A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons Summary, Characters and Themes
A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons by J. Penner is an enchanting tale of unexpected bonds, self-discovery, and magical adventure. Set in the town of Adenashire, the story follows Doli Butterbuckle, a Dwarf who works at a bookstore, leading a quiet life far from her wealthy and demanding family.
When a mysterious dragon egg hatches into a mischievous baby dragon named Evvy, Doli’s world is turned upside down. Struggling with her family’s expectations and her newfound responsibility, Doli embarks on a journey of personal growth, friendship, and adventure, with the help of her diverse group of allies, including a Gargoyle named Sarson, as they navigate challenges and uncover hidden prophecies.
Summary
Doli Butterbuckle lives a simple life as a bookstore worker in Adenashire. Her family, however, has grand expectations for her, and Doli’s choice to live independently has created a rift between them.
Doli enjoys reading and sorting books in the back office of the store, but one day, she is caught reading a steamy romance novel by Verdreth, a teasing Orc who works at the store. Their light-hearted exchange is interrupted by the arrival of a fascinating customer, Sarson, a Gargoyle with blue skin and wings.
Doli is captivated by him, but the moment is soon overshadowed by the discovery of a mysterious box left to her by her estranged uncle, Thorras. Inside, she finds strange objects, including a gaudy vase and a Dragon’s egg, which begins to hatch, setting in motion a series of events that will change her life forever.
As Doli grapples with the significance of the Dragon’s egg, her internal conflict intensifies. She is caught between her desire to live a life of independence and the pressure from her family, especially her critical mother, who questions every decision Doli makes.
Her friends, including Jez, a Fennex with magical scent abilities, offer their support, while Sarson, the Gargoyle, unexpectedly becomes an ally. Though initially distant, Doli and Sarson’s bond begins to deepen, and together, they try to make sense of the egg’s mystery.
When Doli’s parents come to visit, they are horrified to learn that Doli has inherited a Dragon’s egg, and her mother insists that the creature should be taken back to Dundes Heights. Doli, however, defends her right to care for the dragon.
Meanwhile, the dragon, now named Evvy, causes chaos in the bookstore, including an incident where it escapes and wreaks havoc in the town’s bakery. In the aftermath, Sarson uses his calming magic to subdue Evvy, and Doli’s frustration with her parents grows.
Despite the tension, Doli realizes that she needs to take responsibility for Evvy and begins to assert her independence.
Over time, Doli’s relationship with Sarson becomes more complex. He invites her to a picnic, and they spend time together discussing the dragon and their shared interests.
Doli, while learning about the importance of caring for a magical creature, continues to face challenges with her parents. Her mother is relentless in her criticism, particularly regarding Doli’s unconventional relationship with Sarson.
The tension culminates in an awkward dinner gathering where Doli’s parents question Sarson’s intentions. Though Sarson remains calm and composed, the evening is uncomfortable, and Doli is forced to navigate the complexity of her family’s expectations and her own desires.
As Doli struggles with the weight of her responsibilities, she is faced with another crisis when Evvy goes missing. Panic sets in, but Jez uses her magical tracking abilities to locate the dragon.
Sarson offers his assistance, and they embark on a search to bring Evvy back. When they find her, Sarson and Doli’s connection grows stronger, and Sarson agrees to help Doli with Evvy’s training.
However, the situation takes a darker turn when a mysterious wizard, Zanzidore, appears. It is revealed that he has been using magic to manipulate Evvy, and the group must act quickly to protect her.
In a dramatic confrontation, Sarson faces off against Zanzidore to save Evvy. Doli’s latent magical abilities unexpectedly surface, and with her newfound powers, she helps defeat the wizard.
As the battle ends, Evvy transforms into her true dragon form, signaling her destiny as a protector. With Zanzidore captured, Doli’s role as Evvy’s guardian becomes clear.
The group, now united, prepares for the challenges ahead.
In the aftermath of the battle, Doli’s relationship with Sarson deepens. They share moments of closeness, and their bond grows stronger, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Doli reflects on the journey she has undergone, from struggling with her family’s expectations to finding her true path as a guardian to a dragon. The support of her friends and Sarson, along with her newfound sense of responsibility, gives her the strength to face the future with hope and determination.
