Review: The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

The Last Dragonslayer

About the Book:

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.

My Thoughts:

This story was a lot of fun! Mr. Fforde's writing did take some getting used to, I will admit. But once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed myself immensely. Jennifer has a good head on her shoulders, but she doesn't realize her true potential yet as we follow her along this strange path and wonder where it's taking her. She's a great character! No matter her confusion, no matter the pressure from outside sources, she always stays true to herself. And I loved the Quarkbeast! It was like a giant, overgrown puppy, except a puppy who can easily swallow you whole. Yet it can be very gentle and loyal and it loves Jennifer. That's the thing, she inspires everyone around her to like her. Well, with a few notable exceptions, but we won't count the bad guys opinions. :) There's a lot of interesting characters in this world that Mr. Fforde created. Some are just as they seem, and some have hidden qualities, but they all have a part of Jennifer's story, and help make her destiny happen just like it's supposed to. As is quoted often, the future is not written in stone for these people, so it can be changed depending on the choices they make. Thus we get thrown into the middle of Jennifer's world and immediately deduce that we're off on an adventure! The thing about this book is, you can't go into it expecting some deep, thoughtful analyzing to happen. It just won't work. It's not meant to make sense in reality, it's simply a whimsical little story full of unconventional and quirky people who do some peculiar things. You're going to have a wonderful time following the conversations and interactions of each of the characters. Like I said before, Mr. Fforde's writing is different, but in a good way. Not one of the characters ever responded quite like I expected them to.

Overall, this is just a really delightful little story. Great for a couple hours of entertainment and escape from real world worries. A clean and fun adventure that I think even young teens would enjoy. Try it yourself! :)

A Fun Passage:

"Dragons, like four o'clock tea, crumpets, marmalade, and zip-up cardigans, are a peculiarity to the Ununited Kingdoms. They are fierce, fire-breathing creatures of great intelligence, dignity, and sensitivity who could and did converse on matters of great importance. But for all their intelligence, wit, and social graces, dragons still had one habit that made them impossible to ignore."
"And that is?"
"They liked to eat people."

Toodle-loo kangaroos!