friends nor enemies of the Vikings. The Vikings enslave the dragons and treat them like their working machines. But Hiccup can speak the language of the dragons and understand their suffering.
The Vikings in the movie aren't nearly as ferocious or terrifying as the ones in the book. There are no mentions of Alvin the Treacherous, Hiccup's courageous companion, Camicazi, or any of Hiccup's nearly impossible adventures. In the books there are prophecies and terrifying scrapes the characters constantly find themselves stuck in. Even the humor is different (and much funnier).
I'm not saying I hate the movie. I actually really enjoyed it when I watched it for the first time, but I think if you're considering starting the book series then you should erase any thoughts of the movie from your mind. Even Hiccup's dearest friends, Toothless and Fishlegs, were changed in the film. In the book Toothless is Hiccup's tiny, stubborn hunting dragon whom Hiccup can communicate with because he speaks Dragonese. Fishlegs is his loyal human friend who has stuck by Hiccup's side from the beginning until the very end.
There's Stoick, Gobber, Bertha, the Wodensfang, and so many more. I loved all the characters, including the villains, but my favorite would have to be Hiccup鈥攄ear, noble, brave Hiccup. He was a wonderful narrator who started out as the smallest, reediest, and weakest kid of the bunch. His transformation into the strong leader he became and eventually, a king, who looked death in the eye and didn't flinch, was phenomenal.
In this last book Hiccup must face the dragon Furious, stop Alvin and his witch of a mother, and become King of the Wilderwest.
I feel like I have come to know these characters and gone through all their trials and hardships with them, and I'm so sad that it's over now. I never got to experience Harry Potter as a kid (yes, I was one of those people whose parents thought Harry Potter was evil) but I feel like this might have been my Harry Potter.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.
September 16, 2015
All I can say after reading this book, was that my emotions were all over the place.
It is hard enough to come to the end of a brilliant series, and that alone can make me sad.
But the end of the journey for Hiccup, the last few chapters in his tale of becoming a hero the hard way, were the best that Cressida has ever written. Highs and lows followed one after each other, relentless in the pacing, as we hope and hope for a good ending, and just when we think we might get it, she snatches it away again.
The last few pages were especially hard, as old Hiccup finishes writing about his young adventures. I will freely admit, I was crying after it.
Taking this journey with these characters was an absolute joy, and I am so sad to have come to the end of it, but the joy I have from being able to read this series is immense, and I have no problem in labelling it one of my all time favourites.
And, there is a little ray of hope - at a recent author event, Cressida mentioned how much she loved this world of vikings and dragons that she had created. And although Hiccup's story was most definitely done, maybe, just maybe, she'd come back to this world.
It is hard enough to come to the end of a brilliant series, and that alone can make me sad.
But the end of the journey for Hiccup, the last few chapters in his tale of becoming a hero the hard way, were the best that Cressida has ever written. Highs and lows followed one after each other, relentless in the pacing, as we hope and hope for a good ending, and just when we think we might get it, she snatches it away again.
The last few pages were especially hard, as old Hiccup finishes writing about his young adventures. I will freely admit, I was crying after it.
Taking this journey with these characters was an absolute joy, and I am so sad to have come to the end of it, but the joy I have from being able to read this series is immense, and I have no problem in labelling it one of my all time favourites.
And, there is a little ray of hope - at a recent author event, Cressida mentioned how much she loved this world of vikings and dragons that she had created. And although Hiccup's story was most definitely done, maybe, just maybe, she'd come back to this world.
January 31, 2016
Nothing feels better than reading the finale of a series you love that delivers everything you hoped for.
Now, usually after finishing a series I love as much as this one, I'd go through a period of time, ranging from a day to under a week, where I've got this strangely nice, aching feeling inside and my life suddenly seems aimless and I sort of put myself on pause, going through my days on auto-pilot, while I try to process the finality of the characters and their story.
Strange that I didn't get that feeling here. And I attribute this partially to the fact that I've been following this series for 5 years now and the ending has been a long time coming, especially with Cowell's uncertainty over exactly which book would really be the last - but mostly to the fact that this was about as satisfying an ending as I could've wished. Not only are questions answered and reveals made, but it was every bit as touching and beautiful as I've come to expect from this precious little series about a boy and his love of dragons. If I'm sad about anything, it's that I've now run out of series to read and I have no idea when I'm going to feel as excited as I did reading this with my sister - the two of us reacting blindly to each new shocking revelation and each heartfelt moment, screaming, crying, aww'ing and squeeing, and all those other obnoxious fangirl activities, was the most fun I've had in awhile.
