Jennifer Strange (16 years-old in two weeks) has found herself running Kazam, a company that hires out sorcerers to do everyday tasks such as re-wiring a house or delivering pizzas, after the disappearance of Mr Zambini. She cannot do magic herself but is a foundling who lost her parents as a baby and so must work at Kazam until she is released by Zambini when she turns 18. Kazam is facing tough times in a world where people are increasingly suspicious of magic and the magic itself is waning in strength. One day people start having visions of the death of the last dragon. This death will mean a race to see who can claim as much of the dragon's land as possible. It could also mean war as the Ununited Kingdoms seek to extend or protect their borders. Jennifer soon finds herself getting caught up in events in ways she doesn't expect.
It's immediately obvious that this book has been written by the brilliant Jasper Fforde as his style is so distinctive. It is random and provides his usual twists on reality that make the setting something recognisable yet different, bringing his humour shining through. However, it pains me to say that unfortunately The Last Dragonslayer isn't as good as his adult novels. Perhaps this is because he is too aware that he is writing for a younger audience and so holds back a little too much. It takes a while to get going and then suddenly rushes around from one scene to the next, never really giving the reader a decent feel for the world, characters or situation and then suddenly it's over. It's pretty obvious early on what Jennifer's role is going to be although I wasn't entirely sure about the fate of the dragon until the end. She's your typical underdog rising up to be something great even though it's not a position she sought. For me, the best character is the fearsome Quarkbeast who is simply superb! It is a loyal pet that has a taste for metal and is incredibly intimidating but who's "quarks!" make it rather likeable. The supporting cast are some of Fforde's usual comical creations, both likeable and infuriating. Fforde also brings a humourous look at politics, transnational companies and the media by making them comically extreme, although it is easy to see the similarities found in today's world.
Overall, The Last Dragonslayer was enjoyable but too rushed. However, it has set the scene for a series that has potential and I look forward to reading the sequel (The Song of the Quarkbeast) later on in the year.
I give it 6/10 :)
Title: The Last Dragonslayer
Author: Jasper Fforde
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Teenage Fiction
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