Book 1 - The Last Dragonslayer - The Chronicles of Kazam

Jasper Fforde has a unique way of looking at things. The mixture of the familiar, and somewhat bland for those of us with knowledge of some of the settings, with the outrageously bizarre is the hallmark of this author. Those who have read any of the nursery crimes or Thursday Next books will not be disappointed

THIS BOOK DELVES INTO A DIFFERENT WORLD OF WHIMSY THAT IS WITTY AND ENGAGING SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE EXPECTED FROM DR. SEUSS IF HE WAS WRITING FOR ADULTS. AN EASY READ THAT WAS WORTH THE TIME.

I really enjoyed Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next books and this new series starter does not fail to please. Good story line , quirky characters and Fforde's off kilter perspective make for a different reading experience.

It was thoroughly enjoyable throughout. However the whole sorcery bit is a bit overdone at present with the whole Harry Potter phenomenon. Also the ending was somewhat predictable. However, it was well written and thought out. A lot worse books to read out there! It only pales in significance to Ffordes other work which is truly novel and ingenious.

A little different from Fforde's Thursday Next series, but quirky and fun in its own way. The matter of fact main character is an old soul, and her wittiness and sarcasm are delightful.

Can't tell you anymore...spoilers!

Jasper Fforde is always entertaining. The Last Dragonslayer was enjoyable and I reccommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and is suspicious of big corporations. It is meant for the Young Adult/Tween audience. I will encourage my kids to read it.

The book takes place in a world very different from ourselves magic is an occupation like plumbing, orphans are called foundlings and a quarkbeast is a pet. It's a strange little getaway but an enjoyable one.

Imaginative book that was hard to put down. The book is filled with fun characters. Written in an easy to follow conversational style. I have also read Fforde's Thursday Next series and liked those books as well.

As a Jasper Fforde fan I was rather disappointed with The Last Dragonslayer. It lacks the depth of characters and story that make the Thursday Next series so captivating. Basically just a pretty thin storyline.

As usual, Jasper Fforde delivers. A silly romp through a fictitious land much like the UK; the teen heroine handles some sticky situations with aplomb. A must read for his fans. The charachters nearly jump off the page. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Imaginative book that was hard to put down. The book is filled with fun characters. Written in an easy to follow conversational style. I have also read Fforde's Thursday Next series and liked those books as well.

As a Jasper Fforde fan I was rather disappointed with The Last Dragonslayer. It lacks the depth of characters and story that make the Thursday Next series so captivating. Basically just a pretty thin storyline.

As usual, Jasper Fforde delivers. A silly romp through a fictitious land much like the UK; the teen heroine handles some sticky situations with aplomb. A must read for his fans. The charachters nearly jump off the page. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

I was instantly a Jasper Fforde fan after reading his first book The Eyre Affair when it came out in 2002. I continue to pick up every one of his books as they're released and he stands as my favorite author. This new book is geared towards young adults however any and all should pick up this light read. Unfortunately it hasn't been released in the states so I had to order it from the UK but it was worth the wait. Once again, Fforde creates an alternate world, the UnUnited Kingdom, in which magic is commonplace and dragons exist. Fforde's brilliant use of words and satire never cease to amaze me.

Summary:
Jennifer Strange is just a foundling, working out her apprenticeship for Kazam Mystical Arts Management. She's 14, in charge of a stable of magicians who have become increasingly weak over the years, so that they are reduced to tasks like clearing drains and delivering pizza (via magic carpet, of course). The world is changing, and she just wants to keep her head down, keep her orange VW Bug running, and have everything continue as it always has in the Ununited Kingdoms. But Big Magic is afoot, and before she knows it, she is at the center of it, destined to be the last Dragonslayer and scheduled to slay the last dragon, whether she wants to or not.

Review:
Fforde's first children's book (more or less children's; this strikes me as somewhat like my own books: adult fiction masquerading as Middle Grade fiction) grabbed me from the first page when Jennifer, three magicians, and the quarkbeast drive up in her "rust-and-orange-but-mostly-rust Volkswagen" to rewire a house. The author's light hand with absurdity and well-developed sense that something more is going on caught and held my attention. As the situation develops, it seems an insoluble problem, and I didn't see the solution coming until the very end. There is, in my opinion, just the right balance of tension, humor, fantasy, and reality (especially with regard to human nature; indeed it may be a little cynical for the younger set). The language is good, editing excellent, and pacing near perfect. My only complaint is that the character of Tiger Prawns, the 7th Foundling to be sent to Kazam as an indentured servant, seems to be brought in and left without a clear purpose. I have a feeling he'll have more of a role in subsequent books in the series--which I will be reading.

