Audiobook Review: Dragons Galore

I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle

Read by Shaun Taylor-Corbett

Published: May 2024

Goodreads Summary:

A cast of characters trapped within their roles of dragon hunter, princess, and more must come together to take their fates into their own hands.

Dragons are common in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, coming in sizes from mouse-like vermin all the way up to castle-smashing monsters. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (who would much rather people call him Robert) has recently inherited his deceased dad’s job as a dragon catcher/exterminator, a career he detests with all his heart in part because he likes dragons, feeling a kinship with them, but mainly because his dream has always been the impossible one of transcending his humble origin to someday become a prince’s valet. Needless to say, fate has something rather different in mind…

Confession:

This was a fun book that I quite enjoyed, even though it got a little dark in the middle. It is full of small and mighty dragons, an evil wizard, a reluctant dragon slayer, cowardly princes and a self reliant princess that is perfectly capable of rescuing herself. All of this wrapped up in a fantastic world where dragons are as common as rats.

Shaun Taylor-Corbett did an excellent job of bringing this world and all of its characters to life. He gave each character their own unique attitude and voice which made the story a delight to listen to.

Robert was such a great reluctant hero. He hated his job and only ever dreamed of becoming something else, such as a valet. But the world had other plans for him. He has a great family as well, who were supportive of his quirk of saving some of the little dragons and making them pets. I adored those little guys and would love to have one of my own. It is interesting to note that dragon exterminators were not held in high esteem by those who hired them, so of course Robert wants something better for himself and his family.

Princess Cerise was also a wonderful heroine. She was self reliant and wasn’t just going to marry any old prince. She is very brave and not afraid to stand up for herself. I just loved her attitude and her no nonsense approach to her world.

There are many secondary characters in this story and some even get to tell part of the story. They were all a lot of fun and added some comedy when things get a little bit dark in the middle. I especially loved Robert’s two friends, who set off to rescue him, but end up being rescued themselves.

There is an evil wizard, but he doesn’t show up until half way through the book. He was pretty despicable, and deserved what happened to him. He was also a little on the typical fantasy villain side of comical. As is typical of these kinds of villains he had to explain everything to everyone before he tries to kill them.

The world the author created here was very interesting. The dragons were mostly little, cat size creatures that were as prevalent as rats. There were bigger ones as well which is where most of the story is focused on. But what I really found interesting was that the nobility weren’t taught to read or write, and only peasant girls went to school. Boys were only taught at home and only enough to get by. Weird, right? This made for some interesting choices from all of the characters. But other than that the world is typical of most faux medieval fantasies.

The story was a really good one. I loved the whole dragon aspect of the story, both the little guys and the bigger ones. The characters were all well written and the dialogue was witty. The journeys the main characters go through was well done and the action bits were fun to read. It does get a little dark in the middle of the story when they set off to slay a dragon. Needless to say things didn’t go well. There is a little light romance, which doesn’t overshadow the rest of the story.

Overall this was a great cozy little fantasy that I highly recommend if you enjoy that kind of book. Just be aware that there are some darker moments and some gore in the middle. This is my first time reading this author’s work, but it won’t be the last.