I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons

Huge thanks to Saga Press for the physical arc! Getting to be a part of their program is fantastic and I can’t wait to get into more books.

This is a fun mix of classical feeling fantasy, with notes of historical, epic, and even high fantasies. The younger cast has something fun and almost middle grade to it, while the action itself definitely reads as adult. It also packs all the necessary beats to be its own fairytale, with dragons, wizards, love triangles, happy endings, et al.

The King and Queen of Bellemontagne are receiving princes left and right, all in pursuit of their daughter, Princess Cerise’s, hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Robert, the kingdom’s dragon exterminator, clears out the walls of the castle to ensure it’s at its best for the arrival of a certain prince. Robert hates his job, believing that dragons are more than the vermin they are considered to be. Prince Reginald is a coward, always wanting less than his station as Prince. His father, King Krije, is a powerful and imposing figure, wanting his son to prove his worth to the realm. Fate intertwines the three, drawing them in and forcing their hands as they seek to protect their desires and each other.

Robert proves to be quite the main character. He is brave and carries strong morals. He is heroic and sacrifices, all while not wanting to be the hero. He is in essence, an iteration of the farm boy meant for so much more, and his power is required for the survival and betterment of others.

The action is at points dark, with dragon fire leaving only the bleakest hope of survival. However, when the wizard Dahr gets officially involved, I found some of the final bits to be a bit confusing, and if not confusing, just less enjoyable. Still a worthy read by all means, just some further clarity on those beats would have heightened it all!