It felt like a fairytale.

The moment I stepped into that magical place, it was as if all my dreams had come true. The scenery was breathtaking, with colorful flowers blooming everywhere and a gentle breeze caressing my face. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the ground. I could hear the sweet chirping of birds and the soft rustling of the leaves. It was a scene straight out of a storybook.

As I walked further, I discovered a beautiful little cottage hidden among the trees. The cottage had a thatched roof and a chimney from which smoke was gently rising. I couldn't resist the urge to go closer and take a look. When I opened the door, I was greeted by a warm and inviting interior. There was a cozy fireplace, a comfortable sofa, and a table set with delicious-looking treats. It was like a haven in the midst of this enchanting world.

I sat down on the sofa and let myself soak in the beauty and tranquility of the moment. It truly felt like a fairytale come to life, and I never wanted it to end.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy for an honest review.

This is a truly charming and cosy fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It offers a quick and easy escape into a magical world. The prose is delightful, flowing smoothly and painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The story is filled with charming humour that brings a smile to your face and lightens the mood.

If you have a penchant for books like Guards! Guards! or Stardust, then you are sure to enjoy this one as well. It has that same enchanting quality that makes you lose yourself in the story and forget about the real world for a while. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for a light and entertaining read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

I vividly remember the Kings. The wind that trailed in their wake was perpetually scorching, almost unbearably so, as if their wings were fashioned from the stolen essence of the sun.

Their presence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Once upon a time, dragons roamed these lands. These colossal beasts held dominion over the skies and instilled terror in the hearts of the people. But alas, they have long since vanished. Only a few distant cousins remain, feeble creatures that are treated with contempt, hunted down in the fields and along the castle walls, their precious pelts sold for exorbitant sums at the Dragon Market.

The fate of these once-mighty creatures is a tragic reminder of the passage of time.

But could the old Kings be making a comeback? A mountain village has been decimated by a fearsome force that descends like an avalanche of smoke and pestilence down the slopes, despite the valiant efforts of the local witches.

The mystery surrounding this event deepens, leaving the people in a state of dread and uncertainty.

“The World has turned noisily in its sleep, like some babe disturbed in the cradle, fussing and crying until it forgets the dreams that troubled it. The Kings do not come now to harm us in their vast indifference. Something else is loosed, something that stinks of magic.”

This gripping prologue sets the stage for what will ultimately prove to be one of the finest offerings from this beloved author in a long while. The story is tightly plotted, filled with memorable characters, and has an epic scope that will transport readers to a world of magic and adventure.

It also features the author's signature gentle humour, beautiful prose, and heartrending moments that will tug at the reader's emotions.

After the somber prologue, we are whisked away to the realm of romance with a fantasy backdrop, not unlike a modern-day version of ‘The Princess Bride’. King Antoine and Queen Helene lead a pleasant, relatively uncomplicated life in their tiny kingdom of Bellemontagne. Their greatest concern is the never-ending queue of suitors vying for the hand of their beautiful daughter, Princess Cerise.

These princes, each more boastful than the last, parade their riches and manly deeds in an attempt to win the heart of the fair maiden.

However, Cerise is a young woman who knows her own mind. She much prefers to hide in the woods and teach herself to read than to swoon over her would-be suitors.

Her independence and intelligence make her a refreshing and engaging character.

He was tall, handsome, sincere, broad-shouldered, slim-waisted, well turned out, and possessed of precisely the brains of a rutabaga; sadly, his cheekbones were the sharpest thing about him.

The current crop of valiant princes only serves to make her decision more difficult.

With so many options, how will she ever choose?

Enter Crown Prince Reginald of Corvinia, the largest, wealthiest, and boldest realm in the vicinity.

His arrival sets the stage for a series of events that will change the lives of everyone involved.

It is now time for Princess Cerise to start making plans for her wedding party.

But before that can happen, the ramshackle family castle of Bellemontagne must be given a much-needed clean-up.

For every sort of nameless vermin squeaked and creaked and rustled along the walls, or else inside them.

The state of the castle is truly appalling, and it will take a Herculean effort to transform it into a fit place for a royal wedding.
Time to call in the exterminator.

And who better to handle the job than Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, the kingdom's expert in dragon removal?

>>><<<>>>

Meet Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, or Robert, as he prefers to be called.

