Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Peter S. Beagle's work is, as usual, truly charming and an absolute delight.

It is as light as a soap bubble, floating delicately in the air. However, beneath this seemingly fragile exterior lies a firmly constructed foundation.

It is built with an iron wit that cuts through the narrative like a sharp blade, adding a touch of humor and intelligence.

The finesse with which he weaves his tales is that of a master magician, making it seem as if pulling rabbits out of hats is all so very easy.

His work is fantasy at its very best, transporting readers to magical worlds and captivating their imaginations.

With each turn of the page, one is drawn deeper into his enchanting universe, unable to resist the allure of his storytelling.

Peter S. Beagle's talent is truly remarkable, and his work continues to charm and delight readers of all ages.
July 15,2025
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This was a truly enjoyable and light-hearted read!

I don't typically gravitate towards books about dragons, but this particular one managed to capture my attention.

The characters were engaging, although the female main character (FMC) could have benefited from a bit more depth and personality.

Personally, I have a soft spot for love stories, but unfortunately, the one in this book didn't quite meet my expectations.

It felt a bit lacking in the emotional connection and development that I usually look for in a romance.

However, despite these minor flaws, I still found the overall story to be entertaining and worth the read.

The world-building was interesting, and the author did a good job of creating a unique and magical setting.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels with a touch of romance.

It may not be a perfect read, but it definitely has its charm.
July 15,2025
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I don't belong in stories with heroes. That's for princes and princesses. I just want to be a valet. Is that too much to ask?

July 15,2025
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This might be a cliché, but “The Last Unicorn” is truly one of my all-time favorite books. I have watched the enchanting movie countless times, own the stunning graphic novel adaptation, and yes, you guessed it right, I even have a tattoo of the unicorn leaving her forest to seek others like her on my right arm. Clearly, it's a very special story for me. So, when I heard that Peter S. Beagle had written a book about dragons, I was over the moon with excitement. Quick confession: I have a soft spot for dragons more than unicorns. Don't get me wrong, unicorns are amazing, but dragons just have that extra edge of badassery.

Beagle has a remarkable talent for subverting fantasy tropes. His middle-aged, unmarried damsel and incompetent magician are nothing short of revolutionary. And his dragons? They're not the fearsome beasts that knights must slay to win the hearts of fair ladies. Instead, they're more like pesky house pests, big and annoying rats that breathe fire and lay eggs in your walls. The main character here is not a fearless hero but a dragon exterminator with strong beliefs about compassionate killing. He is hired by a princess who wants to rid her castle of a dragon infestation before a prince she intends to court comes to visit. As you'd expect from Beagle, none of them fit the traditional molds, and it's a joy to watch them evolve and discover their true selves.

This book was at the very top of my vacation reading pile, and I devoured it eagerly. Robert, Cerise, and Reginald were such delightful characters to spend time with and witness their growth. I cherished every moment in their company. Just like “The Last Unicorn”, this book is deeply about transformation, about figuring out who you are and what you want your life to be. Beagle understands the essence of fairy tales that makes them universal and manages to capture that magic in his stories through beautiful prose and unique characters. He has a definite old-fashioned charm, so this book would be perfect for those who love his unicorn tales, as well as for people who still adore “The Princess Bride” even in their middle age.

It only lost a star because it ended too soon. I would have loved to explore that world more thoroughly, spend more time with the dragons that Robert rescues, and see what Cerise will achieve. It's a sweet and cozy fantasy from a master, not to be missed!


I have a small gripe with the publishers: a paperback version of this book was supposed to be released, with a lovely cover illustration. I had pre-ordered it, but then the edition got cancelled. What's the deal, Simon & Schuster? I'll make do with the Kindle version for now, but it would be great if we could eventually get a paperback!
July 15,2025
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5/14/24: It’s publication day!!!




Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this!! I was completely charmed. I have never read "The Last Unicorn", but the movie adaptation was a cherished part of my childhood. I vividly remember sitting in my family room with my friend Rachel, watching the movie (along with our special treats of DQ Butterfinger Blizzards!), and it was definitely a frequent repeat in our house during the '80s and '90s. "UUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-NI-CORRRRRNNNNN!!!!"




Consequently, when I saw this book on NetGalley and noticed it was by the same author who wrote "The Last Unicorn", I was immediately intrigued. I patiently waited for my request to be approved for an ARC, and I was actually a bit worried that I would be declined. However, I was extremely fortunate, as I discovered that other fans of Beagle's work had been eagerly awaiting the publication of this book for several years, while I only had to wait a few weeks. So, I have no complaints on that front.




Now, listen up, all you people who have been waiting for years: IT IS 100% WORTH THE LONG WAIT.