The story concludes with a peaceful picnic, where Doli, Sarson, and their friends enjoy a moment of respite. As Doli looks to the future, she realizes that she is no longer defined by her family’s expectations.
Instead, she has carved out her own destiny, one that involves love, friendship, and the care of a magical creature. The bonds she has formed with those around her have given her the strength to embrace the unknown, and she is ready for whatever challenges may come next.
Characters
Doli Butterbuckle
Doli Butterbuckle is a Dwarf who works at a bookstore in Adenashire. At the heart of her character is a sense of rebellion, as she distances herself from the wealthy and demanding expectations of her family back in Dundes Heights.
Instead of following the traditional path of her aristocratic upbringing, Doli chooses a quiet and independent life, often escaping to the peaceful environment of her bookstore. However, she is not entirely free from her family’s influence, as her inner conflict with their expectations weighs heavily on her throughout the story.
Doli’s growth is central to the narrative as she navigates her complicated feelings toward her family, her unexpected responsibility as a guardian to a Dragon’s egg, and her blossoming relationship with Sarson, the Gargoyle. Her journey is one of self-discovery, where she learns to assert her independence and prove her capability to care for Evvy, the dragon, despite the doubts cast by her family and her own insecurities.
Through the trials and triumphs of her daily life, Doli gradually transforms into a more confident and self-assured individual, embracing her role in the world that was once foreign to her.
Sarson
Sarson, a Gargoyle, plays a pivotal role in Doli’s life as both an unexpected ally and a deepening emotional connection. Initially introduced as a somewhat mysterious figure, Sarson’s history as the Head Librarian of the Ridgelands gives him an air of wisdom and authority, making him an intriguing character to those around him.
Despite his stoic and composed exterior, Sarson is sensitive to the struggles Doli faces, especially in her relationship with her parents and her role as the caretaker of the dragon. He becomes an essential support system for Doli, offering his expertise in magical matters and showing her warmth and understanding when she feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities.
Sarson’s calm demeanor and unwavering sense of justice are balanced by his growing bond with Doli, where he demonstrates patience and care. His involvement in the fight against Zanzidore, along with his background in history and magical creatures, positions him as a crucial figure in Doli’s journey, not only as a protector but also as someone who helps Doli see her potential.
Their relationship evolves from mere companionship to something deeper, with Sarson playing a key role in Doli’s growth as both a guardian and an individual.
Evvy
Evvy, the baby dragon, is the catalyst for much of the transformation and development in Doli’s life. Hatching unexpectedly from an egg left to her by her late uncle, Evvy quickly becomes the object of Doli’s care and the source of much of the chaos in her world.
Despite her small size, Evvy’s playful and mischievous nature often leads to trouble, especially when she escapes and wreaks havoc in public spaces. However, beneath her unpredictable antics, Evvy symbolizes a greater responsibility that Doli must learn to embrace.
As the dragon grows, it becomes evident that there is more to her than meets the eye—she is a magical creature bound by ancient prophecies, and her connection to Doli runs deeper than just that of a pet and owner. Evvy’s transformation into her true dragon form at the end of the story signifies her true purpose and the pivotal role she will play in Doli’s future.
Her presence challenges Doli to rise to her potential, to manage her fears, and to accept the larger role that destiny has in store for her. Evvy’s mischievousness serves as a counterpoint to Doli’s internal struggles, offering both comedic relief and a deeper metaphor for the complexities of caring for something that requires trust, love, and responsibility.
Jez
Jez, a Fennex, is one of Doli’s closest friends and a reliable companion throughout her journey. Known for her magical scent-tracking abilities, Jez provides essential support when Evvy goes missing or when Doli faces challenges she cannot handle alone.
Jez’s playful and teasing nature often lightens the mood, and her teasing about Doli’s emotions adds an element of humor to the narrative. However, Jez is more than just a source of light-hearted moments.
Her loyalty and keen sense of empathy allow her to offer sound advice when Doli is conflicted, particularly in matters relating to family and relationships. Jez’s interactions with Doli also serve to highlight Doli’s emotional growth, as Jez frequently challenges her to confront her insecurities and the complexities of her relationships with those around her.
