All about the novel Dragon Rider
Who is Taran Matharu?
Taran Matharu is a New York Times bestselling author. He was born in London in 1990 and found a passion for reading at a very early age. His love for stories developed into a desire to create his own during early adolescence, beginning his first book at 9 years old. Taran began to write Summoner in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’. Thanks to Wattpad.com and updating daily, its popularity dramatically increased, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. After being featured by NBC News, Taran decided to launch his professional writing career and has never looked back. His SUMMONER series is published in over 14 languages and has become a worldwide phenomenon. Dragon Rider is Taran’s first adult fantasy.
What is Dragon Rider about?
Can an orphan captive learn the secrets of the Dragon Riders to stand up and avenge his people?
Jai lives as a royal hostage in the Sabine Court—ever since his father Rohan, leader of the Steppefolk, led a failed rebellion and was executed by the very emperor Jai now serves.
When the emperor’s son and heir is betrothed to Princess Erica of the neighboring Dansk Kingdom, she brings with her a dowry: dragons. Endemic to the northern nation, these powerful beasts come in several forms, but mystery surrounds them. Only Dansk royalty know the secret to soulbonding with these dangerous beasts to draw on their power and strength. This marriage—and the alliance that forms—will change that forever.
But conspirators lurk in the shadows, and soon the Sabine Court is in chaos. With his life in danger, Jai uses the opportunity to escape with the Dansk handmaiden, Frida, and a stolen hatchling. Hunted at every turn, he must learn to cultivate magic and become a soulbound warrior if he has any chance of finding safety, seizing his destiny…and seeking his revenge.
Interview
What was your inspiration for Dragon Rider?
Dragon Rider is my adult debut, and it’s a mix of all my favourite things from the fantasy novels I grew up reading. It’s inspired by so many things, but among them is the life of Attila the Hun, a prince who grew up as a hostage in the court of his enemy, the Romans, before returning to his people and leading them to victory against the empire.
What drew you to writing?
I find writing is much like reading the perfect book for me. Because I get to choose what happens. I remember when I first started writing, it was because I was searching the shelves for a type of book that contained all my favourite elements from fantasy, but it didn’t exist. So, I wrote it myself. My writing today is an extension of that.
What are your favourite parts of writing fantasy?
The epic scale, and the ability to paint a world that is so much more fantastic than our own.
How did you choose which character to centre the story around?
I think Jai was always going to be the main character, as he is the ultimate fish out of water, a servant-prince in the court of his peoples’ greatest enemy, thrust into responsibility he did not choose, and with the weight of his tribe upon his shoulders.
What was your process for writing Dragon Rider?
I like to plot my novel in broad strokes, then write between the key events. This gives me the structure that every novel needs to be a good story, while maintaining flexibility to introduce flashes of inspiration as they come.
What is your approach to world and character building?
Putting myself in the shoes of the people of the world I’ve created is the best way to add colour and depth.
How would you describe Dragon Rider in five words?
Game of Thrones meets Eragon
Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?
Yes, when Jai first meets his newly hatched dragon, Winter.
What was your favourite book growing up?
So many to choose from! I particularly loved Warlock by Wilbur Smith.
Do you have a favourite genre to read?
I do love adult fantasy, but historical fiction really scratches my itch! I also love hard scifi like The Martian.
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