This is a fairytale for those who truly love fairytales. It has a little bit of everything: a beautiful princess of marriageable age, numerous fawning princes, a handsome prince, a dilapidated castle, a quest, many species of dragons, and...a dragon exterminator..???




It is also incredibly funny and clever. You will grow to love the characters, their backstories, and their journeys, and laugh, cry, and rejoice with them in turn. I truly hope they make a movie or series out of this and do it justice.




Read this. Even if you think you're too old for fairytales. It's phenomenal, and I'll definitely be purchasing a physical copy and reading it over and over again.




5 well-deserved stars.

July 15,2025
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The book was unfortunately withdrawn from its planned release and has been put on hold indefinitely. This unexpected turn of events has left many people feeling a sense of sadness.

Perhaps the reasons behind this decision are complex and multifaceted. It could be due to various factors such as legal issues, quality concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

For the author, this must be a particularly difficult situation, as all their hard work and efforts seem to have been temporarily halted.

However, it's important to remember that this may just be a setback, and there could still be hope for the book to see the light of day in the future.

In the meantime, those who were eagerly anticipating its release will have to wait and see what the future holds for this particular literary work.

The sadness that currently prevails may eventually give way to excitement and anticipation once again.
July 15,2025
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I’m pleasantly surprised by how much darker this is than The Last Unicorn.
July 15,2025
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Such a fun, charming read! This book was described to me as “The Princess Bride” but with dragons. And indeed, with its tongue-in-cheek humor, adventure, and underlying subtle romance, I can clearly see the resemblance. I really enjoyed this one. The story is filled with exciting moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and engaging. However, there were a couple of drawbacks. Towards the end, there was a far too long villain monologue that seemed to drag on and on. Additionally, there were occasionally goofy details about the princess that took away a bit from the overall charm. But despite these minor flaws, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who likes dragons, the medieval era, and a classic “born poor, turns into something more” type of story. It’s a great read that will transport you to a magical world full of adventure and romance.

July 15,2025
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The story, to be honest, could have been a little more concise and tightly woven. The characters, too, had the potential for greater development. However, despite these minor drawbacks, it was, overall, a really cute and highly entertaining story.

It had a certain charm that managed to engage the reader from start to finish. The plot, although not overly complex, had enough twists and turns to keep one interested. The characters, even though not fully fleshed out, had their own endearing qualities that made them likable.

It was the kind of story that you could pick up on a lazy afternoon and enjoy without having to think too hard. It provided a nice escape from the daily grind and left you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

All in all, while it may not have been a literary masterpiece, it was definitely a fun and enjoyable read that I would recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons is an exciting and unique blend of cozy and high-stakes fantasy. It tells the story of a group of unlikely allies who are fighting for their kingdom and for love.

Dragon exterminator Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, or Robert as he is more commonly known, is visited by the King in the dead of night. The King demands that he rid the castle of dragons, a task that seems daunting at first. However, this is just the beginning of a thrilling adventure that takes Robert and his companions on a journey full of danger and excitement.

The first half of the book is really enjoyable, with a focus on the castle, the dragon market, and the different kinds of dragons. It was fascinating to learn about the various species of dragons and their unique characteristics. However, the book takes a bit of a turn in the second half and becomes more focused on the romance subplot.

While I understand the importance of the romance in the story, I really wish there had been more of a focus on the dragons. I would have loved to read more about the dragon market, the vendors, and the different types of dragons. In fact, I would happily read a whole encyclopedia about the dragons of this world!

Overall, I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons was a fun read. It had its flaws, but it also had a lot of heart and a great sense of adventure. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and dragons.
July 15,2025
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There is a distinct disconnect between the tone of the title and the overall content of this truly charming and highly readable novel.

The title, with its jokey nature (oh, it's about dragon exterminators! LOL), might lead one to expect a certain kind of light-hearted and perhaps even zany story. However, the actual content is in some ways more conventional than what the title implies.

It is conventional and perhaps even a bit predictable, but in a good way. There is a certain charm to a story that follows a more traditional path. It has a touch of the old-fashioned about it.

Sometimes, in a world filled with current cliches and repetitive tropes, an old-fashioned and well-written fantasy like this one really hits the spot. It offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, taking readers on a journey that is both familiar and yet still manages to surprise and delight.

Despite its conventional elements, the novel has its own unique charm and appeal, making it a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.
July 15,2025
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What a delight!

I may not have understood everything that happened at the end, but darn if this wasn't enjoyable.

It had the fun, corniness, and joyful exuberance of The Princess Bride, but with the added excitement of DRAGONS.

The story was filled with adventure and romance, taking the reader on a wild ride through a magical world.

The characters were well-developed and engaging, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.

The author did an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive setting, complete with lush landscapes and terrifying dragons.

Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and exciting adventure.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for a good story, this book has something for everyone.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of this wonderful tale.

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