How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing is set in the Viking world we all know and love, on the Isle of Berk. If you’ve read the original How to Train Your Dragon series like I have, you’ll be so excited for this. I’ve read every single book in the original 12 book series by Cressida Cowell and I absolutely devoured them.

This brand new series, How to Train Your Dragon School, is a spinoff set in the same world. It brings us right back to Berk but with new challenges, new dragons and new adventures. You don’t need to have read the original series to enjoy this book as it introduces everyone and makes it super easy to jump into the story.

The story follows Hiccup and his dragons Toothless and Windwalker as they embark on a seemingly routine lesson in “The Art of Battle.” There’s a school for Vikings and dragons and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is right in the middle of it.

Hiccup is supposed to be a great hero like his dad Stoick the Vast but at school no one takes him seriously. I felt a bit bad for him at the start but when a distress call comes in from the Bog Burglars everything changes. There’s a giant storm… a sinking ship… and a terrifying dragon.

Hiccup and his dragons Toothless and Windwalker, along with Fishlegs, must brave the wild sea aboard a rickety old boat called The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4. And they’re on a rescue mission to save Camicazi.

It. Was. EPIC.

There’s action, danger, friendship, bravery and of course a TON of dragon mayhem. I loved going back to the Isle of Berk. I’ve missed Hiccup, Fishlegs, Camicazi and Toothless so much. And now there are new dragons and even more surprises.

Author Cressida Cowell keeps coming up with the most incredible dragon ideas. I have no clue how she does it.

This book is not just about adventure. It’s also about friendship, being brave even when you’re scared and learning to trust yourself.

I’m giving this book a giant dragon sized thumbs up. I think the How to Train Your Dragon School series is going to be a HUGE hit and I can’t wait for the next book.

The story here felt a good deal simpler than the previous instalments in the franchise but it was still good fun and had the usual high energy illustrations. Toothless remains an absolute joy of a character and it was lovely to see all of the familiar faces. I think it may have been set roughly between book 6 and 7 but I am not fully sure. By length and structure, I can see that this is a book that my six year-old will find easier to tackle solo than some of the original series so I have no doubt that it will be high on his wish list. Hooray for Hiccup and all his band of allies!

Huzzah, the madcap exploits of Hiccup continue in this joyous tale of bravery and friendship. Cowell never lets her readers down as you know when you pick up one of her stories, that you will be entertained. This latest story is fun and dramatic, which fans of all ages will love. It has the expected splash of Cowell’s stupendous illustrations scattered throughout, which bring even more charm to Hiccup’s adventures.

Every new book by Cowell fills my heart with happiness. She transports the reader to a place of wonderment, long may she continue!

I believe this is set somewhere between books 6 and 7 in the original series but it’s been so long since I read them that I have no idea how accurate to the other books it is. I definitely would’ve enjoyed it more if I’d been reading it during my original how to train your dragon phase so I’m sure it would be more popular among middle-grade children. I liked the illustrations throughout the book. The main reason it lost a star for me is that the plot doesn’t feel as high stakes or well developed as the books in the original series, so I felt like it could’ve been longer to account for that. That being said, I did enjoy reading it and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the How To Train Your Dragon School series contains.

Thank you so much to netgalley for providing me with a free arc in return for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Cressida Cowell is just such a brilliant writer, there is nothing of hers that one wouldn't enjoy. I have also enjoyed her more recent series about the blended family of siblings with someone unusual powers which I have been able to read - and loved so far.

In this book we revisit Hiccup and his dragons and his eccentric and delightful friends, who as usual are caught up in some serious misadventures, this time involving a gigantic sea creature that is wreaking havoc in the region.

This time, it is Hiccup's brave friend from the neighbouring Bog Burglar tribe who gets to have her moment in the sun, and resulting in a great deal of fun for the reader. Like all her other books, this one is not to be missed!

My son absolutely loves dragons so this was a must for him!
He loved the illustrations and maps and the different text throughout. It really brought the story to life for him.
He enjoyed getting to know the different characters, but especially liked meeting all the different dragons, although Toothless will always be his favourite!
I look forward to the paperback we can fully enjoy this story, with all its illustrations.

I only had to mention Cressida Cowell and the excitement from the children was overwhelming ! A return to the life and times of Hiccup and his wonderfully amusing dragons. Universally loved by our family.

