I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons

March 11, 2024
Bestseller Beagle (The Last Unicorn) delivers a rip-roaring standalone fantasy that was first announced in 2007. The kingdom of Bellemontagne’s resident dragon exterminator, Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, who just goes by Robert and harbors a secret disdain for his profession, is summoned to the castle by King Antoine to clear the place of dragons in preparation for Prince Reginald Krije of Corvinia’s presentation at court. The prince wishes to ask Bellemontagne’s Princess Cerise for her hand in marriage, but first he must convince his father, King Krije, of his merits as successor: “For all that I am his only son, he will not rest satisfied that our humble realm can safely be left in my hands until I have accomplished something of valor and value.” To prove his worth, he hopes to slay a truly impressive dragon and enlists Robert’s assistance. Together, Robert, Cerise, and Reginald set out on an expedition to find a worthy beast, facing unexpected dangers and interpersonal conflict along the way. The trio has conflicting ambitions: Cerise wants to marry the prince; Reginald wants his father’s approval; and Robert simply wants to change careers. The resulting adventure offers surprises and humor aplenty alongside a hefty dose of classic dragon lore. Beagle’s fans will feel this was worth the wait. Agent: Howard Morhaim, Howard Morhaim Agency.

April 1, 2024

Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (or just Robert for brevity's sake) inherited his father's job as a dragon exterminator for the small kingdom of Bellemontagne. It's a role that Robert performs exceedingly well, but there's just one problem: he likes dragons. He even keeps several as secret pets, an act of protest that only makes his career more unpleasant. However, change is in the air when the king calls upon Robert to rid the castle of the draconic vermin. There, Robert crosses paths with a princess and prince who, like him, feel trapped by the lives into which they were born. The three join forces in a bid to circumvent fate by confronting and defeating a long-forgotten evil force once thought dead. Beagle's cozy novel embraces over-the-top fantasy tropes, and the effect is a tale that's as hilarious as it is endearing. Evocative of Terry Pratchett, the writing grows beyond its charming aesthetic to deliver a deceptively serious narrative. VERDICT A high fantasy that's also cozy, the latest from Beagle (The Way Home; The Last Unicorn) is recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman's Stardust and Travis Baldree's Bookshops & Bonedust.--Andy Myers

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2024
Most dragons are considered vermin in the small kingdom of Bellemontagne. Robert works as a dragon exterminator, a position inherited from his father, despite his ability to communicate with dragons. Princess Cerise and her parents aren't usually concerned with the castle's dragons, ignoring them while the princess alternates between declining her many suitors and sneaking into the forest to teach herself to read (something only the common folk do). That changes when she bumps into Prince Reginald, forced to go adventuring to prove himself worthy to his father, and falls for him, immediately demanding that her parents rid the castle of its dragon infestation. Robert is summoned to deal with the dragons, making a deal with Reginald's traveling partner to train for his dream job as a valet in exchange for making Reginald seem heroic. Nothing goes as planned as these three young adults experience a riveting adventure shaped by an old enemy and their own self-discovery. Beagle's latest coming-of-age tale (after The Way Home, 2023) will charm readers.

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