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(and Dragons) #1
Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons)
Eighteen-year-old Sasha Clems didn’t mean to steal a seadragon’s magic and antagonize a magic-handler. Or err… More correctly, she did. She just didn’t mean to get caught.
Sasha is tired of being poor. Tired of foreclosure notices tacked to her family’s fridge, tired of working four jobs, tired of dreaming about college rather than attending.
When one morning she witnesses a dying seadragon expel its magic in the form of a basketball-sized jewel, she grabs it. The last time this happened, the jewel sold in the high nine-figures, but only after a kidnapping, three deaths, and an international manhunt by the Magic-Handlers’ Alliance.
No reward without a little risk.
Sasha bolts off on a cross-country race to the single person she trusts to help auction off the jewel. Chasing her is the government, the Magic-Handler’s Alliance, more dragons, and the hottest teenage magician on the face of the planet.
A magician who is snooty, snobby, and determined to not just win the magic but also her. Once he gets over disliking her, that is.
Even worse, the more Sasha discovers about the world of magic and the nature of the seadragon itself, the more she realizes there are things and people that just might be more important than money.
Maybe…? Because Sasha is really done with being poor.
Sasha is tired of being poor. Tired of foreclosure notices tacked to her family’s fridge, tired of working four jobs, tired of dreaming about college rather than attending.
When one morning she witnesses a dying seadragon expel its magic in the form of a basketball-sized jewel, she grabs it. The last time this happened, the jewel sold in the high nine-figures, but only after a kidnapping, three deaths, and an international manhunt by the Magic-Handlers’ Alliance.
No reward without a little risk.
Sasha bolts off on a cross-country race to the single person she trusts to help auction off the jewel. Chasing her is the government, the Magic-Handler’s Alliance, more dragons, and the hottest teenage magician on the face of the planet.
A magician who is snooty, snobby, and determined to not just win the magic but also her. Once he gets over disliking her, that is.
Even worse, the more Sasha discovers about the world of magic and the nature of the seadragon itself, the more she realizes there are things and people that just might be more important than money.
Maybe…? Because Sasha is really done with being poor.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
81 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Taylor Thompson
3 books27 followersRachel Taylor Thompson lives in the central coast area of California with her husband, daughters, and a truly ridiculous number of animals (including but not limited to horses, rabbits, chickens, cats, a guinea pig, a bearded dragon, bees, and various wild animals that endlessly steal the cat food).
She started writing after she and a group of friends played the game Two Truths and a Lie and not a single person guessed that 'I'm writing a book' was her lie. Since her friends had so much faith in her, she decided to go for it.
To hear more about her books (and animals) head over to her website/newsletter-signup: www.racheltaylorthompson.com
She started writing after she and a group of friends played the game Two Truths and a Lie and not a single person guessed that 'I'm writing a book' was her lie. Since her friends had so much faith in her, she decided to go for it.
To hear more about her books (and animals) head over to her website/newsletter-signup: www.racheltaylorthompson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 16, 2025
This is (apart from the copy editing, which I'll mention later) a sound piece of work. The characters have plenty of backstory, which makes them feel like they didn't start existing in Chapter 1, and also makes sense of their actions and feelings during the book. Relationships matter, a lot, especially family for the protagonist, and most of the relationships are not straightforwardly like or dislike, trust or distrust; they're messy and complicated, like real relationships. This is a level I don't see often in first books. Also, the Australian and British characters use vocabulary from those countries correctly and naturally, and a world with magic in it has believable differences of history from our world.
I definitely called what would happen with the money side of things well in advance. Money is an obsession of the protagonist, since her family is struggling with debt; she's working four jobs to try to save for college, but has to keep paying off overdue mortgage payments with the money instead. I predicted both that and that . The end point of the romance plot was also predictable, because after all, romance plots all come out the same way, though it did have a rocky road to get there, and was well thought out and believable in its evolutions.
Having said that, it wasn't a made-from-box-mix, totally predictable book at all, and it kept me thoroughly engaged, even gripped, throughout. Most of the book consists of a road trip, taken while being hunted, not knowing who to trust or how to escape pursuit, which keeps the tension high. There's constant comic relief, though, not only from the snark of the protagonist (which isn't cruel), but from the antics of the three little dogs she has stolen from one of her jobs for reasons that are a bit glossed over. I think it's to make it more believable that she's been kidnapped, but... it doesn't, really.
The author, like an increasing number of authors these days, is under the mistaken impression that it's correct to put a hyphen between an adjective and the noun it's modifying. This is most noticeable with "magical-creatures," because that's the pair that occurs most frequently, but it's a more widespread problem, and she also hyphenates numerous phrases that shouldn't be hyphenated either. At least once, in a compound adjective (which is almost the only place you should hyphenate), she doesn't hyphenate all the words in the phrase. It's good that authors want to use more punctuation, but not that they don't know where to put it. Otherwise, there are a couple of the usual errors, but most of them don't occur frequently, and some, but by no means all, of the apostrophes are in the right place. An editor is credited, but that may or may not be a copy editor. I've seen way worse, but the excess hyphens were a distraction.
Usual disclaimers: I received a pre-publication review copy, and more editing may happen before publication. Also, many people don't know or care how punctuation works, but for those readers who do, I give specifics in my reviews so they can decide how much it will reduce their enjoyment.
It's to the credit of the author that, even though the punctuation annoyed me, I was still strongly gripped by the plot and was cheering for the protagonist all the way along. Recommended.
I definitely called what would happen with the money side of things well in advance. Money is an obsession of the protagonist, since her family is struggling with debt; she's working four jobs to try to save for college, but has to keep paying off overdue mortgage payments with the money instead. I predicted both that and that . The end point of the romance plot was also predictable, because after all, romance plots all come out the same way, though it did have a rocky road to get there, and was well thought out and believable in its evolutions.
