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The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore: A Humorous Fantasy Adventure
"A rollicking tale with magic, pirates, and multiple viewpoints that will keep readers turning pages. Our Verdict: GET IT" Kirkus reviews
Lakes have no business floating above the world. They have less business staying there. But that’s what happens when magical beings disagree.
In an effort to unravel the mysteries of magic, and save their dying relationship, Jonathan Braxton and William Watts Worthwaddle have embarked on a journey to investigate the source of sorcery.
Their pursuit leads them to the skybound lands of Dressa Moore where a magical battle between a wizard and dragon sent the lake soaring into the sky. But the professors are soon entangled in a deadly game of global politics—pawns in a struggle between empires, gods, magi, constables, religious zealots, and anti-zealots.
Hunted from all sides, the professors race to conduct their scientific research. But they soon learn that science alone is no match for mysteries of sorcery and their research just might create a magical tsunami that could destroy the world.
The one question they never considered asking—should magic be researched at all?
Lakes have no business floating above the world. They have less business staying there. But that’s what happens when magical beings disagree.
In an effort to unravel the mysteries of magic, and save their dying relationship, Jonathan Braxton and William Watts Worthwaddle have embarked on a journey to investigate the source of sorcery.
Their pursuit leads them to the skybound lands of Dressa Moore where a magical battle between a wizard and dragon sent the lake soaring into the sky. But the professors are soon entangled in a deadly game of global politics—pawns in a struggle between empires, gods, magi, constables, religious zealots, and anti-zealots.
Hunted from all sides, the professors race to conduct their scientific research. But they soon learn that science alone is no match for mysteries of sorcery and their research just might create a magical tsunami that could destroy the world.
The one question they never considered asking—should magic be researched at all?
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
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1189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 17, 2025
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore by George Allen Miller
3.25 rounded down to 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Planted firmly upon the deck of the Knotted Wood, a ship we had “borrowed,” I watched birds still in flight, a constant struggle navigating through the blustery headwinds. Bartoleme, our fearless skipper, was guiding us to a city called Hogkarta, within the confines of Dressa Moore. Marta’s crew, a fairly disheveled-looking bunch, occasionally ducked down into the darkness of the underbelly of the boat, where frightening sounds were emanating. The mission was to drop off two professors whose sole purpose was to conduct university studies. You see, an overflow of magic from a battle between a wizard and a dragon a century before was the source of Dressa Moore’s magic, which spilled over, causing a tidal wave of unexplainable events. The professors, Jonathan Braxton and William Watts Worthwaddle, stressed the importance of outliving a barrage of oncoming fire we currently reside under. "With haste we must get there in one piece, Marte," Jonathan exclaimed. Commodore Wilkes, vendetta-stricken, was hot on our trail, and we were hell-bent on outrunning the repercussions of his wrath. George Allen Miller magically choreographs a land of gods and sees those on the outskirts vying to harness the power it holds.
A regatta of sorts ensues, and all the major players look to outmaneuver one another. A team of religious zealots, our academic brethren, and the almighty gods themselves are in pursuit. However, plans remain operative, transcending the self-interests of those wielding the chess pieces. Caught in the middle are Jonathan and William, who, to their knowledge, are looking to expand the university's reach and gather vital information along the journey.
As the seafoam waves sloshed against the hull, I began carefully plotting my thoughts about this review. A swashbuckling adventure has been presented. Swell after swell, a playfield for battle, to a place magically lifted high above those of a mere “normal” existence down below. My dislike for every player in this romp through an aquatic combat zone rippled my senses. There was a vast troupe, yet I struggled to connect with any of them. From the very first page, I scoured through my spyglasses in an attempt to befriend someone, often left at the stern, alone, and in deep contemplation on how to escape and swim to safety. Fear not, dear reader, all is not lost; the land created by George Allen Miller is whimsical and creative, for example, robe-clad anti-religionists praying to their god, Max, the guinea pig. An underlying sense of humor is central and paramount within the world.
As seasickness sets in, I gather a deep breath. Surely the adventures have the makings of more to come; my only hope is that pleasant personalities gain more traction. I had the feeling of being weighed down by an anchor as we finally reached our destination and felt as though anger-management courses should have been prescribed to most of the cast of characters. However, the inventiveness of the world, combined with the fantastical imagery that was created, deserves praise. Solid, yet with some flaws.
