When Dealing With Dragons

by Dana Swift

A YA romantasy about a dragon conservationist who must put rivalries and class divisions aside and partner with a dragon racer to save the last known gold plated dragon from corrupt powers that would exploit it for its priceless scales.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy

Hardcover

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Dana Swift started making up fantasy worlds when she was eleven years old and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. While in college, Dana competed as a saber fencer and learned a thing or two about fighting, parrying and how it feels to fall in love with your sparring partner. She currently lives with said husband in Miami, Florida.

Reviews

[Rachel Sperber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perks of being friends with the author (and also a huge fan of hers) I was sent a PDF copy of her next release and have been devouring it ever since. Admittedly, I’m more of an audiobook reader than an e-book reader, but every time I had time to pick up the book, I was drawn into the world and her writing.

If you loved the Cast in Firelight duology, you’ll love this as well. It’s got Dana’s wonderful humor, character banter, and beautiful writing, but a new world and characters. Farren and James are fantastic POV characters, each with their secrets and coming of age stories within the course of the novel.

I don’t want to give too much away with the release date so far away, but I loved all of the characters in the book, especially the dragons, and the world building and magic was fascinating. I laughed at the humor, cooed over the dragons, and loved watching the characters interact throughout the whole journey. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s the perfect mixture of cozy, budding romance, and dragons, along with breakneck adrenaline and intriguing societal commentary. I can’t wait to discuss this with other fellow readers!

[Dana Swift]

I’m not going to rate my own book, but I did want to use this space to post updates and answer any questions that come up about my new YA Fantasy, WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS! If more questions arise I’ll happily add to this list.

For anyone excited about seeing the cover it will be revealed on Friday, October 3rd! If you would like to help me with the reveal please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/4mSSJqmwT3Tr6LVv8

I also have a google form if you would like to request an ARC: https://forms.gle/JoAtQwKgsEDeejTN9

[Starr ❇✌❇]

dragon conservationist? 🥺

[Julia Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were SO many things to love about this book, and I inhaled it because of its fast-pace and absolutely adorable characters. I fell in love with Farren and James and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic! I related to Farren and her perfectionism, and I loved her dedication to her family’s business. James was the absolute sweetest! I adored his POV chapters. The push and pull between Farren and James was so satisfying. Their romance felt so realistic and age-appropriate, which was such a refreshing take to see. I am certain younger teens all the way to adults will enjoy this story.

There’s plenty of depth in this book as well. The magic system was multi-layered with dragons and their metals playing into the societal and political systems of the world. It was such a unique take on dragons and particularly on animal protection and conservation. I thoroughly enjoyed Farren’s family and their tireless pursuit for the welfare of dragons despite the economic costs. Farren’s family was soooo supportive, and I found that so comforting for a YA fantasy.

I knew I would probably love this book because I love dragons, but I didn’t know how much I would fall in love with the characters, the worldbuilding, and the romance. I would absolutely read more books in this universe and with these characters if the author chooses to delve further into this world.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous and luscious adventure that will sweep you off your feet. This story was epic and heartwarming. I loved every page. The chapter titles, the characters, the dragons, all of it made for such a wonderful story. The writing captures your heart and takes your attention and holds it throughout the whole book. This book was utterly wonderful and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. This book was delightful from beginning to end!

Thanks to the author and publishers for the ARC! I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to read this story! And can't wait to read it again when it's released!