Recently, Magic Carpet Books reprinted the entire Enchanted Forest Chronicles series, starting with Dealings With Dragons, and I couldn’t be happier. This is another one of those stories that takes all the traditional trappings of fairy tales, and turns them around. Cimorene is a princess who has a very stubborn, independent streak and a tendency to study things normal princesses shouldn’t, like magic and swordplay and cooking. When her betrothal is announced, Cimorene takes matters into her own hands, and goes looking for something better. In this fashion, thanks to her ability to cook cherries jubilee and read Latin, she ends up voluntarily serving the dragon Kazul, and the two become fast friends. Cimorene continues to flaunt standards by being perfectly happy where she is, sending away any pesky knights that come to rescue her, outwitting a murderous jinn, and making friends not only with dragons, but with a witch, a stone prince, and another misfit princess. But her true loyalties and the strength of her abilities are tested when she uncovers a diabolical plot that could destroy the draconic way of life.
Rather than rely on the old standards, Patricia Wrede reinvents the fairy tale by drawing right from the inspirations to create something that stands on its own. Sly humor, a constantly moving storyline, and the underlying message that we make our own destinies make Dealing With Dragons a truly enjoyable, and worthwhile, read.