My daughter, Safiyyah, has been a Cressida Cowell fan for as long as I can remember so I had to request this book as soon as I seen it! Safiyyah was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book prior to release and give her feedback.

"This book was very enjoyable. I like the character and dragon personalities, my personal favourite is Gobber, he stands out to me and is very funny. I think the book is interesting, though it is partly similar to the first - Hiccup saving a tribe from a giant dragon - but its still good nonetheless, I like the scene of the dark hooded figure flying down with the dragon, and terrifying the hooligan tribe. I also laughed a lot at the "Hiccup is so bad at this that he is amoeba level!" It's cool how you entertwined Sun Tzu's art of war into the book, overall I quite enjoyed it and I rate it an 4/5 :)"

Definitely a must read for How to Train Your Dragon fans!

I read this alongside my 10 year old nephew who is a huge fan of the Cressida Cowell books and we both loved it.
The writing is perfect for the age group it is aimed at.
There is adventure, funny moments and images that make it such a fun read.
The familiarity of the characters from Cressida’s other books makes it easy to get hooked straight away.

Anticipation runs high for fans of the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” series as Cressida Cowell invites us back to the enchanting Isle of Berk in her latest installment, How to Train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing” Thank you to Hachette Children's Books who have graciously provided an advanced reader's copy on NetGalley , and it does not disappoint. Set to be released this May, just in time for the new live-action film, this book is destined to capture the hearts of young readers everywhere.

It truly brought back some wonderful memories of nostalgia and pure adventurous escapism as I read the how to train your Dragon book series growing up.

From the very first page, readers are swept into a whirlwind of hilarity and adventure alongside Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and his loyal compatriots, Toothless and Windwalker. Cowell masterfully blends uproarious humour—interspersed with those infamous dragon poop moments—and delightful illustrations that make the story leap off the page, creating an experience rich with nostalgia for fans who grew up with the series like myself. The whimsical charm of the Viking lifestyle, complete with unforgettable characters, continues to resonate, drawing us into a world where the stakes are high, and the laughter is boundless.

“Doom of the Darkwing” introduces us to the challenges Hiccup faces at the Viking and Dragon Training School, where expectations loom large, particularly those set by his formidable father, Stoick the Vast. In a world where chaos is as routine as dragon training, Hiccup navigates lessons that veer well off course—from disastrous battle strategies to unexpected encounters with looming threats. The narrative embraces the idea that leadership is complex, as we learn that being chief comes first before being a father and that Hiccup doesn’t do things in the most hooligan fashion but in his own unique way and most importantly the lesson I took from reading is that 'There's no such thing as im-possible,''Only im-probable.

The action escalates when Hiccup and his friends must rise to the occasion upon receiving an urgent distress signal from the neighboring Bog Burglar tribe. With their rickety vessel, The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4, they plunge into a tempest of trials that tests their bravery, wit, and friendship. Cowell's engaging writing style, paired with her vibrant illustrations, enhances the storytelling while keeping young readers captivated.

As the characters embark on their comedic escapades, the book serves as both an exciting adventure and a gentle reminder for its young audience about the power of perseverance, creativity, and camaraderie. The cleverly designed learning structure and character sketches further invite readers to immerse themselves in this fantastical world, making them feel part of the exhilarating journey.

Cressida Cowell has crafted yet another thrilling chapter in the “How to Train Your Dragon” saga with this newly discovered short adventure stories through How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing. As Hiccup learns to navigate the complexities of Viking and Dragon school while maintaining his unique approach to challenges, readers will find themselves enchanted by the heartwarming and humour-filled narrative. This latest offering is not just a must-read for fans; it is a delightful treasure that will inspire and entertain the next generation of dragon trainers. A truly magnificent beginning to what promises to be a beloved series for years to come!

Review written after being given an online version by Hachette Children's Books on NetGalley.

Cressida Cowell has done it again!

This book is nostalgic, funny and heart warming. It took me right back to my childhood when I read the books for the first time. I loved this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves going on an adventure to lands we wish we could visit. The illustrations helped carry the narrative with you as you went on the journey with all the familiar characters like Hiccup but also brand new ones. The text is accessible for all especially young children who struggle to focus on reading.
A fantastic book which I can't wait to read it again!!