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I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons

Peter S. Beagle

Start date: July 1, 2024

Finish date: July 31, 2024

Discussion leader: Lindsay

Why we're reading this: Group Read - Fantasy - July 2024
[close] Group Read - Fantasy - July 2024

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What Members Thought

May 31, 2024 Trish rated it it was amazing

I only found out about this because a friend on GR was reading it and the cover alone was enough to draw me in since I LOVE dragons. Then I found out that it was the new book from an author I‘ve known for decades - the author who penned the story I watched in cartoon form every Christmas when I was a kid; probably the first story I remember taking me away into a different world.

As the title suggests, this is about dragons. Sorta. We‘re in the kingdom of Bellemontagne where dragons are a common o ...more

39 likes · Like · see review

May 31, 2024 Bradley rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2024-shelf, fantasy

I was slightly worried that it wouldn't be quite the polished fantasy, coming from an 84 year old (albeit, classic) fantasy author, but it was quit satisfying.

It hits most of the hard points: dragons who want dragons, discovery of self, changing your opinions, and a bit of solid, hard-earned love.

Of course, it's mostly about owning your dragon-heart. And this is so very important.

I recommend this. Definitely worth the read, and it doesn't hurt that it's an author we all respect -- and not just ...more

24 likes · Like · see review

Nov 14, 2024 DivaDiane SM rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, a-z-midyear-challenge

I knew I would enjoy this one and I was not disappointed. Upon further reflection, however, I think my enjoyment might have been increased by the very skilled narrator. The book is well crafted and funny with a bit of a different take on dragons than I’ve seen before. Some things were rather predictable (romance) but that just made it satisfying in the end if that makes sense.

I honestly don’t know what to make of the controversy surrounding the authorship of this book. I can’t hope to know if a ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Jun 14, 2024 Lata rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dragons, sf-f-h, 2024-read

Peter S. Beagle demonstrates his extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives in this accomplished and amusing story of dragons, deceit, would-be heroes, people pining after the wrong people and making poor decisions, and romance.

In BellaMontagne, the princess Cerise is unmoved by the many silly princes petitioning for her hand, till she accidentally meets Crown Prince Reginald of nearby Corvinia, a knight sent into the world by his father to find something heroic and valiant to do.

Me Peter S. Beagle demonstrates his extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives in this accomplished and amusing story of dragons, deceit, would-be heroes, people pining after the wrong people and making poor decisions, and romance.

In BellaMontagne, the princess Cerise is unmoved by the many silly princes petitioning for her hand, till she accidentally meets Crown Prince Reginald of nearby Corvinia, a knight sent into the world by his father to find something heroic and valiant to do.

Meanwhile, Robert, the dragon master, lives on a farm with his mother and younger sisters, and several friendly, small dragons that he keeps hidden from others in Bellamontagne.

Reginald’s canny valet Mortman enlists Robert's help in his plan to help Reginald to achieve his father's goal, and also marry the princess.

Reginald approaches Cerise's parents, and states he will kill a dragon then return for Cerise's hand. Cerise has slightly different plans, and organizes a large group of people, food and other useful things, so that she, and the large group, can come with Reginald and Robert.

They discover a number of things about their neighbour Corvinia as they encounter dragons, a scheming wizard, and learn difficult truths about themselves.

Beagle's tone is droll as he introduces his main characters and the small Kingdom of Bellamontagne, where the visiting princes are ridiculous, only girls can read and write, and Robert's dream is to be a valet. But things became darker as Robert, Cerise and Reginald headed out on their mission, and things turned deadly suddenly. And the tone continues to shift, as more terrible things happen before the surprising (though not totally unexpected) ending.

Beagle is adept at all the tonal shifts, as well as the characterization of the trio. There are interesting supporting characters, like Robert's good friends and Cerise's mother, and a really intriguing set of wise women who only feature in the prologue but never again. I would dearly have liked to have seen more of them, as I had expected that they would have a role to play in the story's resolution, but maybe the author had a larger story in mind, and this is but the first entry? I hope so, because through this somewhat silly and cozy story mostly wraps up, I felt that there could be more story to unfold.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful narrative, and am happy that this dragon tale was full of teeth and heart. ...more

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Jul 11, 2024 Scarlet rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-clubs

This was a surprisingly fun little fantasy adventure. The characters were the highlight for me. I especially enjoyed the main trio. I did lose the plot a little especially towards the end. This world has a Sword and Sorcery feel to it but the characters do not. They seem to be more meant to subvert the S&S tropes than to follow them.

Longer review to follow.

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