He is the only one in the business of ridding noble houses of their intolerable pestiferous infestations, according to his mother's promotional spiel.

Robert has inherited the family business from his father, while his brothers tend to the family farm and his sisters are still in school. He is assisted by Ostvald, a gentle giant who is often mistaken for being slow-witted by the neighbours.

And he is constantly teased and chased by the lively Elfrieda, the village's prettiest wench.

Robert also harbours a secret passion for the very beasts he is supposed to destroy.

He actually has a soft spot for the little dragons and it pains him deeply to have to kill them.

He keeps four of them as pets, hidden away in his house and obedient only to him when they become unruly or are given chores to do.

And truly, some of the dragons he encounters are breathtakingly beautiful.

Serpens avramis Karchee : the karchee were like nothing else in the market: all rainbows from one angle, shimmering like the sky after a storm; and a deep blue-green from another, as though they were wrapped, head to tail tip, in the sea.

>>><<<>>><<<

Meanwhile, in castle Bellemontagne, Princess Cerise and Crown Prince Reginald seem to be at odds.

She is excited and full of anticipation, while he is clueless and relies on his valet and minder, Mortmain, to tell him what to do.

The dynamic between master and servant can be traced back to the powerful king of Corvinia, who holds his weak son in contempt and has sent him on this adventure to prove his worth or perish in the attempt.

The stage is set for a clash of personalities and a test of courage and character.

“Actually, I’m just wandering, you know. Needed to go away for a bit – see something of the world, have an adventure or two. That sort of thing. Serious business, adventuring.”

I found myself drawn to Cerise more than any of the other characters in this unfolding romance/adventure.

I was captivated by her spirit, her independence, and her enthusiasm for learning.

Later in the story, I came to love her for her courage, her sense of fairness, and her willingness to admit when she was wrong and make amends.

She is a truly remarkable character, one that readers will root for from beginning to end.

Upended. That was the word: Cerise felt upended. Also uprooted, in an uproar, put upon, barely upright, and caught utterly in upheaval. Her emotions splashed through her treasured words in her head the same way she had splashed through puddles as a child, with the same gleefully muddy results.

>>><<<>>><<<

To cut a long story short and avoid spoiling the plot, let's just say that the group – Cerise, Reginald, Mortmain, Robert the dragon specialist, and a troupe of castle guards and suitor princes – embark on a quest to hunt a dangerous beast that is said to be prowling the kingdom's forests.

The hope is that this quest will not only prove Reginald's worthiness to ask for Cerise's hand in marriage but also convince his father that he is not the weakling he has been made out to be.

However, the quest does not go according to plan. In fact, it ends disastrously when they encounter not one, but three huge feral dragons that attack the party in a matter of seconds.

It seems as if all hope is lost, until Robert intervenes and reveals yet another of his secret talents.

“Dragons talk to me, Princess, they always have. It’s just taken me a long time to learn to listen.”

His act of courage is lauded, but Robert is all too aware of the dangers that come with such powers and the adulation that follows.

“I don’t want to be a hero. Heroes kill things. I want to be ordinary – never mind Vardis, never mind my mother. I just want to have an ordinary life.”

This has always been Peter S Beagle's greatest strength for me.

He tells the stories of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations, yet they never lose their humanity, their modesty, or their joy in living.

At the risk of revealing another minor plot spoiler, I must include here the funniest scene in the entire book.

It is the obligatory confrontation between the hobbits and Sauron, the little heroes against the evil mastermind who has unleashed destruction upon the world for his own nefarious purposes.

In this version, Robert, Reginald, and Cerise must face off against Dahr, an undead wizard with a vendetta against the king of Corvinia.

Peter Beagle is so well-versed in the genre that he is able to subvert our expectations and deliver a scene that is both hilarious and engaging.

“My own opinion,” Robert said tightly, “is that you have fiendishly set out to bore us to death. It’s working.”
“Have mercy!” Prince Reginald chimed in. “Whatever you do to us, great wizard, we beg you – stop talking, and just get it over with. In a heroic lifetime devoted to slaughtering villains, I have never encountered one who chattered so!”

>>><<<>>><<<

Given my status as a die-hard fan, it comes as no surprise that I rate this book five stars.

