Dealing with Dragons
📘 About This Book
The first two volumes of Patricia C. Wrede's beloved, bestselling Enchanted Forest Chronicles!
📖 Summary
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede is a delightful and subversive entry in the juvenile fiction genre that completely turns traditional fairy tale tropes on their heads. Published in 2002 as part of the beloved and bestselling Enchanted Forest Chronicles, this 244-page novel introduces readers to a world where princesses do not wait idly in towers to be rescued by handsome princes, and dragons are much more than mere monsters to be slain. At the heart of the story is Princess Cimorene, a royal young woman who finds her life in the kingdom of Linderwall utterly stifled by the rigid expectations placed upon her. While standard fairy tale princesses are expected to learn embroidery, proper etiquette, and how to look decorative, Cimorene has vastly different interests. She prefers practical skills, such as cooking, magic, and Latin, and she has absolutely no desire to marry a boring prince. Rather than submitting to a predetermined path of boredom and forced propriety, Cimorene makes the daring decision to run away from home. Her destination is the Enchanted Forest, and her goal is to find a dragon to serve as a princess. In traditional tales, princesses are captured by dragons, but Cimorene actively seeks out a dragon willing to take her on. She eventually enters the service of a large, sophisticated dragon named Kazul. Far from being a helpless captive, Cimorene quickly becomes an indispensable part of Kazul's household. She manages the dragon's cavern, improves the domestic organization, and even learns how to cook gourmet meals that impress the local magical creatures. However, life in the Enchanted Forest is far from peaceful. Cimorene soon finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue involving arrogant princes who constantly show up to rescue her, meddling wizards with sinister plans, and political rivalries among the dragons. When King Mendanbar, the handsome and unusually sensible king of the Enchanted Forest, disappears under mysterious circumstances, Cimorene uses her sharp wit, resourcefulness, and newfound friendships to uncover the truth and save the realm. Throughout her adventures, Cimorene demonstrates that cleverness, independence, and courage are far more valuable than royal titles or waiting for someone else to solve your problems. Patricia C. Wrede weaves a tale filled with humor, warmth, and memorable characters that redefine what it means to be a hero. The narrative challenges conventional gender roles and offers a refreshing perspective on classic fantasy elements. By subverting expectations at every turn, Wrede creates a vibrant magical world that captivates readers of all ages. The book balances fast-paced adventure with witty dialogue and clever world-building, making it a timeless classic of children and young adult literature. Whether dealing with bureaucratic wizards, overly dramatic knights, or exceptionally polite dragons, Cimorene handles every obstacle with pragmatic determination. Dealing with Dragons remains a foundational text for modern fantasy, inspiring generations of readers to chart their own courses rather than following tired conventions.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Subverts traditional fairy tale tropes in a clever and humorous way
Strong, independent, and relatable protagonist
Engaging and imaginative world-building
Fast-paced narrative filled with witty dialogue
⚠️ Cons
Some readers may find the resolution leaves major plot threads for the sequel
The episodic nature of the early chapters might feel slightly disjointed to some
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Dealing with Dragons? +
The book was written by Patricia C. Wrede.
What genre does this book belong to? +
It belongs to the juvenile fiction and fantasy genres.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book contains 244 pages.
When was this edition published? +
This volume was published in 2002 as part of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
Who is the main character? +
The main character is Princess Cimorene, who chooses to run away to live with a dragon.
