Paint Your Dragon
Paint Your Dragon is a comedic novel by Tom Holt, initially released in the United Kingdom in 1996 through Orbit, followed by a paperback edition from St. Martin's Press in 1997. A digital version was made available by Hachette Digital in 2009. This work represents Holt's twelfth foray into humor and his eighteenth publication overall, later featured in his collection Omnibus No'7: Saints and Sinners. Drawing inspiration from the tale of St. George and the Dragon, the plot centers on sculptor Bianca Wilson, whose creations of St. George and the Dragon animate and reignite their legendary battle. The storyline incorporates multiple subplots that enrich the primary narrative.
Synopsis
Taking place in modern-day Britain, the novel initially presents a traditional Good versus Evil framework but gradually deconstructs this notion as the characters evolve. Contrary to expectations, George is far from saintly, while the Dragon elicits empathy. The concepts of morality are portrayed through administrative structures governing Heaven and Hell. Time is commodified, extracted, and exchanged like a resource. When George encounters difficulties, he calls upon minor demons who were left behind during a visit to Hell in Nashville.
Although defeated at first, the Dragon suspects foul play by George and aims to resume their conflict by animating statues he has stolen. The story features recurring Holt figure Kurt Lindquist, an assassin, alongside secondary characters such as bewildered clergy members, an animated version of Michelangelo’s David, and police officers reminiscent of Keystone Cops.
Bianca Wilson becomes reluctantly involved when Birmingham City Council, with financial support from Kawaguchiya Integrated Circuits, commissions her to create a St George and the Dragon sculpture. She notices that the dragon figure vanishes from her work and remains largely indifferent to the ongoing battle throughout the narrative.
Analysis
Critics frequently liken Tom Holt's writing style to that of Robert Rankin and Terry Pratchett. The pace of the story is brisk, incorporating a wealth of ideas across its twenty chapters.
Paul Pettengale awarded Paint Your Dragon an 8 out of 10 rating in Arcane, praising its inventive humor and amusing situations. He remarked that the novel provides a "bloody good laugh," focusing on entertainment rather than intricate plotting.
Tom Knapp from Rambles characterized the book as Holt's most intricate work, with numerous characters and intersecting storylines creating a rapid tempo. While individual character development is less pronounced than usual, the extensive ensemble contributes a distinctive collective complexity.