I fully intend to devour everything that Peter S Beagle has written or will write in the future.

This story feels like a self-contained adventure, but I can't help but hope that the author has a soft spot for Cerise, Robert, Reginald, Mortmain, Ostvald, and Elfrieda and will grace us with more of their adventures in the future.

Until then, I will eagerly await the next installment in this wonderful world of magic and romance.

Peter S. Beagle is, without a doubt, a true legend in the world of literature.

So, you can imagine my extreme excitement when I managed to get my hands on an advanced copy of his new book. And I'm absolutely delighted to report that it more than lived up to the internal hype I had built up.

The main protagonist is Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, who much prefers to be called Robert. He has just inherited his late father's business as a dragon exterminator. He is highly skilled in this job, yet he hates it for the same reason. He feels an incredibly strong kinship with dragons, even though they are usually regarded as vermin.

One of the two secondary protagonists is the Princess Cerise. She is stunningly beautiful, but rather than being pleased about it, she is more annoyed. She has always held nothing but contempt for the never-ending parade of banal princes vying for her hand. That is, until she sees the equally stunning Prince Reginald arrive in the country. Suddenly, she demands that the castle be cleaned up and restored immediately, which requires the local dragon exterminator, Robert, to pay a visit. And thus, we are off on an exciting plot.

Just like in many great stories, these three characters are on a journey of self-discovery. Robert longs to take a different path, but this is made difficult by the fact that he is really, really good at the one he is currently on. He needs to come to terms with his self-loathing and face what his understanding of dragons truly means. Cerise needs to understand herself better, her role as princess and heir to the kingdom, what she wants out of life, and how to break free from the passivity that has characterized her life so far. Reginald, who didn't actually come to the kingdom with the intention of courting Cerise (he was sent out on an errand by his overbearing father and really just wants to escape the weight of expectations), needs to accept that it's okay for him not to be the hero his father wants him to be and that everyone assumes he is just because of his appearance.

Throw in a cheerfully buffoonish king, a prim but secretly very romantic queen, an evil wizard, and a few village-destroying dragons that are much larger than the variety Robert is dealing with in the Great Hall, and you have a truly compelling story.

Inevitably, anything Peter Beagle writes will be compared to "The Last Unicorn". While I don't think this new book is quite as good as that classic, it's still an outstanding work. It has the same style as "The Last Unicorn", as all of Beagle's work does, but it doesn't have the same depth of sadness. Something that people who haven't read many of Beagle's short stories might not realize (aside: go and find some of Beagle's short stories and read them, they're great) is that not only is his work generally beautiful and sad, but it's also incredibly hilarious. It's truly an impressive feat, and he does it wonderfully. He also does scary very well, as anyone who had nightmares about the Red Bull can attest. That's the case here as well.

This is a worthy addition to the bibliography of one of the masters of fantasy. It comes out on May 14.

My blog

Needs, however, may change, and when they do, beliefs have a way of being bent or reimagined. This is a charming little book about a dragon hunter, exterminator, master(?), Robert. He lives an uncharmed life, helping families deal with dragons that wreak havoc on their property. The dragons come in all sizes, from tiny lizards to massive monsters like Balerion, known as Kings. The plot is set in motion by the handsome Prince Reginald. Oh, and this book makes sure you never forget how handsome he is! He was almost grotesquely handsome, with his tall, golden-haired frame, dazzlingly blue eyes, and sharp jaw, cheek, and brow. It was a heroic face, a champion's face--a dragonslayer's face--and Robert hated it on sight. A few moments later, we learn that the Prince had been a perfect gentleman, of course, as perfection was the essence of his nature. If you read this book, you might want to take a shot every time it mentions how handsome Reginald is, as it seems to be his only trait.

When Prince Reginald shows up and stumbles upon Princess Cerise, she assumes he's come to ask for her hand in marriage, like other princes before him. She realizes how their castle has fallen into disrepair, with dragons scuttling around fearlessly, much like cockroaches. Cerise throws a tantrum and demands her father get a dragon exterminator, which is how Robert comes into the picture. At first, I thought this book would be a fairytale slice of life story like Dragons: Riders of Berk, with an overarching plot that's not too obvious or overwhelming. Robert even has his own Hiccup moment when he keeps some dragons as pets on his jobs. However, after a while, the book reveals itself to be a satire. But it didn't really make me laugh out loud. More like a subdued "huh" and a mild acknowledgement of the deadpan humour.

