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Tales of Summer #1
An Accident of Dragons
An unlikely lord finally meets a problem he can’t flirt his way out of in this adventurous and light-hearted queer cozy fantasy featuring pirates, dragons, kidnapping, tea, and other high-fantasy delights for readers of Rebecca Thorne, TJ Klune, Sarah Beth Durst, and Travis Baldree.
In theory, the dragoness of Summer can make any resident on her island the ruler, if the previous Lord Summer is so careless as to die without an heir. In practice, absolutely no one expected her to choose Teddy, the last lord’s middle-aged fancy man. With his quick wit, heaps of charisma, and excellent dress sense, Teddy brings plenty of virtues to his new role, but statecraft, pedigree, and decorum are not among them. That’s all he’s done his duty to the island, and his five-year-old daughter, Zinnia, will make a brilliant Lady Summer when her time comes.
Except when a ship of desperate mainlander thieves arrives, Zinnia’s caught in the fracas and taken hostage. Teddy jumps into the rescue mission without delay, even though his days of adventures on the mainland are long buried with his lover. But his sailors have never seen their destination, and worse, the hard-liner admiral who leads them thinks Teddy’s a worthless dandy. Against a conniving robber baron, a sorceress who’s tamed her own dragon, and ordinary people with everything to lose, the crew faces terrible odds. But with all he loves in danger, Teddy must prove there’s more to him than he’d ever intended to show.
In theory, the dragoness of Summer can make any resident on her island the ruler, if the previous Lord Summer is so careless as to die without an heir. In practice, absolutely no one expected her to choose Teddy, the last lord’s middle-aged fancy man. With his quick wit, heaps of charisma, and excellent dress sense, Teddy brings plenty of virtues to his new role, but statecraft, pedigree, and decorum are not among them. That’s all he’s done his duty to the island, and his five-year-old daughter, Zinnia, will make a brilliant Lady Summer when her time comes.
Except when a ship of desperate mainlander thieves arrives, Zinnia’s caught in the fracas and taken hostage. Teddy jumps into the rescue mission without delay, even though his days of adventures on the mainland are long buried with his lover. But his sailors have never seen their destination, and worse, the hard-liner admiral who leads them thinks Teddy’s a worthless dandy. Against a conniving robber baron, a sorceress who’s tamed her own dragon, and ordinary people with everything to lose, the crew faces terrible odds. But with all he loves in danger, Teddy must prove there’s more to him than he’d ever intended to show.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
45 people are currently reading
28237 people want to read
About the author
Cheri Radke
1 book68 followersCheri Radke is a science fiction and fantasy writer. She has also been a librarian, a bookseller, and an academic coordinator. She studied Linguistics at New York University and went on to earn a Masters in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. She lives in Woodland, California.
Find her on Instagram @cheriradke
Name pronunciation: [ʃɛri radkiː] “sherry rad-key”
Find her on Instagram @cheriradke
Name pronunciation: [ʃɛri radkiː] “sherry rad-key”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 10, 2025
Okay, so first of all: I genuinely had a nice time with this book. The setting of Summer was super charming, and the whole island–dragon–contractor thing? I’ve never read anything quite like that before, which was really refreshing. I only wish we’d gotten a bit more description of what Summer actually looks like, because the vibes were there, but I kept wanting just a little more to latch onto.
The characters had a lot of potential, and I really liked Zinnia and Brook. Both of them stood out in a good way, and Brook especially felt incredibly real and grounded. I do think the cast could’ve used a bit more depth, but what was there was already engaging.
Writing-wise, it was mostly smooth and easy to get into, but sometimes it felt like certain sentences had been run through a thesaurus for no real reason. It made a few lines feel oddly fancy compared to the overall casual vibe, and those moments kind of pulled me out of the story.
My main point of confusion was the target audience. It’s marketed as Adult Fantasy, but most of the time it read much younger - closer to Middle Grade or Young Adult. Then there were scenes that clearly didn’t fit those categories, and the shift between tones disrupted the flow for me. It made the book feel unsure of what it wanted to be.
But overall? It was fun. I read it in three sittings, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time in the whimsical world of Summer. I just can’t help thinking it would’ve worked even better if it had been marketed as YA, with a few scenes adjusted to fit the genre more smoothly. As it is now, it felt a little “aimless” at points - but if you want a unique twist to dragons in fantasy then this is still absolutely worth the read.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication in exchange for my honest review.
The characters had a lot of potential, and I really liked Zinnia and Brook. Both of them stood out in a good way, and Brook especially felt incredibly real and grounded. I do think the cast could’ve used a bit more depth, but what was there was already engaging.
Writing-wise, it was mostly smooth and easy to get into, but sometimes it felt like certain sentences had been run through a thesaurus for no real reason. It made a few lines feel oddly fancy compared to the overall casual vibe, and those moments kind of pulled me out of the story.
My main point of confusion was the target audience. It’s marketed as Adult Fantasy, but most of the time it read much younger - closer to Middle Grade or Young Adult. Then there were scenes that clearly didn’t fit those categories, and the shift between tones disrupted the flow for me. It made the book feel unsure of what it wanted to be.
But overall? It was fun. I read it in three sittings, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time in the whimsical world of Summer. I just can’t help thinking it would’ve worked even better if it had been marketed as YA, with a few scenes adjusted to fit the genre more smoothly. As it is now, it felt a little “aimless” at points - but if you want a unique twist to dragons in fantasy then this is still absolutely worth the read.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2026
If you’re sick of overpowered, beautiful but they don’t know it, teenage “chosen ones” in your fantasy novels, can I recommend checking out Lord Summer’s story?
Teddy is our 40 year old MC, who by his own admittance, has made a bit of a hash of his life. He finds himself chosen as Lord Summer, a sort of king to the island of Summer, and contractor to Summer the dragon. It’s safe to say that he doesn’t take the responsibility as seriously as he should.
I really enjoyed the progression of Teddy’s story, and his willingness to examine his own faults. It’s refreshing to read about an adult who doesn’t have it all together, but wants to do better, for himself and his people. He discovers himself, and his self worth, along the way. But he doesn’t suddenly become a perfect person. Teddy’s character arc is very true to life and relatable, and something not often seen in fantasy stories.
The dragon lore is like nothing I’ve ever read before. A very novel approach to the bond between human and dragon. We learn so much about Teddy, yet Summer remains a mysterious enigma.
It was the actual adventure part of the book that was the weakest for me. The initial drama is resolved pretty quickly, and then things become convoluted and start to drag on, which shouldn’t happen in the back third of a story. It was Teddy’s interactions with the other characters that kept me going. And there are a lot of side characters here to love.
Come for the promise of dragons. Stay for the queer middle-aged MC, the character growth, the quirky world building, the cats, whores, and found family vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the ARC of this book. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Teddy is our 40 year old MC, who by his own admittance, has made a bit of a hash of his life. He finds himself chosen as Lord Summer, a sort of king to the island of Summer, and contractor to Summer the dragon. It’s safe to say that he doesn’t take the responsibility as seriously as he should.
I really enjoyed the progression of Teddy’s story, and his willingness to examine his own faults. It’s refreshing to read about an adult who doesn’t have it all together, but wants to do better, for himself and his people. He discovers himself, and his self worth, along the way. But he doesn’t suddenly become a perfect person. Teddy’s character arc is very true to life and relatable, and something not often seen in fantasy stories.
The dragon lore is like nothing I’ve ever read before. A very novel approach to the bond between human and dragon. We learn so much about Teddy, yet Summer remains a mysterious enigma.
It was the actual adventure part of the book that was the weakest for me. The initial drama is resolved pretty quickly, and then things become convoluted and start to drag on, which shouldn’t happen in the back third of a story. It was Teddy’s interactions with the other characters that kept me going. And there are a lot of side characters here to love.
