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A Gathering of Dwarfs: Dead Dragons Gold - Book 1 (Lost Legends, Missing Myths and Forgotten Fables) Kindle Edition

by Ben Hammott (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 47 ratings
"This book will appeal to fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld Sagas."

"An exciting humorous fantasy adventure which reveals what happened to the 7 dwarfs after Prince Charming had claimed Snow White as his bride."

"A dark fantasy tale interjected with humour interwoven in an original plot that will change your view of Snow White's seven dwarfs."

"If you like your fantasy stories full of originality and humour, this is the book for you and one for Pratchett fans of all ages. Highly recommended."

Dead Dragons Gold - Book 1 - A Gathering of Dwarfs

Not every Fairy Tale ends happily for all...

A dauntless young hero.

An impossible quest.

A Hunt for Dead Dragons Gold...

We all know Snow White lived happily ever after, but what happened to the seven dwarfs? 
When their diamond mine becomes choked with the barbed roots of the thorny hedge the wicked queen erected around their land the dwarfs are forced to split up and survive using their various talents of Assassin, Thief, Bounty Hunter, Medicus, Pirate, Inventor and Priest.

After many years their lives change with the appearance of an unlikely young adventurer whose plan is to plunder the treasure hoards of the many long dead dragons. However, to achieve this he needs the foremost book on dragons containing a map depicting every location of the deceased dragons lairs. A snag in his plan is only one copy of this book exists, and it's in possession of the wicked queen who was not killed as the popular story would have everyone believe but is very much alive. Banished to the top of a lonely mountain she will only relinquish her ownership of the book if he can set her free.

All he has to do is track down the seven dwarfs scattered across the kingdom and convince them to persuade the wizard to lift the curse from the one they most hate. It will be a far from easy task.

For the first time, the fate of the seven dwarfs is revealed in an exciting, original story of heroic adventure, strange lands, terrifying creatures, death, dangerous deeds and dead dragons gold that takes place ten years after Snow White leaves with her not so charming prince.

A fantasy adventure about what happens when someone who isn't destined to be a hero slaps fate around the face and tries to be one anyway.

"I enjoyed this read. It was funny, exciting action and adventurous."

"...had me laughing out loud, what an enjoyable read."

"A great twist on a well known fairy tale."

*** This book was previously named Prelude to Adventure ***

A Free sample of this book is available to download at the right side of this page.

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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    184 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 30, 2014
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

A Gathering of Dwarfs: Dead Dragons Gold - Book 1 banner

A new take on the saga of the seven dwarfs when they set out into the world to make their fortunes

Dead Dragons Gold

Follow the individual stories of each dwarf as they use their various skills to carry out their adventurous trades.

Concluding with a meeting with a mysterious stranger who offers them an opportunity of a lifetime.

To hear it, they each must travel to the Dragon Slayers Inn, in Shadowmoor, when the May moon is at its fullest.

What is this proposal?

Who is this mysterious stranger entering each of their lives at the most opportune moment?

Join the adventure to find out

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00K1ZPHI4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ben Hammott
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

About the author

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Ben Hammott

Ben Hammott

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Former global adventurer, currently a writer of thrillers, with a mind full of monsters. Ben Hammott is a British author living in England with his human family and more than the average number of cats.

Most of his published works fall under the broad category of ‘thriller,’ getting there by way of horror, fantasy or historical mystery. Two of his many novels, ‘Hell Ship: The Flying Dutchman’ and ‘Ice Rift,’ are now available on audio.

Though now firmly based back in the UK, he wrote most of his books while travelling across Europe, until a certain global pandemic forced a change of direction. Until that point, he could genuinely style himself as something of an adventurer and explorer, making a few small discoveries and finding his way into locations not seen by the public in decades (including one small misadventure in a dinghy that’s still a sore spot for the person who leant it to him).

When he’s not writing, Ben spends his time exploring his passion for resin moulding and 3D printing, and constructing ever more new climbing places for his cats, while insisting to anybody who will listen that he’s not a cat person.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
47 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining and well-written, with characters that are likeable and have distinct personalities. The story is clever, with one customer noting it's filled with smart remarks and action.

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EnjoymentWriting qualityPersonalityStory quality
9 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive1 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and funny, with one customer noting that the plot is never boring.

"...The character gets each have their own style and voice. The plot is never boring, absolutely filled with smart remarks and action...." Read more

"A fun, comical tale of what happens after a classic fairytale ends. I adore how two of the dwarfs are women. This tale is bursting with laughs...." Read more

"...The wicked queen, the magic mirror, a very funny talking crossbow, and more than one monster and wizard romp through the pages of Seven Dwarfs and..." Read more

"...After a 70 is not very old. Well written. A worthy adventure." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting its descriptive style.

