Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb? Join his adventures and misadventures as he finds a new way to train dragons–and becomes a hero. This action-packed, hilarious, and perfectly illustrated novel is a modern classic beloved by millions across the globe.

I need to admit here that I was pretty skeptical about starting this series, since the main audience for this book are Middle school kids and am a 23-year-old female so am well past my middle school era (thankfully). But I decided to give this book and this series a shot because some of the Booktubers I like watching and spoken pretty highly of this series. And I forgot to mention that this book is the first book in the How to Train Your Dragon Series. But without making this into longer than it needs to be, lets get into the review of this book. 

This book is a pretty delightful foray into a world where Vikings and dragons coexist in a tumultuous yet enchanting relationship. Because it blends humor, adventure, and heart which I liked a lot in this book. At the same time this book offers a captivating and interesting read for children and adults alike.

The story in this book follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a rather unlikely hero, as he navigates life in the Viking world of Berk. Unlike the typical Viking warriors around him, Hiccup is small, thoughtful, and not particularly fierce. This sets the stage for a charming underdog tale as he embarks on his journey to become a dragon trainer.

I personally love a story where a underdog is the main character and he shows everyone who didn’t believe in him wrong. So of course there is a part of me which really really liked the plot in this book. At the same time Hiccup’s adventure begins with a rite of passage: capturing and training a dragon. The setting of Berk, with its rugged landscapes and dragon-infested skies, is vividly brought to life through the descriptive writing. This world is both perilous and fascinating, providing a fitting backdrop for Hiccup’s growth and the book’s central themes.

Hiccup is an endearing protagonist whose relatability is one of this book’s greatest strengths. He is not the typical Viking hero, which makes his journey all the more compelling. His intelligence, empathy, and wit set him apart in a society that values brawn over brains. The author of this book does a fantastic job of illustrating Hiccup’s internal struggles and gradual acceptance of his unique abilities.

When it comes to Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon companion, provides both comedy and heart. Their evolving relationship is central to the narrative, showcasing themes of friendship and understanding. Toothless is as much a character as any human in the story, with a distinct personality that adds depth and humor to the plot.

This book explores themes of identity, courage, and acceptance. Hiccup’s journey is not just about training a dragon but also about discovering his own strengths and the value of being different. The story encourages us as readers to embrace their uniqueness and underscores the idea that true bravery comes in many forms.

The dragons themselves in the book are very typical Fantasy trope of course, but they are also symbolic of the unknown and misunderstood. Through Hiccup’s interactions with Toothless and other dragons, the narrative challenges preconceived notions and highlights the importance of empathy and open-mindedness.

The writing itself in this book is pretty lively and engaging, perfectly suited for the intended younger audience. Her use of humor is particularly noteworthy, with witty dialogue and amusing situations that will elicit laughter from readers of all ages.

This book has also its fair share of illustrations and drawings which makes this book a very quick read because it has roughly 200 pages with a lot of illustrations and drawings. I personally read this book in one sitting which was a pretty cozy read. 

The pacing of this book is generally well-handled, with a good balance between action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. While some parts of the story may feel predictable, the overall experience is enjoyable and it has kept me personally invested in Hiccup’s adventures.

The world building aspect is also very good, because it feels both fantastical and believable. The Viking society, with its traditions and customs, is richly detailed, providing a solid foundation for the story. The dragons, each with unique traits and characteristics, add an exciting element to the narrative and enrich the world-building.

I Give This Book 4 / 5