Because the book starts with a fairytale-like quality, it was hard to figure out where it was going. But eventually, a plot unfolds, like a flower blooming in a timelapse. However, I would even go as far as accusing it of shoehorning. Still, I was entertained. The characters' motivations were a bit unclear, often coming without any agency from them. It was frustrating to see Reginald only doing what his valet, Mortmain, told him, and Cerise doing what her mother told her. Robert also follows his mother's instructions. Eventually, they turn these instructions into personal goals, but it all felt a bit meh. The villain, Dahr, is revealed almost as an afterthought. I had to reread the previous chapters to make sure I hadn't missed something. But he was an interesting subversion of the old wizard trope. He was fascinating, loquacious, and had to be defeated first cleverly and then with a deus ex machina. Overall, I was entertained throughout the book, and its strongest point is its prose. There were lines that made me stop and admire the deft wordplay. I have never been so excited just reading such a commitment to metaphor and imagery. Read this book to follow the hero's journey of a reluctant hero, to see a princess own up to her mistakes, and a prince stand up for himself. Read it for the mysterious dragons that still shine in all their murderous glory. But most importantly, read it for a fresh, unpredictable, and simply delightful fantasy stand-alone story.

I am sitting here, truly relishing the rare delight of a story that constantly keeps me on the edge of my seat, as I simply can't often predict what will unfold next.

Moreover, I find myself in awe of how ingeniously the author has cloaked some profound and serious themes within an engaging, rich, and gritty narrative package. It's truly remarkable.

Even the head-hopping, a technique that I typically despise, surprisingly worked well for me during most of the reading experience.

Admittedly, I did skim over a paragraph or three of description, as that has never been my favorite aspect of a story. However, I couldn't help but admire the complete absence of typos, which is a rare find indeed.

This story is truly a rare treat, almost as wonderful as stumbling upon a truly unique and one-of-a-kind tale. :)

What a disappointment.

I saw this title and without hesitation, I immediately added it to my TBR list. One of the top tags on Goodreads indicated that this is an adult fantasy. Clearly, it was my fault for trusting how users tag books. However, based on the combination of the tag and the title, I was anticipating a mature comedy.

Regrettably, that's not what I received. It was merely *cute*, but that was all. It wasn't very funny, and the characters and worldbuilding were, at best, shallow. It's yet another recycled story where the princess falls for the prince at first glance but eventually realizes he's dull and then falls for the poor guy who becomes her best friend.

Afterward, I did look it up and discovered that on Target, it's placed in the "3 and up" book section. That revelation explains a great deal. It seems that my expectations were misplaced, and I was looking for something more substantial in a book that was intended for a much younger audience.

A Fantastical Delight

I have been an ardent fan of Beagle's works for a considerable number of years. His latest creation truly feels like a return to the classic fantasy that initially captured my heart. The story is filled with enchanting elements that transport the reader to a magical world.

However, I must admit that I found the ending slightly unsatisfactory. But upon reflection, I believe a significant portion of this dissatisfaction can be attributed to my state of exhaustion when I read it. Perhaps, in a more refreshed state of mind, I would have perceived it differently.

Nonetheless, this work remains a proper classic fantasy, characterized by Beagle's trademark humour and warmth. It is truly a delightful read that will surely appeal to fans of the genre and those who appreciate well-crafted stories. I look forward to seeing what Beagle has in store for us in the future.

Actual rating: 3.458997876 stars

Let's take a closer look at what this story has to offer.

We have a kingdom where most dragons are as obnoxious as your average cockroach. However, there are also big, bad, and slightly vindictive dragons. Then there's Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, a reluctant dragon exterminator who inherited the family pest control business but dreams of becoming a prince's valet.

The princess has one of the silliest names ever, but she's no damsel in distress. She can take care of herself just fine. There's also a dashing prince who isn't exactly the hero you might be looking for, a hilarious king, and a whole bunch of delightfully eccentric characters.

Surprisingly, the royals can't read or write, and there's a pig with bloating issues. The story is filled with lots of laughter, evil wizards, and plans that never go according to plan. There's also a whole bunch of despicably cozy stuff.

