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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5 stars (rounded up) for this absolutely adorable novella that I had the pleasure of reading before the official release!
This is truly a book for all ages, although I feel that it would have the biggest effect on younger children and teenagers still struggling to find acceptance in our world for deviating from the norm society has set for us. The amount of LGBTQ+ representation in this story is astonishing - trans, lesbian, aromantic and asexual just within our three human main characters, and others touched upon. You can really tell how much thought and love went into this project, which made it so delightful to read. I've seen another reviewer describe it as the literary equivalent of a hug, and that describes it really well if you ask me.
We follow the story of Sir Violet, a knight/not really a knight, who makes it his mission to protect the quaint village of Ynys. The most trouble he ever encounters is the long-fingered dragon who lives in a nearby cave, but even he always returns the things he's taken if asked nicely. So when the local baker, Juniper, goes missing, his first thought is to go looking there. However, the dragon would never take a human - and so him, Sir Violet and the baker's wife Holly start their adventure to go find Juniper and bring a little more love and acceptance into this world.
I think the concept behind this book was so intriguing and lovely, but I can't help but wish for a little more magic in the world. It already feels fantastical with the mythological creatures, so I wish the whole thing was taken up a notch to create an even more magical atmosphere. The themes of acceptance were expressed a little too overtly at times for my personal taste, but that's very much a personal complaint. Furthermore, I can see why it would be deemed necessary to make the story more accessible to younger readers, which is exactly the group I'd recommend this book to the most.
The importance of having stories where you see yourself represented in a positive light cannot be stressed enough. I think this is an absolutely beautiful story for all those who are not treated with the kindness they deserve in our society and need to know that that is not okay - everyone deserves to be their authentic self and receive nothing but love for that.
This is truly a book for all ages, although I feel that it would have the biggest effect on younger children and teenagers still struggling to find acceptance in our world for deviating from the norm society has set for us. The amount of LGBTQ+ representation in this story is astonishing - trans, lesbian, aromantic and asexual just within our three human main characters, and others touched upon. You can really tell how much thought and love went into this project, which made it so delightful to read. I've seen another reviewer describe it as the literary equivalent of a hug, and that describes it really well if you ask me.
We follow the story of Sir Violet, a knight/not really a knight, who makes it his mission to protect the quaint village of Ynys. The most trouble he ever encounters is the long-fingered dragon who lives in a nearby cave, but even he always returns the things he's taken if asked nicely. So when the local baker, Juniper, goes missing, his first thought is to go looking there. However, the dragon would never take a human - and so him, Sir Violet and the baker's wife Holly start their adventure to go find Juniper and bring a little more love and acceptance into this world.
I think the concept behind this book was so intriguing and lovely, but I can't help but wish for a little more magic in the world. It already feels fantastical with the mythological creatures, so I wish the whole thing was taken up a notch to create an even more magical atmosphere. The themes of acceptance were expressed a little too overtly at times for my personal taste, but that's very much a personal complaint. Furthermore, I can see why it would be deemed necessary to make the story more accessible to younger readers, which is exactly the group I'd recommend this book to the most.
The importance of having stories where you see yourself represented in a positive light cannot be stressed enough. I think this is an absolutely beautiful story for all those who are not treated with the kindness they deserve in our society and need to know that that is not okay - everyone deserves to be their authentic self and receive nothing but love for that.
I'm giving this a 2.5/5 largely because of the writing style which feels like it's more for middle school children than anything. The constant repetition and blunt explanations of everything felt almost condescending - as though the author didn't trust the readers to make the right conclusion.
THAT BEING SAID: I did enjoy this! I read it in one sitting and once I restructured my reading level expectations, the ideas behind the book are quite fun. As someone who is asexual, having an aroace main character is really enjoyable. The diversity is the focus of the book but that's the point.
This book is definitely unique in the fact that while it isn't a story ABOUT being queer, the entirety of the plot revolves around being queer. I haven't quite come across this before.
THAT BEING SAID: I did enjoy this! I read it in one sitting and once I restructured my reading level expectations, the ideas behind the book are quite fun. As someone who is asexual, having an aroace main character is really enjoyable. The diversity is the focus of the book but that's the point.
This book is definitely unique in the fact that while it isn't a story ABOUT being queer, the entirety of the plot revolves around being queer. I haven't quite come across this before.
I got an ARC of this book to read and review from Minerva, and I really enjoyed it.
I don't usually pick up books that are kind of fairytale-esque like this one, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. The Dragon of Ynys is a relatively short story with lovely and diverse characters (an aro-ace main character!), plenty funny moments, and to me it has an important underlying message. Most important of all though is just that it's a nice and fun read which made me happy.
I don't usually pick up books that are kind of fairytale-esque like this one, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. The Dragon of Ynys is a relatively short story with lovely and diverse characters (an aro-ace main character!), plenty funny moments, and to me it has an important underlying message. Most important of all though is just that it's a nice and fun read which made me happy.
A cute fairy tale, going in against the standard fairy tale expectations. A very enjoyable quick read!
