All I knew about this book going in was it probably has dragons and the cover is pretty boss.
It did indeed have dragons.
I rather enjoyed the found family adventures found in these pages and hope the author decides to write more with these characters.
I can see so much possibility for additional adventuring.
Much love to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for my ARC.

Book review: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Genre: high fantasy fairy tale
Themes: finding yourself, dragons, quests
📖 Read if you like: The Princess Bride, Eragon, The Hatmakers

A princess who wishes to read and write and be more than a fluffy decoration, a handsome if unheroic prince who is ashamed at his own cowardice and a vermin exterminator dreaming of being a valet, but destined for something much more unexpected. Our trio are set upon their own yellow brick road of wild adventures as they discover who they truly wish to be is lying in wait if only they are brave enough to confront it. Dragons, wizards, a few necessary love triangles and a few more esoteric principles make this a whimsical and enjoyable read.

Princess Cerise is a jewel in the kingdom attracting princes from all over in the hopes of her hand. The princess herself has other ideas, that is until she meets the winsome Prince Reginald in the woods. A rather foolish fellow with no real talent besides his appearance and good nature who is set upon a mission from his warmongering father to become a hero. This leads us to dragons and a boy with a special gift and a profession he loathes. Gaius Aurelius with the regal name, prefers to go by Robert as he is forced to exterminate the dragons he so loves in the kingdom of Bellemontagne. The three are unwittingly thrown together in an attempt to slay a dragon and make the prince the hero he is supposed to be. What should be a hero’s tale is really a massacre saved not by a prince or princess, but by the ordinary boy who is anything but.

The event reveals a much darker plot with a resurrected wizard and many large human eating dragons. With the help of friends and the prince’s valet, the trio must save not only each other, but the king and kingdom of Corvinia. It is a wildly imagined fairy tale that makes each question their designated role in a conventional story. Humourous at times, dark and thoughtful at others. It was surprisingly easy to get lost in this world and this ragtag group of characters. A book that will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, as long as they have the gift of imagination.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for this ARC.

The novel presents a unique twist on the classic dragon tale, introducing us to a dragon exterminator who aspires to be more than his current station—a prince's valet. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a story that is as much about finding one's true self as it is about battling mythical beasts.

The book's charm lies in its balance of whimsy and bravery. The protagonist, Robert, is a character brimming with heart, courage, and the determination to break free from the expectations of his birthright. Alongside Princess Cerise and Prince Reginald, Robert's journey is one of self-discovery and personal growth, as they all strive to become the individuals they are destined to be.

Beagle's narrative doesn't rely on vast travels to convey an epic tale. Instead, it focuses on the richness of the characters' experiences—facing monstrous dragons, confronting an evil wizard, and engaging in acts of bravery. There's even a sprinkle of romance to add to the allure of the adventure.

The novel's conclusion leaves readers yearning for more, as Robert stands on the cusp of a new chapter in his life. The potential for a sequel is ripe with possibilities, inviting us to ponder where his newfound knowledge and identity will lead him

3.5 stars

This was a fun, whimsy adventure my only wish is there was more focus on the dragons themselves.

Thank you Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

Peter S. Beagle, renowned for *The Last Unicorn*, spins a tale of enchantment and introspection in *I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons*. Set in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, where dragons range from tiny nuisances to colossal threats, the novel blends whimsy with profound themes of identity and destiny.

The protagonist, Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (preferably Robert), inherits his father's unwanted legacy as a dragon catcher and exterminator. Despite his distaste for the job, Robert harbors a secret affinity for dragons, seeing in them reflections of his own yearnings and dreams. His aspirations, however, lean towards a different path—to rise above his humble origins and achieve the impossible dream of becoming a prince's valet.

As fate weaves its unpredictable tapestry, Robert finds himself entangled in a journey that challenges his preconceived notions and forces him to confront his deepest desires. Alongside a quirky ensemble of characters—a princess burdened by her royal responsibilities, a wizard with unconventional powers, and others trapped in their own roles—Robert discovers that true fulfillment may lie beyond the confines of societal expectations.

