“Even a Rabbit Will Bite” By Rachel Caine #32

Centuries ago, there were hundreds of dragons in the world, and Lisel was one of many Dragonslayers that kept us safe from their deadly attacks. After seven hundred and forty-two years of protecting us, Lisel is a bitter old woman, while the formerly great number of dragons has dwindled down to only one: Karathrax. With her healthier years behind her, the Pope of the Catholic Church has sent a letter to Lisel thanking her for her many years of service, now that she is facing retirement. Of course, Lisel wouldn’t call it that, she sees it more like being made redundant. The Pope has sent Ellen Cameron to Lisel, who is to be the new Dragonslayer for our time. All Lisel has to do is train her. But is Ellen up for the job of Dragonslayer, or will she be made dragon food like so many others?

I really picked this book on a whim, with the hope of it taking me back to my times when I read fantasy novels in my teens. The first thing I noticed about this, besides the bits of language, is the mix of modernity with fantasy. Though Lisel lives in modern-day Phoenix, she sees her would through the filter of her experiences as a Dragonslayer. Instead of just one lock on her door, she has six or seven. Rather than read the paper first thing in the morning, she peers into the Dragon Eye. She uses it to check up on the location of Karathrax every day. These little touches are some of my favorite things about this story. The relationship between Lisel and Ellen is entertaining, and it is fun to watch Lisel correct one preconceived idea about dragons after another as the story progresses. The strong language does get in the way a bit, but then again, I don’t think I am this book’s target market anyway so take it as you will. Thanks to this story, I can see myself delving into the Urban Fantasy genre some more in the future, even if it doesn’t become a major focus for me. You can find this story in Dark and Stormy Knights.

Content Advisory: Blood and Gore, Foul Language, Violence