Quick Info
The Dragon of Ynys

• title: The Dragon of Ynys
• author: Minderva Cerridwen
• publisher: Atthis Arts
• release date: 15.9.2020
• series: Standalone
• genre: Fantasy
• content warnings: trans*phobia
• rating: 4.5/5

Blurb
The Dragon of Ynys

Every time something goes missing from the village, Sir Violet, the local knight, makes his way to the dragon’s cave and negotiates the item’s return. It’s annoying, but at least the dragon is polite.

But when the dragon hoards a person, that’s a step too far. Sir Violet storms off to the mountainside to escort the baker home, only to find a more complex mystery—a quest that leads him far beyond the cave. Accompanied by the missing baker’s wife and the dragon himself, the dutiful village knight embarks on his greatest adventure yet.

The Dragon of Ynys is an inclusive fairy tale for all ages.

The Queer’s Review

This novella has been updated by the author to tackle issues the queer community expressed about it.

I haven’t read the problematic original one so I only know about this because the author told me about it and therefore I can only talk about the new edition of The Dragon Of Ynys.

Which I heavily enjoyed – I just wished there were more pages to it. There are so many characters and I would have loved for the story to be slightly more fleshed out. If I keep in mind that it is supposed to be a fairytale for all ages I can live with the shortness. Especially if that means young children can listen to the book and understand everything.

It is a lovely fairytale with a very amusing dragon going by the name Snap. If I had known this book as a child Snap would have competed with and quite possible won against Fuchur (it’s Falkor in the english translation I think?).

The characters are mostly loveable, some I can’t quite grasp because of the shortness of the book, and I love how issues are solved on page. Mainly trans*phobia and the flirting at a character who absolutely does not want to be flirted with. There’s a lot society should lean from The Dragon Of Ynys.

Bookish Thoughts

I can’t remember any fairytail I was read as a child that had such a positive message for people:

The message that being different from what is considered the norm does not mean you will lead an unhappy life.”

kindle pos. 885

So to have this message in combination with an inclusive cast, a feelgood ending, and even an aroace character (sadly still not the norm even in inclusive and diverse works)? It’s like a dream come true.

Disclaimer

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.