Dreadful

Dreadful, by Caitlin Rozakis, is a high fantasy farce that will have you in stitches from beginning to end, while also making you ponder the very essence of identity and redemption. Weaving a tale with sharp wit and clever satire, Rozakis introduces us to a world of unforgettable characters and chaotic adventures, filled with killer moat squid, toxic masculinity, evil wizards, and an utterly unique garlic festival.

The story follows Gav, who awakens in a half-destroyed workshop with no eyebrows, no memories, and a gnawing fear that the Dread Lord Whomever might show up any minute to turn his skull into a goblet. As if that wasn't bad enough, Gav soon realizes with horror that he is, in fact, the dreaded evil wizard everyone fears – Dread Lord Gavrax. Now, with no recollection of how he ended up with a castle full of goblins and a princess locked in a cell, Gav must navigate his way through a labyrinth of his own making. His only hope is to play along with his evil persona to uncover his lost memories and avoid getting himself killed.

However, everything in Gavrax's life—from his garish cloak adorned with flame motifs to the imprisoned princess—seems to be shrouded in deception and illusion. As he embarks on this bizarre and darkly comedic journey, Gav is confronted with the uncomfortable truths about his past deeds. The real challenge, though, lies in answering a profoundly introspective question: who does he want to be?

Dreadful is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, K. J. Parker, and Travis Baldree, who will revel in its uproarious yet thought-provoking narrative. With a clever use of fantasy tropes and a piercing attack on stereotypes and toxic masculinity, Rozakis crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and enriching. Gav's week goes from dreadful to chaotic, making for an utterly engaging read.

Jim C. Hines, author of Goblin Quest, praises the book: "It was very kind of Caitlin Rozakis to write this book for me. Sure, the rest of you should like it too, but it was clearly written for me, with all the elements I love: fun and humour, breaking fantasy tropes, interesting and complex questions about identity and redemption, and some delightful goblins!”

Tom Holt adds, "A spellbinding (literally) massacre of all our favourite tropes, underscored with a pleasing dry wit.”

Dreadful is a book that shouldn't be missed, offering readers a unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes, all wrapped in Caitlin Rozakis's signature snarky style. Dive into the chaos and uncover the hilarious yet poignant world that awaits you.