It's just, it ended so quickly! Even while being the longest book in the series, and even though I insisted to leave a bit for the next day, we just couldn't stop ourselves from binge-reading the entire thing in three sittings. We've been waiting for this since the end of book 9, and nothing was going to keep us away from Hiccup and Furious for too long. Did it have problems? Yes, I suppose you could say that the beginning was a bit slow. The book also did suffer from one too many instances of talk-no-jutsu, which, in anime-fan speak, generally refers to a character getting out of a dangerous situation or winning the bad guy over simply by making a long speech. But the plot twists - and honestly I was pleasantly surprised Cowell still had more up her sleeve! - and the creeping realization of exactly how well she had set everything up since the beginning of the series, makes this an undeniable ten out of ten for me. I can't think of a single loose end that wasn't properly tied, or a single moment that should've happened not happening.
It's depressing that I have to bid farewell to yet another world and another family that has supported me through the slower and darker days of my life, but I do so without regrets and with the biggest, proudest smile. I look forward to the days where I have kids of my own and am able to read these books aloud once again to a rapt and enthusiastic audience, and watch them despair and hope along with Hiccup as he toils once more through his epic adventure.
****
Oh. My. God.
That title... that title.
And this unbelievably gorgeous cover. Would you just look at it?
And as if that wasn't enough...
This link is to a video where Cressida Cowell herself reads an excerpt from the first chapter of Httyd book 12... And if you are as big of a fan as I am of this series, you will die once you hear what she has planned for us.
Oh. My. God.
September is so far away...
****
It's September 30. I found the book at Kinokuniya....
It just had to be hardback, didn't it? All the previous books came straight as paperback, but no, the finale I've been most anticipating since the last Skulduggery book had to come out in hardback first.
Why not buy it? Well, I'm very particular about books in a series being the same format. Also...
Hardbacks are freaking expensive.
It looked so freaking gorgeous though........ How am I going to survive until May? T_T
September 7, 2016
It could have been a 3 star read, but, as always, the emotional epilogue pushed it up a rating. (How do these epilogues always manage to wring a tear or two out of me?)
This book is the final one of the series, a culmination in which we are to learn whether or not all dragons will be destroyed. I'd say that, overall, this book does (and is) exactly what most fans will be expecting, so I won't go into too much detail. The only minor complaint I have is that, after so many adventures together, I wish Hiccup's friendships would have been more central -- as the Hero of the tale, Hiccup moves alone for the most part, with his friends helping him from the sidelines. It makes narrative sense, but might be at the expense of some emotional payoff.
Anyway, these books are perfectly adorable, quirky, and lively, and I think they'd be perfect for basically any child interested (or not interested) in reading. They're a cute read for adults too, and are very different from the movies, so don't be worried about spoilers from the movies or anything like that.
Since this is the last book, and the last HTTYD review I'll write, here's a quick list of favorites:
Favorite character: Hiccup, obviously.
Favorite book: I've always been fond of the fourth one.
Favorite side character: Toothless :)
Again.... highly recommended series for kids, and for adults who can enjoy a kids' book here and there.
This book is the final one of the series, a culmination in which we are to learn whether or not all dragons will be destroyed. I'd say that, overall, this book does (and is) exactly what most fans will be expecting, so I won't go into too much detail. The only minor complaint I have is that, after so many adventures together, I wish Hiccup's friendships would have been more central -- as the Hero of the tale, Hiccup moves alone for the most part, with his friends helping him from the sidelines. It makes narrative sense, but might be at the expense of some emotional payoff.
Anyway, these books are perfectly adorable, quirky, and lively, and I think they'd be perfect for basically any child interested (or not interested) in reading. They're a cute read for adults too, and are very different from the movies, so don't be worried about spoilers from the movies or anything like that.
Since this is the last book, and the last HTTYD review I'll write, here's a quick list of favorites:
Favorite character: Hiccup, obviously.
Favorite book: I've always been fond of the fourth one.
Favorite side character: Toothless :)
Again.... highly recommended series for kids, and for adults who can enjoy a kids' book here and there.
November 26, 2021
this is actually pretty close to the perfect ending to this series? Its sad and bittersweet and beautiful and hopeful.
February 12, 2017
I knew it was coming, but I wasn't ready. I can't believe this is the end! It was amazing!
June 15, 2024
I did it!! I feel both happy and sad to be done...lol...馃槀馃挅
Language: a few mentions of 'he' double hockey stick as in referring to down-under. And some mentions of the bad guys cursing but not what they said, just 'he cursed'.
Violence: Some fight scenes, mentions of blood but nothing detailed or described at all.
Magic: there's a 'witch' but she doesn't actually have magic or anything馃し鈥嶁檧锔� and mentions of a 'curse' but not like an actual magical curse, sort of like so many bad things have happened here it must be cursed kind of thing.