Having said that, it wasn't a made-from-box-mix, totally predictable book at all, and it kept me thoroughly engaged, even gripped, throughout. Most of the book consists of a road trip, taken while being hunted, not knowing who to trust or how to escape pursuit, which keeps the tension high. There's constant comic relief, though, not only from the snark of the protagonist (which isn't cruel), but from the antics of the three little dogs she has stolen from one of her jobs for reasons that are a bit glossed over. I think it's to make it more believable that she's been kidnapped, but... it doesn't, really.
The author, like an increasing number of authors these days, is under the mistaken impression that it's correct to put a hyphen between an adjective and the noun it's modifying. This is most noticeable with "magical-creatures," because that's the pair that occurs most frequently, but it's a more widespread problem, and she also hyphenates numerous phrases that shouldn't be hyphenated either. At least once, in a compound adjective (which is almost the only place you should hyphenate), she doesn't hyphenate all the words in the phrase. It's good that authors want to use more punctuation, but not that they don't know where to put it. Otherwise, there are a couple of the usual errors, but most of them don't occur frequently, and some, but by no means all, of the apostrophes are in the right place. An editor is credited, but that may or may not be a copy editor. I've seen way worse, but the excess hyphens were a distraction.
Usual disclaimers: I received a pre-publication review copy, and more editing may happen before publication. Also, many people don't know or care how punctuation works, but for those readers who do, I give specifics in my reviews so they can decide how much it will reduce their enjoyment.
It's to the credit of the author that, even though the punctuation annoyed me, I was still strongly gripped by the plot and was cheering for the protagonist all the way along. Recommended.
April 7, 2025
This was so much fun!
Sasha has got to be the least trusting main character I've read in a long time, but I really enjoyed the whole wild ride she took us on. I can't say too much without providing spoilers, but there were so many twists and turns, I genuinely wasn't sure where we were going for most of the book. But that was all part of the fun.
I did of course want to shake some sense into her at times (mostly because I recognise that self-sabotaging streak!) but it ultimately made me more invested in her character development.
The banter was really good too, especially between Sasha and Aristotle (I am very much an Aristotle fan). They were such a good pair. Really equally matched and I really enjoyed watching them play off each other.
And now I want a Charlotte of my own! Her cuteness would definitely outweigh any potential destruction of my property.
Highly recommend, especially if you like your fantasy with magical creatures.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book. I really look forward to reading more stories from this world.
Sasha has got to be the least trusting main character I've read in a long time, but I really enjoyed the whole wild ride she took us on. I can't say too much without providing spoilers, but there were so many twists and turns, I genuinely wasn't sure where we were going for most of the book. But that was all part of the fun.
I did of course want to shake some sense into her at times (mostly because I recognise that self-sabotaging streak!) but it ultimately made me more invested in her character development.
The banter was really good too, especially between Sasha and Aristotle (I am very much an Aristotle fan). They were such a good pair. Really equally matched and I really enjoyed watching them play off each other.
And now I want a Charlotte of my own! Her cuteness would definitely outweigh any potential destruction of my property.
Highly recommend, especially if you like your fantasy with magical creatures.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book. I really look forward to reading more stories from this world.
March 14, 2025
(4.25) IM CRYING THIS WAS SO FUNNY (AND SO GOOD)
full rtc (i have so many reviews to catch up on help 😭)
full rtc (i have so many reviews to catch up on help 😭)
April 26, 2025
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sasha finds a dying seadragon on the beach, decides to take its incredibly valuable semis, and ends up on the run with her dog companions and a whole load of people chasing her, eager to get hold of it.
This book had a light jovial tone which is something I don't normally gravitate towards in books. However this was not my issue with it. Unfortunately I was rubbed the wrong way very early in the story when our FMC meets another character who is British. He is not Caucasian so she speculates that he doesn't look 'native British' but instead Greek or Turkish etc. Excuse me, but what is meant by native British? The UK has been multicultural and ethnically diverse for decades and indeed centuries, just because someone is not white does not mean they are not a native.
From that point sadly I noticed the book was peppered with racial stereotypes and there was a point where someone shouted something unintelligible in 'Hindu'. Hindu is not a language, and a small amount of research would have clarified this.
It's a shame because I would definitely have appreciated the tone and humour of this book if it hadn't have been for these issues I had, which were entirely avoidable.
Sasha finds a dying seadragon on the beach, decides to take its incredibly valuable semis, and ends up on the run with her dog companions and a whole load of people chasing her, eager to get hold of it.
This book had a light jovial tone which is something I don't normally gravitate towards in books. However this was not my issue with it. Unfortunately I was rubbed the wrong way very early in the story when our FMC meets another character who is British. He is not Caucasian so she speculates that he doesn't look 'native British' but instead Greek or Turkish etc. Excuse me, but what is meant by native British? The UK has been multicultural and ethnically diverse for decades and indeed centuries, just because someone is not white does not mean they are not a native.
From that point sadly I noticed the book was peppered with racial stereotypes and there was a point where someone shouted something unintelligible in 'Hindu'. Hindu is not a language, and a small amount of research would have clarified this.
It's a shame because I would definitely have appreciated the tone and humour of this book if it hadn't have been for these issues I had, which were entirely avoidable.
March 15, 2025
Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons) is a young adult urban fantasy and book one of a new series.
Sasha is out on a morning run when she finds a sea dragon at the beach. At its dying moments it reveals its magic wrapped in a globe which is worth a lot of money if sold to the right bidder; the money could solve all Sasha’s financial worries and those of her family too.
Not realising just how many people want to get their hands on this magical artefact, Sasha finds herself on a cross country chase to the mysterious Bob, who she believes will help her while doing the ‘right-thing’ with the magic.
Magic handlers, magical creatures and a host of hilarious characters and episodes are mixed with fun upbeat dialogue and actions. Sasha was a delight to get to know, with her strong family beliefs—what a crazy family—her resourcefulness and the three dogs that she took on an extended ‘walk’, all made this story fast-paced, exciting and very enjoyable.
This story has a little romance, some original turns of phrase and an emphasis on family values. It would be very suitable and fun reading for the young adult market and certainly a writer to look out for in the future; I look forward to reading more in this series.
