Reviews
Dracopedia Field Guide: Dragons of the World from Amphipteridae Through Wyvernae by William O'Connor
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Dracopedia Field Guide is a new guide to dragons and wyverns based on the great naturalist field guides of the Victorian era. Expected release date 7th May 2019, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardback and ebook formats. Written and illustrated by William O'Connor (sadly no longer with us), it is full of witty details from the 'stained' flyleaf with Dewey decimal accession number and tea splashes and Latinized author credit, to the dragon range maps and Linnaean nomenclature in the encyclopedia.
The book is stunningly illustrated. The additional details, from egg characteristics for the different species and uses of different dragons for travel and warfare, as well as field sketches on locomotion and anatomy, are wonderful and so realistic.
I received an eARC of the book in Kindle format and experienced some issues with viewing on an eReader (Kindle Oasis 2017 version). There were no observable issues on a color monitor or tablet. There is a contributor list at the end of the book with credits to the artists who stepped in to help complete the project on Mr. O'Connor's untimely passing.
This would make a superlative selection for a school or public library, for fantasy gamers, speculative fiction readers, all ages, and anyone who has longed to see dragons on the wing above them.
Five stars, beautiful book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Dracopedia Field Guide is a new guide to dragons and wyverns based on the great naturalist field guides of the Victorian era. Expected release date 7th May 2019, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardback and ebook formats. Written and illustrated by William O'Connor (sadly no longer with us), it is full of witty details from the 'stained' flyleaf with Dewey decimal accession number and tea splashes and Latinized author credit, to the dragon range maps and Linnaean nomenclature in the encyclopedia.
The book is stunningly illustrated. The additional details, from egg characteristics for the different species and uses of different dragons for travel and warfare, as well as field sketches on locomotion and anatomy, are wonderful and so realistic.
I received an eARC of the book in Kindle format and experienced some issues with viewing on an eReader (Kindle Oasis 2017 version). There were no observable issues on a color monitor or tablet. There is a contributor list at the end of the book with credits to the artists who stepped in to help complete the project on Mr. O'Connor's untimely passing.
This would make a superlative selection for a school or public library, for fantasy gamers, speculative fiction readers, all ages, and anyone who has longed to see dragons on the wing above them.
Five stars, beautiful book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
gudzilla's review
4.0
This is type of book which convince you to buy paperback or hard cover editions because digital medium is simply not enough to show it's true beauty....
My only regret is the book 'expired' before I can finish it since netgalley allows you to borrow it for only limited days....still I enjoyed a lot while I had it.
My only regret is the book 'expired' before I can finish it since netgalley allows you to borrow it for only limited days....still I enjoyed a lot while I had it.
manyfandoms4one's review
4.0
I used mainly for writing reference but it was really pretty and really hope I can come back to it just for fun
rosequarterdrifting's review
informative
slow-paced
3.75
i am always down with this concept but i was less enthused about this one. the art was good from a technical standpoint but just not my jam
also really weird integration with post-medieval history
also really weird integration with post-medieval history
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, and Racism
lots of colonialism/orientalismcaffeinatedfae's review
4.0
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've seen William O'Connor's artwork everywhere, but I never found the time to sit down and pick up one of his art books. When I saw this book offered up on NetGalley, I knew I needed to read it. The art is spectacular, and this would make a great coffee table book for any dragon enthusiast. The different types of dragons were outlined well, and this had a non-fiction feel to it. My one complaint about it was that it read a little slow. It felt almost like homework to read simply because of the textbook feel that it had. I would have liked it more if I thumbed through it instead of sitting down and reading it cover to cover.
All in all, this is the ultimate book for dragon enthusiasts.
I've seen William O'Connor's artwork everywhere, but I never found the time to sit down and pick up one of his art books. When I saw this book offered up on NetGalley, I knew I needed to read it. The art is spectacular, and this would make a great coffee table book for any dragon enthusiast. The different types of dragons were outlined well, and this had a non-fiction feel to it. My one complaint about it was that it read a little slow. It felt almost like homework to read simply because of the textbook feel that it had. I would have liked it more if I thumbed through it instead of sitting down and reading it cover to cover.
All in all, this is the ultimate book for dragon enthusiasts.
whitneyt's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Very good illustrations, and I learned a lot about different types of dragons. Highly recommended!
trish204's review
4.0
I have to shamefacedly admit that I have no idea if this belongs to a world of computer games or fantasy books. It's about dragons and has beautiful art of course I had to have it. *lol*
This field guide has 13 chapters, each one dedicated to one dragon race:
- Amphiptere
- Asian Dragon
- Sea Orcs
- Fey Dragon
- Great Dragons
- Drake
- Hydra
- Basilisk
- Arctic Dragon
- Wyrm
- Coatyl
- Dragonette
- Wyvern
Thus, the book basically covers any variation known from any form of fantasy book, game or movie / TV show and even makes the assumption that some other reptilian-like creatures are sub-species of dragons as well (which I found interesting).
Every chapter then goes on to describe a certain number of dragons belonging to the respective species by giving a full-colour drawing or two, sometimes also sketches of anatomical details, as well as information on the animal's history, size, behavior, habitat etc.
It's definitely for lovers of anything dragon, which I happen to be, and I must say that I not only loved the art but also couldn't find the difference between what the original artist had already created and what had been drawn by his replacement (the original artist suddenly and unexpectedly died).
Really cool artwork all around that makes you enjoy the hour or two you spend learning about these animals (and remembering the different books one read that had some of them).
annarella's review
5.0
This is a must have if you're a fantasy fan.
I loved the wonderful illustrations and the fascinating texts.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the wonderful illustrations and the fascinating texts.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
erikasarutobi's review
5.0
Art is incredibly stunning and resourceful! I love how there's info on the biology, history, behavior and even locations of all the dragons! It is so well written that it feels like I'm reading an actual science books about animals.
It's making me want to pick up my pencil and try to draw some these awesome dragons. Im loving every page and now I want the physical copy.
//May you rest in peace.//
Digital copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
It's making me want to pick up my pencil and try to draw some these awesome dragons. Im loving every page and now I want the physical copy.
//May you rest in peace.//
Digital copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
etienne02's review
5.0
Awesome!! I would have love this book so much as a kid!! This is an encyclopedia about every species of dragons. I include marvelous artwork lot of facts about where to find those dragons, how they hatch, weight, height, and more. It does what it says so and done it perfectly!