(Other: mentions of the viking gods)
Wow! What an ending!!馃挅馃挅 the last chapter and epilogue were just perfection, just so well done and satisfying!馃挅馃憣
It started out with a bang tho! Wow! And the amnesia trope, an impossible quest, and DRAGONS?!!? YES PLEASE!!!!馃挅馃挅馃ぉ馃ぉ馃憣馃憣 this was soo great! An awesome ending to the series!
As always the characters were great!! Toothless as always is just the absolute best!馃挅馃グ loves that sassy little guy so much!!
Fishleggs and Cami are the bestest friends, everyone needs a book-loving, sarcastic Fishleggs and an adventure loving Cami!!!
This was so great, not exactly how I thought the end battle was gonna go, but is it ever?!馃槀 it was awesome nonetheless!! Such a satisfying ending, like I said that last chapter *chefs kiss* PERFECTION馃憣馃挅馃グ馃ぉ
After 12 books it feels a little weird to be done... like there's no more quirky adventures to go on with Hiccup and Toothless....this series was just so fun!! And it has dragons and vikings, and underdog heroes, and its pro-life, and anti-slavery, and really, what's not to like?! Such a great series!馃挅馃ぉ馃憣馃憣
If you love dragons definitely give this series a try, it starts out goofy but ends inspiring but still fun!馃挅馃グ馃悏馃悏
10+
Language: a few mentions of 'he' double hockey stick as in referring to down-under. And some mentions of the bad guys cursing but not what they said, just 'he cursed'.
Violence: Some fight scenes, mentions of blood but nothing detailed or described at all.
Magic: there's a 'witch' but she doesn't actually have magic or anything馃し鈥嶁檧锔� and mentions of a 'curse' but not like an actual magical curse, sort of like so many bad things have happened here it must be cursed kind of thing.
(Other: mentions of the viking gods)
Wow! What an ending!!馃挅馃挅 the last chapter and epilogue were just perfection, just so well done and satisfying!馃挅馃憣
It started out with a bang tho! Wow! And the amnesia trope, an impossible quest, and DRAGONS?!!? YES PLEASE!!!!馃挅馃挅馃ぉ馃ぉ馃憣馃憣 this was soo great! An awesome ending to the series!
As always the characters were great!! Toothless as always is just the absolute best!馃挅馃グ loves that sassy little guy so much!!
Fishleggs and Cami are the bestest friends, everyone needs a book-loving, sarcastic Fishleggs and an adventure loving Cami!!!
This was so great, not exactly how I thought the end battle was gonna go, but is it ever?!馃槀 it was awesome nonetheless!! Such a satisfying ending, like I said that last chapter *chefs kiss* PERFECTION馃憣馃挅馃グ馃ぉ
After 12 books it feels a little weird to be done... like there's no more quirky adventures to go on with Hiccup and Toothless....this series was just so fun!! And it has dragons and vikings, and underdog heroes, and its pro-life, and anti-slavery, and really, what's not to like?! Such a great series!馃挅馃ぉ馃憣馃憣
If you love dragons definitely give this series a try, it starts out goofy but ends inspiring but still fun!馃挅馃グ馃悏馃悏
10+
September 7, 2020
*listened to audiobook*
How have I finished reading this series already? And now to go and buy the books so might actually read them and skim through them and savor all the lovely quotable parts.
Yes, the books were full of crude moments. But there are so many gems packed around those moments. How could such a silly series make you cry? How could there be such powerful images of love and loyalty and faithfulness and friendship and right and wrong?
I believe all children should have access to these books.
There was one lovely, funny quote about teeth that I can't find. And since I can't find it, I'll just end with another equally lovely quote, though maybe a tad more bitter-sweet:
鈥淚f it doesn鈥檛 end well, then it isn鈥檛 the end."
I just want this to be the motto of my life.
How have I finished reading this series already? And now to go and buy the books so might actually read them and skim through them and savor all the lovely quotable parts.
Yes, the books were full of crude moments. But there are so many gems packed around those moments. How could such a silly series make you cry? How could there be such powerful images of love and loyalty and faithfulness and friendship and right and wrong?
I believe all children should have access to these books.
There was one lovely, funny quote about teeth that I can't find. And since I can't find it, I'll just end with another equally lovely quote, though maybe a tad more bitter-sweet:
鈥淚f it doesn鈥檛 end well, then it isn鈥檛 the end."
I just want this to be the motto of my life.
July 8, 2016
An intense, heart-warming, wild, clever, inspirational, and overall satisfying conclusion to a fabulous series.
I'm sad that Hiccup's adventures have come to an end, and yet immensely grateful, as I imagine he is, that his troubles are over - we've been through a lot together.
Cowell is a great storyteller and has a cunning way with her characters, crafting both her heroes and villains with a range of emotions and attributes that makes each one developed and believable, which makes the story so very engaging.
