Upscaled (The Dragons of N�ra, #1)

by Joseph John Lee

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Upscaled is the first volume in a new cozy middle grade/YA fantasy series by Joseph John Lee. Due out 23rd Aug 2024, it's 201 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free at release.

This is a truly exuberant, often silly, cozy fantasy with two young protagonists, a random encounter with destiny on an errand to the market to buy eggs, and a fairy-tale version of the kitten (dragon egg) that "followed them home".

It's not derivative, but it gives the same vibe as T. Kingfisher's awesome A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking , and fans of the latter will likely enjoy this one too. 

Four stars. Silly (REALLY silly and occasionally overwrought), but quite good fun. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.