The Dragonkeepers by Mike Shade is a homoerotic fantasy story.

The hills of Riokonnan is the home of the dragons where outsiders would never dare to go. Outsiders are scared of the dragons, but to Sord it has been home ever since he left his home at the age of six to follow the dragon song that only he could hear. Sord is one of the few humans who are dragon keepers and can sing the dragon songs. Each dragon has a keeper, and they spend their lives together as friends, protectors and confidants. Now, Sord has left their safe haven traveling to find Rafon‘s, his dragons, son who is missing. The city is a strange and dangerous place for dragons and men. Sord hears about a boy who might have a dragon, and after a long chase, he manages to find the boy and Rafon’s son, Gerri, by following the dragon song from the boy. Sord is surprised to learn that Gerri not only went in search of his dragon keeper, but the child, Kell, helped him escape form the Wizards and has been protecting and caring for him ever since. The bond between Gerri and Kell is crystal clear and very beautiful to behold. Kell was even beaten to tell the wizards where the dragon was, but he never did. Sord quickly decides to bring Kell with them so Gerri and he can stay together, as Dragon and keeper should always be. Will Sord, Kell and Gerri with the help of a stranger find their way safely to there home in the hills? Will Kell find his place with Gerri in Riokonnan?

Mr. Shade has created a wonderful book incorporating many of the myths of dragons. It was wonderful to watch how much Kell and Gerri cared for each other and that they would go to any length to protect the other. The description of how dragon song created a closeness between the partners was beautiful to see. The difference between the city people and the dragon people was like night and day. It reinforces how ignorance and superstition can be used to control a population, and love and freedom can set them free. Thanks go to Mr. Shade for an incredible read.

Reviewed by: Teresa