The way everything came back around in this finale made me want to re-read the series over again! :)
I'm sad that Hiccup's adventures have come to an end, and yet immensely grateful, as I imagine he is, that his troubles are over - we've been through a lot together.
Cowell is a great storyteller and has a cunning way with her characters, crafting both her heroes and villains with a range of emotions and attributes that makes each one developed and believable, which makes the story so very engaging.
The way everything came back around in this finale made me want to re-read the series over again! :)
Read
February 18, 2016I believe that this was and is the greatest series of all time. This book probably was the best ending that a book could have. Hiccup and Camiazie all the way! Fishlegs and Eggingarde ( i'm pretty sure I spelled that wrong). I am glad that Cressida summed up what happens to the dragons . It makes me want to look for them to see where they are. dont worry I wont tell you anything else but I want everyone in the world to know about this book.
January 11, 2023
I loved this book and how she ties all the end story in this last book. I am sad that it is done. I like the books and the story line even no sometimes it was a bit kiddish.
March 9, 2019
I looooved the series. I think I actually loved it more than the HP series.
I enjoyed early books, but after book 8 all the books started falling into place, and I really really wanted to read a sequel, and then another, and another.
I mostly listened to these books, but I had to read book 11 as my local libraries had only a tree book, and I did really liked it, but I did miss David Tenant's voice.
I savoured every single moment of this novel ... every single word.
It is brilliant and nostalgic, sad and inspiring, happy-endy but also bittersweet. It is about the world of dragons, but it is also about our world, and yes, it is an easy statement to make, but I really did not want this series to come to its end, but I also understood the finality of it.
I know that David Tenant added so much to these books, but I also appreciate the actual physical reading experience as it has beautiful illustrations, and I feel sorry that I missed them in audio versions.
I wish I would have experienced both for all the books.
I listened to the author's interview after I finished the series, and the appeal of the series became even more tantalizing and beguiling. I wish I could un-read the whole series to discover it anew.
Alas, we have not yet mastered how to change the fabric of the space and time continuum.
I enjoyed early books, but after book 8 all the books started falling into place, and I really really wanted to read a sequel, and then another, and another.
I mostly listened to these books, but I had to read book 11 as my local libraries had only a tree book, and I did really liked it, but I did miss David Tenant's voice.
I savoured every single moment of this novel ... every single word.
It is brilliant and nostalgic, sad and inspiring, happy-endy but also bittersweet. It is about the world of dragons, but it is also about our world, and yes, it is an easy statement to make, but I really did not want this series to come to its end, but I also understood the finality of it.
I know that David Tenant added so much to these books, but I also appreciate the actual physical reading experience as it has beautiful illustrations, and I feel sorry that I missed them in audio versions.
I wish I would have experienced both for all the books.
I listened to the author's interview after I finished the series, and the appeal of the series became even more tantalizing and beguiling. I wish I could un-read the whole series to discover it anew.
Alas, we have not yet mastered how to change the fabric of the space and time continuum.
June 3, 2020
Okay... okay here we go.
Series playlist:
This was definitely one of the most best series conclusions I have ever read. Wow.
It took me a little while to get into it, simply because I was distracted with trying to finish Harry Potter and other things before the end of the year, and while I was hoping to finish this one before 2018 began, it wasn't a huge deal to me. But while we were traveling the week after Christmas, I decided that I was going to finish it. I spent a good chunk of the 31st with my nose buried in this book and I have no regrets.
Not only is my edition gorgeous , I've been loving this series as I've been making my way through it since mid-2016, and I'm so glad it ended the way it did.
Some things I didn't like (to get this out of the way):
- THE. STUPID. WITCH. AND HER STUPID SON. I HATE THEM.
- They literally screw up everything every time I just. IT WAS FINE. THEN YOU HAD TO SHOW YOUR UGLY FACES. AHHHH.
- The whole plot twist with Fishlegs like no that wasn't necessary leave him alone.
Some things I liked:
- The Wodensfang's plan. I knew I liked him.
- Toothless. Just, in general in this book.
- Fishlegs and the No-Name Tribe yesss my son.
- "I wish I could offer you a King who is greater than I am. I can't turn into somebody else. I can only be me. But I have discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was. And I think that I can do this, I think I can be King."
- The ending was A+ I appreciated it a lot.
So yeah I loved this book a lot. Hiccup is my child and I adore him. He's such a Hufflepuff it's great.
If you didn't like the first book, keep reading. It gets so much better.
Re-read 2020:
"Stories will live on. Stories always do live on."
((hi i'm crying over the ending of this book //again//. I can't even explain how much I love this series. I want to be like Hiccup when I grow up.))
Series playlist:
This was definitely one of the most best series conclusions I have ever read. Wow.