Beagle's narrative mastery shines through in *I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons*, balancing whimsical storytelling with poignant reflections on choice, courage, and the quest for self-discovery. The world of Bellemontagne springs to life with vivid descriptions of dragon encounters, each encounter serving as a metaphor for the internal conflicts and external challenges faced by the characters.

Character development is a cornerstone of Beagle's craft, with Robert's journey serving as a compelling exploration of identity and purpose. His evolution from reluctant dragon catcher to a seeker of personal truth resonates deeply, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of ambition and authenticity. The supporting cast adds layers of depth and humor, each contributing to the overarching theme of embracing one's true self despite societal constraints.

Thematically, *I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons* examines the power of storytelling and the transformative nature of empathy. Beagle's prose, infused with wit and wisdom, invites readers to reconsider familiar tropes and embrace the unconventional paths that lead to genuine fulfillment. The novel's blend of adventure, romance, and introspection ensures a satisfying reading experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

In conclusion, *I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons* is a testament to Peter S. Beagle's storytelling prowess, offering a delightful blend of fantasy and introspection. With its endearing characters, imaginative world-building, and timeless themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of whimsical fiction and anyone who believes in the magic of embracing one's true calling against all odds.

Peter S. Beagle's *I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons* enchants with its whimsy and resonates with its exploration of identity and destiny. This heartfelt tale reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with embracing our own inner dragons.

A fun, whimsical, borderline cozy fantasy novel, perfect for avid fantasy readers who are looking for a light palette cleanser or for those non-fantasy readers looking to get into the genre.

This story takes us on an adventure with a cast of characters who toe the lines of what is expected within the fantasy genre. We have the standard reluctant hero and evil wizard tropes but with interesting spins to subvert our expectations. Dragons are treated like vermin to be exterminated in this land and Robert is tasked with taking over the family extermination business. Unfortunately for Robert, he likes dragons and wants nothing more in life to be a valet to a Prince. Prince Reginald is Crown Prince to a region but needs to adventure and slay a dragon to prove himself to his father. Princess Cerise is anything but your average damsel in distress.

My only criticisms are that I found the ending rushed and would have liked another 20-30 pages to just tie everything together a little more. I also found some sections needed a reread to figure out who was speaking or being spoken to; a few too many pronouns used when multiple people were involved in the scene. Parts of the ending were also a little predictable.

I definitely recommend it if you are looking for something fun to read.

Though this book is quite a fair bit darker than the author's The Last Unicorn, I think the writing of this book still makes it accessible for readers of many ages. It was a good read! Nothing super astonishing or incredible with this one, but it is a solidly good, whimsical high fantasy read. And listen - I'm all for any dragon book, really. Gimme all the dragon books!!

DNF at 48%

I really tried to push through, but sometimes you have to accept that certain books are just not for you. I am officially DNFing this one at 48%.

My main problem with it was the lack of connection I felt towards the characters. They all felt like complete strangers no matter how long I'd been reading. I also might be naive, but I thought this would be about a guy saving dragons. Yes, he was at times saving them but at other times he was also killing hundreds of them in such a disgusting way. I know I'm weird, but... kill all the humans I won't mind... kill animals and I'm out. So it was REALLY hard for me to read those scenes and just move forward and like the characters... This brought me to a point where I honestly couldn't care about those characters. They also felt pretty superficial to me, I don't know if it's because of that lack of connection but I couldn't really feel any emotion about what was happening to them.

I was also confused as to what readers this book is made for. At first I assumed it was for a younger age and I just went with it but then suddenly there were harsh things mentioned, people being killed in a quite gruesome way and I was just taken aback. So the writing felt to me like this was destined to middle grade maybe, but somehow along the way it started being quite heavy for that age in my opinion.

