About the Book
-
Author:
- Caitlin Rozakis
- Voices:
- Cis Boy
- Straight
- White (Non-Specified)
Cover Story: Wicked Good
BFF Charm: Yay
Talky Talk: Cozy Fun
Bonus Factors: Goblins, Feminism, Hijinks
Relationship Status: Partners in Crime
Cover Story: Wicked Good
This is super cute and perfectly fits the story inside. I love the red and black; it’s bold and makes the cover stand out.
The Deal:
The Dread Lord Gavrax is not a very nice wizard. He’s kidnapped a princess and seems to be wrapped up in some nefarious plot with a few other evil wizards. On top of all that, he has incredibly tacky taste in castle decor and clothing. He’s not a person you’d like to meet, so it’s even more unfortunate when you realize…he’s you.
Gav can’t remember a thing about what happened before he woke up in the middle of a chalk circle in the aftermath of what seems like an explosion, but the more he “learns” about his apparent life, the less he likes it. Was he genuinely evil? Does he still want to be? What has Dread Lord Gavrax gotten himself tied up in, and is it all going to blow up in Gav’s face if he can’t fake it ’til he makes it?
BFF Charm: Yay
While I have never had all my memories removed, I could relate to Gav’s desire to be a good person who still experiences flashes of annoyance and rage when having to interact with annoying or incompetent people (I drive in Florida every day, people). I think most of us have had some personal battles with the desire to do what is right and “good” for us versus what is sometimes easier, and the outcome of those battles is what molds you as a person. Gav was funny and relatable, and while it might sound controversial to be BFFs with a Dread Lord, I know what I’m doing.
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Of course Gav is interested in the super-hot Princess he’s got locked in his tower, especially since HE doesn’t remember being the one who kidnapped her, but SHE certainly recalls it and treats him with contempt. The evolution of their interactions was well done and thoroughly explored any potential issues between their imbalanced dynamic as kidnapper and kidnappee.
Talky Talk: Cozy Fun
I still don’t like the term “cozy” fantasy, but that’s really what this is and I guess I need to get on board. It’s heavy on the character journey and irreverence, and light on the world-building and plot, but full moments that make you smile and laugh, and it all ends on a high note. Rozakis’s writing for Gav was relatable and wry:
For a minute or two, they just sat. The little fires crackled peacefully around the room. Their flickering light was very flattering on the princess’s shining hair. And the sound was kind of soothing. Yes, he should make them a design element, he mused. They seemed to keep happening anyway. He could give them little holders. Maybe something to burn that didn’t smell quite so bad. Wait, no, those already existed and were called candles.
and she populated her world with so many other tertiary, winsome characters:
Siraco hung by his elbow, nearly salivating at whatever it was his master was contemplating doing to the helpless princess. “It’s a pleasure to watch you work, my lord. The way you have of targeting someone’s deepest insecurities and just… eviscerating them. Verbally. Before you eviscerate them. It’s masterful.” What a delightful description. He must have been so popular at parties.
I’m not hating the recent resurgence of this D&D-style “meta fantasy”, with hilarious movies like Dungeons & Dragons, the recent addictive video game, Baldur’s Gate III, and the surprise popularity of “cozy” Legends and Lattes. This book is very much in this vein and won’t appeal to all readers, but those who are loving this trend will probably also love this book.
Bonus Factor: Goblins
Gavrax employed goblins as his castle staff, and apparently has no qualms about exploding or setting them on fire if he was annoyed with their work performance. Hence, they’re all a little skittish around Gav, and especially confused about his efforts to, like, actually get to know them and learn their names. The cook’s inventive (and inedible) concoctions were my favorite.
Bonus Factor: Feminism
If nothing else tells you this is a fantasy, as evil asshole suddenly waking up and being cool with gender equality and listening to competent women will clear that right up. But still…it’s fun to watch in action.
Bonus Factor: Hijinks
At some point, Gav realizes that part of the evil plot Gavrax was involved in means hosting a bunch of evil house guests, all the while heroes are trying to break in to rescue the princess. At the same time, the village below Gav’s castle is hosting a festival so they can trade enough of their one good crop (garlic) for enough other supplies to survive the winter. If you want to picture them all running around to that zippy kazoo song from old TV shows, you wouldn’t be far off. It was very amusing.
Relationship Status: Partners In Crime
You make me laugh and treat me like a friend, Book. I wouldn’t do anything truly evil with you, but if you wanted to pull some light-hearted pranks or do, like, a themed escape room, I’d gladly join in!
Literary Matchmaking
T. Kingfisher’s writing is permeated with a similar kind of wry humor.
In Other Lands also takes some well-known tropes and turns them on their heads.
I know it’s another Kingfisher book, but the vibes are very similar!
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Titan Books. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. Dreadful is available now.
I fully admit to buying this book because of the cover. But this review tells me I’ll love what’s inside as well!
Ha, I definitely thought of you when I was reading it! I think you’ll love it!