The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
- Method of Obtaining: I received my copy via the publisher through NetGalley.
- Published by: Harcourt Children’s Books
- Release Date: 10/2/2012
In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery. Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic.
- It sounded adorable. Plain and simple.
I also recommend:
- A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
I am going to admit to something. I picked this book to read because it looked cute – but that was almost its death sentence. Almost. When looking at The Last Dragonslayer on my iPad screen I sat for almost five minutes debating before finally just opening it up and diving in. I was worried, you see – worried that it’d be boring, that it wouldn’t live up to its cute little cover, and that everything fantastic I’d heard about Jasper Fforde would all turn out to be little lies.
Then this book reached up and smacked me in the face.
I found myself laughing out loud by the end of page one, people. Laughing for real out loud. I was reminded of the fun I’d had when I picked up the first Harry Potter book, of the magic I’d felt when reading Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and immediately I began to devour the story here.
I raced through this book in a single evening/night. I had to know what was happening – it had all the right elements for a fantasy that is light-hearted and fun: quirky characters, interesting magic, a quest, a sword, and dragons. Oh.. and a VW Beetle.
This book is going on the list for Christmas – I have a feeling I’ll be giving away a few copies of it. It’s perfect for those kids (and adults) who are looking for something light, magical, and a way to fill in the gap until the next “Harry Potter” comes around.
Don’t just take my word for it! Check out what these bloggers say!