Come for the promise of dragons. Stay for the queer middle-aged MC, the character growth, the quirky world building, the cats, whores, and found family vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the ARC of this book. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
didnt-connect-with-voice
April 8, 2026I was intrigued by the premise of a flamboyant gay man being portrayed not as a sexy love interest in a romantasy, but as a struggling father and somewhat of a disappointment in a cozy non-romance. I followed the author's journey to publication on reddit and when I heard it's a quest to save mc's kidnapped daughter, that sounded very much up my alley: I love quests, journeys and adventures in fantasy.
English isn't my native language, but this book reminded me the meaning of foreign language. This was incomprehensible. I kept reading and re-reading the same sentence or paragraph over and again, and still couldn't absorb what am I reading about.
There are books I couldn't get into because of infodumping, or too much worldbuilding up front, or the humour didn't agree with me, or it was simply poorly written. This is neither of those. The language was very pretentious, verbose and opaque. I was plodding through the pages and struggling to decipher what am I supposed to imagine and feel. There was some information, some description, some character work, but it was all buried under the very rambly narrator speaking with the voice of your most boring uncle boasting at a party about his super riveting life (only to him). This is probably intentional, but it's also a chore to read.
You know what, I'm team Sanderson - give me the windowpane prose, so I can plunge into the story instead of trying to piece it together like an intricate puzzle. Especially since the story underneath wasn't especially complex, so this felt like form over function to the extreme. I'm not the one to sit and admire pretty prose for the sake it. To me, literature is communication, and if I can't understand the message, I can't be impacted by it. So, that was a miss.
No rating because I'm at a loss of words.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Publishing & Erewhon Books for the ARC.
English isn't my native language, but this book reminded me the meaning of foreign language. This was incomprehensible. I kept reading and re-reading the same sentence or paragraph over and again, and still couldn't absorb what am I reading about.
There are books I couldn't get into because of infodumping, or too much worldbuilding up front, or the humour didn't agree with me, or it was simply poorly written. This is neither of those. The language was very pretentious, verbose and opaque. I was plodding through the pages and struggling to decipher what am I supposed to imagine and feel. There was some information, some description, some character work, but it was all buried under the very rambly narrator speaking with the voice of your most boring uncle boasting at a party about his super riveting life (only to him). This is probably intentional, but it's also a chore to read.
You know what, I'm team Sanderson - give me the windowpane prose, so I can plunge into the story instead of trying to piece it together like an intricate puzzle. Especially since the story underneath wasn't especially complex, so this felt like form over function to the extreme. I'm not the one to sit and admire pretty prose for the sake it. To me, literature is communication, and if I can't understand the message, I can't be impacted by it. So, that was a miss.
No rating because I'm at a loss of words.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Publishing & Erewhon Books for the ARC.
May 1, 2026
This is a very unique take on dragons and humans not only coexisting but needing a special bond with each other. I really enjoyed Lord Summer’s character. He’s *hilarious*, and there are lots of laugh out loud moments when his wit and sarcasm inadvertently spill out. His daughter Zinnia is precious, and I loved seeing the sweet relationship she has with her daddy. The book also gives a fresh, relatable take on how awkward it can be to step-parent, and Summer’s interactions with Brook are good examples of how complex such a relationship can be.
While I recommend the book, I am a little confused as to why this is marketed towards adults. Yes, there are sexual situations, but Radke doesn’t get explicit. This tale has such a YA vibe; I think that with a few tweaks, this could be very successful as a young adult novel. The addition of the scenes I just mentioned, plus having Summer be forty years old—the story ended up perplexing me a bit, in terms of how to categorize it. I mention it because I believe I won’t be the only one to feel this way.
However, if you cast all that aside and just let the story lead you into an adventure, it’s a tale well worth reading. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Radke’s next book!
My thanks to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
While I recommend the book, I am a little confused as to why this is marketed towards adults. Yes, there are sexual situations, but Radke doesn’t get explicit. This tale has such a YA vibe; I think that with a few tweaks, this could be very successful as a young adult novel. The addition of the scenes I just mentioned, plus having Summer be forty years old—the story ended up perplexing me a bit, in terms of how to categorize it. I mention it because I believe I won’t be the only one to feel this way.
However, if you cast all that aside and just let the story lead you into an adventure, it’s a tale well worth reading. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Radke’s next book!
My thanks to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
April 29, 2026
Wow, this was a very unusual tale in that I truly could not predict events -- they occurred more as they do in Real Life. I guess I mean the prediction of story patterns did not precisely apply. The story deflected from a standard path again and again. I was reading rapidly as the end approached, wondering what would happen next. For a section or two, I skimmed, just to find out -- I knew I was missing details but I was impatient so I decided I'd get the details the next read-through. Most unusual.
And, I would say this carries a certain lightheartedness that deserves its moniker "cozy", but I rarely like cozy books, they're usually too cute for me. But this had enough realness and adventure to pierce through.
And, I would say this carries a certain lightheartedness that deserves its moniker "cozy", but I rarely like cozy books, they're usually too cute for me. But this had enough realness and adventure to pierce through.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What's not to love?
Dragons
40+ year old MC
Disability rep
Found Family
Arranged Marriage
Queer MC
Magical World Building
Cats
Perfect for fans of Our Flag Means Death, but in a gentle, cozy fantasy
Teddy says, "of course/not" to his anxiety, in a very self-deprecating but humorous way
Teddy grapples with depression and grief
Teddy loves big, Jack and Zinny and Alice
"Don't you ever want to change it? Change your fate?" (90)
"That I'd ever risen so far was but an accident of dragons, not known for the extravagant sanity of their schemes." (252)
Dragons
40+ year old MC
Disability rep
Found Family
Arranged Marriage
Queer MC
Magical World Building
Cats
Perfect for fans of Our Flag Means Death, but in a gentle, cozy fantasy
Teddy says, "of course/not" to his anxiety, in a very self-deprecating but humorous way
Teddy grapples with depression and grief
Teddy loves big, Jack and Zinny and Alice
"Don't you ever want to change it? Change your fate?" (90)
"That I'd ever risen so far was but an accident of dragons, not known for the extravagant sanity of their schemes." (252)
April 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early and providing me with an audioARC
I had such a good time with this one!! All the credit goes to my fellow reader friend who recommended I request it and apparently knows my tastes to a T!!
Personally I’d categorize this in one of my favorite (made up) genres of cozy epic/high fantasy, right next to Goblin Emperor, Penric & Desdemona but mixed with dragons ✨
A reluctant lord of a prosperous heavenly land guarded by a dragon with terms and conditions. It got excitement, it got queerness, it got magic, family and dragons (not mutually exclusive)
The writing is beautiful and the narrator Damien Lynch embodied Teddy so well, I really felt sucked into his story.
I’d love to read a sequel or another book in this universe! I really really loved it!
I had such a good time with this one!! All the credit goes to my fellow reader friend who recommended I request it and apparently knows my tastes to a T!!
Personally I’d categorize this in one of my favorite (made up) genres of cozy epic/high fantasy, right next to Goblin Emperor, Penric & Desdemona but mixed with dragons ✨
A reluctant lord of a prosperous heavenly land guarded by a dragon with terms and conditions. It got excitement, it got queerness, it got magic, family and dragons (not mutually exclusive)
The writing is beautiful and the narrator Damien Lynch embodied Teddy so well, I really felt sucked into his story.
I’d love to read a sequel or another book in this universe! I really really loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway, and on paper it sounded like a good comfort read with its billing of cozy fantasy, dragons, pirates, and a lighthearted adventure vibe. Unfortunately, the actual content was so far from “cozy” that I ended up DNF’ing within the first few chapters.
Very early on, the main character casually cheats on his wife, and brags about having done it multiple times before. That alone was jarring, but then the story immediately follows it with an attempted abortion performed on a dragon. I’m honestly baffled how this was marketed as cozy fantasy. The tone felt wildly mismatched with the genre label, and instead of charm or whimsy, I got discomfort and disbelief.