Sasha is out on a morning run when she finds a sea dragon at the beach. At its dying moments it reveals its magic wrapped in a globe which is worth a lot of money if sold to the right bidder; the money could solve all Sasha’s financial worries and those of her family too.
Not realising just how many people want to get their hands on this magical artefact, Sasha finds herself on a cross country chase to the mysterious Bob, who she believes will help her while doing the ‘right-thing’ with the magic.
Magic handlers, magical creatures and a host of hilarious characters and episodes are mixed with fun upbeat dialogue and actions. Sasha was a delight to get to know, with her strong family beliefs—what a crazy family—her resourcefulness and the three dogs that she took on an extended ‘walk’, all made this story fast-paced, exciting and very enjoyable.
This story has a little romance, some original turns of phrase and an emphasis on family values. It would be very suitable and fun reading for the young adult market and certainly a writer to look out for in the future; I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 10, 2025
Brilliant light read for palate cleansing after a heavy book, or a long work day.
Montague-Smith-Montague is a frankly hilarious surname to give a fake British aristocrat, but did feel overly american compared to the actual nonsense endemic to England.
I liked that I didn't have to think too hard about what was going on, although this did mean I saw quite a few of the twists coming.
Read courtesy of net galley
Montague-Smith-Montague is a frankly hilarious surname to give a fake British aristocrat, but did feel overly american compared to the actual nonsense endemic to England.
I liked that I didn't have to think too hard about what was going on, although this did mean I saw quite a few of the twists coming.
Read courtesy of net galley
February 7, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Rachel Taylor Thompson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rachel Taylor Thompson delivers a fresh, fast-paced fantasy adventure in “Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons),” blending humor and high-stakes action in a story that will appeal to fans of road trip books and dragons. With a unique magic system and a dynamic protagonist, this book is an excellent entry point for readers new to fantasy while still offering plenty for seasoned fans of the genre.
At the heart of the story is Sasha Clems, a bold and determined protagonist who is simply tired—tired of working four jobs, tired of foreclosure notices, and tired of dreaming about a better life instead of living it. When she stumbles upon a dying seadragon and its magical jewel—an object worth a fortune—she sees her chance to finally change her circumstances. But with the government, the Magic-Handlers' Alliance, dragons, and a certain annoyingly charming magician named Ari on her heels, Sasha’s plan turns into a wild, cross-country chase filled with magic, danger, and self-discovery.
One of the book’s standout aspects is its magic system, which feels refreshingly original. The way magic-handlers access and utilize spells is well thought out, with clear rules and limitations that add depth to the story. The worldbuilding, particularly the variety of dragons, is fascinating, though I did wish for even more focus on these magical creatures. I’ve been on a dragon kick recently, and while the ending brought more development of the dragons, I wanted more of a focus throughout the book. The lore unfolds naturally as Sasha learns more about the truth of her world, and her growing understanding plays a key role in her character development.
The book’s humor is another highlight. Sasha’s sharp wit and her banter with Ari keep the story lighthearted even as the stakes rise. Their friendship develops in a natural and entertaining way, filled with teasing, moments of trust-building, and just the right amount of romantic tension. The road trip element adds to the fun, as the duo travels across the U.S. (and even into Canada), facing unexpected magical encounters along the way.
Animal lovers will also appreciate the role of the Brontes—Sasha’s loyal dogs, who remain by her side throughout the chaos and survive the adventure unscathed (except for one interesting and unique change to one of the dogs, which fits with the humorous writing perfectly). Their presence adds warmth and charm to an already engaging story.
The ending, while somewhat predictable, is satisfying and fitting for Sasha’s journey. It wraps up the story well while still leaving room for potential future adventures. The final act moves at breakneck speed, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Overall, “Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons)” is a fun, action-packed read. It’s perfect for readers looking for a lighthearted but engaging fantasy adventure with a dash of romance. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fantasy fan, Sasha’s journey is one worth taking.
Rachel Taylor Thompson delivers a fresh, fast-paced fantasy adventure in “Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons),” blending humor and high-stakes action in a story that will appeal to fans of road trip books and dragons. With a unique magic system and a dynamic protagonist, this book is an excellent entry point for readers new to fantasy while still offering plenty for seasoned fans of the genre.
At the heart of the story is Sasha Clems, a bold and determined protagonist who is simply tired—tired of working four jobs, tired of foreclosure notices, and tired of dreaming about a better life instead of living it. When she stumbles upon a dying seadragon and its magical jewel—an object worth a fortune—she sees her chance to finally change her circumstances. But with the government, the Magic-Handlers' Alliance, dragons, and a certain annoyingly charming magician named Ari on her heels, Sasha’s plan turns into a wild, cross-country chase filled with magic, danger, and self-discovery.
One of the book’s standout aspects is its magic system, which feels refreshingly original. The way magic-handlers access and utilize spells is well thought out, with clear rules and limitations that add depth to the story. The worldbuilding, particularly the variety of dragons, is fascinating, though I did wish for even more focus on these magical creatures. I’ve been on a dragon kick recently, and while the ending brought more development of the dragons, I wanted more of a focus throughout the book. The lore unfolds naturally as Sasha learns more about the truth of her world, and her growing understanding plays a key role in her character development.
The book’s humor is another highlight. Sasha’s sharp wit and her banter with Ari keep the story lighthearted even as the stakes rise. Their friendship develops in a natural and entertaining way, filled with teasing, moments of trust-building, and just the right amount of romantic tension. The road trip element adds to the fun, as the duo travels across the U.S. (and even into Canada), facing unexpected magical encounters along the way.
Animal lovers will also appreciate the role of the Brontes—Sasha’s loyal dogs, who remain by her side throughout the chaos and survive the adventure unscathed (except for one interesting and unique change to one of the dogs, which fits with the humorous writing perfectly). Their presence adds warmth and charm to an already engaging story.
The ending, while somewhat predictable, is satisfying and fitting for Sasha’s journey. It wraps up the story well while still leaving room for potential future adventures. The final act moves at breakneck speed, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Overall, “Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons)” is a fun, action-packed read. It’s perfect for readers looking for a lighthearted but engaging fantasy adventure with a dash of romance. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fantasy fan, Sasha’s journey is one worth taking.