It took me a little while to get into it, simply because I was distracted with trying to finish Harry Potter and other things before the end of the year, and while I was hoping to finish this one before 2018 began, it wasn't a huge deal to me. But while we were traveling the week after Christmas, I decided that I was going to finish it. I spent a good chunk of the 31st with my nose buried in this book and I have no regrets.
Not only is my edition gorgeous , I've been loving this series as I've been making my way through it since mid-2016, and I'm so glad it ended the way it did.
Some things I didn't like (to get this out of the way):
- THE. STUPID. WITCH. AND HER STUPID SON. I HATE THEM.
- They literally screw up everything every time I just. IT WAS FINE. THEN YOU HAD TO SHOW YOUR UGLY FACES. AHHHH.
- The whole plot twist with Fishlegs like no that wasn't necessary leave him alone.
Some things I liked:
- The Wodensfang's plan. I knew I liked him.
- Toothless. Just, in general in this book.
- Fishlegs and the No-Name Tribe yesss my son.
- "I wish I could offer you a King who is greater than I am. I can't turn into somebody else. I can only be me. But I have discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was. And I think that I can do this, I think I can be King."
- The ending was A+ I appreciated it a lot.
So yeah I loved this book a lot. Hiccup is my child and I adore him. He's such a Hufflepuff it's great.
If you didn't like the first book, keep reading. It gets so much better.
Re-read 2020:
"Stories will live on. Stories always do live on."
((hi i'm crying over the ending of this book //again//. I can't even explain how much I love this series. I want to be like Hiccup when I grow up.))
September 1, 2016
I'm so sad that this series is over. I've enjoyed listening to all of Hiccup's adventures (narrated by the always-fabulous David Tennant!) over the past few years, and now there aren't any more to look forward to.
This conclusion was sort of melancholy, anyway, particularly the epilogue. The conclusion of all the plot lines and the way everything came together in the end was good, but there were some discontinuity problems in the narrative between this volume and the others.
The twist ending for Fish Legs was gobsmacking. Like, my mouth literally hung open listening to that. Unbelievable!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, but I do have some remaining questions that weren't resolved , but then I'm never satisfied without all the answers to all my questions.
TL; DR: I highly recommend this series to everyone, even adults. Particularly the audible version. The narration is beyond belief. It is so good.
This conclusion was sort of melancholy, anyway, particularly the epilogue. The conclusion of all the plot lines and the way everything came together in the end was good, but there were some discontinuity problems in the narrative between this volume and the others.
The twist ending for Fish Legs was gobsmacking. Like, my mouth literally hung open listening to that. Unbelievable!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, but I do have some remaining questions that weren't resolved , but then I'm never satisfied without all the answers to all my questions.
TL; DR: I highly recommend this series to everyone, even adults. Particularly the audible version. The narration is beyond belief. It is so good.
August 21, 2024
Love this series. Great lessons. Well orchestrated plot & details woven throughout the books. This last one did not disappoint.
About half way through the book, Hiccup is addressing a crowd and tells them his cousin sacrificed his life for him (Book 11) and says, "In honor of Snotlout, because he believed in me, and because his sacrifice must not be in vain. When I am King, he will live on in me. I will carry him with me every step I take, every decision I make." I was overcome as I thought about how the Savior sacrificed his life for me and hope I can carry him with me in the same way.
About half way through the book, Hiccup is addressing a crowd and tells them his cousin sacrificed his life for him (Book 11) and says, "In honor of Snotlout, because he believed in me, and because his sacrifice must not be in vain. When I am King, he will live on in me. I will carry him with me every step I take, every decision I make." I was overcome as I thought about how the Savior sacrificed his life for me and hope I can carry him with me in the same way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
What was that? What was that though?鈥� like seriously twelve books of adventures only for Cowell to pull out the Contemplative Approach to the Tragic Cycle of History in the end? I am heartbroken this is just like the sandlot I absolutely cannot handle this at nine in the morning.
Anyway that was an incredible series and I鈥檒l be thinking about it until the day I die.
Anyway that was an incredible series and I鈥檒l be thinking about it until the day I die.
July 20, 2019
Why did the series have to end? There is so much more that me and my children both want to know, but alas all things come to an end. On to the next set of stories. I'll be sure to tell y'all if we love it as much as this one.
December 31, 2015
*crying*
February 27, 2017
Why reading fiction is valuable. A book silly enough to have characters named Snotwart and Fishlegs unfolds the dangers and traps of war, bigotry, and nationalism.
December 31, 2023
A hero is forever.
October 5, 2015
More of what Cressida Cowell does incredibly well. And she's tied up all the loose ends with this one. (It always amazes me that anyone can be so methodical and logical that they can envisage a series with a complex plot and get it to all tie up together. It's not my kind of brain worko But then I'm no good at Chess.)