Despite her teasing, Jez is deeply supportive of Doli, showing up time and again when Doli needs guidance, comfort, or even assistance in magical matters. Through Jez, Doli finds a steady friend who remains by her side even as the challenges around her grow more complicated.
Uldrick and Gingrilin
Uldrick and Gingrilin, Doli’s parents, represent the societal expectations and pressures Doli is constantly trying to escape. Uldrick, with his stern and pragmatic nature, embodies the traditional values of their noble family, while Gingrilin, ever-critical and dismissive of Doli’s choices, serves as the voice of opposition to Doli’s more unconventional life.
Their arrival in Adenashire to visit Doli brings a great deal of tension into her world, especially as they question her lifestyle, her connection to Sarson, and her ability to care for the dragon. While Uldrick occasionally shows some respect for Doli’s decisions, Gingrilin is adamantly critical, making Doli feel as though she is constantly failing to meet their expectations.
Despite their disapproval, the dynamic between Doli and her parents evolves throughout the story. Doli begins to assert herself more confidently, pushing back against their criticism and learning to stand up for her choices, particularly regarding Evvy.
Her parents serve as a catalyst for Doli’s personal growth, forcing her to confront the limitations placed on her by her family and to chart her own course, one that does not rely on their approval. In the end, their relationship remains fraught with tension, but Doli’s increasing independence marks a shift in how she deals with their presence in her life.
Themes
Family Expectations and Independence
The conflict between familial expectations and personal independence is a dominant theme throughout A Fellowship of Librarians n Dragons. Doli’s strained relationship with her family, especially with her parents, underscores her journey of self-discovery and independence.
Raised in a wealthy family in Dundes Heights, Doli initially rebelled against her parents’ high expectations, seeking a quieter and more fulfilling life in Adenashire, where she works at a bookstore. The inheritance of the Dragon’s egg forces her to confront her past and the pressure to conform to her family’s traditional values.
Her parents, particularly her mother, dismiss her choices, constantly questioning her ability to manage her life and responsibilities. This tension grows when Doli is confronted with the fact that she is now responsible for raising a dragon, a creature her parents view as too burdensome for someone like her.
As the story progresses, Doli’s growing sense of self and her determination to care for Evvy, the dragon, represent her desire to break free from her family’s expectations. Despite her parents’ criticism and attempts to control her life, Doli’s decision to fiercely protect Evvy reflects her rejection of their ideals and her growing independence.
Her interactions with her friends and Sarson, the Gargoyle, further illustrate her shift towards asserting her independence. The theme of balancing familial ties with personal desires is explored through Doli’s inner conflict and her evolving relationships with her parents and friends.
By the end of the novel, Doli has found a sense of balance between honoring her past and embracing her future, marking her transition from a passive daughter to an empowered individual capable of defining her own path.
Personal Growth and Transformation
The theme of personal growth and transformation runs throughout Doli’s journey in A Fellowship of Librarians n Dragons, with Doli’s evolution as both a person and a caregiver at the heart of the story. From the beginning, she is depicted as someone who is unsure of herself and trapped between the expectations of her family and the reality of her life in Adenashire.
Her inheritance of the Dragon egg serves as a catalyst for her transformation, pushing her to confront her deepest fears, uncertainties, and aspirations. Doli’s growth is reflected in her increasing confidence in managing the challenges that come with caring for Evvy, the dragon, and her ability to stand up to her parents’ criticism.
As Doli navigates her relationship with Sarson, her developing feelings for him mirror her personal growth. Sarson’s support and wisdom, particularly his teachings about dragons and their caregivers, help Doli recognize her own strengths.
She learns to accept her flaws, understand her desires, and make decisions that reflect her true self, rather than seeking approval from others. Her journey is not only about discovering her capacity to care for Evvy but also about realizing her own worth and potential as an individual.
This theme is further reinforced by her eventual success in using her latent magical abilities to defeat the antagonist, Zanzidore, showcasing her untapped power and inner strength. By the end of the novel, Doli has transformed from a reluctant daughter into a confident and capable woman, ready to embrace her destiny as Evvy’s guardian.
