Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons is praised for its witty and unconventional portrayal of familiar fantasy tropes. Reviewers appreciate its strong, independent heroine and humor. Some critics feel the plot is predictable, but many commend its engaging and charming narrative. Overall, the novel is considered a refreshing take on the fantasy genre suitable for younger audiences.

Fans of strong-willed heroines and playful fantasy will enjoy Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons. Readers who appreciate courage and wit similar to that found in Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Tamora Pierce's Alanna: The First Adventure will find this book delightful.

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede follows an independent young princess who shuns traditional royal expectations. Seeking adventure, she volunteers to serve a dragon and encounters various magical beings. The story blends fantasy elements with themes of autonomy and courage.

Enchanted Forest / Medieval fantasy world

- Dealing with Dragons was first published in 1990 and has gained a lasting fan base for its witty and unconventional take on traditional fairy tale tropes.
- Patricia C. Wrede initially self-published the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series, including Dealing with Dragons, before it was picked up by a major publisher due to its popularity.
- The protagonist of Dealing with Dragons belongs to a society where princesses are expected to follow strict norms, making the main character's adventurous nature both refreshing and groundbreaking for the time.

**Cimorene**  
A strong-willed and intelligent princess from the kingdom of Linderwall who defies traditional stereotypes and chooses to work for a dragon rather than follow the expected path of a typical princess.

**Kazul**  
A large green-and-gray dragon with three horns who becomes the King of Dragons, taking on Cimorene as her assistant and teaching her about dragon society.

**Morwen**  
A practical and knowledgeable witch living in the Enchanted Forest, characterized by her ginger hair, loose black robes, and rectangular glasses, who forms a supportive friendship with Cimorene.

**Alianora**  
Cimorene’s best friend and ally, another princess who doesn’t fit traditional fairy-tale roles, with blond hair the color of ripe apricots and a different approach to subverting expected tropes.

**Woraug**  
A dragon serving as a secret antagonist, who is Alianora's captor and works subtly against Cimorene and Kazul’s interests.

**Stone Prince**  
An ally to Cimorene introduced later in the novel, who, despite being turned to stone, assists in key actions that challenge traditional expectations and stereotypes of his role.

**Zemenar and Antorell**  
The main antagonists, a father-son pair of wizards distinguished by their beards, who conspire to exploit magical power despite lacking inherent magic themselves.

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Patricia C. Wrede

Middle grade

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