September 30, 2025
4.5 stars.
Sasha Clems is eighteen and wants to go to college. Instead, she works four jobs to help her family pay bills as well as to one day pay for her own college education. So, when she finds a dead magical sea dragon - and its magical source (I don't want to say what it's called) - along the beach, she grabs it. If she can successfully sell the magic without getting caught, she'll be rich.
As interesting as this storyline is, it's not the plot that makes this book so good. It's Sasha. She's funny, and this whole book is really quite magical.
Sasha's from a tight-knit, low-income family. They struggle with money, but they deeply love each other. And so, Sasha is both lovable and relatable as a person who goes through life a little bit sarcastically and somewhat trepidatiously, fully aware that most people have a lot more money and access than she does.
She also talks a lot, which initially made it difficult for me to get into the book. I kept putting it down. Around chapter three or four, I was getting used to her talkative nature. By chapter six, I was hooked.
This book is about magic, and it truly is magical. Sasha has big ideas, and she's reactive. She makes decisions as she goes, with plenty of jaded sarcasm slash humor. But she has the support system of her family and their family-inspired sense of self-preservation. It's watching someone while knowing that they're not making the best choices and rooting for them the whole time.
You have to ignore some things with this book, though. For instance, she's somehow on two different continents at the same time. It's never explicitly explained, but if you know geography, then it's easy to see that she's in two places at once. However, it is a magical world, so I guess anything's possible.
Also, outside of Sasha, you have other great characters, magic, mystery, dragons, and a rich boy/poor girl romance. I'm so glad I stuck with the book and finished it. Highly recommended.
Sasha Clems is eighteen and wants to go to college. Instead, she works four jobs to help her family pay bills as well as to one day pay for her own college education. So, when she finds a dead magical sea dragon - and its magical source (I don't want to say what it's called) - along the beach, she grabs it. If she can successfully sell the magic without getting caught, she'll be rich.
As interesting as this storyline is, it's not the plot that makes this book so good. It's Sasha. She's funny, and this whole book is really quite magical.
Sasha's from a tight-knit, low-income family. They struggle with money, but they deeply love each other. And so, Sasha is both lovable and relatable as a person who goes through life a little bit sarcastically and somewhat trepidatiously, fully aware that most people have a lot more money and access than she does.
She also talks a lot, which initially made it difficult for me to get into the book. I kept putting it down. Around chapter three or four, I was getting used to her talkative nature. By chapter six, I was hooked.
This book is about magic, and it truly is magical. Sasha has big ideas, and she's reactive. She makes decisions as she goes, with plenty of jaded sarcasm slash humor. But she has the support system of her family and their family-inspired sense of self-preservation. It's watching someone while knowing that they're not making the best choices and rooting for them the whole time.
You have to ignore some things with this book, though. For instance, she's somehow on two different continents at the same time. It's never explicitly explained, but if you know geography, then it's easy to see that she's in two places at once. However, it is a magical world, so I guess anything's possible.
Also, outside of Sasha, you have other great characters, magic, mystery, dragons, and a rich boy/poor girl romance. I'm so glad I stuck with the book and finished it. Highly recommended.
March 3, 2025
4.5 stars; advanced copy from NetGalley.
This book was a friggin' delight to read! I loved just about everything about it. Sasha made for such a good heroine. She's definitely not perfect - she loves animals, but she still has money on her mind when she stumbles upon a dying sea dragon during an early morning run and realizes she can take its magic and sell it for an extremely high price. She's also no dummy. The daughter and granddaughter of con artists (although not the most successful ones, based on the family's dire financial straights), she knows some smart moves to keep ahead of the uber-rich magic handlers and government agents who are immediately on her trail. She quickly sets off on a cross-country journey to try to sell the dragon's magic to someone who can both pay her a lot of money but will at least try to do something good with it. But as smart as she is, she struggles to figure out who to trust - and how, which isn't easy for someone who comes from a family of liars and has had it ingrained in her to trust no one.
And Ari was also a delight as the love interest. I loved how he didn't want to play games and pushed her in multiple ways. Even the "evil" characters never felt clownish, although they were certainly fun and entertaining.
My only quibbles were pretty small. It sometimes felt like the author was going to develop a plot point, like Sasha's strained relationship with her mother, that never went anywhere. And then there were some things that didn't entirely make sense - how has Sasha's home been in the family since her grandparents but her dad has a mortgage on it? How did they ever manage to afford a home in the very expensive Carmel-by-the-Sea area???? Why not just sell it if they have a mortgage on it?? But ultimately these didn't really matter much. It was a joy to immerse myself in this story.
This book was a friggin' delight to read! I loved just about everything about it. Sasha made for such a good heroine. She's definitely not perfect - she loves animals, but she still has money on her mind when she stumbles upon a dying sea dragon during an early morning run and realizes she can take its magic and sell it for an extremely high price. She's also no dummy. The daughter and granddaughter of con artists (although not the most successful ones, based on the family's dire financial straights), she knows some smart moves to keep ahead of the uber-rich magic handlers and government agents who are immediately on her trail. She quickly sets off on a cross-country journey to try to sell the dragon's magic to someone who can both pay her a lot of money but will at least try to do something good with it. But as smart as she is, she struggles to figure out who to trust - and how, which isn't easy for someone who comes from a family of liars and has had it ingrained in her to trust no one.
And Ari was also a delight as the love interest. I loved how he didn't want to play games and pushed her in multiple ways. Even the "evil" characters never felt clownish, although they were certainly fun and entertaining.
My only quibbles were pretty small. It sometimes felt like the author was going to develop a plot point, like Sasha's strained relationship with her mother, that never went anywhere. And then there were some things that didn't entirely make sense - how has Sasha's home been in the family since her grandparents but her dad has a mortgage on it? How did they ever manage to afford a home in the very expensive Carmel-by-the-Sea area???? Why not just sell it if they have a mortgage on it?? But ultimately these didn't really matter much. It was a joy to immerse myself in this story.