This series will remain on my all time favourites list. I did think that the last quarter was a little overcooked, with a bit of repetition and over-long scenes (especially the emotional ones). I got the sense that perhaps Cressida Cowell was reluctant to let it go, and this maybe made her feel a teensy bit sentimental which showed through. But she also had been working hard on it for a mighty long time and had eye surgery during the writing of this last book, which is enough to put anyone off their stride.
Her illustration style had changed a little too. Partly it had matured over time, or naturally changed so that sometimes she was pursuing a more tonal, three dimensional effect. This was fine too, although I love her rough outline work. And either Cressida had learned how to use PhotoShop, or a designer had taken a hand in many of the spreads, because there were a lot of pages that had been turned into very dynamic stormy scenes with layering, lightning effects, inverted colouring (black to white). This worked very effectively in most cases, and was quite impressive. In one or two cases, it lost some of its honesty, and in a few other cases, the designer had flipped the illustration which caused it to directly contradict the text where 'left side' and 'right side' were mentioned.
You'll possibly think me deranged or obsessed to even notice such things, but as I work in PhotoShop a lot, it is the sort of thing that I do notice. (And I was always the kind to count the bunnies in the scene if the author said '27 bunnies bounced on a bog') ...and... yes... I am a little obsessed with this series.
I take my hat off to Cressida Cowell. She's up there with the Exceptionals, not least for her amazing freedom of expression with charcoal! (or cont茅 or whatever it is.)
Go Cressida! Write another series soon!
This series will remain on my all time favourites list. I did think that the last quarter was a little overcooked, with a bit of repetition and over-long scenes (especially the emotional ones). I got the sense that perhaps Cressida Cowell was reluctant to let it go, and this maybe made her feel a teensy bit sentimental which showed through. But she also had been working hard on it for a mighty long time and had eye surgery during the writing of this last book, which is enough to put anyone off their stride.
Her illustration style had changed a little too. Partly it had matured over time, or naturally changed so that sometimes she was pursuing a more tonal, three dimensional effect. This was fine too, although I love her rough outline work. And either Cressida had learned how to use PhotoShop, or a designer had taken a hand in many of the spreads, because there were a lot of pages that had been turned into very dynamic stormy scenes with layering, lightning effects, inverted colouring (black to white). This worked very effectively in most cases, and was quite impressive. In one or two cases, it lost some of its honesty, and in a few other cases, the designer had flipped the illustration which caused it to directly contradict the text where 'left side' and 'right side' were mentioned.
You'll possibly think me deranged or obsessed to even notice such things, but as I work in PhotoShop a lot, it is the sort of thing that I do notice. (And I was always the kind to count the bunnies in the scene if the author said '27 bunnies bounced on a bog') ...and... yes... I am a little obsessed with this series.
I take my hat off to Cressida Cowell. She's up there with the Exceptionals, not least for her amazing freedom of expression with charcoal! (or cont茅 or whatever it is.)
Go Cressida! Write another series soon!
May 11, 2022
I rarely write reviews but this one book deserves one.
I remember deciding to pick this series up after watching the last HTTYD movie and wanting to be back in this world.
This series made me love Hiccup more. Even though he was hurt, betrayed and constantly facing consequences for his actions, he never gave. He stayed true to his beliefs till the end.
I love how all the people he helped throughout the series eventually came to his aid at the end. Shows how one simple kind act can change someone's life.
I'm gonna miss Snotlout 馃槶
And as this series comes to an end, and we bid farewell to our unlikely hero Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the 3rd,all I have to say is:
'There were dragons when I was a boy'
Those were the first words at the beginning of this story
I remember deciding to pick this series up after watching the last HTTYD movie and wanting to be back in this world.
But something within him made him push on, moving one swollen knee forward after the other, even though he knew what he was doing was impossible, even though he knew he was defeated before he had even begun
And perhaps that it what heroism truly is, who knows?
This series made me love Hiccup more. Even though he was hurt, betrayed and constantly facing consequences for his actions, he never gave. He stayed true to his beliefs till the end.
It was always a mistake to underestimate the little people of the world, for it is often they who tip the balance
I love how all the people he helped throughout the series eventually came to his aid at the end. Shows how one simple kind act can change someone's life.
...For long after Kings are forgotten, and their names have fallen into dust, the good deeds and the actions of the Heroes live on in glory. As the old song says: a Hero...IS...FOREVER..!
I'm gonna miss Snotlout 馃槶
Once we love, we cannot forget, though the flesh hardens around the wound once bled, though it be buried in one hundred years of chain and twisted around with the cruel growing thorns of the choking forest...
And as this series comes to an end, and we bid farewell to our unlikely hero Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the 3rd,all I have to say is:
In my beginning is my end...
There were dragons when I was a boy
December 28, 2024
EDIT 2// After much deep contemplation, I have come to conclude that It's the only way I can excuse it.