"...I enjoyed how descriptive this author's writing is because it will pull you into the story instead making you feel as though you are passively..." Read more

"...I think there are those who will enjoy this story, and it's well enough written, for the most part. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good fit for me...." Read more

"This may be pointed at a young audience but it is well written and I liked it. After a 70 is not very old. Well written. A worthy adventure." Read more

"A very good read!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Personality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the characters in the book, noting that they are likeable and have distinct personalities.

"...The hero, Kane is a great character. I expected go dislike the Wizard, they are usually so predictable. Nope, not in this case...." Read more

"...And I also felt the world was well built and vivid, and the characters unique...." Read more

"...They are all interesting characters on their own, with different personalities that will create interesting conflicts in the future...." Read more

"...The characters have a likeable approach and are all different in personalities which makes it more interesting to read...." Read more

4 customers mention "Story quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the clever story of the book, with one customer noting it is filled with smart remarks and action.

"...This is a really clever story, told by a expert story teller. The character gets each have their own style and voice...." Read more

"...There were a few things I enjoyed. I thought it was an interesting take on the tale, showing the dwarves and Crudith (the Evil Queen) after Snow..." Read more

"A very good read! This is a sort of introductory story, the beginning of a series where all of the dwarfs are brought together for the eventual..." Read more

"...have been familiar with the common story of Snow White, but this story was newer and has been written well...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • AndrewO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful ! Totally delightful !
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    On a whim, I picked up this one.
    Oh boy, am I glad I did !
    This is a really clever story, told by a expert story teller.
    The character gets each have their own style and voice.
    The plot is never boring, absolutely filled with smart remarks and action.
    The hero, Kane is a great character.
    I expected go dislike the Wizard, they are usually so predictable.
    Nope, not in this case.
    If I had to try to balance my opinions, against all the positive ?
    It's too short !
    There is a lot more I want to know about Crudith.
    And, the Wizard.
    Well, yeah, and crew of 7.
    And EVERYTHING !
    This is a really enjoyable tale.
    And = Bonus = there is a book 2 !
    Get moving, there is a lot to read !
    AndrewO, in San Jose, California.
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  • Mecurial
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Gathering of Laughs
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A fun, comical tale of what happens after a classic fairytale ends. I adore how two of the dwarfs are women. This tale is bursting with laughs. It's as well written as it is humorous. After Snow White is awoken, the dwarfs are forced to abandon their diamond mines and go their separate ways to seek work elsewhere. This story follows the tale of a young adventurer and the dwarfs. Nothing is predictable, and will leave you turning page after page until you finish the book and demand for the sequel. Intelligently written, this story is entertaining. I enjoyed how descriptive this author's writing is because it will pull you into the story instead making you feel as though you are passively standing on the sidelines.
    4 stars only because the plot was sluggish.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Angel Leya
    3.0 out of 5 stars A fairy tale spinoff, where the characters are far from pure and wholesome and their motives are just as muddy.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In A Gathering of Dwarfs, Snow White's seven dwarves--having fulfilled their duty to keep her safe until she had awaken and cursed the Evil Queen to do no harm--disband to set off on their own adventures.

    Meanwhile, Kane, a young man with a taste for adventure and an idea to make himself wildly rich, becomes entangled in the story as the dwarves are called to a meeting place, one by one. It's a tale of hijinx and adventure, where the characters are far from pure and wholesome and their motives are just as muddy.

    There were a few things I enjoyed. I thought it was an interesting take on the tale, showing the dwarves and Crudith (the Evil Queen) after Snow White. We find each of the dwarves mid-adventure, taking on pygmies and demons and sorcerers. I liked how the stories of the dwarves were woven in with the story of Kane and his quest, and how that all tied together. And I also felt the world was well built and vivid, and the characters unique.

    There were a few things that didn't work for me. Like the prologue, which details Snow White's rescue by Prince Charming. I love my fairy tales, but this was so irreverent to the original that I was borderline offended. Charming was crude and unappealing, the focus on the females in the scene were all about sex appeal, and apparently, Charming's awful behavior could be forgotten with a single kiss. And Snow White willingly pranced off with *that*. Oh yeah, and it's implied that most of the dwarves had fondled Snow White at one point or another. Just ugh.

    There were a few more typos and mistakes than I prefer to see - the one on the first page sets a sort of precedent for the entire novel ("Evident from the sword held ready to strike and the cautious manner in which the owner of the horse approaches the cottage, *is* he suspects danger may lie in wait for him.").

    Those issues aside, we delve into the main plot, which is far more entertaining and far less offensive. Still, I had difficulty fully enjoying the story.

    The humor is the crude kind (though not so much in language as in body humor and such), which always fails to amuse me.

    The author tends to favor backing into sentences, as well as long and winding thoughts. A few more periods and a little more getting to the point would have greatly improved the experience.
    (i.e. "Except for the barking of a small pack of dogs roaming the streets looking for scraps of food dropped or discarded by the stallholders from the market held in the town square earlier, I neither hear or glimpse any other sign of life. The dimness of the night and my dark grey clothing, chosen to blend in with the similar coloured stonework I climb, renders me almost invisible to anyone who might raise their eyes towards the tower.")