I’m sure this book will work for readers who don’t mind those elements, but it was an absolute mismatch for what I was expecting or wanting. Definitely not for me.
Very early on, the main character casually cheats on his wife, and brags about having done it multiple times before. That alone was jarring, but then the story immediately follows it with an attempted abortion performed on a dragon. I’m honestly baffled how this was marketed as cozy fantasy. The tone felt wildly mismatched with the genre label, and instead of charm or whimsy, I got discomfort and disbelief.
I’m sure this book will work for readers who don’t mind those elements, but it was an absolute mismatch for what I was expecting or wanting. Definitely not for me.
March 25, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and I am actually really glad I did because I don’t know that I normally would have picked it!
I enjoyed this book overall. The older male perspective was something new and I liked the idea of them being in a contract basically with the dragons! Sometimes I was definitely feeling like I wanted more backstory about the dragons and their history. I felt this way about a few of the characters as well although we would sometimes get bits and pieces throughout the book. Overall it was a new take on a dragon story that I hadn’t quite read before! I do feel like this book gives the author a chance to really build on this world if they would like!
I would recommend this book!
I enjoyed this book overall. The older male perspective was something new and I liked the idea of them being in a contract basically with the dragons! Sometimes I was definitely feeling like I wanted more backstory about the dragons and their history. I felt this way about a few of the characters as well although we would sometimes get bits and pieces throughout the book. Overall it was a new take on a dragon story that I hadn’t quite read before! I do feel like this book gives the author a chance to really build on this world if they would like!
I would recommend this book!
May 9, 2026
it's a tough one for me cuz i really liked MC almost immediately- exactly my type of sassy gay ass mess- but there was just smth that prevented me from fully connecting to the story which was to its credit very dynamic and evenly paced but still missing THAT smth idk if it was the writing or the fact that the author seemed to convey some outdated notions of a certain things thro their writing (and before you say it's supposed to be old-timey medieval-ish? plus isolated world fantasy i'm not talking about how it was presented rather bout how MC's own thoughts/understanding was presented and how it clearly alluded to ever-present nowaday issues and still managed to misrepresent what it had wanted to in some cases- also it's fantasy so why do we even need that tiresome bigoted shit in the first place? but i digress). also flashbacks were sometimes more endearing than what was happening in real time but still enjoyed it enough to finish so 3.5 stars with a little bonus for some originality regarding whole dragon-contract ordeal
May 3, 2026
This was not at all what I was expecting. I went in expecting a cozy queer romance, and it wasn't particularly cozy nor really a romance. At 30% in there's still no sign of a romance.
It's dull and flat and consists mainly of Teddy telling the reader things, thinking about things, and then telling the reader about more things.
The characters are all very flat without any depth and even Teddy feels pretty flat. We are told what he thinks about other characters but not really shown why he thinks it.
There is some clear racism / xenophobia (though Teddy insists there isn't) that isn't examined.
The audiobook narrator contributes a flat performance that doesn't really distinguish the characters or convey any emotion.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Erewhon Books, and Recorded Books for providing an early copy for review.
It's dull and flat and consists mainly of Teddy telling the reader things, thinking about things, and then telling the reader about more things.
The characters are all very flat without any depth and even Teddy feels pretty flat. We are told what he thinks about other characters but not really shown why he thinks it.
There is some clear racism / xenophobia (though Teddy insists there isn't) that isn't examined.
The audiobook narrator contributes a flat performance that doesn't really distinguish the characters or convey any emotion.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Erewhon Books, and Recorded Books for providing an early copy for review.
April 21, 2026
3.5⭐️ This was good…definite cozy fantasy vibes, with fantastic characters and a solid plot. The pacing felt a bit choppy at times, which pulled me out of the story here and there, but overall it didn’t ruin the experience. If you’re a fan of Sarah Beth Durst or TJ Klune, this is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever this author does next.
January 17, 2026
My review is based on an ARC I received through the Net Galley platform. It also contains SPOILERS.
Hmm… I’m not entirely sure what to say about this one. There were elements I genuinely loved, and yet just as many that didn’t land for me. I really wanted to love this book. At its core, it’s a sometimes-sweet story about a gay man coming into true self-acceptance in middle age. I love that concept, especially for a character who’s still so underrepresented, but something about the execution just felt… off.
The language at the beginning didn’t do much to endear me to our narrator. Maybe that was intentional, given his role as a perpetual student and self-styled gentleman, but it came across as overly floral and bordering on pretentious. From the start, his relationship with Brook felt odd—especially when placed in stark contrast to his relationship with Zinny. It read as more than simple disinterest in his stepson, even though Brook never rebuffs him or shows any real resistance to a connection. Again, maybe that was the point, but it left me feeling uneasy about our narrator right out of the gate.
I also struggled with how information was revealed throughout the book. At times it felt confusing and jarring. The narrator would drop a fact as if we were already supposed to know it, only to circle back paragraphs later with a sort of “peek behind the curtain.” I found myself constantly questioning things: Is Summer the island and the dragon and himself? Am I supposed to know who Alice is yet? That sense of disorientation pulled me out of the story more than once.
Some of the character development felt thin as well. We never really get to know Brook or even Canna. While they aren’t the central characters, their relationship to Lord Summer—and more interaction with them—would have added depth and helped ground our understanding of him. We get just the tip of the iceberg with Canna right after the prelude, and a bit more as the mysteries of the Otherland unfold through Brook’s interest, but I would have loved to see this explored further.
While I did develop empathy for Lord Summer as more of his backstory was revealed, I never formed a strong connection to him. Ultimately, he was likable but not lovable to me. I found his gullibility frustrating—Sally’s trap felt obvious from a mile away—and he could be unnecessarily cold to those around him. He frequently frames the Admiral as a prick, yet I never felt we were shown clear evidence of this. There’s mention of the Admiral’s rigid belief in traditional family values (which won’t earn him any points with me), but because nothing overt is depicted, it felt more like assumption or bias on Summer’s part than established fact. And yet… Summer still chooses to have an affair with him? I understand this is meant to highlight how little he values himself at that point, but we’re also shown moments that don’t paint the Admiral as entirely awful. Once again, I found myself conflicted and questioning the reliability of our narrator.
And for a book that’s supposed to be about dragons, I was surprised by how little actual dragon time we got—at least until Little Brother emerges from the egg. He was, hands down, the best character in the whole book.
All in all, I didn’t hate it. I didn’t love it. Some parts felt like a slog, while others made me wish we’d gone deeper into the world and its lore. I’d give this one a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Hmm… I’m not entirely sure what to say about this one. There were elements I genuinely loved, and yet just as many that didn’t land for me. I really wanted to love this book. At its core, it’s a sometimes-sweet story about a gay man coming into true self-acceptance in middle age. I love that concept, especially for a character who’s still so underrepresented, but something about the execution just felt… off.
The language at the beginning didn’t do much to endear me to our narrator. Maybe that was intentional, given his role as a perpetual student and self-styled gentleman, but it came across as overly floral and bordering on pretentious. From the start, his relationship with Brook felt odd—especially when placed in stark contrast to his relationship with Zinny. It read as more than simple disinterest in his stepson, even though Brook never rebuffs him or shows any real resistance to a connection. Again, maybe that was the point, but it left me feeling uneasy about our narrator right out of the gate.
I also struggled with how information was revealed throughout the book. At times it felt confusing and jarring. The narrator would drop a fact as if we were already supposed to know it, only to circle back paragraphs later with a sort of “peek behind the curtain.” I found myself constantly questioning things: Is Summer the island and the dragon and himself? Am I supposed to know who Alice is yet? That sense of disorientation pulled me out of the story more than once.