EDIT// Hey, who do I talk to about getting David Tennant and Cressida Cowell together to make an album of all the viking songs Tennant had to sing in these audiobooks?
--
I... am barely coherent over this book. It ended perfectly.
I have a few complaints--like how amnesia plots are way, way overdone. And what was up with Barbara? She like... she kind of seemed like she could be really cool, except she existed to be really significant for NO REASON
But honestly, other than that, this book was basically perfect. It was a wild ride, that's for sure.
Cressida Cowell absolutely OUTDID herself with the illustrations in this one, so many full-page spreads... wow. Just wow.
And there were definitely tears in my eyes by the end.
EDIT// Hey, who do I talk to about getting David Tennant and Cressida Cowell together to make an album of all the viking songs Tennant had to sing in these audiobooks?
--
I... am barely coherent over this book. It ended perfectly.
I have a few complaints--like how amnesia plots are way, way overdone. And what was up with Barbara? She like... she kind of seemed like she could be really cool, except she existed to be really significant for NO REASON
But honestly, other than that, this book was basically perfect. It was a wild ride, that's for sure.
Cressida Cowell absolutely OUTDID herself with the illustrations in this one, so many full-page spreads... wow. Just wow.
And there were definitely tears in my eyes by the end.
March 4, 2019
I am sixteen years old, but I will never outgrow children's stories. Saying I have would be like saying I've outgrown happiness, or memory, or learning how to take advice, and a dozen other good things. And this book made me cry. At the ending, in the epilogue...my heart just broke from happiness and sadness alike. This whole series has been beautiful, just beautiful.
"I sailed so far to be a King but the time was never right...
I lost my way on a stormy past, got wrecked in starless night...
But let my heart be wrecked by hurricanes and my ship by stormy weather,
I know I am a Hero...and A HERO IS...FOREVER!" - The Vikings of Olde
"I sailed so far to be a King but the time was never right...
I lost my way on a stormy past, got wrecked in starless night...
But let my heart be wrecked by hurricanes and my ship by stormy weather,
I know I am a Hero...and A HERO IS...FOREVER!" - The Vikings of Olde
March 21, 2025
So the end has been reached yet again. It creates the same wrenching sadness every time, you grow up with the characters ever page of every book and you feel so connected to them, life feels like they've always been there. And suddenly, after what feels like no time at all its over, with those last words that created such a foreboding and exciting begining: 'There were dragons when I was a boy.'
It fills your heart, and it hurts when it ends. But what an end it was!
Battles, death, pain, sorrow, joy, humor, tears. This book has it all! And Cressida Cowel makes you feel every. Single. Emotion. Life just doesn't seem complete without the dragons of her world. But no matter how long I speak of its goodness, you'll never understand until you read it yourself; so read it!!!!
It fills your heart, and it hurts when it ends. But what an end it was!
Battles, death, pain, sorrow, joy, humor, tears. This book has it all! And Cressida Cowel makes you feel every. Single. Emotion. Life just doesn't seem complete without the dragons of her world. But no matter how long I speak of its goodness, you'll never understand until you read it yourself; so read it!!!!
September 15, 2015
This arrived totally out of the blue, I'd forgotten I'd pre-ordered it and had no idea it was out, it just appeared on the doorstep. I almost didn't want to start reading, knowing where it was going to end, but I did. Eventually. :(
The opening was a bit ropey, it felt like it needed more editing, but either the writing got better as it went on or I stopped noticing it.
The end still made me tear up a little. A good series. In the end, Love conquers all, but all things must change.
:'( Goodbye.
The opening was a bit ropey, it felt like it needed more editing, but either the writing got better as it went on or I stopped noticing it.
The end still made me tear up a little. A good series. In the end, Love conquers all, but all things must change.
:'( Goodbye.
January 4, 2020
Whatever else happens, if you haven鈥檛 yet had the pleasure of this delightful, quirky series 鈥� don鈥檛 start here. It is the culmination of a twelve-book series packed with all sorts of adventures as a small boy, the heir to the Chief of the Hooligan Tribe, struggles to survive and overcome insanely difficult odds. And this current crisis he鈥檚 facing is the most insurmountable of the lot. He is fighting for the survival of humanity and/or the dragons as they are set to fight each other to extinction, although given the firepower the dragons are capable of, the outcome is a foregone conclusion鈥� That鈥檚 the situation at the beginning of the book 鈥� Cowell is better than anyone else I know at providing overwhelming odds and then fantastic ways for her embattled protagonist to beat them. But this time around, I couldn鈥檛 see any way that Hiccup and Toothless would survive the end of this adventure unscathed 鈥� and I was wary, because people who matter can die in this series.
