FORTY. DRAGONS.
That is literally how many dragons I had to sort through over the weekend thanks to all your nominations and seconds.
I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY, YOU DRAGON-OBSESSED MANIACS.
What is it with fantasy authors and dragons, anyway? Don’t they have better things to write about?
And yes, I know my hair is on fire. So would yours be, if you had just been coping with that many dragons. Excuse me while I dump a bucket of water over my head.
Whew. That’s better. Now, let’s talk about our five finalists. The competition was fierce, as you can imagine, but we finally have our contenders for the Most Magnificent Dragon Silmaril. They will be appearing today in their dragon forms (regardless of whether they possess the ability to shapeshift into human form), which is why I’m holding this opening ceremony in Malcolm’s cavern. He was not happy about me making him move all his treasure into a different chamber.
Let me just open the envelope here…it’s a little charred…okay, here we go. First dragon:
Amber/Lady Dragon from the Rizkaland Legends series by Kendra E. Ardnek
A proud, impetuous woman who can transform herself into a dragon thanks to a magic dragon scale, Amber has been corrupted over the millennia by the dark sorcery she wields. She possesses the ability to transform her enemies into statues of ice. Unable to age or die, Amber has lived six thousand years, and has ruled two worlds. With the power of the dragon’s scale, will there be a third?
What’s that? No, thank you, ma’am. This is the Afterverse. It’s already got plenty of people/monsters/what-have-you trying to take it over. Very crowded field of candidates. I’d try a different universe if I were you. No, you’re not allowed to turn me into an ice statue just because you’re annoyed. You signed the same form everybody else did. Check Paragraph 19; it clearly addresses ice magic. My lawyer thinks of everything.
Next!
Clefspeare from the Dragons in Our Midst series by Bryan Davis
Clefspeare is also known by the human name Jared Bannister, and was granted a human guise centuries ago through divine intervention. A noble creature and a loving father, Clefspeare has a strong sense of honor and will protect those whom he loves, no matter the cost.
You know, I’ve got to say, it’s refreshing to meet a dragon without any megalomaniacal or kleptomaniacal tendencies. A pleasure to have you here, sir. Please ignore the other dragons; they mean well. Except possibly Amber.
Next contestant…
Saphira from the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
A good-hearted blue dragoness, and the loyal companion of the hero Eragon. Saphira is wise, proud, and fond of combat. The latter quality makes her rather terrifying at times, but at the end of the day, she will do what is right.
I already told you, Eragon couldn’t come. Humans aren’t allowed in this ceremony. Yes, I’m an exception. I’m the host. Get over it. And stop looking at me like I’m an hors d’oeuvre.
Next, we’ve got…hoo boy. This is gonna get awkward.
Julio Aquino from the Crockett and Crane series by Kyle Robert Shultz
Julio’s personality and behavior are deceptively youthful, but he’s actually thousands of years old. Julio is fiercely loyal to his friends, but has some mysterious and unresolved conflict with his family–specifically, his father. He speaks in a pronounced Quixotan (a.k.a. Spanish) accent.
Look, Julio, this is just as difficult for me as it is for you, so don’t start. Just stand over there with the others. It’s not my fault, I’m not the one who got you on this list. Blame the nominators. And you had better not FWOOM anything if you don’t win the award.
And, finally…
Malcolm Blackfire from the Beaumont and Beasley series, the Blackfire series, and any other Afterverse series he feels like showing up in by Kyle Robert Shultz
A Caledonian (Scottish) dragon with a short temper and a lack of patience for the shenanigans of non-dragonish species, particularly humans. Malcolm’s moral scruples usually outweigh his love for treasure and setting things on fire. However, he’s willing to do things others might consider questionable for the greater good, and there is a great deal of undisclosed darkness in his past.
Yes, thank you, Malcolm, I’ll stop you right there. I know all about your family issues, and I couldn’t care less. Sort them out on your own time. Just stand there next to your son and shut up. Yes, I did just tell you to shut up. I’m your author. I’m allowed to. And don’t you dare set my hair on fire again.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our five dragons. The rest is up to you. It’s time for you to vote! Use the form below to vote in all the categories for the Silmaril Awards. Be sure to visit the rest of the participating blogs via the links at the end of this post to learn more about the finalists in the other categories!
Malcolm gets my vote!
So hard, but of course Malcolm gets my vote. My brothers and I have been talking about how much we love Malcolm. He needs to win this title. (Sorry Julio [I love you too.], but I could only pick one.) #Malcolm4Life
I loved this “opening ceremony”! So fun!
I love it too! Kyle always does a wonderful job. I look forward to each and every one of his posts.
Thanks, Jenelle! I appreciate it! Loved your post as well. 😀
I’m voting for Malcolm he is the host after all:). *look around nervously*Please excuse me while I go hide in a bunker.
Well, technically, even though Malcolm is providing accommodations, SMAUG will be the actual host. Eep. But he’s not eligible to be voted for, so I think you’re safe.
Whew that’s a relief;)
40 dragons? You have my sympathy… but at the same time, yes, the dragon-obsessed maniac is very happy.
TBH, Amber DOES mean well, she just has a very warped concept of “well” these days.
Have fun with her, I’m enjoying my vacation!
She’s a very cool character! I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
Aaaaaaaaaahhhh how am I supposed to choose?! They’re all epic and magnificent. <3
Just wanted to mention, in case it’s not clear, make sure you vote in the form this time, not in the comments! Comments won’t count in this phase.
This was great! Only you would get in this situation of two of your characters awkwardly having to be together. XDD And I honestly don’t know if to be delighted or worried about Malcolm and Julio both being contestants. XD But also HOW DO I CHOOSE??? Malcolm, Julio, AND Clefspeare are three of my favorites!
Although *whispers*I’m leaning toward Malcolm because, well, it IS Malcolm.*whispers*
LOL! Thank you! Yeah, I’m in a similar bind, given that I’ve got two of my characters to choose from…leaning toward Malcolm as well, but I haven’t made a final decision yet. XD
AGH I DID IT, I VOTED. It took forever, BUT I VOTED. I also convinced a mildly-bookworm-ish (alas, not wyrm-ish) sibling to vote as well. So most of my second-favorites got votes and I don’t feel so bad about not choosing them (I didn’t manipulate his voting choices, I swear.) XD
Now if anyone needs me, I’ll be biting what’s left of my nails off and waiting for the sixteenth to arrive.
THE SUSPENSE
Thank you for voting!
I love this post so much! XD Wow. Lots of sparks flying over there. 😉 Poor Malcolm and Julio! XD #Malcolm4Life
I actually still need to vote. There are so many hard choices in most of the categories! *flails around*
I know!! I’m holding off voting until the last day because of possible ties, but I’m going to have some hard choices to make…
Glad you liked the post! 😀
Ha, this is so great! Poor you, though, having Malcolm AND Julio competing against each other and getting ticked off with you. XD (I almost read the “I’m your author” line as “I’m your mother” and don’t even know what to say about that, LOL…)
But HOW WILL I CHOOSE. THERE IS TOO MUCH MAGNIFICENCE HERE.