The Last Dragonslayer

Jasper Fforde (author)

Hodder & Stoughton, UK: December 2010; 281pp

ISBN: 978144707182

Genres: adventure, fantasy

Issues: greed, endangered species, identity

Jennifer Strange, foundling of the Blessed Ladies of the Lobster, runs Kazam, an employment agency for sorcerers, seers, and any other magic user willing to work for a living.

Magic is on the wane and when the death of the Last Dragon is predicted, Jennifer is afraid that her people will be out of a job. But other signs are suggesting that the dragon's death will trigger a Big Magic, which will renew the tides of power throughout the world. What is Jennifer's role in all this and can she resist the pressure being brought to bear on her by the King himself?

Fforde excels at the witty, whimsical, quirky and unexpected; characters, narrative, subtext, all challenge reader expectations. Fforde is as genre unto himself and for this reason a must for gifted readers who will delight in the way he plays with language and story. As with all his works, The Last Dragonslayer can be read on many levels. Older readers will enjoy the not-very-subtle digs at humans who are stridently protective of endangered mammals but less likely to stand up and fight for the endangered 'uglies' – reptiles. As always, Fforde's writing reflects both his affection for and cynicism about human nature and its drives – greed and self-interest being the principle ones – as well as celebrating the few who are ethical, passionate and compassionate. Like the Doctor's Tardis, Fforde's books are always bigger on the inside and will expand the imagination and thinking of alert readers.

Highly recommended.