Many thanks to GAMS Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
3.25 rounded down to 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Planted firmly upon the deck of the Knotted Wood, a ship we had “borrowed,” I watched birds still in flight, a constant struggle navigating through the blustery headwinds. Bartoleme, our fearless skipper, was guiding us to a city called Hogkarta, within the confines of Dressa Moore. Marta’s crew, a fairly disheveled-looking bunch, occasionally ducked down into the darkness of the underbelly of the boat, where frightening sounds were emanating. The mission was to drop off two professors whose sole purpose was to conduct university studies. You see, an overflow of magic from a battle between a wizard and a dragon a century before was the source of Dressa Moore’s magic, which spilled over, causing a tidal wave of unexplainable events. The professors, Jonathan Braxton and William Watts Worthwaddle, stressed the importance of outliving a barrage of oncoming fire we currently reside under. "With haste we must get there in one piece, Marte," Jonathan exclaimed. Commodore Wilkes, vendetta-stricken, was hot on our trail, and we were hell-bent on outrunning the repercussions of his wrath. George Allen Miller magically choreographs a land of gods and sees those on the outskirts vying to harness the power it holds.
A regatta of sorts ensues, and all the major players look to outmaneuver one another. A team of religious zealots, our academic brethren, and the almighty gods themselves are in pursuit. However, plans remain operative, transcending the self-interests of those wielding the chess pieces. Caught in the middle are Jonathan and William, who, to their knowledge, are looking to expand the university's reach and gather vital information along the journey.
As the seafoam waves sloshed against the hull, I began carefully plotting my thoughts about this review. A swashbuckling adventure has been presented. Swell after swell, a playfield for battle, to a place magically lifted high above those of a mere “normal” existence down below. My dislike for every player in this romp through an aquatic combat zone rippled my senses. There was a vast troupe, yet I struggled to connect with any of them. From the very first page, I scoured through my spyglasses in an attempt to befriend someone, often left at the stern, alone, and in deep contemplation on how to escape and swim to safety. Fear not, dear reader, all is not lost; the land created by George Allen Miller is whimsical and creative, for example, robe-clad anti-religionists praying to their god, Max, the guinea pig. An underlying sense of humor is central and paramount within the world.
As seasickness sets in, I gather a deep breath. Surely the adventures have the makings of more to come; my only hope is that pleasant personalities gain more traction. I had the feeling of being weighed down by an anchor as we finally reached our destination and felt as though anger-management courses should have been prescribed to most of the cast of characters. However, the inventiveness of the world, combined with the fantastical imagery that was created, deserves praise. Solid, yet with some flaws.
Many thanks to GAMS Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2025
Its coming!!!
And it's here:
Title:
Academic Chaos Meets Sky-High Adventure:
A Delightful Genre Mashup 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sometimes you stumble across a book that perfectly captures what makes fantasy so magical, and The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is absolutely one of those discoveries. George Allen Miller has created something special here: a story that's simultaneously hilarious and heartfelt, absurd and profound.
The concept alone had me intrigued. A century-old battle between a wizard and dragon literally tore reality apart, leaving lakes and islands floating in the sky.
Enter our unlikely heroes:
Jonathan Braxton, a Chief Magilurgist whose smugness is only matched by his charm, and William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist whose curiosity consistently overrides his common sense. What begins as an academic expedition to study magical phenomena quickly spirals into a multi-layered adventure involving pirates, political intrigue, and world-ending consequences.
Miller's world-building is both expansive and intimate. The floating lands of Dressa Moore feel lived-in and believable despite their fantastical nature. The political landscape, with its warring empires, religious zealots, and anti-zealots, creates a complex backdrop that never overwhelms the personal story at the heart of the novel. The magic system feels appropriately chaotic and dangerous, serving the story's themes about the perils of seeking knowledge without considering consequences.
What really sets this book apart is its character work. Jonathan and William's relationship feels genuine and evolving. Their academic banter is both amusing and revealing, showing us their personalities through their interactions. Captain Marta emerges as a standout character, tough as nails but with surprising depth and vulnerability. The cursed crew members add both humor and pathos to the narrative.