All in all, this is a fun fairytale with a twist. While the story has a bit of a juvenile feel and the main protagonists are in their late teens, they aren't your average cliched younglings. The story is light but not overly so, and there are even hints of darkness here and there. It's like a T. Kingfisher Extra Lite kind of tale.

Maybe Our Holy Mother of All Retellings should write a new version of this story after Hemlock & Silver is published. That would be an interesting idea!

[Pre-review nonsense]

Pest dragon control, it's a thing!

This is previously undisclosed video footage of Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (aka Bob) as he was exterminating his first dragon, just so you know.

➽ Review to come and stuff.

A cute, vintage, and nostalgic fantasy adventure awaits within these pages, reminiscent of beloved classics like The Princess Bride and The Princess and the Goblin.

It's a short read, perfect for those looking for a quick escape. The story combines mild humor with high stakes, creating an engaging and thrilling experience.

The unique cast of characters adds another layer of charm. They don't follow social norms, making them all the more interesting and relatable.

And let's not forget the dragons! There are LOTS AND LOTS OF DRAGONS! However, beware if you're a dragon lover like me. The dragon part is a bit sad as there is dragon extermination.

At first glance, I thought this would be an easy 5-star read for me. But unfortunately, it turned out to be just average. I really wanted to love it, but it felt disjointed and off. It wasn't as easy to follow as I had hoped.

Perhaps it was my fault. I'm currently under a lot of stress, with surgery coming up in a few weeks. Work has also been extremely exhausting, exacerbating all my health issues. Additionally, I listened to it in audio format, which may not have been the best choice for this book.

I'm new to this author's work, having not previously read his famous book The Last Unicorn. But I'm thoroughly impressed that Peter S. Beagle is 85 years old and has been working on this book since 2007. Congrats to him!

The ending suggests a possible sequel may be on the horizon, but I'll most likely have to pass.

ANNOYING
irritating infuriating exasperating maddening trying tiresome

There.

There's my review.

I probably read it wrong. It seems like The MacHalos liked it better than I did.

To be honest, this work really left me with a sense of annoyance. The plot was so convoluted and the characters' actions were often irritating. It felt as if the author was deliberately trying to infuriate the readers with all the unnecessary twists and turns. The writing style was also exasperating, making it difficult to follow at times. It was truly a maddening experience to get through this piece. I found it to be a trying and tiresome read. However, I must admit that I might have misinterpreted some of the elements. Maybe The MacHalos had a different perspective and saw something in it that I failed to notice. But based on my initial impression, it was far from being a pleasant read.

This story is truly captivating and once I began reading, I was completely hooked. It has the essence of a classic fairytale, yet with several entertaining twists along the way.

Let's start with Princess Cerise of Bellemontagne. She is no ordinary damsel in distress. She charges into adventure with the purest of intentions and has no qualms about speaking her mind, whether it's to her companions or even an evil wizard. Whenever faced with adversity, she confronts it head-on, even if she's trembling on the inside. There's no obstacle that this princess can't overcome. However, I did notice that she can be a bit stubborn and short-sighted when she has made up her mind about someone or something. Nevertheless, her character development throughout the book is remarkable, and I would be overjoyed to read a sequel with her as the main protagonist.

Next, we have Prince Reginald, the Crown Prince of Corvinia. When I first encountered him, I thought he was a clueless and irritating character. But as I delved deeper into his backstory with his father, King Krije, my heart went out to him. He had a difficult life, with people constantly trying to force him into a role that didn't suit him. In the end, I found myself rooting for him, despite the frustration he caused me in the first half of the story.

And then there's Robert Thrax, the reluctant hero and dragon exterminator from the kingdom of Bellemontagne. All he desires is to escape the shadow of his late father and lead a simple life that doesn't involve dealing with dragonlets, communicating with them, or going on adventures with feisty princesses. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into him. But he is undeniably lovable, and his best friends, Ostvald and Elfrieda, are delightful side characters to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different types of dragons through Robert's dialogue and understanding what made them sentient beings in the world of the story.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book and adored its fairytale-like charm. If you have a passion for dragons, adventure, and a touch of whimsy, this book is an absolute must-read.

Once again, I am extremely grateful to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with the eARC of this wonderful book.