When Dealing With Dragons

by Dana Swift

Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal―now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight.

Copper-crafter Farren Walsh is set on following in her father's footsteps to become a dragon veterinarian. The only thing more powerful than her love for these magnificent creatures is her hate for those who exploit them for their precious metal. That includes her classmate, an arrogant dragon racer named James Murphy, whose silver-crafting family represents the worst of human greed and dragon abuse―plus, he's the biggest competition for the college scholarship she desperately needs.

When James strongarms his way into interning at her family's dragon sanctuary for the summer, it puts everything at risk. Farren isn't just the plain copper-crafter she seems. She's hiding a secret that could not only change her life, but their society as a whole. And James, trying to find refuge from his controlling father, harbors his own secret, years-long crush on Farren. Hating James might be harder than she thought, but Farren can't risk getting too close: the fate of an endangered species is at stake.

When Dealing with Dragons is a delightful young adult dual-POV romantasy about cross-class romance, finding family, and creating a better world for creatures big and small.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy

Hardcover

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Dana Swift started making up fantasy worlds when she was eleven years old and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. While in college, Dana competed as a saber fencer and learned a thing or two about fighting, parrying and how it feels to fall in love with your sparring partner. She currently lives with said husband in Miami, Florida.

Reviews

[Dana Swift]

I’m not going to rate my own book, but I did want to use this space to post updates and answer any questions that come up about my new YA Fantasy, WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS! If more questions arise I’ll happily add to this list.

For now I have a google form if you would like to request an ARC: https://forms.gle/JoAtQwKgsEDeejTN9

1. Is WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS a series?
This book was written as a standalone. But! I'm working on a companion novel that will hopefully be released in 2027. That companion novel will have two different main characters and their own love story, but it will be in the same world. Farren and James will have cameo appearances in the companion novel so if you love WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS you're going to want to read the next one!

2. Content level: How explicit is the romance?
There are no sex scenes in the book. It never goes beyond kissing.
As for other content, there is no cursing in the book. I very much wrote it to be YA, and even a bridge book between middle grade and young adult so all teens can enjoy it!

3. Will there be an audiobook?
Yes! The audiobook comes out June 30, 2026, the same day as the hardcover and e-book. Excitedly, the audiobook will be dual narrated for the two points of view!

4. Will there be foreign translations?
Yes! I'm so happy to report a few foreign countries have bought the rights to publish WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS. Here are the languages the book will be translated into I can publicly announce (so far):
English (US and UK) - Book 1 & 2
German - Book 1 & 2
Italian - Book 1

[Rachel Sperber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perks of being friends with the author (and also a huge fan of hers) I was sent a PDF copy of her next release and have been devouring it ever since. Admittedly, I’m more of an audiobook reader than an e-book reader, but every time I had time to pick up the book, I was drawn into the world and her writing.

If you loved the Cast in Firelight duology, you’ll love this as well. It’s got Dana’s wonderful humor, character banter, and beautiful writing, but a new world and characters. Farren and James are fantastic POV characters, each with their secrets and coming of age stories within the course of the novel.

I don’t want to give too much away with the release date so far away, but I loved all of the characters in the book, especially the dragons, and the world building and magic was fascinating. I laughed at the humor, cooed over the dragons, and loved watching the characters interact throughout the whole journey. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s the perfect mixture of cozy, budding romance, and dragons, along with breakneck adrenaline and intriguing societal commentary. I can’t wait to discuss this with other fellow readers!

[Starr ❇✌❇]

dragon conservationist? 🥺

[Julia Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were SO many things to love about this book, and I inhaled it because of its fast-pace and absolutely adorable characters. I fell in love with Farren and James and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic! I related to Farren and her perfectionism, and I loved her dedication to her family’s business. James was the absolute sweetest! I adored his POV chapters. The push and pull between Farren and James was so satisfying. Their romance felt so realistic and age-appropriate, which was such a refreshing take to see. I am certain younger teens all the way to adults will enjoy this story.

There’s plenty of depth in this book as well. The magic system was multi-layered with dragons and their metals playing into the societal and political systems of the world. It was such a unique take on dragons and particularly on animal protection and conservation. I thoroughly enjoyed Farren’s family and their tireless pursuit for the welfare of dragons despite the economic costs. Farren’s family was soooo supportive, and I found that so comforting for a YA fantasy.

I knew I would probably love this book because I love dragons, but I didn’t know how much I would fall in love with the characters, the worldbuilding, and the romance. I would absolutely read more books in this universe and with these characters if the author chooses to delve further into this world.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous and luscious adventure that will sweep you off your feet. This story was epic and heartwarming. I loved every page. The chapter titles, the characters, the dragons, all of it made for such a wonderful story. The writing captures your heart and takes your attention and holds it throughout the whole book. This book was utterly wonderful and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. This book was delightful from beginning to end!

Thanks to the author and publishers for the ARC! I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to read this story! And can't wait to read it again when it's released!

[Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please can I have a dragon. Please. Please. Please. I really want a dragon.

I won a copy of “When Dealing with Dragons” by Dana Swift. Dana did a wonderful job of world building. I was transported to Farren’s world where her parents run a dragon sanctuary and her dad is a veterinarian. The hate interest, who she has a secret crush on is James. James’ family is upper class and runs the local dragon racing track. He has a secret crush on her too. Family secrets, metal magic, class warfare: this story has it all. Oh, did I mention dragons? Can I give this book 6 stars? Read “When Dealing with Dragons”. It’s worth your precious reading time.

[Joshua Degley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing With Dragons by Dana Swift – 5⭐
This book had everything I wanted. The characters felt real, and the world was full of life and magic. The mix of action, mystery, romance, and fantasy made it hard to put down. I liked how the story kept a good pace and balanced the tension with lighter moments. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave this world. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a sequel, but I really hope there is.

[Kelsie John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the giveaway and I absolutely loved it!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Desig · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

[⋆ forest ˚⟡˖ ࣪]

THAT COVER ???? 😫

[Nelly]

Please someone tell me this book is as good as the cover its gorgeousssssss <3

[Melody Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received arc copy review to come

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farren Walsh is the daughter of the veterinary doctor who is a copper for the dragons and a spotter for the races. James Murphy is from the Murphy family's who are silver and own the land the races are on and rent his dragons out. James is a sprinter, and his dragon is Hort. James and Farron are from different metals, different classes, and enemies, but can they come together for the dragons? if you like How to Train Your Dragon, you will love When Dealing with Dragons. The story has cars yet dragons, so I was intrigued by how far into the future or past the author was writing for, but it was no matter the more I got into the book. The writing was amazing as it kept me reading and wanting me to read what would come next. You really get into feeling for the dragons, especially Nity and Hort. I feel that this book would be great for any age group. Dana Swift, if you see this review, please make a sequel.