April 1, 2025
The story follows Sasha Clems, who was jogging along the beach when a seadragon appears to be dead in the sand. Sasha is dead tired from working four jobs and trying to help her dad with the mortgage as forclosure signs continue to appear. When she sees the dragon, she thinks what is the harm in taking a few scales as it will cover the cost of her university tuition and help her family out. As she goes to try to get a scale, the dragon releases a semis - a boon for magic weilders. Thinking on her toes, she takes it and stashes it somewhere secret. By taking this, it leads her on a chase across the country as she tries to figure out if she should sell it to the highest bidder or do something more noble.
This book was fun. A palate cleanser I needed after pushing through a more political fantasy series before reading this. I would give this book 3.75 stars as I wanted to throttle Sasha at times - I kept having to remind myself well she is only 18, but damn did she make some crazy choices. The magic system was interesting, and I wish that would have been explored more, but maybe in her next book she will dig deeper into that now that we have established characters. One highlight of this book is the humor - it was goofy/silly that it did make me smile a few times throughout especially all the stuff with Ari (the love interest). The book is pretty fast paced and will keep you interested the whole time.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I read? I like dragons lol would I read again? Yeah its a quick read
This book was fun. A palate cleanser I needed after pushing through a more political fantasy series before reading this. I would give this book 3.75 stars as I wanted to throttle Sasha at times - I kept having to remind myself well she is only 18, but damn did she make some crazy choices. The magic system was interesting, and I wish that would have been explored more, but maybe in her next book she will dig deeper into that now that we have established characters. One highlight of this book is the humor - it was goofy/silly that it did make me smile a few times throughout especially all the stuff with Ari (the love interest). The book is pretty fast paced and will keep you interested the whole time.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I read? I like dragons lol would I read again? Yeah its a quick read
February 23, 2025
When you read a first book of a newly author, you don’t know what to expect…
But boy, I am totally blown away by the good writing and how the author was able to hold suspense in the story until the end!
The characters are incredible in the sense that it feels like everyone is real and very thought through! The humor, the very real emotions and struggles the heroine goes through….
Once you start reading, the heroine Sasha takes you on an amazing journey not only personal to herself but of influence on the world she lives in and everyone involved!
Trough the story the reader discovers page by page, Sasha’s past - present - and possible future… The challenges Sasha faces feel so tangible, who can she trust? What is the right thing to do?
I can honestly say, I am super glad Rachel Taylor Thompson decided to write, because other wise we would have missed something great! I can only wish she will grant us with many more stories! I can’t wait to read the next installment in this magical suspenseful series and how Sasha and her gang will be challenging further the status quo!
A story of empowering what is right, setting straight what is wrong, allowing oneself to trust again and love to show the way!
I loved the humor, Sasha’s crazy but so awesome family, and the dragons of course!
I totally recommend!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, but as always I am leaving this review in all honesty and voluntarily.
But boy, I am totally blown away by the good writing and how the author was able to hold suspense in the story until the end!
The characters are incredible in the sense that it feels like everyone is real and very thought through! The humor, the very real emotions and struggles the heroine goes through….
Once you start reading, the heroine Sasha takes you on an amazing journey not only personal to herself but of influence on the world she lives in and everyone involved!
Trough the story the reader discovers page by page, Sasha’s past - present - and possible future… The challenges Sasha faces feel so tangible, who can she trust? What is the right thing to do?
I can honestly say, I am super glad Rachel Taylor Thompson decided to write, because other wise we would have missed something great! I can only wish she will grant us with many more stories! I can’t wait to read the next installment in this magical suspenseful series and how Sasha and her gang will be challenging further the status quo!
A story of empowering what is right, setting straight what is wrong, allowing oneself to trust again and love to show the way!
I loved the humor, Sasha’s crazy but so awesome family, and the dragons of course!
I totally recommend!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, but as always I am leaving this review in all honesty and voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
Sasha and I don't have a lot of common. She wakes up early to jog, lives near the beach and repeats Sinn Fein slogans in English. Most importantly, she found a dead dragon on her morning jog. And now all kinds of magical practitioners are after her.
As a character, Sasha feels like a throwback to the girls that I loved in the 90s and 00s - a little prickly, parents who let her run a little wild, and not too trusting of the world. Plus a little prickly. Following her felt like visiting an old friend. The book is also chock full of great side characters - from Sasha's doggie companions, the Brontes, to her love interest Aristotle, to Australian magic-handler Jedda. I will say that having so many quirky characters means that we don't get as much time with all of them as I would like. I would have loved to follow aboriginal Australian magician Jedda a little more, and hear about her family history using magic to push back against British colonists - and enjoyed the hints of her love story.
The relationship between Sasha and Ari felt a little too painfully realistic (all the insecurities and communication gaps in high school came back to me), but I really enjoyed that the book dealt with issues of communications of trust in relationships. This is a great book for young girls who might be interested in sci-fi, fantasy with a smidge of romance. I hope Taylor Thompson continues the series.
As a character, Sasha feels like a throwback to the girls that I loved in the 90s and 00s - a little prickly, parents who let her run a little wild, and not too trusting of the world. Plus a little prickly. Following her felt like visiting an old friend. The book is also chock full of great side characters - from Sasha's doggie companions, the Brontes, to her love interest Aristotle, to Australian magic-handler Jedda. I will say that having so many quirky characters means that we don't get as much time with all of them as I would like. I would have loved to follow aboriginal Australian magician Jedda a little more, and hear about her family history using magic to push back against British colonists - and enjoyed the hints of her love story.
The relationship between Sasha and Ari felt a little too painfully realistic (all the insecurities and communication gaps in high school came back to me), but I really enjoyed that the book dealt with issues of communications of trust in relationships. This is a great book for young girls who might be interested in sci-fi, fantasy with a smidge of romance. I hope Taylor Thompson continues the series.