Some of the character development felt thin as well. We never really get to know Brook or even Canna. While they aren’t the central characters, their relationship to Lord Summer—and more interaction with them—would have added depth and helped ground our understanding of him. We get just the tip of the iceberg with Canna right after the prelude, and a bit more as the mysteries of the Otherland unfold through Brook’s interest, but I would have loved to see this explored further.
While I did develop empathy for Lord Summer as more of his backstory was revealed, I never formed a strong connection to him. Ultimately, he was likable but not lovable to me. I found his gullibility frustrating—Sally’s trap felt obvious from a mile away—and he could be unnecessarily cold to those around him. He frequently frames the Admiral as a prick, yet I never felt we were shown clear evidence of this. There’s mention of the Admiral’s rigid belief in traditional family values (which won’t earn him any points with me), but because nothing overt is depicted, it felt more like assumption or bias on Summer’s part than established fact. And yet… Summer still chooses to have an affair with him? I understand this is meant to highlight how little he values himself at that point, but we’re also shown moments that don’t paint the Admiral as entirely awful. Once again, I found myself conflicted and questioning the reliability of our narrator.
And for a book that’s supposed to be about dragons, I was surprised by how little actual dragon time we got—at least until Little Brother emerges from the egg. He was, hands down, the best character in the whole book.
All in all, I didn’t hate it. I didn’t love it. Some parts felt like a slog, while others made me wish we’d gone deeper into the world and its lore. I’d give this one a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
Absolutely masterful. This book was mystery and thrill wrapped in enchantment (and dragons!) I was immediately swept away by the narration and the world building. Teddy's voice and thoughts as someone in his forties was a breath of fresh air . I love little Zinnia! I immediately need more. More stories of Summer, more dragons, more mysteries to unravel. Failing which I might just have to re-read this book again, this time with more annotations to see what I missed in my first reading.
Absolutely masterful. This book was mystery and thrill wrapped in enchantment (and dragons!) I was immediately swept away by the narration and the world building. Teddy's voice and thoughts as someone in his forties was a breath of fresh air . I love little Zinnia! I immediately need more. More stories of Summer, more dragons, more mysteries to unravel. Failing which I might just have to re-read this book again, this time with more annotations to see what I missed in my first reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
An Accident of Dragons by Cheri Radke quietly drew me into Teddy’s life, a middle-aged lord with a dragon companion, just as everything around him began to shift. I found myself noticing the small changes in his body, the unexpected discoveries that stirred up old family troubles again, and the gentle pressure inching in from beyond his island. The story keeps close to Teddy and those around him; every moment and each conversation feels quietly significant. There is always a gentle tension, a sense that something larger is waiting, just out of sight.
Reading it put me in mind of those long evenings spent alone, thinking about past choices, with only the soft hush of the house for company. The book never hurries or shouts. It carries a gentle restlessness, and I kept turning pages, curious about what might change next. I wandered with Teddy through palace corridors, watched the slow rhythms of daily life, and joined him on quiet trips away from the island. The drama always stays just beneath the surface, and the smallest details begin to matter more. The pace is slow, thoughtful, and each scene is given room to breathe.
Most of the time, that sense of warmth and reflection holds steady, thanks to Teddy’s voice. He has a dry humour, but there is a certain heaviness too, as though he bears more than he will ever say. At times, the story feels as if it strays too far along side paths and loses some of its focus; it seems more interested in wandering about than in driving straight ahead.
It is cosy fantasy at heart, with warmth and a touch of magic woven into the everyday, which I have always liked. What sets it apart, though, is the way it lingers over Teddy’s worries as he grows older. It is not all light and whimsy; it is about changing roles, shifting expectations, and that quiet confusion that comes as the years pass, while adventure waits close by.
Teddy starts out caught up in his old habits, but slowly, he comes to understand himself better, making choices that show how much he cares for those around him. His bond with the dragon is not just a bit of magic added for charm; it shapes him, and gives him a sense of belonging. Family and connection are at the centre of it all.
What stayed with me most is the honest way the book looks at relationships as they change. The politics of the story, though, seem to drift around without quite tying into Teddy’s own journey, which can leave the main thread feeling a little unsteady.
The world takes its time to unfold, which gives the magic a sense of being lived-in. Sometimes the details about mind-bonding are a bit tangled, and I found myself waiting for the story to settle them, which could break the flow for a while.
Whenever I reached a chapter title, I felt it revealed a little too much. It would pull me out of the world the story had taken such care to build. Instead of being surprised, the titles gave away the little turns ahead, and I wanted to find things out alongside the characters, to share their uncertainty rather than having the way marked out. Even a single word in a heading could give away what was coming, and I would catch myself trying to guess the next step instead of sinking into the story. I wished for a lighter hand, one that allowed me to discover things for myself.
By the end, I found myself thinking about how tightly we hold on to our old roles, and whether that helps us to change or keeps us stuck, just as family shapes us in ways we do not always see. The book feels much like reading someone’s private journal, with a little adventure, and a gentle, introspective sort of magic.
If you want a dragon story that looks at the people behind the scales, or enjoy gentle, cosy fantasy that explores the quiet changes of growing older, this one is a comfort. If you are looking for quick action or great drama, though, you may need to look elsewhere.
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
An Accident of Dragons by Cheri Radke quietly drew me into Teddy’s life, a middle-aged lord with a dragon companion, just as everything around him began to shift. I found myself noticing the small changes in his body, the unexpected discoveries that stirred up old family troubles again, and the gentle pressure inching in from beyond his island. The story keeps close to Teddy and those around him; every moment and each conversation feels quietly significant. There is always a gentle tension, a sense that something larger is waiting, just out of sight.
Reading it put me in mind of those long evenings spent alone, thinking about past choices, with only the soft hush of the house for company. The book never hurries or shouts. It carries a gentle restlessness, and I kept turning pages, curious about what might change next. I wandered with Teddy through palace corridors, watched the slow rhythms of daily life, and joined him on quiet trips away from the island. The drama always stays just beneath the surface, and the smallest details begin to matter more. The pace is slow, thoughtful, and each scene is given room to breathe.
Most of the time, that sense of warmth and reflection holds steady, thanks to Teddy’s voice. He has a dry humour, but there is a certain heaviness too, as though he bears more than he will ever say. At times, the story feels as if it strays too far along side paths and loses some of its focus; it seems more interested in wandering about than in driving straight ahead.
It is cosy fantasy at heart, with warmth and a touch of magic woven into the everyday, which I have always liked. What sets it apart, though, is the way it lingers over Teddy’s worries as he grows older. It is not all light and whimsy; it is about changing roles, shifting expectations, and that quiet confusion that comes as the years pass, while adventure waits close by.
Teddy starts out caught up in his old habits, but slowly, he comes to understand himself better, making choices that show how much he cares for those around him. His bond with the dragon is not just a bit of magic added for charm; it shapes him, and gives him a sense of belonging. Family and connection are at the centre of it all.
What stayed with me most is the honest way the book looks at relationships as they change. The politics of the story, though, seem to drift around without quite tying into Teddy’s own journey, which can leave the main thread feeling a little unsteady.
The world takes its time to unfold, which gives the magic a sense of being lived-in. Sometimes the details about mind-bonding are a bit tangled, and I found myself waiting for the story to settle them, which could break the flow for a while.
Whenever I reached a chapter title, I felt it revealed a little too much. It would pull me out of the world the story had taken such care to build. Instead of being surprised, the titles gave away the little turns ahead, and I wanted to find things out alongside the characters, to share their uncertainty rather than having the way marked out. Even a single word in a heading could give away what was coming, and I would catch myself trying to guess the next step instead of sinking into the story. I wished for a lighter hand, one that allowed me to discover things for myself.