One last thing, why was everything French, like if you give a whole kingdom French names I would assume it has a purpose... but it's like it was just an aesthetic decision. No purpose there. I mean, it's fantasy, just go wild with that stuff if you don't want to actually use a culture to its full potential. Otherwise, it's just confusing to me... Maybe it wouldn't have bothered me that much if French wasn't my first language though... maybe I would have assumed all those names were randomly made. But yes.. Cerise made me feel like I was in Mario Bros.

Anyways. That's all for me folks. Just remember, this isn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me that's all. And it's okay to DNF (me trying to convince myself).

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Peter S. Beagle is one of my favourite authors and at eighty-five years old has published a new fantasy novel called I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons. I enjoyed his two short story collections published last year, Lila the Werewolf and Other Stories, and Oakland Dragon Blues and Other Stories. If you've been following my blog for a while you'll know The Last Unicorn is one of my all-time favourite books. I can't help but wonder if one of the dragons in this story is the same one mentioned in The Last Unicorn.

› The cover for I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons is everything I want in a fantasy story. Dragons of all shapes and sizes, a castle, beautiful colours, and a cool font.

› Prologue: "The warning came in the form of a great wind, sudden and cold, sweeping out of the western mountains on a perfectly bland and cloudless summer day."

Chapter One - First Line: "Robert dreamed...It was The Dream - the one that visited him so often that it had long since lost any terrifying aspect and become as drearily predictable as the ones in which he was being driven out of town by a herring, laughing mob, or found himself suddenly naked and pink as a shrimp while kneeling to court Violette-Elisabeth, the baker's daughter. Even so, The Dream left him feeling strangely thrilled..."

› Eighteen-year-old Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus prefers to be called Robert. He inherited his
deceased father's job as a dragon exterminator. There's just one problem - Robert likes dragons and doesn't want to kill them. He even has dragons as pets.

› In a place where the nobility are uneducated, Princess Cerise is determined to teach herself how to read. One day, while reading in the forest, Cerise meets Prince Reginald of Corvinia. Cerise's home, Castle Bellemontagne, is infested with dragons. Her father, King Antoine, hires Robert to get rid of the dragons as soon as possible because they want to impress Prince Reginald.

Prince Reginald appears to be a handsome hero, however, in his father's eyes he's a coward. King Krije orders Reginald to go out into the world and prove himself a hero before he can become King. The thing is, Reginald doesn't want to be King. After Robert successfully rids the castle of the dragons, Prince Reginald's valet, Mortmain, makes a deal with Robert to help Reginald find and kill a dragon and in return, Mortmain will teach Robert how to be a prince's valet. This would allow Robert to leave his kingdom and not have to be known as the dragon exterminator.

On their dragon-hunting journey Robert, Cerise, and Reginald are attacked by a trio of enormous dragons and they discover a much larger problem threatening the entire kingdom. And so, a reluctant dragon slayer, a reluctant princess, and a reluctant prince are forced to team up and save the world.

› Beagle achieves amazing character development, but I wanted to know more about the villain's backstory and motivation. I loved the descriptions and world-building. Beagle's writing style is flawless. Although the ending is anti-climactic, it is a page-turner with real conflict. There are thought-provoking themes around class. I thought it was unique to have a dragon-slayer's job be considered middle class and the nobility are uneducated and don't know how to read or write. It was strange how some of the side characters weren't mentioned for large chunks of time. Despite my few nit-picks, I had a good time reading I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons.
› Final Thoughts
• Yes, I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons is action-packed, whimsical and funny, but it's also as dark as the Brother Grimm fairy tales. Like the stories they collected, this book by Peter S. Beagle is absurd, engaging, and tragic. This is an emotional story with great prose about parental expectations, ambition, fate, courage, friendship, and discovering who you want to be. I recommend this to fans of the Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and Thornhedge.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is a snarky and adventurous tale about a prince trying to discover how to be a hero, a princess searching for a path of her own, and a dragon exterminator who wants to do anything but exterminate dragons. Together they uncover a secret danger, face down a powerful enemy, and discover the truth about themselves.