Highly recommended for older children and adults who have a sense of humor and enjoy a good yarn.

Jennifer Strange's dragon adventure is magic and snark at its very best. An irreverent satire on all the staples of our society with a healthy heaping of magic and set against the backdrop of the hilariously Ununited Kingdoms.

As I hoped, this novel has a bit of a Diana Wynne Jones feel to it. It is a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek, hang-on-to-your-seat, magical joyride that never takes itself too seriously. The last dragon in the world is about to breathe its last, freeing up its magically protected lands for the land grabbers camped just outside. The tyrant king of Hereford has his eye on money to be made and the premier international corporation looks to take it all. Into this mess, walks Jennifer Strange, an orphan running a hotel full of magicians, most washed up. She's a sensible, no nonsense protagonist in a world of weird, and her snark and the supporting cast's wonk keeps the tone light and the misadventures funny. Even better, romance wasn't a factor.

Fans of Diana Wynne Jones, Eva Ibbotson and dragons will love Jennifer, the dragon and all the denizens of Kazam Mystical Arts Management.

The interesting title and cover art drew me to this book. Certainly, it is not lacking in merit; however, the story falls short of its potential.

Certain key elements occur in an overly convenient manner. As such, the story feels contrived in places.

The book held my interest enough that I did not feel inclined to abandon it, but I didn't feel the rush that can be experienced from a truly great story, either.

One major plot hole is certainly present. The main character also makes a glaringly poor choice. This affects the faith you can feel in her decision-making abilities. Additional character development would have been good.

Regardless, the story is still definitely worthwhile. In memory of St. Grunk the Probably Fictitious and for the sake of the Blessed Sisterhood of the Lobster, I do recommend this story. I am inclined to give the next one a shot as well. With appreciation for Hector the Transient Moose and the perpetual teapot, I suggest you skip your next trip to Consolidated Useful Stuff and consider heading over to The Dog and Ferret instead.

Please refrain from turning a goat into a moped and remember that there are those out there who can conjure up, not only light winds, but also hedgehog migrations. If all else fails, gather some pals and yell in unison.

As someone who has spent a copious amount of time in customer service, I have encountered many an irate customer that I also think would make a fine warthog.

My first impression of this book was strange. It does not fit into realistic fiction or fantasy because it is both. So towards the beginning I had a hard time accepting this book until I could figure out the world it was set in. It took place in the 20th century with cars and telephones, but it also has magic and indentured orphans. Magic is just a common thing that is starting to fade and Jennifer Strange is foundling. She is an orphan who works and manages Kazam until she comes of age at 18. When there is a premonition that the last Dragon is going to die, things start to change. Magic is becoming more powerful and soon Jennifer is in the middle of it. I liked this book, at first I had a hard time getting into it, but once I understood the world all of it was taking place in, it got really good and interesting. I was able to read it in big chunks without getting bored. The thing was, I was curious and interested in it once I picked up the book to read, but it did not pull me in to make me want to pick it up. The ending was good. It sets it up for the next one, which I am curious about, but it does not make me feel like I have to find out what happens next. One reason that I picked this book up was because it reminded me of Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, which if you liked you would like this. It does not have a whole bunch in common, but they just remind me of each other.

I judge Jasper Fforde to be a literary genius, at least from the books of his which I have so far read. He brings creative plots with a little bit of mystery and tons of humor that has readers laughing even as they marvel at the stories themselves. With his latest book, The Last Dragonslayer, the first book of The Chronicles of Kazam, I wouldn't say that he has surpassed himself, but it is a very good read that will make you smile.

The Last Dragonslayer takes place in a world where magic is fairly commonplace--or at least it used to be. Modern technology seems to be worming its way into places where magic used to be the sole option. It's cheaper to use drain cleaner than a spell. Also, magic's power has been weakening over the years.

A young foundling named Jennifer Strange is running Kazam, an employment agency for magicians whose powers are growing weaker and weaker all the time. Then the visions start coming. The last dragon in the world will be dying shortly. Sunday at noon, actually.

Who will kill it? The vision isn't clear, but it will fulfill a prophecy that reaches back over four hundred years. That is, unless Jennifer can do something about it.

The Last Dragonslayer is a well-told tale in that usual Fforde fashion. It is a quick read and rather short, but it's satisfying nonetheless. The humor and satire in the novel doesn't reach the heights of truly hilarious as do his Nursery Crime or Thursday Next books for adults, and the puns are few and far between, though there are some (and perhaps others that refer to British things with which I'm unfamiliar).