The tonal balance impressed me throughout. Miller navigates between comedy and drama with remarkable skill. One moment you're laughing at the professors' academic pretensions, the next you're genuinely concerned for their safety. The darker elements, including flesh-eating townsfolk and the very real threat of magical catastrophe, add weight without destroying the book's essential playfulness.
The narrative structure, with its multiple viewpoints and shifting perspectives, keeps the story fresh and engaging. Each character brings their own voice and motivations, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that never feels overcrowded or confusing.
This is fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously while still tackling serious themes. It's the kind of book that reminds you why imagination matters, why curiosity can be both a gift and a curse, and why sometimes the best adventures happen when everything goes completely wrong. Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, or anyone who enjoys their fantasy with equal parts humor and heart. 🐉📖⚡
Thank you to George Allen Miller and VoraciousReaders for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
And it's here:
Title:
Academic Chaos Meets Sky-High Adventure:
A Delightful Genre Mashup 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sometimes you stumble across a book that perfectly captures what makes fantasy so magical, and The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is absolutely one of those discoveries. George Allen Miller has created something special here: a story that's simultaneously hilarious and heartfelt, absurd and profound.
The concept alone had me intrigued. A century-old battle between a wizard and dragon literally tore reality apart, leaving lakes and islands floating in the sky.
Enter our unlikely heroes:
Jonathan Braxton, a Chief Magilurgist whose smugness is only matched by his charm, and William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist whose curiosity consistently overrides his common sense. What begins as an academic expedition to study magical phenomena quickly spirals into a multi-layered adventure involving pirates, political intrigue, and world-ending consequences.
Miller's world-building is both expansive and intimate. The floating lands of Dressa Moore feel lived-in and believable despite their fantastical nature. The political landscape, with its warring empires, religious zealots, and anti-zealots, creates a complex backdrop that never overwhelms the personal story at the heart of the novel. The magic system feels appropriately chaotic and dangerous, serving the story's themes about the perils of seeking knowledge without considering consequences.
What really sets this book apart is its character work. Jonathan and William's relationship feels genuine and evolving. Their academic banter is both amusing and revealing, showing us their personalities through their interactions. Captain Marta emerges as a standout character, tough as nails but with surprising depth and vulnerability. The cursed crew members add both humor and pathos to the narrative.
The tonal balance impressed me throughout. Miller navigates between comedy and drama with remarkable skill. One moment you're laughing at the professors' academic pretensions, the next you're genuinely concerned for their safety. The darker elements, including flesh-eating townsfolk and the very real threat of magical catastrophe, add weight without destroying the book's essential playfulness.
The narrative structure, with its multiple viewpoints and shifting perspectives, keeps the story fresh and engaging. Each character brings their own voice and motivations, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that never feels overcrowded or confusing.
This is fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously while still tackling serious themes. It's the kind of book that reminds you why imagination matters, why curiosity can be both a gift and a curse, and why sometimes the best adventures happen when everything goes completely wrong. Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, or anyone who enjoys their fantasy with equal parts humor and heart. 🐉📖⚡
Thank you to George Allen Miller and VoraciousReaders for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
July 30, 2025
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is a sweeping fantasy adventure packed with humor, magic, and a healthy dose of emotional complexity. The novel follows two university professors, Jonathan Braxton, a pompous yet oddly endearing magilurgist, and William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist with more curiosity than caution, as they embark on a scientific expedition to the mysterious floating lake of Dressa Moore. What begins as an academic quest quickly morphs into a chaotic journey involving pirates, cursed crew members, ancient magical sources, and an empire that doesn’t like being questioned. Told in a lively, almost whimsical tone, the book shifts between perspectives, including a pirate captain with a heart buried deep under layers of steel, and a military commodore hell-bent on revenge. All creating a vibrant mosaic of motives, secrets, and world-shaking consequences.
Miller's writing balances snappy banter with heartache, which I loved. I found myself laughing one moment and stunned the next, especially when the story shifted into darker territory with flesh-eating townsfolk and twisted magical consequences. The magic system is chaotic but layered in intrigue, and the way Miller uses magic to explore themes of control, love, and regret really caught me off guard. The romantic tension between Jonathan and William is subtle and surprisingly tender, especially given how often they're bickering or rolling their eyes at each other. That human element made the world feel more grounded, even when lakes were floating in the sky.