May 13, 2025
The title of this book is perfect because it really is Sasha vs the Whole Wide Word and dragons. I found the world of the book interesting and well developed. There were enough details to make it seem incredibly real but not so many that it bogged down the story. It probably helped that the books world had many similarities to our world plus magic and dragons. The characters were well developed even the secondary ones and although some frustrated me endlessly, the personalities were believable. Sasha is a gutsy protagonist that had been dealt a tough hand in life but had the undergirding of a family that loved her completely. She is creative and resourceful in solving the problems that confront her and at her core is an ethical person. As she works to find the best solution for the the placement of the found magical object (yes, that is an awkward sentence but trying to avoid any spoilers), Sasha learns to not believe things without verifying, that all is not as it seems (whether people or circumstances), and that you can trust folks that show themselves trustworthy. Would recommend to those who like young gutsy heroines (and heroes too), to those who enjoy fantasy novels grounded in the real world, and those who like dragons.
February 11, 2025
The dynamic of this novel was fun and engaging right from the beginning. A moment of needing some peace and quiet starts an adventure of a lifetime for Sasha. What started out as a way to get rich, especially because she has dreams and is tired of struggling (and her family struggling), transitions into some hard life lessons/realizations about herself and her family history.
Be careful on what you believe in this novel as the truth! Some revelations I didn't see coming.
The humor and antics of the characters helps offset the deeper meanings at play. Our secondary characters, mainly the trio of dog sisters, brought just enough kinship to show another level of Sasha as well as other characters the dogs come into contact with.
I can't say too much more without spoilers, but I did wish we got more in terms of Sasha and other character relationships (family, romantic, work, etc.) as some felt underdeveloped or rushed. Sasha herself was hard to connect with at times, likely on purpose, to show her development.
It was a fun and quick read that dives into a magic system that was nicely explained!
Be careful on what you believe in this novel as the truth! Some revelations I didn't see coming.
The humor and antics of the characters helps offset the deeper meanings at play. Our secondary characters, mainly the trio of dog sisters, brought just enough kinship to show another level of Sasha as well as other characters the dogs come into contact with.
I can't say too much more without spoilers, but I did wish we got more in terms of Sasha and other character relationships (family, romantic, work, etc.) as some felt underdeveloped or rushed. Sasha herself was hard to connect with at times, likely on purpose, to show her development.
It was a fun and quick read that dives into a magic system that was nicely explained!
July 13, 2025
When Sasha comes across a dying water dragon, it transfers its magic to her in its final moments—an artifact shaped like a half-moon of glass, unimaginably valuable and unlike anything she's ever seen. Her first instinct is survival: sell it and secure her future. But as word gets out, she's quickly thrown into chaos, pursued by people who want to steal the magic for themselves.
What follows is a fast-moving journey full of shifting alliances and constant uncertainty. Sasha picks up and discards companions as she tries to figure out who she can trust and what she's really supposed to do with the dragon’s gift. Only later does she begin to understand the true nature of the magic and what honoring the dragon’s sacrifice might actually mean.
Much of the book centers around Sasha’s nonstop flight from danger—there's a lot of driving—but the dragon lore and magical worldbuilding add interest. The ending delivers a solid payoff for readers who stick with it. I'm curious to see how this world of humans, magical beings, and a shared ecosystem continues to grow in future installments.
What follows is a fast-moving journey full of shifting alliances and constant uncertainty. Sasha picks up and discards companions as she tries to figure out who she can trust and what she's really supposed to do with the dragon’s gift. Only later does she begin to understand the true nature of the magic and what honoring the dragon’s sacrifice might actually mean.
Much of the book centers around Sasha’s nonstop flight from danger—there's a lot of driving—but the dragon lore and magical worldbuilding add interest. The ending delivers a solid payoff for readers who stick with it. I'm curious to see how this world of humans, magical beings, and a shared ecosystem continues to grow in future installments.
January 15, 2026
Sasha vs. the Whole Wide World is a charming fantasy-romance that serves as a great option for middle and high school readers. The plot is well-constructed and engaging, making it a strong contender for a summer reading program. One of the biggest selling points for educators and parents is how "clean" the content is; there is no sexual content and only a tiny handful of minor swear words throughout the entire book. It is a relief to find a quality story that is unlikely to trigger any parental complaints while still being a book students will actually enjoy.
I did have two minor quibbles while reading. Sasha has a habit of naming almost every object she encounters, which felt a bit silly and occasionally made the narrative confusing when I couldn’t remember which name belonged to which item. Additionally, the romance felt a bit abrupt, shifting from mutual dislike to affection quite suddenly. However, these are small issues in an otherwise solid book. Overall, this is a "safe" and enjoyable pick that delivers a good story without any questionable content.
I did have two minor quibbles while reading. Sasha has a habit of naming almost every object she encounters, which felt a bit silly and occasionally made the narrative confusing when I couldn’t remember which name belonged to which item. Additionally, the romance felt a bit abrupt, shifting from mutual dislike to affection quite suddenly. However, these are small issues in an otherwise solid book. Overall, this is a "safe" and enjoyable pick that delivers a good story without any questionable content.
March 22, 2025
The cover and the title of this book give middle-grade vibes and I honestly requested this ARC to see if it would be good for my kids. The beginning feels a bit slow and I had to push myself to keep going. However, once the main story picked up more, it was a delightful book. It’s more YA since the main character is 18 but it is definitely more on the young/teen end of YA but not in a “too young” way. I thought it was hilarious and loved the main character’s personality, inner monologue, and all the twists and turns. There’s also lots of little things in the beginning that come full circle throughout the book or near the end which I love in a story. I don’t even know what to compare this book to since it’s so unique I’ve never read anything like it. But the vibes of it are like a fun, cozy road trip with almost Howl’s Moving Castle and Lemony Snicket vibes. I adored the ending.
April 9, 2025
I'll admit, it took me a minute to get into the main character’s personality, but once I did, I flew through this book with a smile on my face the entire time. Rachel Taylor Thompson is an incredible storyteller. Obviously, it's very creative, funny, and clearly full of joy! Her writing has that spark that makes the world and characters leap off the page.