I especially loved the swipe at the 24-hour news cycle and sensationalistic television shows that try to capitalize on every little bit of even potential tragedy. Also enjoyable is the urge by everybody to cash in on the new dragonslayer with tons of endorsement offers.

Jennifer is a well-rounded character, a very mature fifteen-year-old girl who has had to run Kazam for the last few years following the disappearance of its owner. The magicians who work and reside at Kazam are the typical variety of quirky characters that you would expect to see in a novel like this. Lady Mawgon is the typical haughty, upper-crust wizard who thinks she's better than everybody else, for example. Still, these are entertaining characters and fulfill their roles nicely in the plot.

I'd love to see another novel exploring the setting of The Last Dragonslayer further. Not necessarily with the same characters; the book ends on a good note that doesn't require a sequel. However, I am curious about how the Ununited Kingdoms (there are twenty-eight in all) get along. While the "special features" on Fforde's web site certainly help with that, I'm sure there is plenty of story potential, too.

There also isn't a lot of tension in the book, other than the overall conflict of what's going to happen with the dragon. When obstacles do rear up, they are dealt with quickly, often within a couple of pages. How to pay the back rent on a house dating back four centuries? I guess it's time to sell out a little, isn't it?

The Last Dragonslayer is a quick, enjoyable read. Most of its jokes work (though a few do fall flat), it possesses moments of pathos and tragedy, and its central character is one that you can really care about.

This may not be Fforde's best work, but it's definitely worth your time.

Dave Roy for Curled Up with a Good Kid's Book

What is not to like about magic, dragons, Quarkbeasts, swords named "Exhorbitus" and characters with names like Full Price, Moobin and Jennifer Strange?

Absolutely nothing. This was one of the most humorous books I've read in a long time. It's clever and witty and laugh out loud funny. It has a plot that makes sense but is fantastical. It has characters that you both love and hate. It has a Quarkbeast! It has comedy and tragedy. All this set in a fantastical version of our world where magic is commonplace, though it is waning.

Where once magicians were able to do huge feats of greatness with their power, now they are relegated to unclogging drains, getting cats out of trees and fixing home electrical problems. The plot focuses on Jennifer Strange, a teenaged girl who runs Kazam Mystical Arts Management, the company that employs these sorcerers. One day there is a vision of The Last Dragonslayer killing the last dragon. From there, things change for Jennifer and the plot really gets going to it's final twist.

Along the way, the characters and setting are described in what to me seems to be a cross between [author:Terry Pratchett|1654] and [author:Douglas Adams|4]. I know... those are very big shoes to fill but the details and descriptions here are what really make the book. For example,

The Sisters Karamazov could also claim once-royal patronage, and they were as nice as apricot pie. Mad as a knapsack of onions, but pleasant nonetheless.

or

"Welcome to Kazam," I said, stuffing the envelope into my bag, "where unimaginable horrors share the day with moments of confusing perplexity and utter randomness. To call it a madhouse would insult even the maddest of madhouses."

or

"That's the Quarkbeast," I told him. "He may look like an open knife drawer on legs and just one step away from tearing you to shreds, but he's actually a sweetie and rarely, if ever, eats cats."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and laughed a lot. I loved Jennifer Strange and look forward to reading more about her in the future. I will make it a point to search out the next book in the series. Highly recommended for fans of humor, fantasy or the above mentioned authors, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. This is a definite 5 stars for me.

Jasper Fforde is a master of the absurd, but absurd in the best of ways, the most literary of ways. As a huge fan of his Thursday Next series and his Nursery Crime series, I couldn't wait to find out what his unique brain had in store for a young adult series. Sheer magical fun is the answer.

Jennifer Strange is a foundling, an orphan with no magical power, who is in her fourth of six years as an indentured servant at Kazam, an employment agency for magicians. This may sound strange but magic is no longer as indispensable or prevelant as it once was. Nowadays magicians are hired out to deliver pizza on flying carpets or rewire houses without knocking down any walls. Things are swimming along oddly enough until a premonition is reported that the very last dragon will be killed within a week's time. As acting manager of Kazam, Jennifer finds herself at the forefront of the dragon hunt, and pretty soon finds out that she is the last dragonslayer, the last in a line of those annointed to kill the dragons should they break the dragonpact, that is, destroy a village or some such nonsense.