Occasionally, I wanted less talking and more doing. The commodore’s vendetta, while fascinating, bordered on melodramatic at times. And Marta, the pirate captain, almost stole the entire book, but I wished her inner turmoil had more time to breathe. Still, these are small things in a story that kept me turning pages like a fiend. The prose doesn’t try to be lofty, and that works in its favor. It’s clever, conversational, and full of personality. It reads like someone telling you a fantastic story over a pint with animated hands, raised eyebrows, the whole bit.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still hits you emotionally when you least expect it. If you’re into world-building with some weird magic, flawed characters trying to do the right thing (or at least not the worst thing), and dialogue that crackles with wit, The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is for you. It’s a madcap ride through floating lakes, shattered love, and magical chaos, and I had a blast.
Miller's writing balances snappy banter with heartache, which I loved. I found myself laughing one moment and stunned the next, especially when the story shifted into darker territory with flesh-eating townsfolk and twisted magical consequences. The magic system is chaotic but layered in intrigue, and the way Miller uses magic to explore themes of control, love, and regret really caught me off guard. The romantic tension between Jonathan and William is subtle and surprisingly tender, especially given how often they're bickering or rolling their eyes at each other. That human element made the world feel more grounded, even when lakes were floating in the sky.
Occasionally, I wanted less talking and more doing. The commodore’s vendetta, while fascinating, bordered on melodramatic at times. And Marta, the pirate captain, almost stole the entire book, but I wished her inner turmoil had more time to breathe. Still, these are small things in a story that kept me turning pages like a fiend. The prose doesn’t try to be lofty, and that works in its favor. It’s clever, conversational, and full of personality. It reads like someone telling you a fantastic story over a pint with animated hands, raised eyebrows, the whole bit.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still hits you emotionally when you least expect it. If you’re into world-building with some weird magic, flawed characters trying to do the right thing (or at least not the worst thing), and dialogue that crackles with wit, The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is for you. It’s a madcap ride through floating lakes, shattered love, and magical chaos, and I had a blast.
July 24, 2025
Epic magical adventure
Great read, fun gritty characters that jump right off the page creating an unpredictable page turner. The twists and turns did not stop which made for a wonderfully humorous tale written with fantastic imagination. The depth of the characters and the descriptions of the setting gave it such a powerful and amazing quality. There are so many things at play involving politics, the church, the empire, the university, the gods, magic and so much more. A must read that had a conclusion but still left a few loose ends, hopefully there will be a volume two, that will give me something to look forward to. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
Great read, fun gritty characters that jump right off the page creating an unpredictable page turner. The twists and turns did not stop which made for a wonderfully humorous tale written with fantastic imagination. The depth of the characters and the descriptions of the setting gave it such a powerful and amazing quality. There are so many things at play involving politics, the church, the empire, the university, the gods, magic and so much more. A must read that had a conclusion but still left a few loose ends, hopefully there will be a volume two, that will give me something to look forward to. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
July 24, 2025
The Floating Lake of Dress a Moore is Book 1 in the Dress Moore Series by George Allen Milker. I found this story to be interesting. Jonathan told the "story" by reading a book that he wrote to children. The story is about magic gone crazy wrong. The author wrote Lakes a mile up in the sky, magic gone wrong, politics. Jonathan and William were walking a tight rope. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 17, 2026
Magic...
This story had a familiarity to it but I have not read it before. It was a wonderful tale that was well crafted. The characters were likeable and the lines were blurred for who was good and evil. Well, maybe not truly evil, but not totally good. A variety of magic users, some gods and a couple of unusual religions. All tossed together with magical creatures and the undead made for a story worth reading. I want to know what comes next for this world.
This story had a familiarity to it but I have not read it before. It was a wonderful tale that was well crafted. The characters were likeable and the lines were blurred for who was good and evil. Well, maybe not truly evil, but not totally good. A variety of magic users, some gods and a couple of unusual religions. All tossed together with magical creatures and the undead made for a story worth reading. I want to know what comes next for this world.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews