Dragon Rider

Firedrake, one of the three protagonists of the novel, is a silver dragon who lives in a community of dragons in the Scottish Highlands. When the dragons learn that humans are encroaching on their valley and they must leave, Firedrake volunteers to search for the mythic home of the dragons, the Rim of Heaven. He is an average-sized dragon with silver scales that gleam in the moonlight, a long tail, a spiny crest, and broad wings. Like all other silver dragons, he consumes only moonlight, which powers his ability to fly, and therefore cannot fly in daylight. He breathes blue fire that can both heal and reveal the true nature of enchanted creatures.

Firedrake is brave and persistent in the face of the many challenges he and his friends face. He is patient, friendly, and trusting, as seen in his tolerance of Sorrel’s short temper, and his quick willingness to trust and befriend Ben despite the dangers of humans. He proves capable of confronting enemies far larger and more powerful than himself, including the primary antagonist of the novel, Nettlebrand. Firedrake believes that the silver dragons deserve a safe home where they no longer need to fear Nettlebrand or the threat of human encroachment, and he is willing to fight to make that happen.