Yet Jennifer is loathe to kill a dragon. She feels that there must be more to the story than what she's been told, so she attempts to meet the last dragon, Maltcassion, amid a flurry of citizens scrambling to take possession of the Dragonlands. At every turn the odds are against her - King Snodd IV is trying to usurp her position, attempts are made on her life, and it looks like someone is manufacturing fake dragon "attacks" to propel Jennifer into action. What is an almost sixteen-year-old recently annointed dragonslayer to do? Especially if she doesn't want to kill the dragon? And what exactly does this premonition have to do with Big Magic, whatever that is?

All of Fforde's distinctive trademarks are here - his play on words, his reverence for literary tradition and fantasy, and his sheer love of his story. Readers will get swept up in this unique, fantastical adventure that pits an old-world individual against the corruption and greed of present day values. I definitely am looking forward to the next story in this chronicle. Jasper Fforde, in my opinion, just cannot write enough.

Imagine an alternate UK (the Ununited Kingdoms, in this case), one where dragons and trolls exist, as well as magic, though the power of magic has been fading. The practitioners of magic, once powerful and respected, now find themselves struggling to find ways to support themselves. The Kazam Mystical Art Management agency, founded by the Great Zambini before his disappearance, serves as an employment service for Wizards, finding ways for them to find work using their talents. The agency is managed by a sixteen year old, indentured servant foundling, Jennifer Strange, who is acting on behalf of Zambini in his absence. She has a talent for managing the personalities (and egos) of the Sorcerers in the agency, while also finding creative ways for them to apply their skills (such as home improvement projects completed in a single day, without the mess and disruption of a physical construction job).

However, when a premonition that the last dragon is about to be killed begins to be felt by those with the ability to sense such things, the future of the Kazam agency suddenly is unclear. The Dragonlands held by this last dragon will become available for land claims upon the dragon's death, and people flock to the border to prepare for the land rush. The King of Hereford begins preparing for war with the neighboring Duke of Brecon, and wants to seize the Dragonlands for himself. Jennifer finds herself drawn into the middle of this web of intrique, suddenly playing a central role in a drama that she struggles to fully understand. Everyone is trying to get her to choose their side, but she is only trying to do the right thing.

While this entertaining story was written for a young reader audience, it has enough political and social commentary to satisfy an adult audience as well. Fforde has created an intriguing vision of an alternate reality, blending magic and technology in ways that provide creative tension. The story is often quite funny, with jokes both obvious and more obscure (the use of WWII aircraft model numbers for the various bureaucratic forms is brilliant). The story builds to an unexpected conclusion that ties up the story in an entirely satisfactory manner, while still setting the stage for a promised series of follow-up books. I can't wait to see where this goes next.

Rating: 3.5

The Low Down: Jennifer Strange is a foundling brought up by the Blessed Ladies of the Lobster. Being a foundling, at age 12 she was assigned to the Great Zambini as an indentured servant until she turns 18. Ever since Zambini disappeared, she has been running the business of Kazam Mystical Arts Management in his place. These days, magic is heavily regulated, which includes licenses and lots of paperwork. They stay afloat while their employees earn their keep by rewiring houses, delivering pizza and removal of garden gnomes - all by magic, of course.

Then Kevin Zipp, one of the sorcerers who works at Kazam, has a premonition that the last remaining dragon, Maltcassion, will die most certainly at the hands of the Dragonslayer. Dragons have lived in peace alongside humans for the last 400 years due to the Dragonpact, a document that decreed that dragons could remain in the various Dragonlands locations. The dragons would be supplied with cows and sheep for eating, but in return, they would promise to stay on the lands and leave people alone.

Each time the last dragon dies in an area, the land is open for anyone to claim. This causes a certain level of hysteria and land-grabbing, as you may imagine. The area where Maltcassion the dragon lives is the last remaining parcel, so ever since the death prediction, people have been camping out near the boundary, waiting for his death. The only humans that can pass the boundary without being eliminated in a puff of smoke are the Dragonslayer and his assistant. When Jennifer goes looking for the Last Dragonslayer, what she finds surprises her: he has been waiting for many years so he can hand over the mantle...to Jennifer.

After meeting with the dragon, getting an apprentice to train, fielding proposals of marriage, dealing with various companies who want her to shill for their products and having a showdown with King Snodd, Jennifer knows what she has to do. But does she have the time and support?

Best Thang `Bout It: For those of you who have read Jasper Fforde's adult Thursday Next series, you will undoubtedly recognize the silliness that inhabit his books. He loves to rewrite history, make up goofy names and abilities, funny backstories and fantastical beasts.