Friendship and Support
The theme of friendship and the importance of a supportive community plays a crucial role in A Fellowship of Librarians n Dragons, especially in Doli’s personal journey. Throughout the book, Doli’s friends, including Arleta, Jez, and Taenya, offer unwavering support as she faces the many challenges in her life.
Their companionship serves as a reminder that, while family may provide a sense of obligation and expectation, it is the bonds of friendship that offer true understanding and loyalty. These friends are the ones who help Doli navigate the difficulties of caring for Evvy, and their magical abilities, such as Jez’s scent-tracking skills, prove invaluable in moments of crisis.
Their willingness to assist Doli, even when the situation seems hopeless, exemplifies the strength of their friendship and the power of community.
Doli’s connection with Sarson, the Gargoyle, also evolves into a deep and meaningful relationship that transcends mere friendship. Sarson becomes not only an ally in her journey to care for Evvy but also a mentor and confidant.
As they spend more time together, Doli comes to rely on Sarson’s wisdom and emotional support, finding solace in his calm demeanor and his ability to reassure her in moments of doubt. The theme of friendship is further highlighted in Doli’s interactions with her friends and Sarson, showing that personal growth often occurs in the context of relationships built on mutual trust and respect.
The bonds Doli forms with those around her are pivotal in helping her navigate the challenges that life throws her way, and the theme of friendship serves as a foundation for her eventual success and happiness.
Responsibility and Caregiving
The theme of responsibility, especially in the context of caregiving, is central to A Fellowship of Librarians n Dragons. Doli’s sudden responsibility for the dragon, Evvy, represents a major turning point in her life, one that challenges her ability to care for a creature far beyond her expectations.
The dragon, a rare and magical being, is not just a pet, but a symbol of Doli’s capacity to nurture and protect something greater than herself. This newfound responsibility is not without its difficulties, as Evvy’s mischievous nature causes chaos in Doli’s life, particularly when the dragon escapes and disrupts her day-to-day activities.
However, as Doli’s relationship with Evvy deepens, she comes to understand the significance of her role as the dragon’s caregiver. The challenges of managing a magical creature reflect broader themes of responsibility, maturity, and the growth that comes with taking on difficult tasks.
Throughout the story, Doli learns that responsibility is not just about meeting expectations but about embracing the challenges and rewards that come with it. Her determination to protect and care for Evvy, despite the criticism from her family and the difficulties she faces, ultimately leads to her personal growth and transformation.
The theme of responsibility also extends to her relationships with others, as Doli must learn to balance her duties to Evvy with her relationships with her parents and friends, highlighting the complexities of caregiving and the sacrifices it entails. By the end of the novel, Doli fully accepts her responsibility as Evvy’s guardian, marking her maturation as a person who is capable of both selflessness and strength.
Love and Relationships
Love, both romantic and platonic, is a significant theme in A Fellowship of Librarians n Dragons, with Doli’s evolving feelings for Sarson providing the emotional core of the story. Initially, Doli’s relationship with Sarson is one of mutual respect and understanding, but as the story progresses, their bond deepens, with Doli developing romantic feelings for the Gargoyle.
This relationship represents a shift in Doli’s emotional growth, as she begins to embrace the possibility of love outside the conventional norms set by her family. Sarson, with his calm demeanor and wisdom, provides the stability Doli needs in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.
Their connection offers a source of comfort and emotional fulfillment, allowing Doli to open up in ways she has never done before.
The romantic aspect of their relationship contrasts with Doli’s complicated feelings towards her parents, who disapprove of her choices and lifestyle. This tension between family expectations and romantic desires highlights the difficulties of navigating relationships in the face of societal pressures.
At the same time, Doli’s relationship with Sarson reflects the theme of finding love in unexpected places. As the story unfolds, Doli’s feelings for Sarson evolve from admiration to deep affection, culminating in a bond that is integral to her personal growth.
The theme of love also extends to the friendships that support Doli, showing that love is not confined to romantic relationships but is also found in the loyalty and care of friends. In the end, Doli’s relationships, both romantic and platonic, help her find her place in the world and give her the strength to face the challenges ahead.