Preview
  • The Dream of the Iron Dragon

  • An Alternate History Viking Epic (Saga of the Iron Dragon, Book 1)
  • By: Robert Kroese
  • Narrated by: J. D. Ledford
  • Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (246 ratings)

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The Dream of the Iron Dragon

By: Robert Kroese
Narrated by: J. D. Ledford
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Publisher's summary

Trapped 1,300 years in the past, they have one mission: survive.

In the 23rd century, humanity has been hunted to the verge of extinction by an alien race. When an exploratory ship accidentally travels back in time to Viking-age Scandinavia, the human race is given a second chance. Pursued by the power-hungry King Harald, the four surviving crew members join a ragtag band of Vikings as they pillage their way across Europe. It will take all their ingenuity, courage, and technical know-how just to survive. But survival is only the beginning. To save humanity, they must somehow return to the stars.

Thus begins a decades-long effort to teach the Vikings to build a craft capable of reaching space - a ship that will come to be known as the Iron Dragon.

The Dream of the Iron Dragon is the first installment in the Iron Dragon trilogy. The sequel, The Dawn of the Iron Dragon, was released in June 2018. The saga will conclude with The Voyage of the Iron Dragon in December 2018.

The Iron Dragon trilogy is being produced as part of the phenomenally successful Saga of the Iron Dragon Kickstarter, which raised more than $10,000. Meticulously researched and packed with action, The Dream of the Iron Dragon is a must for sci-fi and alternate history fans.

©2018 Robert Kroese (P)2018 Robert Kroese
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Critic reviews

"Terrific storytelling, letter-perfect alternate-history, and the highest stakes for humanity imaginable combine to make this a thrilling start to an exciting new Viking saga. Kroese avoids both romanticizing and demonizing the Vikings, showing them to us in all their humanity, while spinning a tale that pulls no punches and leaves us gasping for more." (Lars Hedbor, author)

What listeners say about The Dream of the Iron Dragon

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    4 out of 5 stars

Science fiction crash lands into history.

This audiobook experience was as wonderful as it was attention grabbing. Alternative histories, space warfare, and time travel are not exactly new roads for the imagination to travel down anymore, so it can take something a bit extra to make a story really stand out. The way this story was written in a balance of creative thinking and action is so impressively smooth that even the most distracted listener will be dragged into the scenario.

J.D Ledford's narration is brilliant; bringing a depth to the writing and character's emotional states that might not have been noticeable otherwise. The story itself makes one think and consider the consequences of the characters' actions; If raw advanced knowledge is power, then what value, protection and risk does that offer the knowledgeable in a time of primitive conquest and violence? This book might have been first entry to an upcoming series, but it does make an impression that leaves the imagination yerning for book 2.

This book is recommended to listeners who would love a creative exercise laid out within an action setting.

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Amazing!

This was such a fun mix of sci-fi and history. Good world-building, interesting characters, solid descriptive writing, fascinating use of science and technology, unexpected plot twists. The narration was good, but could use more variety of pacing and clearer breaks between ideas.Excellent vocal characterization. Also clean enough I'm thinking of adding it to my science loving kid's account.

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Science Fiction and Vikings, WOW!

No question, my finger hovered over the buy button many times and I thought, well if I don't like the book, I can always return it back to Audible.
This is really a great story with fantastic characters and a complex story line. The presentation is extremely well done as J.D. Ledford brings the story to life.
I can't wait until the third book makes it to Audible. Hurry it up please!

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compelling as all hell!!

At first the voices are a little to get used to but it's so gripping

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awesome book!

really enjoyed this book, I can't wait to get the next book and enjoy it

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Great story, excellent narration

Story was not in my typical genre but i really loved it. The narrator was probably the best female narrator I’ve heard do male voices. Excellent all around.

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What a great book!

I can’t wait for more. This is going to be wonderful. Thank you for a wonderfully
fun book.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Vikings and Lost in Space... on Earth

Iron Dragon is fun and well-researched at the same time. My only gripe is that the set up for how and why our heroes are on their quest is a bit thin, but it's not a barrier to enjoying the story. It's not a standalone book though-- the end is a clear prelude.

Ledford's narration is excellent... with one grinding exception: nautical terms. She worked hard to manage old Norse words but totally dropped the ball on words like "coxswain," "gunwale" and "starboard." Being that a big chunk of the book involves traveling in boats, this is kind of a frustrating omission. Still, an easy listen overall.

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Thoroughly Enjoyable

A really enjoyable book. It's genre would, I suppose, be typed as alternative history; the difference being that it's an alternative in the making rather than from the start. My only complaint is that the rest of the series is, for some reason, unavailable in audio. Thankfully, the print books are available on Amazon.

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Huge Kroese fan. I approve.

I'm a huge Kroese fan and have probably listened to Starship Grifters more than a dozen times, plus at least 10 others by him. This one lacks the humor and satire you might be used to but it is still highly enjoyable. JD does a great job narrating.

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5 people found this helpful