While I had enjoyed reading the books, the advantage of listening is that David Tennant also sings the songs 鈥� and especially in this book, the songs matter. They provide a strong emotional backdrop to the ongoing action, which was every bit as gripping and exciting 鈥� more so as I realised this was the last time I鈥檇 hear of Hiccup battling the impossible.
Cowell has written an epic. The overarching themes she covers provide morals and mottos that youngsters listening can use as life lessons. I鈥檓 aware that some reviewers became a bit exasperated by the way she emphasises these throughout, but I didn鈥檛 have a problem with them. Now in my 60s, it鈥檚 handy to remind myself that second best is often good enough and loyalty to those you love is important.
And鈥� that ending. Oh my word. I was sitting in the kitchen and weeping as I heard the final epilogue. Perhaps, because I am now coming to a stage of my life when I, too, am starting to consider what I鈥檝e done and whether it鈥檚 been good enough, the words particularly resounded with me. And now I鈥檓 sad that it鈥檚 over, but so very elated and joyful that I鈥檝e had the chance to read and hear it. Very highly recommended. An outstanding series.
10/10
While I had enjoyed reading the books, the advantage of listening is that David Tennant also sings the songs 鈥� and especially in this book, the songs matter. They provide a strong emotional backdrop to the ongoing action, which was every bit as gripping and exciting 鈥� more so as I realised this was the last time I鈥檇 hear of Hiccup battling the impossible.
Cowell has written an epic. The overarching themes she covers provide morals and mottos that youngsters listening can use as life lessons. I鈥檓 aware that some reviewers became a bit exasperated by the way she emphasises these throughout, but I didn鈥檛 have a problem with them. Now in my 60s, it鈥檚 handy to remind myself that second best is often good enough and loyalty to those you love is important.
And鈥� that ending. Oh my word. I was sitting in the kitchen and weeping as I heard the final epilogue. Perhaps, because I am now coming to a stage of my life when I, too, am starting to consider what I鈥檝e done and whether it鈥檚 been good enough, the words particularly resounded with me. And now I鈥檓 sad that it鈥檚 over, but so very elated and joyful that I鈥檝e had the chance to read and hear it. Very highly recommended. An outstanding series.
10/10
December 14, 2019
This was a fantastic ending to a series that I loved more than I thought I would. (Thank you David Tennant for reading these, otherwise I probably never would have read these physical books.) The story progressed from a little boys book filled with misfortune and potty jokes to a complex series with some really good life lessons.
Since this is a book series for kids, I try to review them with that in mind. These last few books have had some really really great morals and life lessons about growing up, changing the old world for a new generation, being true to yourself and your friends, how to handle complicated situations and confrontations, and a whole slew of other ones.
I was so pleased with this final book, which wrapped up just enough of the story while still leaving room for the reader to try to fill in everything that happened with Hiccup between 15 and 70 (or however old he is at the end of his life as he writes his memoirs) and still feeling satisfied. I was so attached to these characters, much more than I thought I ever would be, and reading about them conquering fears and growing up.
I try to review without spoilers, so let's just say that this ending was really well done and I'm so glad I decided to read this series!
Since this is a book series for kids, I try to review them with that in mind. These last few books have had some really really great morals and life lessons about growing up, changing the old world for a new generation, being true to yourself and your friends, how to handle complicated situations and confrontations, and a whole slew of other ones.
I was so pleased with this final book, which wrapped up just enough of the story while still leaving room for the reader to try to fill in everything that happened with Hiccup between 15 and 70 (or however old he is at the end of his life as he writes his memoirs) and still feeling satisfied. I was so attached to these characters, much more than I thought I ever would be, and reading about them conquering fears and growing up.
I try to review without spoilers, so let's just say that this ending was really well done and I'm so glad I decided to read this series!
February 19, 2021
This honestly was the best book of the series. Hiccup has seriously come into his own and become the best he could be. The last book ended on a cliffhanger and we thought all was lost. Now you discover that Hiccup is alive and he's got amnesia for the beginning of the book. I love that Toothless is what made him remember everything and that the baddies finally got theirs. The climax with the lobster claw necklace and trying to decide what is best for the humans and the dragons was wonderful. It's an emotional end with a perfect epilogue to ease you into saying goodbye to these characters.
Very glad I decided to read these because there was so much more to these books than I expected. David Tennant is also a fantastic narrator and I'll listen to anything he reads from now on!
Very glad I decided to read these because there was so much more to these books than I expected. David Tennant is also a fantastic narrator and I'll listen to anything he reads from now on!
June 22, 2023
Ahhhhh. This series has been a part of my life for a very, very long time now, and this is the first time I鈥檝e completely finished it. God this book was incredible, what a perfect way to end this beautiful series. This was the book that also has a few similarities to the third movie, which was cool to see. All in all, this was a fantastic story about fate and destiny, choices and human nature. I loved it.
**5 stars**
**5 stars**
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