More Queer Reads at The Queer Bookish
This novella has been updated by the author to tackle issues the queer community expressed about it.
I haven’t read the problematic original one so I only know about this because the author told me about it and therefore I can only talk about the new edition of The Dragon Of Ynys.
Which I heavily enjoyed – I just wished there were more pages to it. There are so many characters and I would have loved for the story to be slightly more fleshed out. If I keep in mind that it is supposed to be a fairytale for all ages I can live with the shortness. Especially if that means young children can listen to the book and understand everything.
It is a lovely fairytale with a very amusing dragon going by the name Snap. If I had known this book as a child Snap would have competed with and quite possible won against Fuchur (it’s Falkor in the english translation I think?).
The characters are mostly loveable, some I can’t quite grasp because of the shortness of the book, and I love how issues are solved on page. Mainly trans*phobia and the flirting at a character who absolutely does not want to be flirted with. There’s a lot society should lean from The Dragon Of Ynys.
Bookish Thoughts
I can’t remember any fairytail I was read as a child that had such a positive message for people:
So to have this message in combination with an inclusive cast, a feelgood ending, and even an aroace character (sadly still not the norm even in inclusive and diverse works)? It’s like a dream come true.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
This novella has been updated by the author to tackle issues the queer community expressed about it.
I haven’t read the problematic original one so I only know about this because the author told me about it and therefore I can only talk about the new edition of The Dragon Of Ynys.
Which I heavily enjoyed – I just wished there were more pages to it. There are so many characters and I would have loved for the story to be slightly more fleshed out. If I keep in mind that it is supposed to be a fairytale for all ages I can live with the shortness. Especially if that means young children can listen to the book and understand everything.
It is a lovely fairytale with a very amusing dragon going by the name Snap. If I had known this book as a child Snap would have competed with and quite possible won against Fuchur (it’s Falkor in the english translation I think?).
The characters are mostly loveable, some I can’t quite grasp because of the shortness of the book, and I love how issues are solved on page. Mainly trans*phobia and the flirting at a character who absolutely does not want to be flirted with. There’s a lot society should lean from The Dragon Of Ynys.
Bookish Thoughts
I can’t remember any fairytail I was read as a child that had such a positive message for people:
The message that being different from what is considered the norm does not mean you will lead an unhappy life.”(kindle pos. 885)
So to have this message in combination with an inclusive cast, a feelgood ending, and even an aroace character (sadly still not the norm even in inclusive and diverse works)? It’s like a dream come true.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
**I was provided a copy of the book through Netgalley for an honest review.**
When things start to go missing in the small village of Ynys, local knight Violet must venture to meet the dragon living nearby to retrieve the items. The dragon, being of a good temper, is usually more than willing to return the items upon Violet’s requests. When the baker goes missing, Violet’s first inclination is to seek out the dragon. But, when the baker is still nowhere to be found, it is up to Violet, the dragon, and the baker’s wife to figure out what has become of the baker, leading them on an adventure beyond the borders of the village where they meet new people and other creatures.
Snap the dragon is the standout character in this novella. He talks and has a rather good disposition--he’s never once tried to eat Sir Violet. He likes shiny and sparkly things, which is why things often go missing. More importantly, the things he says are amusing. One of my favorite lines is a poke at the village and the mayor, “I suppose that in a place like your village, that chain really is the only perk of being mayor. Far be it from me to take that joy away.” I would greatly enjoy conversing with Snap. He would be wonderful company and I would come out of it alive.
Dealing with strangers and a dragon that hoard only serves as surface-level concerns. There are multiple layers revealed when the baker goes missing and Violet, Snap, and Holly go on their search. At the heart of this fairytale is acceptance, from those around you and yourself. It’s about individuals trying to fit in by their own standards, rather than the standards of others. It’s also about listening, being able to see beyond your worries or interests so you can better understand those around you, to hear what they say and what they do not say…because what they are unable to vocalize may be just as important if not more so.
The book has LGBTQIA+ representation along with ARO-ACE representation, which is not as common as it should be. It is an enjoyable read—I also really liked the narration—that actively encourages readers to ponder the lessons it imparts for far longer than the nearly 100 pages that it makes up.
When things start to go missing in the small village of Ynys, local knight Violet must venture to meet the dragon living nearby to retrieve the items. The dragon, being of a good temper, is usually more than willing to return the items upon Violet’s requests. When the baker goes missing, Violet’s first inclination is to seek out the dragon. But, when the baker is still nowhere to be found, it is up to Violet, the dragon, and the baker’s wife to figure out what has become of the baker, leading them on an adventure beyond the borders of the village where they meet new people and other creatures.
Snap the dragon is the standout character in this novella. He talks and has a rather good disposition--he’s never once tried to eat Sir Violet. He likes shiny and sparkly things, which is why things often go missing. More importantly, the things he says are amusing. One of my favorite lines is a poke at the village and the mayor, “I suppose that in a place like your village, that chain really is the only perk of being mayor. Far be it from me to take that joy away.” I would greatly enjoy conversing with Snap. He would be wonderful company and I would come out of it alive.
