The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Searching for Dragons

Series: Enchanted Forest Chronicles #2

Author: Patricia C. Wrede

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Retelling

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Kidnap a dragon? How daring!
How stupid Cimorene, the princess who refuses to be proper, is back–but where is Kazul the dragon? That’s what Cimorene is determined to find out. Luckily–or perhaps not-so-luckily–she’s got help: Mendenbar, the not-very-kingly King of the Enchanted Forest, has joined her in her quest. So with the aid of a broken-down magic carpet, a leaky magical sword, and a few buckets of soapy lemon water, they set off across the Enchanted Forest to tackle the dragon-napping and save the King of the Dragons.- summary from Goodreads

This book took me a minute to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it.

This one did have a slow start, but I enjoyed it. I especially liked the new characters and the new perspective. While I really enjoyed Cimorene’s perspective, I really enjoyed Mendenbar’s perspective as well. He is a really good match for Cimorene and his perspective complements the first book well.

In Dealing With Dragons we really only get to see the Mountains of Morning and the relationship between dragons and wizards. In this book, we get an understanding of how the Enchanted Forest operates and how the wizards fit in there. I will also say there was a lot of development on the politics of this world this book, and I am excited to see where it leads in the next book.

We got to see more of Morwen, which I loved, because she is my favorite character. A new character was Telemain, who I also really enjoyed. He is a magician (very different from a wizard!) and he was also very scientific in his pursuit for magical knowledge, which lead to some comical moments.

Kazul was also in this book, though in a much lesser capacity than the first book. This one was a travel/adventure book that primarily focused on Mendenbar and Cimorene.

Searching for Dragons still twisted common fairytale tropes on their head which I loved. The twist on the giants was fun, but the twist on Rumplestiltskin was my favorite. I also really liked the prince and uncle at the end; I thought it was just wonderfully done.

I did like the ending- you could see where it was going. I will say I wish the ending was a little more developed in the lead up, but just a little bit more.

This book series is still middle grade, but enjoyable for older ages. It is very reminiscent of classic tales and a lovely adventure.

Searching for Dragons is a fun, cozy read similar to classic tales, while also flipping classic tropes on their heads. New and old characters come together for a second adventure in Patrica Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles!