Author: Peter S. Beagle
Publisher: Saga Press
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Source: hardcover, Saga Press; audiobook, Spotify
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Humor
Narrated By: Shaun Taylor-Corbett
Synopsis
A cast of characters trapped within their roles of dragon hunter, princess, and more must come together to take their fates into their own hands.
Dragons are common in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, coming in sizes from mouse-like vermin all the way up to castle-smashing monsters. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (who would much rather people call him Robert) has recently inherited his deceased dad’s job as a dragon catcher/exterminator, a career he detests with all his heart in part because he likes dragons, feeling a kinship with them, but mainly because his dream has always been the impossible one of transcending his humble origin to someday become a prince's valet. Needless to say, fate has something rather different in mind…
Thoughts
As I delved into "I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons" by Peter S. Beagle, I found myself entranced by the steady pace of the narrative. The author's use of humor was not only engaging but also provided a light-hearted tone to the captivating world of fantasy. This novel is a low-stakes, cozy fantasy, yet it offers an entertaining and whimsical high fantasy adventure. The humor in the story is more whimsical than hysterically funny, but this subtlety enhanced the charm of the tale, rather than detracting from it.
The main character, Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, who would rather be called Robert, truly won me over. He was full of heart, bravery, and courage, attributes that were endearingly mirrored in his friends and companions. What made Robert's character even more captivating was his inherited job as a dragon catcher/exterminator, a career he despises. This is partly because he likes dragons, feeling a kinship with them, but mainly because his dream is to transcend his humble origins to become a prince's valet. The complexity of his wish and the unexpected role fate has in store for him added depth to his character and stirred my curiosity.
The transformation of the characters in this story was one of the highlights for me. Watching Robert, Princess Cerise, and Prince Reginald break free from the roles they were born into and become the people they were meant to be was heartwarming. This exploration of self-discovery and personal growth added a layer of depth to the narrative that I really appreciated.
The plot of this book is a fabulous piece of fantasy. An unwilling dragon exterminator, a crown prince trying to be a hero, and an obstinate princess find their lives entwined in the most unexpected ways. Their paths cross as the cowardly prince is trying to find a big dragon to slay, the unwilling exterminator is trying to become a valet, and the princess is trying to teach herself to read.
In conclusion, I found "I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons" a delightful read, a book that seamlessly merges humor, adventure, and an exploration of personal growth. The steady pace, engaging characters, and whimsical humor made this a book I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend to anyone with a love for fantasy.
The narration was lovely. Shaun Tayler-Corbett did an amazing job with all the voices and various accents. It was easily to follow along and really brought this fantasy to life.
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