This book is a lot of fun - apart from the parts with the horrifying death. But really, I enjoyed the narrative voice and the small twists on the quasi-medieval fantasy world. Beagle starts with a few stereotypes then delves deeper into the characters. I especially loved how much Robert, Cerise, and Reginald become more and more themselves as the trappings of the kingdom and class are stripped away.

Now, I do have some critiques, mainly that a lot of the later plot seems to come out of nowhere, and there's a lot of quippy banter that doesn't seem reasonable with the threat of immediate death. I also wanted to know more about the Wise Women we meet in the prologue, and we don't get that. I could have used a little more of Elfrieda and Ostvald at the end.

But I really had a fun time with this book. There are cool dragons, great character development, a whole bunch of heroes, and lots of great self-discovery. Plus there's romance, friendship, and family dynamics all well balanced throughout the story.

2/5 stars

While the premise of this book was very interesting it sadly fell flat for me.

The book started off strong but the more I read the more and more confused I became. I found the writing to be very convoluted and didn't make sense a lot of the time. By the last 50 pages I was not even sure what was going on anymore and it made it very hard to connect to the characters and the story.

I will say that the writing style is very unique and made me feel like I truly was back in old medieval England. I also enjoyed following Robert and his perspective - personally I found him to be my favorite character and enjoyed his dragon pets/story line the best.

Overall I thought this book was going to be more satirical, whimsical, light hearted and easy to follow than it actually was. I found the writing to be overly complicated and hard to understand but I think fans of old school fantasy may really enjoy this read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

So this started very strong and I was absolutely delighted. The whimsy and the quirk was exactly what I needed at this time. It is fun and fast paced and easy to read with entertaining dialogue. The characters introduced have personality and some standards are turned inside out.
I loved that Roberts large family were so involved and enthusiastic. He was in a job he hated but also was obsessed about. Robert spouting off about the newest dragon encountered was delightful. The joy and beauty he experienced was visceral.
Princess Cerise was introduced as a strong independent woman who valued knowledge and choices.
Where the book falls short was largely due to the women only having conversations about love. For such strong and brilliant women at all ages and ranks they were reduced to love interests. Most demonstrated at near death thoughts when the men are having deep thoughts about the world and themselves, the female is only thinking about the potential love interests. On the romance side the relationships that do develop are without logic. They just manifest by will without emotional investment. It feels all together too convenient.
My other sour taste was that the domestic/child abuse that was casually mentioned and ignored.
Also very side note based niche special interest: has the author ever rode? Because I have questions about a couple of actions
All in all I did enjoy the book for a fun cozy fantasy and have told friends that it is worth reading without holding it to a five star read.
Thank you Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for the access of this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Well this one has been a long time coming. Originally intended to be a novella released in 2007 via a different publisher, I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by the prolific author of The Last Unicorn, will finally be making it into the hands of readers—did I also mention it has grown to be nearly 300 pages? Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
Overall, I think this book is an incredible return to form in terms of classical fantasy. There is whimsy, kingdoms in peril, princesses, wizards, brave heroes, and obviously dragons. However, nothing is as it seems. All of this isn’t to say the story lacks seriousness. At its heart this narrative is about making your own way and overcoming ignorance, also doing the right thing even when it isn’t the easy thing. In my opinion, I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons is a beautifully written and oftentimes funny fairytale made for adults.
As a fantasy and fairytale fan, I would definitely recommend this. Despite the more advanced vocabulary, it took me back to a time when I was a child discouvering the original stories behind my favourite Disney movies—the ones that were a little too violent and a little too dirty, but all the more fun.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this arc!!

5/5 stars!

