literary gluttony

In Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis, readers are thrust into a hilariously chaotic high fantasy world where nothing is as it seems. Gav wakes up in the aftermath of chaos, finding himself in the unlikely position of being the Dread Lord Whomever, destined to commit heinous acts he has no memory of planning. As he navigates his castle filled with goblins and a perplexing princess, Gav realizes that unraveling the mysteries of his past may be the key to saving himself from a gruesome fate. With killer moat squid, toxic masculinity, an evil wizard convocation, and even a garlic festival thrown into the mix, Dreadful offers a rollicking adventure full of unexpected twists and turns. As Gav grapples with his newfound identity, he must confront the consequences of his actions and ultimately decide who he truly wants to be in a world where reality is as bizarre as it is unpredictable.

Caitlin Rozakis’s Dreadful is a delightful romp through a world filled with magic, mayhem, and unexpected twists. From the moment protagonist Gav wakes up in a half-destroyed wizard’s workshop with no memories and the startling realization that he is the Dread Lord Whomever, the reader is swept along on a whirlwind adventure that is as hilarious as it is captivating.

Rozakis’s writing is sharp and witty, effortlessly blending humor with moments of genuine suspense. The characters, from the bumbling but endearing Gav to the quirky inhabitants of his castle, are expertly crafted and brim with personality. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the banter between characters is both clever and laugh-out-loud funny.

What truly sets Dreadful apart is its unique blend of fantasy elements and farcical humor. From killer moat squid to an evil wizard convocation and even a garlic festival, the story is filled with absurd and entertaining twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Yet beneath the humor lies a deeper exploration of identity, morality, and the consequences of our actions, adding depth and substance to an already engaging narrative.

While Dreadful is undoubtedly a light-hearted read, it is also a thought-provoking one, prompting readers to consider the nature of heroism and villainy in a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Rozakis’s deft handling of these themes, combined with her infectious sense of humor, makes Dreadful a must-read for fans of high fantasy and farce alike.

In conclusion, Dreadful is a delightful and entertaining romp that will leave readers eagerly awaiting Caitlin Rozakis’s next adventure. With its memorable characters, clever writing, and hilarious premise, it is a book that is sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who picks it up. Highly recommended.


** I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. **