Dreadful might just be my favorite read of 2024. And, yes, I realize that it's only February, but it's going to be really, really hard for another book to oust it from its throne. This book is absolutely fantastic.

It has humor. It has heart. It has magic. It has evil wizards. It has goblins. It has sassy princesses. It has heroes. It has, uh, killer moat squids? I mean, there is nothing else that I could possibly want from a book (unless maybe it could auto-dispense $100 bills or something … hit me up for some more great ideas, Titan Books).

Dread Lord Gavrax is a delightful main character and I love his watching his progression from dark wizard to maybe-not-evil-but-not-exactly-good wizard. But, honestly, the rest of the characters are just as fabulous and I loved every single one of them – the goblins are particularly endearing and I wish I had a Grrribeetle of my very own. And who could have seen that … unexpected development with Siraco coming?

The plot is just so much fun, too. Dread Lord Gavrax wakes up with no memory of who he used to be, but apparently he was evil. Really, really evil. Like, “immolating his servants for minor transgressions” evil. And he seems to be mixed up in some sort of nefarious plot with super duper evil dark wizard Zarconar, which he's pretty sure is a terrible idea. And why is there a princess locked up in his castle?

As an added bonus, I'm pretty sure that this novel increased my vocabulary tenfold. I'm glad I was reading it on my e-reader with the built-in dictionary, because I found myself looking up words at least once a chapter.

So, yeah. This is a brilliantly fantastic debut novel and is quite possibly one of my new favorites. If you like humorous fantasy novels with maybe-not-really-so-dark wizards and goblins in garlic costumes and enchanted roosters, you should definitely read this one without delay.

My overall rating: a resounding five stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Caitlin Rozakis delivers a refreshingly unique comedic fantasy romp with "Dreadful", her debut high fantasy satire. The premise introduces readers to a recently resurrected evil wizard named Gav who must piece together his spotty memory and nefarious past misdeeds after waking up alone in his partially destroyed castle. This already intriguing launch point spirals into an outlandish, joke-filled quest for self-discovery as Gav encounters various absurd obstacles, including a hostage princess, a contingent of bumbling goblin minions, and the looming threat of a dark wizard convocation arriving any day to finish razing his home.

Rozakis mines this dangerous scenario for plenty of sharp-witted humor riffing on familiar genre tropes. The tongue-in-cheek lessons about toxic masculinity and self-acceptance bring additional layers to the humorous proceedings. By anchoring such light-hearted comedy around forgotten identity and morality, Gav's misadventures tap insightfully into poignant themes of reputation, regret, and personal growth.

The zany pacing and peculiar characters, like a moat-dwelling giant squid with a taste for human flesh, make for an unpredictable adventure blending imagination and irreverence. Fantasy fans searching for a fun-first romp that still delivers emotionally should find dreadful amounts to love about this audacious debut.

Delightful! This tale of dark wizards, evil plots, and magical catastrophes is lightweight, jolly, and hopeful! A man wakes up after a magical explosion in the Dread Lord Gavrak's tower, only to slowly realize that *he* is the Dread Lord Gavrak,but he's lost his memory and has absolutely NO idea what he's doing. All he knows is that everyone is terrified of him, there's a kidnapped princess in the dungeon, and he keeps getting calls from a wizard who seriously scary. He has to make his way through the next few weeks without people catching on, without killing anyone, and without dying himself. Simple, right?

I really enjoyed this one! I'm not supposed to be requesting things on netgalley (not that I'll ever actually catch up), but I saw the word villain and immediately requested it. And I'm so glad I did! Because Gav was such a fun main character. And really, the entire story was just fun. The shenanigans Gav and his retinue got into were hilarious, especially as we watched him stumble through dark-wizardry. I do find myself feeling slightly dissatisfied by the end, but I'm not exactly sure what ending I would've preferred. Despite that, I really enjoyed this one! And I'd agree with the synopsis, it was very reminiscent of a T Kingfisher novel.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for a copy of this book for review.

This was such fun! It reminded me a bit of Kill the Farm Boy by Dawson and Hearne, but with a less snarky humor (which for me made it more enjoyable). I'd suggest this for fans of Legends & Lattes, too. It's cozy, but with a strong and twisty plot. There were moments where the author was addressing toxic masculinity from inside the perpetrator's mindset that jarred, and because of the setting there were moments of hard binaries that also threw me out of the story momentarily. Other than that (both understandable given the context), I found the whole romp delightful. If you could forget your wounds and traumas, would it change who you are or would you still be angry and lash out? Can you make reparations for harm done if you are still within the system that gave you power? These are big themes addressed while making the reader laugh. Rozakis has given the reader more than a funny fantasy, she's done deeper work here. A strong debut.

Caitlin Rozakis, thank you for bringing me the garlic festival I didn't know I needed!

This book was a delightful romp with just enough teeth to not be overly cozy. There were genuine stakes for everyone involved and the characters grew in believable and compelling ways. The hilarious array of side characters was exactly as quirky as you'd expect from a cozy fantasy, but each still felt fresh and fun. The writing was excellent (not always a given in this subgenre) and the humorous asides were perfectly executed. I laughed out loud at many of them, such as the mention that would-be heroes had begun milling around the town, flummoxed by the lack of a tavern. I mean, what self-respecting fantasy village doesn't have a tavern to use as a staging ground? Fans of the fantasy genre will love the way this story straddles the line between parody and homage.

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.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. I enjoyed this, very much agree that if you are a fan of T.Kingfisher and Travis Baldee this will be very much up your alley. I enjoyed Gav's character and progression, and the book was full of surprises till the very end.

A funny take on the classic fantasy genre, it puts a spin on the classic troupe that feels refreshing. There should be more humor in fantasy.