In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

A fun and fluffy fantasy that will fit right into the cozy fantasy trend. A recommended purchase for collections where the genre is popular.

I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons was a delightful, charming, nostalgic read for any fantasy fans. While the plot seems to cover familiar ground -- with a beautiful princess, a handsome prince, and an overabundance of dragons -- Beagle puts a clever, whimsical twist on the traditional fairytale, centering the story squarely on Robert (or Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, if you ask his mother), a lowborn dragon exterminator who hates his job and loves dragons.

Written in an omniscient POV reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, Beagle's voice sparkles with gentle wit and pathos. While some readers may find this read cozy, I will caution that it verges into slightly darker territory at times. In all, this is a charming standalone fantasy with humor and heart.

I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons is a highly anticipated, high fantasy fairytale fraught with mighty dragons, evil wizards, reluctant heroes, craven princes, and a damsel that is, in fact, not so distressed, is sick of obstinate heroes, and can do the rescuing herself, thank-you-very-much!

Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (known as just “Robert”) is the resident dragon slayer---oops, I mean dragon exterminator---in the small kingdom of Bellemontagne. He despises his job, which he, alas, performs exceedingly well, but he is duty bound to take up this accursed mantle from his late father. It’s always been something he experiences immense inner turmoil over, ethically and emotionally. He really likes dragons and has several secret pet dragons of his own. Furthermore, dragon exterminators are held in the same regard as the draconic vermin they are tasked to exterminate, so obviously he wants to be more than that. Robert has ambitious aspirations to become a… prince’s valet.

Princess Cerise of Bellmontagne finds herself under sudden and extreme pressure to have the considerable dragon infestation at the castle removed, so Robert and his services are summoned. The sudden reason for the extermination would be to impress the visiting Crown Prince Reginald of Corvinia, a much richer and larger kingdom than Cerise’s own. With love at first sight, Cerise just knows they are destined to be together. But Prince Reginald has his own agenda to reckon with before he could ever consider a marriage…he must impress his father, King Krije, and prove his worthiness as a son. After much consideration and planning with Mortmain, his valet, they decide to make a proposal contingent upon slaying a great magical beast to prove his valor and value to the Prince’s father. Of course, it is decided that they would go dragon hunting, so they beseech the only one among them with any dragon slaying experience to go along too---poor Robert! As things quickly start to snowball out of control for the prince and his valet, an evil wizard previously thought to be dead and gone will descend upon the party of dragon hunters, but an unsuspecting hero will rise to the occasion to hopefully save them all. This cleverly written satirical fantasy has a prince, a princess, and a humble dragon exterminator all questing to escape from their predetermined roles in their fairytale lives ostensibly by slaying a dragon and besting an evil wizard but actually by discovering their true hearts’ desires and mastering their newfound selves.

Heartwarming and nostalgically magical, this tale will go down as one of my very favorites. I really loved the satirical tone of the story, and it reminded me of how the Princess Bride was told. Similarly, the author uses exaggerated fantasy tropes to create a whimsical tale that is laugh out loud funny. I found it downright comical how dragons are considered in this book! They are treated with the same amount of disdain and repugnance we reserve for insects, and there is such a relatable moment in the story where Princess Cerise, a shoe, and a dragon have it out. I also found myself giggling at Dahr, the great and evil wizard. As far as storybook villains go, he was up there with the best of them posturing and pressing his long-winded machinations on everyone, wasting too much time and missing opportunities to bring his grandiose evil plans to fruition. Lastly, I feel obligated to call attention to the beautifully illustrated cover since it immediately caught my eye. It is a detailed watercolor painting that depicts a castle on a grassy hill with a thunderous horde of dragons circling overhead and a behemoth of a dragon resting in the foreground. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this one was so beautiful I added it to my “to be read” pile, posthaste!

I highly recommend reading this latest fantasy adventure from Peter Beagle! It was well worth the wait!

Thank you so much Net Galley and Saga Press for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. I have already posted my review to Goodreads and my FB group page (The Book Banquet), but I will also post on retail sites on the day of publication.

Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for the access to this ARC.

Still trying to wrap my head around how the author of The Last Unicorn wrote *this*

Ah I wanted to like this book I really did, but instead of giving me anything to think about all it did was give charm with little substance.

I'm afraid that this book doesn't have enough dragons. Or at least the usage of dragons needs to be more consistent in the novel. The idea of them being a household pest is a cute idea, there was a lot to work with there- juxtaposing the normal fairytale vision of dragons being this almighty foe with this mundane and vermin-like interpretation.

Too bad that idea goes straight out the window in favor of a grand quest! Its uniqueness melts right back into the generic fantasy pot.

Each character is gimmicks, gags, and tropes tightly bundled, lacking depth.

The best way to describe our protag Robert is that he is what watchers of the "How to Train Your Dragon" movies think that the book version of Hiccup must be like.

Princess Cerise happens when you watch every Disney Princess film simultaneously and try to make a single coherent character out of the slurry.

The message, if there is even one to be found, is muddled in all the nonsense. There were a few pages where characters just *paced around* waiting for the return of the protagonist.

Reading about the tumultuous publishing of this book clears up why this book seems so unpolished. It was meant to be released in 2007 and then indefinitely put on hiatus till now. The attempted subversive nature of the novel would have been better received at its original planned publication date. The princess who doesn't want to be a royal and the hero who doesn't take to hero-ing are old hat now.

Maybe if I had a time machine I could go back to when this novel could've been good.