Step into the vibrant, dragon-filled streets of New Orleans with the Griffen McCandles series, where fantasy meets humor in a whirlwind of adventure! Created by Robert Lynn Asprin and continued by Jody Lynn Nye, this urban fantasy saga follows Griffen and Valerie McCandles, siblings who discover they’re near-pureblood dragons. Set against the sultry backdrop of the Big Easy, their journey blends quirky humor, supernatural intrigue, and the city’s rich cultural tapestry, making it a hidden gem for fantasy fans.
With a cast of renegade dragons, voodoo practitioners, and shady gamblers, the series hooks you with its playful tone and high-stakes drama. Whether you’re drawn to tales of self-discovery or the allure of a magical New Orleans, Griffen McCandles delivers a fresh spin on dragon lore that’s as lively as a Mardi Gras parade.
How Griffen McCandles Began
Robert Asprin, renowned for his humorous MythAdventures series, launched Griffen McCandles with Dragons Wild in 2008, inspired by his love for New Orleans, where he lived until his passing in 2008. Asprin’s knack for blending comedy with fantasy shines here, creating a world where dragons hide among humans. After his death, Jody Lynn Nye, a seasoned collaborator on Asprin’s Myth books, took the reins, using his outlines to continue the series. Their partnership ensured the series retained its signature wit and charm, rooted in Asprin’s vision of a magical Big Easy.
The Heart of Griffen McCandles
The series spans four books, each diving deeper into Griffen and Valerie’s dragon heritage. Dragons Wild (2008) introduces Griffen, a charming con artist who learns he’s a dragon and flees to New Orleans to run an illegal gambling ring, only to face dragon politics and a legendary slayer, ‘the George.’ Dragons Luck (2009) ramps up the stakes as Griffen navigates a supernatural conclave and romantic entanglements. Dragons Deal (2010), co-authored by Nye, sees Griffen crowned king of a dragon-led Mardi Gras krewe, battling a conspiracy to ruin his business. Dragons Run (2013), penned by Nye, follows Griffen as he searches for his kidnapped sister, Valerie, while protecting a dragon politician.
Themes of identity, family, and resilience pulse through the series, wrapped in Asprin’s signature humor and Nye’s seamless continuation. New Orleans itself is a character, with its jazz-filled cafes, voodoo shops, and Mardi Gras revelry adding vibrant flavor. The mix of urban fantasy, comedic misadventures, and dragon lore sets the series apart, appealing to readers who love lighthearted yet thrilling tales.
Why Griffen McCandles Resonates
Though not as widely known as Asprin’s MythAdventures, the Griffen McCandles series has carved a niche among urban fantasy fans for its unique blend of humor and heart. Its vivid portrayal of New Orleans captures the city’s magic, earning praise for its ‘colorful’ storytelling and ‘quirky humor’ from outlets like Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its relatable characters and fast-paced plots, though some note Dragons Run lacks the earlier books’ spark. The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance fantastical dragon drama with the grounded, chaotic charm of human life in the Big Easy.
- Publication Years: 2008–2013
- Number of Books: 4
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Humor
Ready to join Griffen and Valerie on their dragon-powered adventure? Grab Dragons Wild and dive into the magical, mischievous world of the Griffen McCandles series!