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The Coming of the Dragon Audiobook
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(3.08) - 216 listener ratings
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Rebecca Barnhouse weaves Norse gods, blood feuds, and a terrifying dragon into this spectacular retelling of the end of the Old English poem Beowulf. 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. Some people thought he was a sacrifice to the gods and wanted to send him right back to the sea. 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.
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"I enjoyed this story - again on audio. It is appropriate for ages 10 and above. I think that both girls and boys will enjoy the story. It tell the story of Rune set against the back drop of King Beowulf. Of course there are dragons, magic, swords, mystery and intrigue. Enjoy!"
— Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)
The Coming of the Dragon Listener Reviews
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" ahh it was pretty good however the action was short and sweet "
— Garrett, 2/18/2014 -
" I was initially intrigued with the fact that it was "inspired" by the epic poem Beowulf. It was actually more of a sequel than a companion, but I liked it. It was very well written. My only concern in recommending it to my usual fantasy/action students is that it takes a little time to get into. I was definitely hooked by the middle, and it had some of the best swordplay/battle scenes I've read in a long time. I just don't know how many will have the patience to get there. "
— Robyn, 2/17/2014 -
" It was really good, but it didn't have enough girl power. "
— Theo, 1/28/2014 -
" Helps if you are familiar with Beowulf! "
— Jane, 1/18/2014 -
" 3.5. Nothing special about this story. I give an extra half star for the exciting parts. The first half of the book I was so bored, I should've just put it down "
— Michelle, 1/1/2014 -
" A good introduction into Norse Gods and the like. It was a good story too. "
— Sandy, 12/29/2013 -
" I didn't think I was going to like this one -- not normally something I would have picked up. "
— PBaco, 10/13/2013 -
" A little slow-paced throughout and then it was suddenly over. But, it was interesting and I enjoyed it. "
— Kara, 10/13/2013 -
" it was good. enjoyed the events after the death of the dragon more than the previous events. "
— Alana, 9/13/2013 -
" I really enjoyed the description of Rune's daily life. I think this story stands on its own quite well and is an interesting reinvention of the end of the Beowolf poem. "
— Jenny, 6/2/2013 -
" Slow starting, picked up my interest, really grabbed my interest for the last third of the book, but ended disappointingly. The ending seemed too abrupt and unfinished. "
— Kim, 12/13/2012 -
" It was fun to see a more accessible tale told during Beowulf. I'm looking forward to other books by this author. "
— Misha, 10/30/2012 -
" I love young adult fiction. This was an easy fun read! "
— Cheryl, 9/26/2012 -
" I enjoyed this one - I think a little more than Peaceweaver. 4.5 stars. "
— Cindy, 8/31/2012 -
" Rune is a typical outcast, he is blamed for problems just because of who he is. Now he is following disappearing goats and falling of mountains. Can he find the courage he needs to face the dragon and save the village? "
— Tricia, 12/15/2011 -
" I liked this book beccause when he first went up against the Dragon he failed but he kept trying, he did not give up. And when the king died and crowned him king he decided to do the right thing. And stop the war. "
— 05mckennac, 9/22/2011 -
" I thought it was as good read its something new from what most authors are writing these days. Its well written and well constructed. Its worth the read. "
— Krissy, 7/2/2011 -
" about a boy who wants to impress the king and avenge his foster moms death from the dragon. "
— Cole, 4/5/2011 -
" A lot of fun for Beowulf fans. Wiglaf lives! "
— Andrea, 4/2/2011 -
" Rune is a typical outcast, he is blamed for problems just because of who he is. Now he is following disappearing goats and falling of mountains. Can he find the courage he needs to face the dragon and save the village? "
— Tricia, 3/14/2011 -
" It was really good, but it didn't have enough girl power. "
— Theo, 3/7/2011 -
" about a boy who wants to impress the king and avenge his foster moms death from the dragon. "
— Cole, 2/28/2011 -
" A little slow-paced throughout and then it was suddenly over. But, it was interesting and I enjoyed it. "
— Kara, 12/6/2010
About Rebecca Barnhouse
Rebecca Barnhouse is the author of The Book of the Maidservant and The Coming of the Dragon. She first read Beowulf in Old English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her doctorate studying Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and medieval literature written in Old and Middle English, Old Norse, and other fascinating languages. She lives in Ohio, where she is a professor of English at Youngstown State University.
About Robin Sachs
Robin Sachs (1951–2013), actor and narrator, was raised in London and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His audiobook narrations earned ten Earphones Awards. His acting credits include Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dynasty, Nowhere Man, Babylon 5, Diagnosis Murder, Galaxy Quest, Northfork, Ocean’s 11, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Megalodon.