14 Aug Board Game & Book Pairings: Scaly Friends And Foes!
Dragons have descended on PGTPL! Instead of flames and destruction, they offer friendship and assistance – but some may have agendas of their own. If you believe that dragons make everything better, we have the book and game for you!
Board Game: Flamecraft
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Not every dragon is the size of a house! These little artisans work in the shops around town by helping shopkeepers produce foods and goods. Befriend these clever creatures by helping them find shops where they can thrive and setting them up for success!
- Players: 1-5
- Playing time: 60min
- Age: 10+
- From Boardgamegeek: “Artisan dragons, the smaller and magically talented versions of their larger (and more destructive) cousins, are sought by shopkeepers so that they may delight customers with their flamecraft. You are a Flamekeeper skilled in the art of conversing with dragons, placing them in their ideal home, and using enchantments to entice them to produce wondrous things. Your reputation will grow as you aid the dragons and shopkeepers, and the Flamekeeper with the most reputation will be known as the Master of Flamecraft.
- “In Flamecraft, 1-5 players take on the role of Flamekeepers, gathering items, placing dragons, and casting enchantments to enhance the shops of the town. Dragons are specialized (bread, meat, iron, crystal, plant, and potion) and the Flamekeepers know which shops are the best home for each. Visit a shop to gain items and a favor from one of the dragons there. Gathered items can enchant a shop, gaining reputation and favors from all the dragons in the shop. If you are fortunate enough to attract fancy dragons, then you will have opportunities to secure even more reputation.” (description via https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/336986/flamecraft)
Book: The Night Ends With Fire by K. X. Song
Other dragons offer counsel and power, but are they trustworthy? In this fantastical retelling, everyone has an agenda as a young warrior sifts through deception on her quest to reclaim control from those who would claim power over her.
- From the publisher: “Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.
- “The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands. The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.
- “In the army, Meilin’s relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship, and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince-turned-training-partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.
- “With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust: Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit with a murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew about her kingdom and about her own heart.” (description via https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739811/the-night-ends-with-fire-by-kx-song/)
Bonus: Sometimes dragons join in on your quest – check out Disney’s 2021 film Raya and the Last Dragon!