    There was a minor inconsistency, in which Kane is promised a new face by a magic mirror, but never appears to have received it.

    I think there are those who will enjoy this story, and it's well enough written, for the most part. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good fit for me. A shame, too, because the story held so many appealing elements.
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  • kybookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magic and monsters and a lot of laughs!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Seven Dwarfs is a really fun read, and I laughed out loud more than once while reading it! Once Snow White is carried off by Prince Charming, the dwarfs are free to pursue their own adventures and they do. Each dwarf has his or her (yes, two are women!) own chapter that could be read as a standalone short story. The last few paragraphs of each dwarf’s story ties them all together through the appearance of a mysterious hooded man who invites each one to a secret meeting and an opportunity that will be revealed to them there. The wicked queen, the magic mirror, a very funny talking crossbow, and more than one monster and wizard romp through the pages of Seven Dwarfs and give the reader a grand old time!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Young adult fiction. Well written.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This may be pointed at a young audience but it is well written and I liked it. After a 70 is not very old. Well written. A worthy adventure.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great first entry into a new series!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A very good read! This is a sort of introductory story, the beginning of a series where all of the dwarfs are brought together for the eventual trials they will undergo.

    They are all interesting characters on their own, with different personalities that will create interesting conflicts in the future. I think Medicus is my favorite dwarf, because I've always been drawn to healers and the stories about them.

    Overall, a solid first entry into this series. Not a lot of huge plot arcs are developed or solved, but it gives me hope for the books coming down the pipe. Worth the read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Abraham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good story and likeable
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this read. It was funny, exciting, action and adventurous. Although the story might have been familiar with the common story of Snow White, but this story was newer and has been written well.

    The characters have a likeable approach and are all different in personalities which makes it more interesting to read.

    I think teens and adults will enjoy this book for it's originality, but then again, it's newer and more of a better read for those age groups.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ben
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cant wait for more
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a really fun read. I couldn't put it down. I hope the next book is as entertaining as this one.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • BJW
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rollicking read that shows the seven dwarfs in a new, bawdy and hilarious light
    Reviewed in Australia on May 23, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story reads like an adult pantomime (it could be easily made into one!). It's not a children's fairy tale and, once you've read it, you'll never think of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the same way again. Bawdy, bloody and funny, it will appeal to readers who like an easy read with a lot of tongue-in-cheek fun. I recommend it.
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  • michael
    4.0 out of 5 stars fast paced
    Reviewed in Australia on November 21, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    another good read by Ben different to his other books.
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  • Alibopo
    3.0 out of 5 stars Overall... an enjoyable and very inventive story!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Initially I thought I was on a cross-genre odyssey; one that seems to visit fairy-tale, swords and sorcery, medieval romp, horror and western. I was starting to wonder what was going on, then I reminded myself - this 'IS' a fantasy world, and who am I to say what restrictions should be placed on it? One thing is for sure; with questionable morality, gratuitous violence, innuendo and sexual reference, it’s definitely not a work for children.

    This ‘what happens next’ story focuses on those ever-so-nice Seven Dwarfs we all know about. Well, maybe not 'those' seven dwarfs, this lot are a rather more colourful and mixed gender group. With barely a backward glance, Snow White swans-off with Charming, and with their livelihoods ruined by the Evil Queen, Crudeth, and no reason to hang around, our dwarfs go their separate ways in search of new and exciting lives.

    The bulk of the novel is taken-up visiting each of them at crucial moments in a series of diverse and highly entertaining adventures, always culminating in an encounter with a mysterious stranger. He delivers the same intriguing message – an invitation to meet him in; “the Dragon Slayers Inn, Shadowmoor, when the May moon is at its fullest.”

    Running in parallel(?) with these adventures is the background story of a young and naïve adventurer called Kane. He’s spotted an opportunity to gain vast wealth, but needs the assistance of the Evil Queen, Crudeth, to realise his ambitions. Again, without giving too much away, his journey also takes him to that Inn on Shadowmoor.

    This meeting at the Inn resolves the story threads, though I was a little disappointed that the final outcome was a set-up for an ongoing adventure in another book (I’m a fan of more ‘rounded’ narratives). However, there were enough smaller story resolutions throughout the book to keep me happy enough, and I will say the premise for the next in the series is a good one.

    There is some very strong imagery and storytelling running through the book, and I would like to have given it a four star rating, but the reading experience was not as smooth as it could have been. I felt the present tense narrative was a bit convoluted in places, and there’s one or two clunky lines that took a couple of re-reads to extract the intended meaning. A final polish should sort those out, and also scoop-up a few wayward typos and text ‘misadventures’.

    My only other issue was the lack of a stronger central character. Difficult to do, given the structure of the novel, but I would like to have experienced more of Kane’s journey and seen him developing as a character I had a stronger connection to.
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