This was such a fun and funny read, full of heart, magic, and of course, dragons! I really enjoyed this book, the characters were fleshed out so well with some fantastic character development, the settings were rich (and dirty lol) and the humour was silly without being stupid. Peter S Beagle continues to be one of my favourite authors 💜💖💜💖💜

Robert is the latest in a line of dragonslayers, but he’d really rather be a prince’s valet, instead of following in his father’s footsteps. When he’s recruited to help solve a royal dragon problem, he has to fight against his destiny to get the future he wants.

I ended up DNFing this around 60%. Peter S Beagle’s writing is nice, and the concept of characters going against their traditional “tropes” was intriguing, but I personally didn’t feel connected with any of the characters, which was making it feel like a bit of a chore to get through. Bonus points though for Robert’s exceedingly long, exceedingly ridiculous name.

I would still recommend you give this a shot in case it lands better for you, because the writing and the premise are there!

Highly recommended! This book captivated me from the start! a strong novel! I most definitely need to get a physical copy!!

I loved this slightly grownup take on the fairytale/epic fantasy that isn't too grown up. It's perfect for middle grade, YA, and I enjoyed it as an adult. The story is told mostly from the perspectives of Robert and Princess Cerise, but it also delves into some other secondary perspectives that enrich the tale. I loved the original spin on dragons and princesses in this adventurous story complete with heroes and foes alike. I highly recommend this book for fans of adventure and fantasy.

Take your idea of a classic high fantasy but remove all the sexism and long passages describing scenery and you have this novel. This book is whimsical, fun, and quite delightful. It’s something I’d read to my kids when they are older but it is also something entirely enjoyable for an adult.

Given I love The Last Unicorn (the book more than the movie, though the movie is great too), I knew I’d likely enjoy this novel when I saw it pop up on NetGalley.

It was so fun and entertaining. Because high fantasy is quite stylized in that it has a sort of fairy tale aspect to it, the characters aren’t overly complex, but they are well-developed and likeable. Each person has a side to them that they are fighting with - the dragoncatcher who loves dragons, the princess who wants to fulfill her duties but also learn to read (and who really lets her smarts and strength shine when she needs to), and the handsome prince who just wants some goddamn peace and quiet. There are also some highly amusing side characters and while the main antagonist wasn’t entirely threatening, he was very fun.

The story is a pile upon pile of quest narratives, but through it all is the main story, which is that of friendship and love. The novel takes the archetypes romanticized in classic high antasy (hero, princess, prince) and while not modernizing them too much, makes them more relatable by delving into how people often feel trapped by their situations, expectations, and the roles they are born into. It’s about how if we don’t try, we’ll never know. It’s charming. There are some darker moments, some funny parts, and some romance too.

Overall, if you loved The Last Unicorn, if you love high fantasy without the dated stuff, and just want a charming and fun fantasy, this will not disappoint.

I absolutely adored every aspect of this book. The level of world-building and character development was simply superb. It felt like I was stepping into a fully realized universe with its own history, cultures, and nuances. The ensemble cast of characters was brilliantly crafted, each with their own distinct personalities and arcs that kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

The story itself was incredibly imaginative, taking me on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The pacing was spot-on, keeping the suspense and excitement building with each chapter. What really stood out to me were the moments of clever wording that practically begged to be reread, revealing new layers of meaning and depth with each pass.

Despite the gravity of the narrative, there was a delightful infusion of humor and lightness throughout the book. Beagle has a knack for balancing the weightier themes with moments of levity, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that kept me invested in every scene.

Furthermore, Beagle's keen social commentary added an extra layer of depth to the story, prompting me to reflect on the issues and dynamics at play in our own world. It's rare to find a book that entertains while also provoking thought, and this one certainly delivered on both fronts.

Overall, I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a captivating read that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

I chose this book for the title and I was expecting a funny and lighthearted read. Unfortunately that was not the case. This book had potential but it I found it was a dark read and not fun at all. The characters were not likeable and I found that I was skimming through the book.