I'm Cranky Because: While the absurdity certainly makes for wonderfully entertaining books, it does keep you from having a deep attachment to the characters. For me, that may have worked better in the Thursday Next series than in this book. This is not to say that the characters, especially the main ones, aren't completely likable or worthy of your reading time and attention, not at all. I just wish there had been a little more to the story than I was given. It sounds like this is going to be a series, so maybe that will help us get to know the characters better.

Should You?: King Snood commands you to read it, though you should make up your own mind about it. Just don't tell him.

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde was published on October 2, 2012 by Harcourt Childrens' Books.

In Jennifer Strange's world, magic is about to become extinct. In the good old days, magic was absolutely essential, but now it's just cheaper to buy drain cleaner than a spell. The relatively magicless Jennifer runs Kazam Mystical Arts Management, a business that helps magicians to find work, but it's hard to do that when the tide is turned against you. Then the prophecy arrives, predicting the world's Last Dragonslayer...and the slaying of the world's last dragon. And somehow, the world is going to change. Because something's coming. Something called...Big Magic.

I had no idea what to expect when I headed into this book. Being a teenager, I've never read any of Jasper Fforde's adult novels. In fact, I'd never heard of Jasper Fforde until this book. When I looked up his adult novels, the reviews and descriptions seemed to suggest he was a mystery writer. Yet I couldn't imagine this book being a mystery. And I turned out to be right. Whatever I had expected, it certainly wasn't this--a wild, wacky ride from start to finish that completely redefines the word "magical".

First of all, the book is jam-packed with plot points. Whether it be at Kazam or in the outer world, something is taking place. I thought that the first 50 pages or so were rather boring at first, but the truth is, Fforde's tone just takes some getting used to, and once you do get used to it, you realise just how unique it is. There is, of course, always suspense to keep you reading. The world is very similar to ours, but with a few key differences that are very well crafted--but you'll have to discover those for yourself. Be prepared to simply marvel at the sheer creativity in this book!

Jennifer is an interesting character, but by no means is she the only one. Kazam is populated with various characters, some human, some not. Tiger Prawns is a relatively normal guy who manages to get himself entangled in Jennifer's strange story, and it's refreshing to have a bit of normalcy now and then. Needless to say, wizards abound in this book. Dragons too. But my favourite character of them all here was Jennifer's Quarkbeast. The description of how Quarkbeasts got their name made me chuckle extra hard.

Speaking of chuckles, this book provides plenty of those and more. Fforde, it turns out to be, isn't just a mystery writer--he also includes satire, wit, and a host of comic moments in his books. When try to summarise this book for a friend, you'll end up sounding nonsensical--but somehow, when you read it, the humour is so brilliant, it keeps everything together. Make no mistake, this book is in the Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett range of craziness, and I love it for that.

Overall, this was an immensely fascinating and enjoyable read. The charming characters, the unique plot, and the wonderful laughs--not to mention that there are dragons!--make this an irresistible choice for fantasy/sci-fi lovers or just book lovers in general. The sequel to this book has already been released in England, and the only question that remains is when is it coming to the United States? The Last Dragonslayer is so good, it manages to make you want more while satisfying all on its own. I can definitely say that I will be coming back for more Jasper Fforde!

First in the Last Dragonslayer fantasy series for young adults about an orphan who believes in standing up for right and vanquishing wrong.

My Take
A light, fun read of absolute and total nonsense that points up the absurdities of commercialism from product endorsements to the canned content of talk shows, adventure parks to merchandising. Nor does Fforde leave corruption and greed out of the mix. I can't wait to discover where Fforde takes us in the second book, The Song of the Quarkbeast (Last Dragonslayer, #2), in this new series. He's left us so very many possibilities!

I love it! Driving tests based on maturity. Can you imagine the havoc that would raise here? Hmmm, an interesting idea for parenting as well... Probably solve the overpopulation problem...snicker...

There's an interesting crossover from computer languages in referring to magic: "...reconfiguring the root directory on the core spell language of ARAMAIC..." And just to be sure to catch all the worst of modern living, the red tape Fforde includes is...sigh...too funny for us and tedious for the characters.

All the talk of marzipan and yet Fforde never did give us a hint other than that it's bad for you. And what was that about "purity"? I don't recall it having been mentioned earlier in the story?

Oh yeah, watching the Quarkbeast pulverize a garden gnome as a party trick makes me feel better about his friendliness... Oh, yes, the new Dragonslayer's response to the challenge that the caller is the true slayer! ROFLMAO!