I absolutely loved the strong bond of the FMC’s family and the genuine love for animals woven throughout the story. It had all the charm and chaotic heart of Bridget Jones’s Diary and the Shopaholic series, but with magic and dragons!
This book also made long to be in California. The writing felt warm, quirky, and full of magic in its own right. Honestly, if I were throwing a dinner party, I’d want to invite Thompson. I get the feeling she’d have the most delightful and hilarious stories to share.
A true gem of a read.
I absolutely loved the strong bond of the FMC’s family and the genuine love for animals woven throughout the story. It had all the charm and chaotic heart of Bridget Jones’s Diary and the Shopaholic series, but with magic and dragons!
This book also made long to be in California. The writing felt warm, quirky, and full of magic in its own right. Honestly, if I were throwing a dinner party, I’d want to invite Thompson. I get the feeling she’d have the most delightful and hilarious stories to share.
A true gem of a read.
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!! I’m so glad I was able to read it on vacation, its humor made for an excellent pool read and its action kept me engaged despite frequent interruptions.
Things I liked: the pacing, the plot, the characters, the innovative magic. But beyond that, there were some things I truly loved. I grew up on LM Montgomery’s The Blue Castle and having it referenced as a core element in this book was a surreal dream. But the best part of all? The Clem family’s snarky sayings of wit and wisdom! I’m tempted to reread the book just to go through and write them all down! Sasha frequently referenced them during times of trouble and it was a real delight.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, because I don’t typically read Urban Fantasy. But I read this one based on the fact that I liked the author’s first book, a much slower paced high fantasy novel, and I think I liked this one even more. I can’t wait to see what else she creates.
Things I liked: the pacing, the plot, the characters, the innovative magic. But beyond that, there were some things I truly loved. I grew up on LM Montgomery’s The Blue Castle and having it referenced as a core element in this book was a surreal dream. But the best part of all? The Clem family’s snarky sayings of wit and wisdom! I’m tempted to reread the book just to go through and write them all down! Sasha frequently referenced them during times of trouble and it was a real delight.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, because I don’t typically read Urban Fantasy. But I read this one based on the fact that I liked the author’s first book, a much slower paced high fantasy novel, and I think I liked this one even more. I can’t wait to see what else she creates.
May 3, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, and Rachel Taylor Thompson for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I struggled hard to get through this book. I loved the blurb so so much.
The worldbuilding was lacking, and I kept getting confused when new magic related things popped up with no explanation.
If you like stories where it's just the constant non stop inner monologue of the main character, this is the book for you. For me, I was glad that most of it was inside her head because otherwise Sasha would have suffocated because she didn't stop to breathe. We didn't really get any downtime to sit with what happened for the various scenes, before instantly going into the next barrage of rapid fire thoughts.
For good points, it was a nice constant fast pace and I really enjoyed the cute doggies!
I struggled hard to get through this book. I loved the blurb so so much.
The worldbuilding was lacking, and I kept getting confused when new magic related things popped up with no explanation.
If you like stories where it's just the constant non stop inner monologue of the main character, this is the book for you. For me, I was glad that most of it was inside her head because otherwise Sasha would have suffocated because she didn't stop to breathe. We didn't really get any downtime to sit with what happened for the various scenes, before instantly going into the next barrage of rapid fire thoughts.
For good points, it was a nice constant fast pace and I really enjoyed the cute doggies!
July 19, 2025
This book was so much fun. Loved Sasha and her internal dialogue so much. The Clems family was also very imperfect, quirky and absolutely loveable. I laughed so much reading this book. The world was very fun and loved how the magic system centred around animals, which is very unique. All the characters we encounter are really so enjoyable. Even the ones we aren’t routing for have many entertaining qualities. The adventure was fast paced, delightfully messy, and kept me very engaged. The dogs accidentally coming along, all their antics, and how it all tied in was icing on the cake. I also liked that we had a touch of romance but it didn’t take over. Would love to see Sasha and Ari (and the Brontes) go on another adventure helping magical creatures in the future - with Ari driving very slowly the whole way.
February 7, 2025
I went into this expecting a fun frolic and it didn’t just deliver it gave me everything I wanted and DRAGONS. I know it was in the title, but I had expected a few dragons, not a glorious world full of different varieties. We have seadragons, truedragons, even beedragons!
As for the romance - I just love a good dreamscape scene, when both lower their boundaries and just talk without the pressures of the real world and this had several glorious examples of how well this can be done! Ari was just adorable – and how sweet he was with the dogs! (did I mention that there are three dogs named after the Bronte sisters along for the heist???)
Such a fun read and 100% worth it this needs to go on your TBR for 2025!
As for the romance - I just love a good dreamscape scene, when both lower their boundaries and just talk without the pressures of the real world and this had several glorious examples of how well this can be done! Ari was just adorable – and how sweet he was with the dogs! (did I mention that there are three dogs named after the Bronte sisters along for the heist???)
Such a fun read and 100% worth it this needs to go on your TBR for 2025!
February 28, 2025
This was a fun read if you like fantasy stories that take place in the real world. Sasha’s struggle with wanting money is something we can all relate to, which defines her interactions with some of the other characters and ultimately causes her to develop.
Another great thing about this book is the love interest isn’t some bad boy who mistreats the MC which you see so often and i am just so sick of. I think we knew all along Ari was endgame and it was just the sweetest thing ever. The romance was quirky and cute but not overdone. Some of the magical elements were a bit confusing to me but the story is definitely worth reading.
EDIT to add I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, these are my honest thoughts.
Another great thing about this book is the love interest isn’t some bad boy who mistreats the MC which you see so often and i am just so sick of. I think we knew all along Ari was endgame and it was just the sweetest thing ever. The romance was quirky and cute but not overdone. Some of the magical elements were a bit confusing to me but the story is definitely worth reading.
EDIT to add I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, these are my honest thoughts.
March 12, 2025
To be perfectly honest, I started reading this and didn’t think I would enjoy it.
