Bentwhistle the Dragon in a Threat from the Past by Paul Cude

I definitely would have expected a lot more action or at least some suspense… I don’t think the age group would be happy with so many descriptions or the lack of action either, and I felt the tone was off for a YA story (too ‘formal’?). Because I have to be honest and say that nothing much really happens during the first half of the story especially considering it has over 200 pages. One superlong and extensive description after the other kind of had the reverse effect on me and instead of finding myself intrigued by a story about my favorite mythical creature, I was actually rather bored by it all. I don’t mind a slower pace if I get detailed descriptions in return, but I think in the case of Bentwhistle The Dragon it was kind of a description overdose. The thing is, the pace is supersuperSUPER slow and I just couldn’t get myself to keep interest. This attention to detail is what stands out in this story and I can always appreciate when this much time is dedicated to creating a believable and well developed fantasy world. I’m not saying the writing is bad and it truly shows just how much time is put into the detailed and extensive descriptions and worldbuilding in general. Because let’s face it: that almost never happens… But honestly, I’ve tried. That’s why it’s such a shock I had to make the hard decision to DNF this story.

This story had me at the title, because how could I resist a new fantasy series where dragons play such a big role? I was really looking forward to start reading Bentwhistle The Dragon, and even though it took me longer than planned to actually pick it up my initial excitement was still there. It’s easy to say I have a weak spot for any story involving dragons as they are my favorite of mythical creatures. *** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. “The valuable lesson you should have learned, was that evil comes in many guises, not always visible to everyone.” Title: Bentwhistle The Dragon: A Threat From The Past

2023 Netgalley And Edelweiss Reading Challenge.

2017 Netgalley And Edelweiss Reading Challenge.

Bentwhistle the Dragon in a Threat from the Past by Paul Cude