Dealing with strangers and a dragon that hoard only serves as surface-level concerns. There are multiple layers revealed when the baker goes missing and Violet, Snap, and Holly go on their search. At the heart of this fairytale is acceptance, from those around you and yourself. It’s about individuals trying to fit in by their own standards, rather than the standards of others. It’s also about listening, being able to see beyond your worries or interests so you can better understand those around you, to hear what they say and what they do not say…because what they are unable to vocalize may be just as important if not more so.
The book has LGBTQIA+ representation along with ARO-ACE representation, which is not as common as it should be. It is an enjoyable read—I also really liked the narration—that actively encourages readers to ponder the lessons it imparts for far longer than the nearly 100 pages that it makes up.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Super cute! All the characters have flower names which adds to the charm and the queer representation is well done without being overbearing. I loved having an aroace MC and although the plot was complicated at some parts, I can imagine this being a bedtime story for kids... spread over several nights. I also read the updated version, and really appreciated the author's notes about what xe changed in the second drafts.
This is a cute, positive tale that leaves you feeling kind. Snap is such a good dragon, and Juniper and Holly are an adorable couple.
Plus, there's some good rep here! Two trans characters, an aro-ace (older!) hero, and a character I'd call non-binary.
Plus, there's some good rep here! Two trans characters, an aro-ace (older!) hero, and a character I'd call non-binary.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this to review via NetGalley
The story here is very cute, Our not-quite-a-knight Violet and the Dragon of Ynys go on an adventure with one other individual to find a missing person. I thought it was very sweet, and it certainly felt genuine. Even in the short amount of page we had the characters moved to different and diverse locations, giving the story an actual feel of travel. Towards the end, I also really liked the idea of the spider webs that is introduced (I always enjoy love for spiders in books).
I also appreciated the rep here as someone who considers herself on the ace spectrum. I do think this fell a little bit into the stereotype of the isolated and standoff-ish Ace/Aro individual though definitely not the extreme level of some tales. I have my days where I am those things, but I'm largely a friendly (if introverted) person. So seeing this repeated over and over in the very few stories with this rep, is a bit on the disappointing side. Yet, saying that, I know we aren't a monolith so I can't fault the book for that - I just want to make sure to mention it for those like myself looking for something different.
I can't speak to the trans-rep, but the notes do indicate that the book has been edited and touched up to make that rep stronger and better for the community at large. It came across as well meaning to my knowledge, but again - I'm not an expert at all.
All that to say, I did have a few other qualms.
So this started off really strong with a very cute fairy tale tone to it. It lost me quickly however because there felt like there was a bit of referencing to other stories in the same world. I dropped out of total immersion because I was wondering - is this another story, does this character tie in somewhere else? It felt very much like a novella or short story meant to give backstory to side characters in another larger tale.
I also had a hard time with the writing once I got tripped up so early. I've seen this shelved as Adult online in several spaces and I'd heartily argue that this reads very much like a middle grade novel. Especially after reading the author's note, in which she talked about writing this when younger, this reads just like that. I would give this to a middle school or young YA student to read (I do not recall where on NetGalley this sits, I think I got it from the general Fantasy section and not a specific age bracket).
The story here is very cute, Our not-quite-a-knight Violet and the Dragon of Ynys go on an adventure with one other individual to find a missing person. I thought it was very sweet, and it certainly felt genuine. Even in the short amount of page we had the characters moved to different and diverse locations, giving the story an actual feel of travel. Towards the end, I also really liked the idea of the spider webs that is introduced (I always enjoy love for spiders in books).
I also appreciated the rep here as someone who considers herself on the ace spectrum. I do think this fell a little bit into the stereotype of the isolated and standoff-ish Ace/Aro individual though definitely not the extreme level of some tales. I have my days where I am those things, but I'm largely a friendly (if introverted) person. So seeing this repeated over and over in the very few stories with this rep, is a bit on the disappointing side. Yet, saying that, I know we aren't a monolith so I can't fault the book for that - I just want to make sure to mention it for those like myself looking for something different.
I can't speak to the trans-rep, but the notes do indicate that the book has been edited and touched up to make that rep stronger and better for the community at large. It came across as well meaning to my knowledge, but again - I'm not an expert at all.
All that to say, I did have a few other qualms.
So this started off really strong with a very cute fairy tale tone to it. It lost me quickly however because there felt like there was a bit of referencing to other stories in the same world. I dropped out of total immersion because I was wondering - is this another story, does this character tie in somewhere else? It felt very much like a novella or short story meant to give backstory to side characters in another larger tale.
I also had a hard time with the writing once I got tripped up so early. I've seen this shelved as Adult online in several spaces and I'd heartily argue that this reads very much like a middle grade novel. Especially after reading the author's note, in which she talked about writing this when younger, this reads just like that. I would give this to a middle school or young YA student to read (I do not recall where on NetGalley this sits, I think I got it from the general Fantasy section and not a specific age bracket).
So a cute story, with simple prose and plenty of representation. I'd recommend this to much younger readers, as I mentioned or even those just starting in fantasy at that age. It'd be a great little introduction with the well done travel elements.