How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon.

Why Did I Listen To This Audiobook?

The number one reason that I listened to the audiobook of How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell is for secret project. I chose this book as one of my first ones to listen to because I still haven’t seen the movie and so, I figure if I listen to this and like the story, I might as well watch the movie later on. I hear from the internet that the movie is quite good. Also, I have a soft spot for Dreamworks because of Shrek. Speaking of soft spots, I have a weakness for middle grade books that involve dragons AND ALSO VIKINGS!

What’s The Story Here?

How To Train Your Dragon is about a boy named Hiccup who is the son of the Viking chieftain. Hiccup is not very big or burly like the other boys. He is the unlikely heir to the “throne” so to speak. Part of being initiated as a man in Hiccup’s society is catching a dragon and raising the dragon to engage in battle. So, Hiccup and the other boys in his tribe go to a cave full of sleeping dragons and must tiptoe in to steal baby dragons to train to fight. Hiccup’s friend ends up having allergies and accidentally waking the dragons, causing quite the dangerous situation. The boys escape and Hiccup gives one of the dragons he catches to the boy who caused the dragons to wake up, while Hiccup ends up with what seems to be a defective dragon. Yet, as Hiccup is really into dragons and has taken his time to study them and has read the guidebook on How To Train Your Dragon, Hiccup does not give up on his dragon, called Toothless. FYI, Toothless is little and kind of a pain in the ass. There’s more the boys must go through for initiation, including a fairly dangerous brush with a monster. Essentially this is the story of brains over brawn, so I personally really enjoyed it.

How Is Hiccup As A Character?

Personally, I liked Hiccup. He is such an underdog, so of course, I immediately gelled with his character. I liked how he was into using research and information to guide his training of Hiccup, rather than doing what everyone else does, which is to simply yell at their dragons. Instead, he learns to speak the dragon language. I loved how clever Hiccup was too. Sure, there’s bullies in his life, but he doesn’t let them get the best of him. He’s brave, even though he is not the biggest kid in his group.

How’s The Narration?

Oh my goodness, can David Tennant please narrate all the books? This is such a kid friendly narration. Tennant has a wide range of voices that he employs for the book, including this amazing Scottish accent that makes you want to just do whatever the instructor tells you to do (that’s who the voice was for). I loved his narration of Toothless too. There are sound effects which note the changing of the chapters. Sometimes this can be super distracting and annoying, but I did not mind it with this book. The music did not distract from the story, but rather enhanced it. It helps that the music never played over the narration. Rather, you would hear like five seconds, and then we would get transitioned into narration. The elements really complimented each other. I have to say that this is a great book for it’s audience — children. I would recommend it if you are going on a road trip with your kid or students and need something to listen to.

Who Would I Recommend This Book To?

• People who like a good Scottish accent
• Anyone with a love of dragons
• Readers who prefer books that celebrate brains over brawn
• Fans of David Tennant
• Children who like funny fairytales

Sum It Up With A GIF:

LOL, this GIF.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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