I have to agree with Lady Mawgon. If the prediction is already out there and ConStuff is still willing to pay two million moolah for the prediction...why not take it?? I don't see the downside. And I certainly don't buy Jennifer's argument. ConStuff may believe it, but it doesn't mean the wizards have to. Besides all those people gathering on the edge of the Dragonlands already believe. One more ain't gonna make that much of a difference.

The Story
The power of magic has ebbed and flowed through the centuries and now it's dying. Where once magicians had the ear of kings, now they unblock drains.

The convergence of a prediction by scores of pre-cogs about the last dragon's impending death and the upswell in magical power tips Jennifer and the magic users that Big Magic may be in their near future. There is a theory among wizards that the level of magic in the world corresponds to the number of dragons in the world.

That prediction has also caused a run on string and stakes for the populace, for the land belonging to a dragon is up for grabs as soon as s/he dies. Naturally, everyone wants a heads-up on when the dragon will actually die as it will give them a better chance of more land. And the king is one of those who pushes at the Last Dragonslayer to do as the king wills.

But the king is just one of the many who are pushing for a wrong.

The Characters
Jennifer Strange is sixteen, well, in two more weeks anyway, and she is covering up for the Great Zambini and running his magical rent-a-witch business, Kazam Mystical Arts Management, one of the few Houses of Enchantment still in business. It's essentially, an old folks' home for witches and wizards who are losing their powers. With Jennifer acting as babysitter and sales manager. The Quarkbeast simply appeared one day and loves Jennifer.

Horton "Tiger" Prawns is the newest foundling sold to Kazam.

The employees/consultants/inhabitants of Zambini Towers are a mixed bag with only nine of the forty-five actually able to work and the list includes Lady Mawgon, the most skilled if the most snobby and critical (she has fallen quite a way from when she was known as Master Sorceress, the Lady Mawgon, She-Whom-the-Winds-Obey); Dennis "Full" Price was once the venerable; and, Wizard Moobin--their best sorcerers. Full's brother David is nicknamed "Half". The Youthful Perkins is young and not very good with his subjective talent. Patrick of Ludlow is a Mover, and he's a bit slow on the uptake. Prince Nasil is a carpeteer, one of two with Owen being the other. They earn an income for Kazar by delivering organs and pizzas and Chinese takeout. And they rarely mix up a delivery! The Remarkable Kevin Zipp is one of their pre-cogs along with Randolph, the Fourteenth Earl of Pembridge. The Mysterious X. Brother Gillingrex of Woodseaves is one of the least insane.

The Sisters Karamazov had also worked at a royal level, but they're "mad as a knapsack of onions" these days. The Transient Moose is a leftover spell everyone hopes will dissipate soon. Monty Vanguard the Sound Manipulator is another resident. Mr. Stamford is a lapsed sorcerer from Mercia, one of three who have been drawn to the Dragonlands.

King Snodd IV rules the Kingdom of Hereford in the Ununited Kingdoms. And he is totally unscrupulous and "not averse to making edicts that were of financial interest to him and his immediate family". His brother, Useless Brother, is a schemer as well as the Minister for Foundling Affairs. Berzerkers, highly unstable people with extraordinary powers, are part of the king's army and an illegal weapon of war. The Earl of Tenbury is the king's Chief Advisor. Detective Villiers and Sergeant Norton are royal police and total jerks. Hawker is a debt collector with a fictitious debt which the Dragonslayer counters most effectively. Sir Matt Grifflon is a gorgeous celebrity and an even greater jerk.

The Duke of Brecon rules the next door duchy; Snodd and the duke are in a constant state of war preparedness.

Due to budget cuts, the duke has his artillerymen yell "bang" in unison.

The Sisterhood, a.k.a., the Lobsterhood, and officially known as the Blessed Ladies of the Lobster runs an orphanage from Clifford Castle, and they sell the foundlings into apprenticeships when they reach age twelve. Mother Zenobia is the mother superior.

Maltcassion is the last dragon in the world, living on the Dragonlands that abut Hereford and Brecon. He's quite gentlemanly and a positive thinker.

Mr. Trimble is a lawyer for Consolidated Useful Stuff, a corporation with its fingers in EVERYthing from land development to manufacturing, merchandising to, well, you name it. Gordon van Gordon Gordonson ap Gordon-Gordon of Gordon is a very enterprising man. That trick with the ad was clever. Turns out he's even more enterprising than we thought. William of Anorak is an encyclopedia of knowledge. Brian Spalding is the Last Dragonslayer and he's been waiting a mighty long time for his apprentice to show up. Exhorbitus is his sword. The Mighty Shandar wielded the greatest magic and created the Dragonpact with the Dragonslayers as the enforcers of the pact. Feldspar Axion Firebreath IV and Colin are the reborn.