By the end, I found myself thinking about how tightly we hold on to our old roles, and whether that helps us to change or keeps us stuck, just as family shapes us in ways we do not always see. The book feels much like reading someone’s private journal, with a little adventure, and a gentle, introspective sort of magic.
If you want a dragon story that looks at the people behind the scales, or enjoy gentle, cosy fantasy that explores the quiet changes of growing older, this one is a comfort. If you are looking for quick action or great drama, though, you may need to look elsewhere.
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
This novel was thoroughly charming. Right from the first chapter, the characterizations and world-building were so engrossing that I could hardly put it down. To me it had the energy of a Dragonriders of Pern book meets The Wizard of Earthsea, with a dash of dry humor sprinkled on top. This is the kind of cozy fantasy story that I can get behind, a tale with (somewhat) low stakes but a clear plot progression and cohesive narrative structure, it really hits the spot.
I can't say how much I appreciated Teddy as our queer, middle-aged protagonist. There is something so incredibly relatable and real about his insecurities and his attempts to reconcile with old grief. And I love that this is an undeniably queer book, with Teddy's identity and experiences at the heart of it, where the focus is not inherently romantic. To be totally clear: I adore those stories as well, I'm just not always in the mood for romantasy as a genre but I was absolutely in the mood for An Accident of Dragons.
The characters all felt fleshed out and fully realized, even those who were meant to be antagonists or villains. Especially in a fantasy story set in a magical world, this really helps to keep the setting grounded in reality, and to make the stakes feel real. I loved the glimpses we got into Teddy's interpersonal relationships, his struggles with self image and how he imagines people think of him. The entire story is driven by his disconnect from the people in his life and the way he has pushed his loved ones away to protect himself in his grief, and this comes through very strongly in the writing.
If there is one thing I wish we got more of, it would be the dragon Summer (forgive me the taboo of clarifying that I refer to the dragon specifically). I understand that this is necessary, with the novel mostly taking place outside of Summer it means the dragon can't follow and isn't more a part of the story. It works well thematically, given some later plot reveals, but I still feel like it's a missed opportunity to not see more of the dragon when her presence looms so large over the narrative. This is a minor quibble for me however, and didn't impede my enjoyment of the book.
I was appropriately surprised by the little twists and reveals, and the resolution to the main plot points felt immensely satisfying. An Accident of Dragons has a very strong structure to it, in which we gradually learn more about the characters and setting over the course of the novel, and flashbacks are utilized at exactly the right moment to provoke the most profound emotional response. Considering I often find narrative structure and cohesion can be a weak point in a lot of "cozy" stories, this really stood out to me as a strength of Cheri Radke's writing. Her prose style is also sophisticated and creates a lush descriptive landscape without feeling weighed down by unwieldy verbosity.
Regarding the audiobook, I immensely enjoyed Damian Lynch as a reader. He has such a lovely cadence that makes the story feel engrossing, as well as a gravitas and weight to his voice that makes everything feel incredibly real. I thought he did an excellent job creating subtle but identifiable character voices, none that were silly or strange enough to break immersion, but still distinct enough from the main POV character voice that I could tell them apart. Lynch also felt like an ideal choice for Teddy as a character and I love the balance he strikes between wry humor and poignant sincerity in all the right moments.
Overall this novel was an absolute joy to read and I would certainly recommend it to friends and fellow fantasy enthusiasts. Eagerly anticipating further entries in this series or tales taking place in this setting!
This novel was thoroughly charming. Right from the first chapter, the characterizations and world-building were so engrossing that I could hardly put it down. To me it had the energy of a Dragonriders of Pern book meets The Wizard of Earthsea, with a dash of dry humor sprinkled on top. This is the kind of cozy fantasy story that I can get behind, a tale with (somewhat) low stakes but a clear plot progression and cohesive narrative structure, it really hits the spot.
I can't say how much I appreciated Teddy as our queer, middle-aged protagonist. There is something so incredibly relatable and real about his insecurities and his attempts to reconcile with old grief. And I love that this is an undeniably queer book, with Teddy's identity and experiences at the heart of it, where the focus is not inherently romantic. To be totally clear: I adore those stories as well, I'm just not always in the mood for romantasy as a genre but I was absolutely in the mood for An Accident of Dragons.
The characters all felt fleshed out and fully realized, even those who were meant to be antagonists or villains. Especially in a fantasy story set in a magical world, this really helps to keep the setting grounded in reality, and to make the stakes feel real. I loved the glimpses we got into Teddy's interpersonal relationships, his struggles with self image and how he imagines people think of him. The entire story is driven by his disconnect from the people in his life and the way he has pushed his loved ones away to protect himself in his grief, and this comes through very strongly in the writing.
If there is one thing I wish we got more of, it would be the dragon Summer (forgive me the taboo of clarifying that I refer to the dragon specifically). I understand that this is necessary, with the novel mostly taking place outside of Summer it means the dragon can't follow and isn't more a part of the story. It works well thematically, given some later plot reveals, but I still feel like it's a missed opportunity to not see more of the dragon when her presence looms so large over the narrative. This is a minor quibble for me however, and didn't impede my enjoyment of the book.
I was appropriately surprised by the little twists and reveals, and the resolution to the main plot points felt immensely satisfying. An Accident of Dragons has a very strong structure to it, in which we gradually learn more about the characters and setting over the course of the novel, and flashbacks are utilized at exactly the right moment to provoke the most profound emotional response. Considering I often find narrative structure and cohesion can be a weak point in a lot of "cozy" stories, this really stood out to me as a strength of Cheri Radke's writing. Her prose style is also sophisticated and creates a lush descriptive landscape without feeling weighed down by unwieldy verbosity.
Regarding the audiobook, I immensely enjoyed Damian Lynch as a reader. He has such a lovely cadence that makes the story feel engrossing, as well as a gravitas and weight to his voice that makes everything feel incredibly real. I thought he did an excellent job creating subtle but identifiable character voices, none that were silly or strange enough to break immersion, but still distinct enough from the main POV character voice that I could tell them apart. Lynch also felt like an ideal choice for Teddy as a character and I love the balance he strikes between wry humor and poignant sincerity in all the right moments.
Overall this novel was an absolute joy to read and I would certainly recommend it to friends and fellow fantasy enthusiasts. Eagerly anticipating further entries in this series or tales taking place in this setting!
April 21, 2026
A fun, fast-paced and family-focused story of dragons and duty and rescue. It's engaging, it's action-packed, it's full of character development, twists and turns, highs and lows. The MC is brilliantly complex, fun and flirtatious and fashionable but complicated and hurt. A family man that never expected to have children, in a marriage of duty, meant to provide an heir, his whole life and duty haunted by the loss of his love, the previous Lord Summer, the soul bonded partner of the island's (Summer) dragon (also called Summer, a recurring humorous element which somehow does not get confusing). He is unique among the people of the island, in his appearance, his position, his background, he feels apart, even his connection to the dragon is unlike what is expected of the bond. When his daughter is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries seeking his dragon's egg, he is forced into tougher and tougher decisions, the dragon in his head increasingly distant as he travels across the sea to reclaim her.
It is emotional, it is hopeful, it is action-packed, there is political intrigue, there are strange cults, there is underlying commentary on race, gender and lgbtqia+ rights. It is all cleverly parcelled in an engaging, fast-paced story. I loved the focus on family, not a traditional arrangement by any means, a family formed by necessity, an openly gay man who sought marriage out of a duty for heirs, a woman married once before but never for love, an older step-son distant and seeking his own way in life, a young daughter already sworn to bond with the dragon on her father's death, and of course the dragons, intricately wrapped up in it all through mental bonds with father and daughter. They care deeply, even as they lack communication, even as they put up walls, even as they force distance, and at the end of everything, they will risk it all to save on another.
I loved every second of this tale, every twist, every realisation, every clever escape, every deep conversation, every desperate realisation, every poignant character moment. Amazing!
