"Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede follows the story of Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess roles and runs away to live with dragons. The book showcases Cimorene's unconventional approach to princess life, her involvement in dragon society, and her adventures with other princesses, witches, and wizards. The plot involves Cimorene foiling the plans of conniving wizards and saving the dragons from a wicked plot, all while maintaining a practical and independent attitude. The writing style is humorous, full of fairy tale references, and offers a fresh perspective on traditional princess narratives.

Cimorene's character is highlighted as strong, independent, and empowering, breaking away from gender norms and fairy tale conventions. The book features elements of magic, adventure, humor, and female empowerment, making it an engaging and fun read for readers of all ages. The story not only entertains but also delivers messages of individuality, courage, and the ability to accomplish great things by being different.

Characters:

The characters are diverse, with a strong female lead, a wise dragon, and various supporting roles that contribute to the humor and action, showcasing strong themes of independence and friendship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is light-hearted and witty, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of readers, while cleverly twisting familiar fairy tale tropes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess norms by running away to live with dragons, getting involved in adventures that challenge fairy tale conventions.

Setting:

The setting is an enchanted forest and magical realms where fairy tale conventions are playfully subverted, featuring dragons, wizards, and other fantastical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and engaging, allowing for a quick read that maintains interest and delivers humor throughout.

Linderwall was a large kingdom, just east of the Mountains of Morning, where philosophers were highly respected and the number five was fashionable. The climate was unremarkable. The knights kept thei...

Notes:

The book features a strong female lead named Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess stereotypes.

Cimorene prefers activities like fencing, cooking, and magic over the expected etiquette and embroidery lessons.

Instead of being rescued by a prince, Cimorene actively seeks to be a dragon's princess to escape her boring life.

The story includes a dragon named Kazul, who becomes Cimorene's friend and employer.

Cimorene's character challenges gender norms and encourages girls to take control of their own destinies.

The plot thickens when wizards become involved, trying to manipulate dragon society.

The story is humorous and satirical, poking fun at traditional fairy tale tropes.

Wrede's writing is accessible for young readers but has enough complexity to entertain adults too.

The series is part of the 'Enchanted Forest Chronicles' and contains multiple books.

The original publication date of 'Dealing with Dragons' was in 1990, and it has remained popular ever since.

From The Publisher:

Meet Princess Cimorene--a princess who refustes to be proper. She is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomobyish smart...

And bored.

So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon. And not just any dragon, but Kazul--one of the most powerful and dangerous dragons arounds. Of course, Cimorene has a way of hooking up with dangerous characters, and soon she's coping with a witch,a a jinn, a death-dealing talking bird, a stone prince, and some very oily wizards.

If this princess ran away to find some excitement, it looks like she's found plenty!

Ratings (97)

Incredible (18)
Loved It (51)
Liked It (16)
It Was OK (9)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (198):

Read It (94)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (54)
Not Interested (49)

2 comment(s)

zozopuff

Loved It

11 months

Read this one as a kid and I still think of it fondly years later!

Brynne Nelson

Incredible

2 years

One of my first dragon books, and WOW does it hold up 25 years later. Still makes me laugh (riotously, sometimes.) Still makes me think and feel creative. Still just wonderful!

What can you read after
Dealing with Dragons?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

PATRICIA C. WREDE has written many novels, including Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot and The Grand Tour coauthored with Caroline Stevermer, as well as the four books in her own series, the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. She lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Dealing with Dragons

Patricia C. Wrede

Book 1 in the series:Enchanted Forest Chronicles