The Cover
The cover is a metallic golden green with a darker form of the greenish gold awkwardly scrolling about the border while an oranger version frames the title showcased in the middle above Jennifer's old, orange bug car. The cover and the Volkswagen are grounded on a lumpy, bumpy blackish ground all a'tilt.

The title says it all, for this story is all about the purpose of The Last Dragonslayer.

While I love Jasper Fforde's writing, I entered this book with a bit of a grudge. Not because I don't like his stories but because I've been waiting for the sequel to Shades of Grey for over 2 years and every book that is released in that time but is not the sequel has left me frustrated. Now it looks like that sequel is finally coming out in 2013 and you can expect an excited review upon release.

Back to this book, if you have enjoyed previous Fforde books, I bet you will like this one. It has that same quirky writing style and a lot of funny moments. I believe this one has been labelled YA because the main character Jennifer Strange is only fifteen (but soon to be sixteen) and it is perhaps less dense with literary allusions as say the Thursday Next series. Regardless, I think adults will still find plenty to enjoy as it is very typical of his writing while also being its own fun story.

In this world, magic used to be abundant and useful for many things but unfortunately magic seems to be running out, causing a problem for Jennifer Strange running Kazam, an asylum of sorts for wizards, which is in dire financial straits. But the prophecy of a dragon dying unleashes a crazy chain of events that is best read.

Jennifer is an appealing character: ethically sound, honor-driven, and brave to the point of crazy in my opinion. I really enjoyed hanging out with her during this book. Most of the other characters are lovably or frustratingly eccentric as Jennifer is the grounding force at the heart of the story. The way everything ties together is perfect and yet not what I predicted, thank goodness-it's a much better ending than I anticipated.

Overall: Great fun-it looks like a sequel has already been published in the UK so I hope it's brought over here too as I definitely want to read it. In short, if you like previous Fforde works, I think you'll like this one too. If you haven't read any previous Fforde works, this would serve as a fine introduction especially for those who enjoy dragon stories.

Cover: Since I read this based on previous experience with the author, I didn't look very closely at the cover. However I really appreciate seeing the dragon's scales and the car is present in the book.

There's something about magic that captivates readers. Perhaps it's the romantic notion that magic can wake princesses from a near-death sleep or that it can defeat evil wizards bent on destroying the world. Wherever magic is found you can be sure that a host of interesting characters and creatures follow in its wake. But what happens when magic begins to fade? What happens when magic is really only used for unclogging pipes and drains because it can't do anything else? And what happens when the last magical dragon is waiting for the last dragonslayer to come along and put it out its misery?

Unfortunately, orphan Jennifer Strange could tell you all about this. Jennifer has spent the last couple of years running Kazam, an employment agency for magicians and has been watching the magic slowly fade from the planet. While this is nothing new, Jennifer's ears --- and everyone else's for that matter --- perk up when some magicians have a very important premonition: Maltcassion, the last dragon, will be killed by the last dragonslayer on the next Sunday at noon. Now, this is a big deal. Maltcassion currently resides in the dragon lands, acres and acres of land undisturbed by humans and protected by a magical barrier that keeps everyone out. With Maltcassion's death, it's only a matter of time before some big company or kingdom comes in and turns the lush forests and plains into a brand new parking lot.

Strange is just as perplexed as everyone else by this new announcement, but she isn't ready for what happens next. She finds out that the mighty Shandar, the last great magician who forged the pact that prevented dragons from attacking humans by created the dragon lands, declared hundreds of years ago that the last dragonslayer is Jennifer Strange herself! Jennifer quickly undergoes training --- about a minute's worth --- and is soon thrust into the spotlight with unintended consequences. Proposals of marriage, product endorsements, and TV interviews start flooding in and Jennifer isn't sure what to do.

There's also the little matter of the dragon. Maltcassion tells Jennifer that she needs to kill him. There is no other choice. Jennifer, though, knows that if she kills the dragon, she could start a war. A couple of kingdoms are moving in troops and declaring property rights, while big companies are lining up outside the magical barrier with heavy machinery to start building. Something else is coming, too. Something that nearly everyone can feel. Something called Big Magic.