It is emotional, it is hopeful, it is action-packed, there is political intrigue, there are strange cults, there is underlying commentary on race, gender and lgbtqia+ rights. It is all cleverly parcelled in an engaging, fast-paced story. I loved the focus on family, not a traditional arrangement by any means, a family formed by necessity, an openly gay man who sought marriage out of a duty for heirs, a woman married once before but never for love, an older step-son distant and seeking his own way in life, a young daughter already sworn to bond with the dragon on her father's death, and of course the dragons, intricately wrapped up in it all through mental bonds with father and daughter. They care deeply, even as they lack communication, even as they put up walls, even as they force distance, and at the end of everything, they will risk it all to save on another.
I loved every second of this tale, every twist, every realisation, every clever escape, every deep conversation, every desperate realisation, every poignant character moment. Amazing!
April 30, 2026
An Accident of Dragons is not cozy fantasy, and honestly that's part of why I really enjoyed it. The world building allows for some interesting questions of what people would trade for safety and prosperity. The driving narrative includes multiple high stakes kidnappings, abuse, and mental health topics. There are a few gory scenes that surprised me with their shift in tone. Even the unique dragon system has some things that push it out of the cozy territory for me, given the ethics and violence.
Our narrator, Teddy desperately wants us to believe his life and world are light and airy and lovely, but he is a middle aged man in a culture and position that required him to marry to produce an heir after the love of his life left him a title he never wanted. Teddy is charismatic, beautiful, verbose, and deeply wounded. He undervalues and underestimates himself constantly, and holds everyone in his life at a distance that he is both aware of and unable to overcome. The journey of the story forces him to confront his problems and grow after years of stagnancy. He must rescue his daughter and re-evaluate his relationships.
The relationship dynamics in the story are interesting. It's very clear that in the time and setting, marriage is significantly valued as an economic/reproductive relationship over a romantic one. There is space for male-male attraction as long as they also get to the business of producing heirs. Teddy's openness with his orientation is unusual but he uses it to make sure his marriage is as ethical and open as is possible. That is not a universal feature for all the relationships in the book, which adds to the texture of the story.
Last, but far from least, the audio narrator is EXCELLENT. Would literally pick up another book just because of him. He does a great job of balancing charisma and self depreciation, and is an easy listen.
Content Warning: Parental abuse, sexual assault, consent dynamics, gore, racism.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for early access to the audiobook.
Our narrator, Teddy desperately wants us to believe his life and world are light and airy and lovely, but he is a middle aged man in a culture and position that required him to marry to produce an heir after the love of his life left him a title he never wanted. Teddy is charismatic, beautiful, verbose, and deeply wounded. He undervalues and underestimates himself constantly, and holds everyone in his life at a distance that he is both aware of and unable to overcome. The journey of the story forces him to confront his problems and grow after years of stagnancy. He must rescue his daughter and re-evaluate his relationships.
The relationship dynamics in the story are interesting. It's very clear that in the time and setting, marriage is significantly valued as an economic/reproductive relationship over a romantic one. There is space for male-male attraction as long as they also get to the business of producing heirs. Teddy's openness with his orientation is unusual but he uses it to make sure his marriage is as ethical and open as is possible. That is not a universal feature for all the relationships in the book, which adds to the texture of the story.
Last, but far from least, the audio narrator is EXCELLENT. Would literally pick up another book just because of him. He does a great job of balancing charisma and self depreciation, and is an easy listen.
Content Warning: Parental abuse, sexual assault, consent dynamics, gore, racism.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for early access to the audiobook.
April 28, 2026
Teddy is the Lord of Summer, contracted to the island nation's dragoness despite never expecting to take the role. But when the former Lord of Summer (who happened to be Teddy's lover) passed away without an heir, the dragoness chose Teddy to take his place. He might not be good at the official things, but he's charismatic and did his duty by fathering the next Lady Summer, Zinnia. It's mostly smooth sailing until a ship full of mainlanders arrives and kidnaps Zinnia. Now, Teddy must remember all he learned on his adventures in the mainland if he hopes to guide the rescue mission full of sailors who've never left the island and an admiral who thinks him an empty-headed dandy against a robber baron, a sorceress with a dragon of her own, and a cult of zealots obsessed with dragons.
This book is one of the most original stories I've read in a really long time. Everything from the actual plot to the details of dragons and the society felt fresh and engaging. I loved Teddy and his total disregard for what people think he should be doing as a middle-aged former fancy man turned ruler, and I loved it even more when he realized his true feelings about so many things. The rest of the main characters felt really fleshed out, even when you don't spend much time with them. There's something magical in the way that Radke gives you so much information about the world, the characters, and dragons without ever feeling like an info dump. Things develop and are revealed organically as the story progresses, so you never feel like you're missing things.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and world. I'm really looking forward to more from this series and author.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books for the excellent read!
This book is one of the most original stories I've read in a really long time. Everything from the actual plot to the details of dragons and the society felt fresh and engaging. I loved Teddy and his total disregard for what people think he should be doing as a middle-aged former fancy man turned ruler, and I loved it even more when he realized his true feelings about so many things. The rest of the main characters felt really fleshed out, even when you don't spend much time with them. There's something magical in the way that Radke gives you so much information about the world, the characters, and dragons without ever feeling like an info dump. Things develop and are revealed organically as the story progresses, so you never feel like you're missing things.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and world. I'm really looking forward to more from this series and author.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books for the excellent read!
April 30, 2026
Audiobook review: An Accident of Dragons by Cheri Radke
Narrator: Damian Lynch
Vibes: 🐉🌊💞
Thanks to Netgalley and RBMedia for the ALC.
This was a slow, introspective fantasy that's utterly unlike anything else I've ever read. I loved every minute. The story is generally cosy though it does have some heavier themes as well, and it's funny but also deeply heartfelt. Teddy now ranks as one of my favourite fantasy characters and I'd call this a particularly character-driven story. The plot is there, but Teddy is what keeps you reading.
Oh, Teddy. What an absolutely incredible MC! Love, love, love. He's a gay man in his 40s, a bit of a dandy and a bit of a mess. A grieving lover, a husband-of-necessity, a loving father. Also, incidentally, Lord Summer, of the land of Summer, contracted to Summer (the dragon). How did he get here? Through his wonderful, introspective narration, we find out.
The dragon contractor concept and how precisely the contractor/dragon bond works was so unique and cool. The worldbuilding, while not incredibly detailed, was also very enjoyable and interesting. The idea of the various Summers really intrigued me and the cultural prerogatives of the people of Summer were quite fascinating.
This is full of many interesting musings on "the middle years" and continuing to discover and better ourselves later in life. Learning, even about ourselves, is never fully done.
The audiobook narration was quite lovely. Damian Lynch is not the voice I'd have imagined for Teddy had I read this in print but he does a fantastic job nevertheless. A very pleasing listen!
Pub date: 28 April 2026
Narrator: Damian Lynch
Vibes: 🐉🌊💞
Thanks to Netgalley and RBMedia for the ALC.
This was a slow, introspective fantasy that's utterly unlike anything else I've ever read. I loved every minute. The story is generally cosy though it does have some heavier themes as well, and it's funny but also deeply heartfelt. Teddy now ranks as one of my favourite fantasy characters and I'd call this a particularly character-driven story. The plot is there, but Teddy is what keeps you reading.
Oh, Teddy. What an absolutely incredible MC! Love, love, love. He's a gay man in his 40s, a bit of a dandy and a bit of a mess. A grieving lover, a husband-of-necessity, a loving father. Also, incidentally, Lord Summer, of the land of Summer, contracted to Summer (the dragon). How did he get here? Through his wonderful, introspective narration, we find out.
The dragon contractor concept and how precisely the contractor/dragon bond works was so unique and cool. The worldbuilding, while not incredibly detailed, was also very enjoyable and interesting. The idea of the various Summers really intrigued me and the cultural prerogatives of the people of Summer were quite fascinating.