BUT!!! I ended up absolutely loving it! Sasha was so stubborn, so set in her ways and so obnoxiously, untrusting that it took me awhile to like her. However, it did make for some fantastic character development by the end of the book!
I loved the magical realism of this story. The way the magic handlers and the government showed their bad sides was excellent, I liked that there was no clear “good guy”.
I liked Ari. I loved how he pushed Sasha to really look at herself and see how she was holding herself (and in turn Ari) back from being able to be the best versions of themselves.
The character development, the world building, the pacing and the underlying message were all perfection in Sasha Vs. The Whole Wide World (and Dragons).
BUT!!! I ended up absolutely loving it! Sasha was so stubborn, so set in her ways and so obnoxiously, untrusting that it took me awhile to like her. However, it did make for some fantastic character development by the end of the book!
I loved the magical realism of this story. The way the magic handlers and the government showed their bad sides was excellent, I liked that there was no clear “good guy”.
I liked Ari. I loved how he pushed Sasha to really look at herself and see how she was holding herself (and in turn Ari) back from being able to be the best versions of themselves.
The character development, the world building, the pacing and the underlying message were all perfection in Sasha Vs. The Whole Wide World (and Dragons).
April 6, 2025
This book had a lot of good elements, I just think I was a bit older than the target demographic. If you are a teen or enjoy light fluffy stories with adventure elements, you will love this book!
The book follows Sasha, a teenager who is broke. She works multiple jobs to save up for college, and she stumbles upon a magical (orb? ball?) that if sold, could make her A LOT of money. The book follows her efforts to sell the magic while avoiding the people who want to take it from her. The book has a road trip, gen z references, and a cast of diverse characters. It kind of has that found family aspect to a degree as well.
The beginning of the book was a little slow for me, but it picked up a lot! In my teenage years, I would have eaten this story up!
The book follows Sasha, a teenager who is broke. She works multiple jobs to save up for college, and she stumbles upon a magical (orb? ball?) that if sold, could make her A LOT of money. The book follows her efforts to sell the magic while avoiding the people who want to take it from her. The book has a road trip, gen z references, and a cast of diverse characters. It kind of has that found family aspect to a degree as well.
The beginning of the book was a little slow for me, but it picked up a lot! In my teenage years, I would have eaten this story up!
February 13, 2025
I’ve not read a YA offering in forever, but this is everything I hoped it would be,
and more. Sasha, bless her heart, is just so done with being poor! And the
adventure that destiny brought to her and he family is a lovely respite from her
life. The crime? Coming into the magic of the mostly mythical seadragon and
the charm that will make everyone ridiculously rich. And, of course, Sasha,and
Ari are going to find love, making this a delightful start to a series. My thanks and
appreciation to the Author via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read a download
copy of this book for review purposes.
and more. Sasha, bless her heart, is just so done with being poor! And the
adventure that destiny brought to her and he family is a lovely respite from her
life. The crime? Coming into the magic of the mostly mythical seadragon and
the charm that will make everyone ridiculously rich. And, of course, Sasha,and
Ari are going to find love, making this a delightful start to a series. My thanks and
appreciation to the Author via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read a download
copy of this book for review purposes.
March 14, 2025
I adored this first foray of Sasha into selling the “semis” she comes across from a dying sea dragon. In this adventure the lovable, morally gray female lead character takes us on an adventure to become rich by selling this magic. The lengths she goes through to keep her family safe while trying to find the best buyer of the semis is astounding for a girl her age. Her sidekicks the Brontë sisters ( 3 Yorker pups)are a hoot and make the read for me. The story keeps you interested from the beginning and has a few hilarious twits along the way. If you like young adult, magical reads, that are clean and appropriate for all ages, this book’s for you.5✨’s
March 25, 2025
And the diversity landslide continues. I just cannot find a book these days that leaves characters to our imagination. They have to specifically color code all the characters to make sure the diversity rainbow is covered. Give me some brief description on looks (curly hair, stunning eyes, symmetrical beauty, etc.), and I'll build what I want out of that. I'll make my own representation.
I was coming to grips with the Gen Z language and excessively hyphenated adjectives. The urban fantasy was shaping up to be balanced between modern life and magic. But then the lesbian grandmas entered the arena with life lessons. Big, fat DNF.
I was coming to grips with the Gen Z language and excessively hyphenated adjectives. The urban fantasy was shaping up to be balanced between modern life and magic. But then the lesbian grandmas entered the arena with life lessons. Big, fat DNF.
March 31, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.
Sasha Clems is tired of being poor, so when a seadragon dies in front of her, she takes its magic (in the form of a Semis) so that she can sell it and make all of her and her family's dreams come true. Unfortunately, all of the magic-users in the world are soon on her tail trying to either steal the Semis or get Sasha to sell it to them. She trusts and is betrayed by several magic-users on her road trip including heartthrob Aristotle Montague-Smith-Montague. Can she make it Canada to give the Semis to the one magic-user who might use it ethically? #NetGalley
Sasha Clems is tired of being poor, so when a seadragon dies in front of her, she takes its magic (in the form of a Semis) so that she can sell it and make all of her and her family's dreams come true. Unfortunately, all of the magic-users in the world are soon on her tail trying to either steal the Semis or get Sasha to sell it to them. She trusts and is betrayed by several magic-users on her road trip including heartthrob Aristotle Montague-Smith-Montague. Can she make it Canada to give the Semis to the one magic-user who might use it ethically? #NetGalley
July 16, 2025
Sasha vs the Wide World (and Dragons) is a fast-paced, fiercely fun fantasy adventure with a whip-smart, deeply relatable heroine who’s equal parts hustler and heart. Sasha Clems is the kind of protagonist you root for even when she’s making terrible decisions, which she does, frequently, in spectacular style. The novel is packed with high-stakes chases, clever worldbuilding, and snarky dialogue that crackles with energy. While a few plot turns feel slightly rushed, the emotional core of Sasha’s tug-of-war between survival and integrity lands hard. It's a wild ride that blends heist energy with magical mayhem, and leaves you hoping for more from Sasha and her dragon-sized problems.
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