Dreadful

 

Dreadful is a humorous and whimsical YA fantasy standalone novel by Caitlin Rozakis. Released 28th May 2024 by Titan Books, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a diverting, slyly funny, wonky story full of off-kilter characters, an intelligent, fairly badass princess, an evil magician with amnesia, memory demons, goblins, depressingly decorated evil wizard tower, and some pretty good underlying messages. 

There were honestly a few snort-out-loud moments. Evil blue squids, a down-at-the-heels town full of cowering peasants desperately in need of some tourist-friendly activities (a garlic festival! That's the ticket!), transmogrified handsome prince, eyebrowless evil wizard, goblins in fluffy kitchen aprons, and so many more crazy but appealingly silly moments. 

There are some really good takeaways about the true nature of how we're seen affecting who we become, self-determination, found family, second (or twenty-third) chances, and making our own destiny. It's not preachy at all, it's very funny in places, and the author has wickedly accurate comedic timing.

Four stars. Highly recommended for library acquisition, home library, gifting, or a read-aloud with a friend/book club/buddy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.