This is full of many interesting musings on "the middle years" and continuing to discover and better ourselves later in life. Learning, even about ourselves, is never fully done.
The audiobook narration was quite lovely. Damian Lynch is not the voice I'd have imagined for Teddy had I read this in print but he does a fantastic job nevertheless. A very pleasing listen!
Pub date: 28 April 2026
April 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Accident of Dragons unfolds with an unassuming charm—playful, quietly clever, and touched with a most agreeable measure of chaos to keep you on your toes (pirates, dragons, and the occasional kidnapping included). It maintains a steady, natural pace without ever feeling rushed or overworked.
From the outset, it maintains a thoughtful balance between humour and heart. The playfulness never undercuts the stakes; instead, it brings a warmth that makes the story feel genuinely inviting, without ever losing its sense of purpose.
The central perspective offers a steady, engaging anchor throughout—grounded enough to keep the world believable, while still retaining a sense of presence and charm. There’s an ease to the way the story unfolds, engaging you with quiet confidence and holding your attention as something beneath the surface begins to unfurl. Zinny, however, has a habit of quietly (or not so quietly) stealing every scene she’s in, bringing a spark of energy that lifts the entire narrative.
The writing is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Cheri Radke demonstrates a quietly assured command of language, balancing clarity with subtlety in a way that allows the world to unfold naturally. There’s a quiet precision to the prose that feels both assured and intentional, and it’s this quality that makes the story all the more compelling.
The pacing does ease somewhat as the story progresses, lingering a little longer than necessary in places that might have benefited from a tighter focus or a touch more forward momentum. Even so, it never loses its sense of direction, and the closing chapters gather themselves beautifully.
At its heart, the book is defined by its spirit—clever without being showy, warm without becoming heavy, and guided by a quiet sense of assurance that feels entirely natural. It’s a story that feels easy to be with, unfolding with a gentle confidence and leaving behind a soft, lingering impression.
In short: dragons, pirates, a touch of mischief, and a delightfully cosy sense of adventure—all wrapped in a story that carries itself with both confidence and charm.
My sincere thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and one I would most certainly revisit with pleasure.
An Accident of Dragons unfolds with an unassuming charm—playful, quietly clever, and touched with a most agreeable measure of chaos to keep you on your toes (pirates, dragons, and the occasional kidnapping included). It maintains a steady, natural pace without ever feeling rushed or overworked.
From the outset, it maintains a thoughtful balance between humour and heart. The playfulness never undercuts the stakes; instead, it brings a warmth that makes the story feel genuinely inviting, without ever losing its sense of purpose.
The central perspective offers a steady, engaging anchor throughout—grounded enough to keep the world believable, while still retaining a sense of presence and charm. There’s an ease to the way the story unfolds, engaging you with quiet confidence and holding your attention as something beneath the surface begins to unfurl. Zinny, however, has a habit of quietly (or not so quietly) stealing every scene she’s in, bringing a spark of energy that lifts the entire narrative.
The writing is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Cheri Radke demonstrates a quietly assured command of language, balancing clarity with subtlety in a way that allows the world to unfold naturally. There’s a quiet precision to the prose that feels both assured and intentional, and it’s this quality that makes the story all the more compelling.
The pacing does ease somewhat as the story progresses, lingering a little longer than necessary in places that might have benefited from a tighter focus or a touch more forward momentum. Even so, it never loses its sense of direction, and the closing chapters gather themselves beautifully.
At its heart, the book is defined by its spirit—clever without being showy, warm without becoming heavy, and guided by a quiet sense of assurance that feels entirely natural. It’s a story that feels easy to be with, unfolding with a gentle confidence and leaving behind a soft, lingering impression.
In short: dragons, pirates, a touch of mischief, and a delightfully cosy sense of adventure—all wrapped in a story that carries itself with both confidence and charm.
My sincere thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and one I would most certainly revisit with pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you to the publisher and good reads for this ARC.
First, and most importantly, there better be at least a sequel. This book wasn't predictable. I love each turn it took. Teddy's history was laid out in the perfect blend of show, don't tell, and exposition placment that was gripping from the opening page. The characters' growth in Teddy, Brook, and Zinnia was age appropriate & everything an epic journey should be. Radke didn't waste words, and each line was well thought out, and there wasn't any filler to pad out the story.
Dragons, a rescue mission, fight for survival and personal realization. I'm not one to have to sit with a story often, but this one I'll have to sit and breathe with. This book was deeper than it should be as a cozy fantasy, but in a good heartwarming way. And the cats, the next book better explain the thing with cats.
First, and most importantly, there better be at least a sequel. This book wasn't predictable. I love each turn it took. Teddy's history was laid out in the perfect blend of show, don't tell, and exposition placment that was gripping from the opening page. The characters' growth in Teddy, Brook, and Zinnia was age appropriate & everything an epic journey should be. Radke didn't waste words, and each line was well thought out, and there wasn't any filler to pad out the story.
Dragons, a rescue mission, fight for survival and personal realization. I'm not one to have to sit with a story often, but this one I'll have to sit and breathe with. This book was deeper than it should be as a cozy fantasy, but in a good heartwarming way. And the cats, the next book better explain the thing with cats.
May 1, 2026
I was grateful to receive an audiobook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. When I first spotted this title, I assumed it was YA and almost moved on, but “Tamsyn Muir readalike” caught my eye. As it turns out, the writing would be best described as a Becky Chambers or Travis Baldree readalike: warm, cozy, and welcoming. Teddy, a queer BIPOC former courtesan connected psychologically to his deceased lover’s dragon, lives in a world where same-sex relationships are accepted, though procreation is heavily emphasized. He has a wife, a daughter, and a stepson, and all seems well until his daughter, his only heir, is kidnapped. Rather than racing into hijinks, the story unfolds gently and steadily, with characters who feel as though they have been waiting for their moment. Overall, this is a unique take on what first seemed like a familiar story. I look forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am an avid fan of Sarah Beth Durst and T.J. Klune so picking up this book felt like a no brainer for me.
I enjoyed the overall storyline, which is ultimately what made me persevere with the book, but unfortunately the prose throughout this book and the way information was dumped on the reader was a let down me.
Thank you to Netagalley and Kensington publisher for an eArc is exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the overall storyline, which is ultimately what made me persevere with the book, but unfortunately the prose throughout this book and the way information was dumped on the reader was a let down me.
Thank you to Netagalley and Kensington publisher for an eArc is exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2026
This one sounded so unique to me. Love the sound of a middle aged, flamboyant gay dad going on an adventure to save his daughter. But it didn't live up to what I wanted. I could have used more world building. The author has an extensive vocabulary and really wanted you to know. There was also a ton of talk about hair. Overall it wasn't a bad story it was just okay for me.
April 6, 2026
I’m wavering between 4 and 4.5 stars. This was an excellent cozy book that was ultimately about love and self acceptance.
We start with Teddy, as he performs his duties as Lord Summer, and are introduced to his dragoness Summer, on the island of, you got it! Summer! (Honestly the naming and conventions of the entire book are so fun.) You also meet his wife, stepson, and daughter. As his daughter ends up kidnapped, Teddy discovers there are no lengths he won’t go to for Zinny.
I absolutely loved the characters and their development, Teddy’s reflections, and the few twists along the way!
I did see a review that a reader felt this was closer to YA, and I disagree with that - it falls in line with all cozy fantasy that I’ve read (some listed below).
I’d recommend this for readers looking for a cozy fun adventure fantasy. I’d also recommend this for fans of “Running with the Wind” by Alexandra Rowland, “Legends and Lattes” by Travis Baldtree, “The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches,” by Sangu Mandanna, and “The Enchanted Greenhouse,” by Sarah Beth Durst.
