Review 001—
From the writer who delivered the magical world of The Last Unicorn comes a new adventure set in a world of dragons, kings, queens, and… pest control.
Meet Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax—or Robert, as he prefers to be called, thank you—who has inherited his father’s low-born duty of dragon slaying. Thankfully, said dragons are usually about the size of rats and mostly just cause minor property damage. Tired of being forced to kill creatures he secretly has a fondness for, Robert dreams of a different life: becoming a valet. He wants nothing more than a simple existence in good service to a nobleman or knight.
While the story initially seems poised to turn classic fantasy tropes on their head, it unfortunately loses its way and falls straight back into them. Robert begins as a simple man determined to choose his own path, but we soon learn he is “special”—he possesses the rare ability to command dragons. While this sets him apart from those who want the creatures exterminated, it quickly burdens him with the classic “chosen one” dilemma: great power, heavy responsibility, and a fate he cannot escape no matter how hard he tries.
The trouble truly begins when a routine dragon hunt derails into a confrontation with an evil sorcerer back from the dead. Where the story once explored rich dragon ecology, cozy social dynamics, and the subtle promise of a complex antagonist, it instead gets bogged down in a repetitive cycle of slow wizard warfare and a villain with muddled motivations. Where we once had an engaging trio of adventurers, organic character growth is ultimately sidelined in favor of an overblown plot threat.
Nevertheless, the humor and wit are delightful—at times capturing a sense of wonder I haven’t felt since reading in my middle school library. The playful prose and characters strongly echo William Goldman’s The Princess Bride. I found myself charmed—at times against my will—by Gerald’s innocent obliviousness, Cerise’s anxious posturing, and Robert’s earnest dedication to his domestic dream.
The book leaves you feeling that there is untapped potential left on the table. A sequel might give these characters the breathing room they deserve, as their charm shines through despite the rigid plot boxes they are crammed into by the end.
Ultimately, this book is a pass for me—the second half simply couldn’t stand up to the first. Still, readers looking for light, whimsical fantasy might find enough charm to enjoy the ride, especially fans of The Princess Bride, Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, Neil Gaiman and Pratchett’s Good Omens, or T. Kingfisher’s Swordheart.
book review 001
I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons
Saga Press · 2024
I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons entertains its readers the romantic whimsy of The Princess Bride and the dark fantasy underbelly of The Last Unicorn, but struggles to find a landing when the story trades wit for old tropes.