It isn't everyday that you get a book about magic that also serves as a witty and astute social commentary. Thankfully, Jasper Fforde is a pro. Funny one-liners zing off the page, and every time Jennifer Strange encounters yet another commercial endorsement or business ploy, you can't help but smirk and roll your eyes. The characters are wacky, the Quarkbeast is frighteningly adorable, and you just might learn a thing or two about what it means to be brave. Fortunately, this is just the first book in a planned trilogy, and I can only imagine what Fforde has up his sleeve for the rest.

Reviewed by Benjamin Boche

The Last Dragonslayer is the first book in the Chronicles of Kazam series by Welsh author Jasper Fforde. Aimed at the Young Adult reader, the heroine is an almost-16-year-old foundling raised by the Blessed Ladies of the Lobster, Jennifer Strange. Whilst her boss, Mr. Zambini (formerly The Great) is absent, Jennifer runs the Kazam Mystical Arts Management, an employment agency for magical arts practitioners, the demand for whom is ever-dwindling with the advent of weather satellites, drain cleaner and motorcycle couriers. But when soothsayers at all levels predict the death of the last Dragon, Maltcassion, Jennifer's job description seems fated to change. Big Magic is the watchword. This series is set in the Kingdom of Hereford in the Ununited Kingdoms of Great Britain, very much like modern day Britain with its bureaucracy, politics, nepotism and corruption. Fforde creates a cast of Wizards of various talents (sorcery, soothsaying, carpeteering, moving, shifting, birdspeaking, weathermongering) with varying degrees of wizidrical power, a King, a Duke, a Dragonslayer with apprentice, an enchanted lift, a Dragon, an order of nuns, a Childcatcher, a Pollyanna stone, a transient moose and the Quarkbeast (Labrador/velociraptor/kitchen blender). Marzipan is a drug of addiction, magic is highly regulated and the King wants to conquer Wales. As always, Fforde includes some hilarious names : Col. Baggsum Gayme, Yogi Baird and the king's seer, The Inconsistent Sage O'Neons. The military standoff between the Duke of Brecon and King Snodd is decidedly Monty Pythonish. The dialogue is excellent, the plot, as always, very original and appealing not just to the young adult reader. It has been described as inventive and funny. It's wizards and dragons, Fforde style, it's brilliant.

Clever, cute, quirky and quaint, The Last Dragonslayer has everything: masterful storytelling, snarky dialog, a teen heroine who is equal parts brave knight, fearless leader, and mistress of sarcasm, magical beings, a Quarkbeast who is lovable if not huggable, a beat up 1958 VW, a missing wizard and a dying dragon.

The Great Zambini has been missing quite awhile, so Jennifer Strange, his apprenticed foundling, has taken over the reins of Kazam, an employment agency and old folks home for aging magicians, seers, and movers. Magic has been dwindling and there's almost no call for it anymore, but Jennifer manages to keep the place running by sending magicians to unclog pipes and using magic carpets to deliver pizza. Then, something begins to happen. There's a new electricity in the air and the magicians are feeling their powers surge. Some begin to experience visions that the last dragon will meet his end. Some whisper that Big Magic is on the horizon.

Jennifer has to deal with all the outrageous personalities of the live-in magicians and train her new foundling Tiger Prawns. Not only that, she's destined for far greater things.

Quick witted dialog and puns run amok. For example, when Jennifer introduces her new assistant to some elderly sisters,
""Tiger, these are the sisters Karamazov--Deirdre and Deirdre.'
`Why do they have the same name?' he whispered.
"An unimaginative father.'"

Never have I loved a dragon more! Maltcassion is an old dragon, still regal, and waiting for Jennifer Strange. He knows all about the world, magic, humankind and Big Magic, but he needs Jennifer's help to ensure the "status quo." After "meeting" Maltcassion, I want to know him personally--he's that wonderful! And don't get me started on Quarkbeast! He's a living doll--just make sure you have plenty of dog food and metal for him to chew on!
Jennifer has her work cut out for her: she has to slay a dragon that she admires, avoid being thrown into the King's dungeon, thwart a civil war, stop greedy land-hungry citizens from grabbing the Dragonlands, find the Great Zambini, save Kazam and the residents who live there, train an assistant, and figure out her destiny--and she only has until Sunday!

The first page will draw even the must reluctant readers in: "Once, I was famous. My face appeared on T-shirts, badges, commemorative mugs and posters. I made front page news...The Daily Clam called me `the year's most influential teenager.' Two people tired to kill me... (I)had fifty-eight offers of marriage, and was outlawed by King Snodd IV...in less than one week. My name is Jennifer Strange."

Highly, highly recommended grades 6-up. No language. No sex.