I will absolutely be reading more from this author in the future!
Thank you, Kensington and BTC, for the ARC!
We start with Teddy, as he performs his duties as Lord Summer, and are introduced to his dragoness Summer, on the island of, you got it! Summer! (Honestly the naming and conventions of the entire book are so fun.) You also meet his wife, stepson, and daughter. As his daughter ends up kidnapped, Teddy discovers there are no lengths he won’t go to for Zinny.
I absolutely loved the characters and their development, Teddy’s reflections, and the few twists along the way!
I did see a review that a reader felt this was closer to YA, and I disagree with that - it falls in line with all cozy fantasy that I’ve read (some listed below).
I’d recommend this for readers looking for a cozy fun adventure fantasy. I’d also recommend this for fans of “Running with the Wind” by Alexandra Rowland, “Legends and Lattes” by Travis Baldtree, “The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches,” by Sangu Mandanna, and “The Enchanted Greenhouse,” by Sarah Beth Durst.
I will absolutely be reading more from this author in the future!
Thank you, Kensington and BTC, for the ARC!
April 20, 2026
Many thanks to RBMedia for the preview. All opinions are my own.
Maybe up to 3.5 stars?
The premise for An Accident of Dragons sounded fantastic, and I love Damien Lynch as a narrator, so I was so excited to get this ALC. And while Damien did his usual fantastic job, I never fully connected with the story.
I think this book couldn't actually decide what it wanted to be. It wasn't actually lighthearted and cozy afterall. It was really kind of bittersweet, and the stakes were high with action sequences and danger. Teddy plays off being flamboyant, but it's really more to hide his inner pain it seems. And him keeping everyone at arms length ended up extending to the audience as well. The narrative structure was also a little odd. We get lots of flashbacks thrown in, and sometimes you'd be in the middle of one before realizing it. It could definitely be disorienting. And everything being referred to as "Summer"--the island, the dragon, the lord, the general people--definitely got confusing at times.
The end was sweet, and it looks like there will be more books in the world. I'm just not sure if I will stick around for them.
Maybe up to 3.5 stars?
The premise for An Accident of Dragons sounded fantastic, and I love Damien Lynch as a narrator, so I was so excited to get this ALC. And while Damien did his usual fantastic job, I never fully connected with the story.
I think this book couldn't actually decide what it wanted to be. It wasn't actually lighthearted and cozy afterall. It was really kind of bittersweet, and the stakes were high with action sequences and danger. Teddy plays off being flamboyant, but it's really more to hide his inner pain it seems. And him keeping everyone at arms length ended up extending to the audience as well. The narrative structure was also a little odd. We get lots of flashbacks thrown in, and sometimes you'd be in the middle of one before realizing it. It could definitely be disorienting. And everything being referred to as "Summer"--the island, the dragon, the lord, the general people--definitely got confusing at times.
The end was sweet, and it looks like there will be more books in the world. I'm just not sure if I will stick around for them.
January 7, 2026
4⭐️s
A wonderful cosy read about self reflection, people’s expectations, unexpected adventures and dragons!
It was so refreshing to read from a 40 year old’s point of view and I really enjoyed Teddy’s connection with the dragons.
A magical queer cosy fantasy read that I would definitely recommend!
A wonderful cosy read about self reflection, people’s expectations, unexpected adventures and dragons!
It was so refreshing to read from a 40 year old’s point of view and I really enjoyed Teddy’s connection with the dragons.
A magical queer cosy fantasy read that I would definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First things first - I wouldn't call An Accident of Dragons cosy, especially because of the themes (kidnapping, sexual assault, abuse, suicide, murder...) and moderate-high stakes. However, despite the themes and stakes, I would *absolutely* call it a lighthearted adventure. The writing has a tone that feels jaunty, optimistic and amusing, and it even had me laughing aloud a few times, which is a feat not easily achieved. If you enjoyed the tone of Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis, I think it's highly likely you would enjoy An Accident of Dragons as well (comparatively I think the tone is very slightly softer here).
Having been disappointed by another book's dragon recently, I was pleased to enjoy Summer the dragon's characterisation in this novel. She is powerful and complex and I very much get the sense that she has her own world outside of the dragon-human mind-meld that we are privy to (a mind-meld itself being another thing I always love with dragons).
Our main character is a middle-aged gay man who has lived plenty of life prior to our meeting him. I always enjoy reading from such perspectives. In the society in which he lives, it seems that queerness is common and normalised - or at least, our main character doesn't spend a single moment concerning himself with other people's opinions of his sexuality.
In another similarity to Dreadful, An Accident of Dragons also explores self-actualization, by way of transformation from self-doubt to self-assurdness and increased self-knowledge through the escapades of adventure. This book is a truly incredible exploration of codependency and an unhealthy attachment style, and when this became clear it had me entirely floored and nearly in tears.
The gradual reveal of backstory through this book is quite intriguing. It had me wondering how it would all become connected in the end. And indeed, it was a very satisfying ending, in my opinion.
Thanks so much to Kensington Publishing/Erewhon Books and Netgalley for this experience. This review is my genuine opinion.
Having been disappointed by another book's dragon recently, I was pleased to enjoy Summer the dragon's characterisation in this novel. She is powerful and complex and I very much get the sense that she has her own world outside of the dragon-human mind-meld that we are privy to (a mind-meld itself being another thing I always love with dragons).
Our main character is a middle-aged gay man who has lived plenty of life prior to our meeting him. I always enjoy reading from such perspectives. In the society in which he lives, it seems that queerness is common and normalised - or at least, our main character doesn't spend a single moment concerning himself with other people's opinions of his sexuality.
In another similarity to Dreadful, An Accident of Dragons also explores self-actualization, by way of transformation from self-doubt to self-assurdness and increased self-knowledge through the escapades of adventure. This book is a truly incredible exploration of codependency and an unhealthy attachment style, and when this became clear it had me entirely floored and nearly in tears.
The gradual reveal of backstory through this book is quite intriguing. It had me wondering how it would all become connected in the end. And indeed, it was a very satisfying ending, in my opinion.
Thanks so much to Kensington Publishing/Erewhon Books and Netgalley for this experience. This review is my genuine opinion.
May 7, 2026
4 fierce dragoness stars
Audiobook is well narrated, and really brought the characters to life. I doubt that I would have enjoyed this book as thoroughly without the excellent quality voice acting. The audiobook also helped make the jumps in perspective and time seem more cohesive.
This book is an absolute delight. I am someone who enjoys adventure fantasy (and sci.fi) with complex characters who evolve and grow by facing their own limitations. In this case, our main has lost the love of his life, but replaced him as the dragon lord of their land (as dictated by the dragon herself). When his daughter is kidnapped, he must face both his past and his future in order to save her, and also to truly become the dragon lord that Summer needs him to be.
It was fantastic to read a book centred on a queer man in his mid-40's who still had things to figure out, while following a somewhat chaotic adventure centred on rescue (but ultimately also to find his own sense of self worth and purpose).
Huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, RB MEdia, for an AudioARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
Audiobook is well narrated, and really brought the characters to life. I doubt that I would have enjoyed this book as thoroughly without the excellent quality voice acting. The audiobook also helped make the jumps in perspective and time seem more cohesive.
This book is an absolute delight. I am someone who enjoys adventure fantasy (and sci.fi) with complex characters who evolve and grow by facing their own limitations. In this case, our main has lost the love of his life, but replaced him as the dragon lord of their land (as dictated by the dragon herself). When his daughter is kidnapped, he must face both his past and his future in order to save her, and also to truly become the dragon lord that Summer needs him to be.
It was fantastic to read a book centred on a queer man in his mid-40's who still had things to figure out, while following a somewhat chaotic adventure centred on rescue (but ultimately also to find his own sense of self worth and purpose).
Huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, RB MEdia, for an AudioARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
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