When Dealing with Dragons

by Dana Swift

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

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

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

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

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

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

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

Reviews

[Dana Swift]

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

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

I also have a google form for the preorder campaign! There are going to be amazing character art/scene art, stickers, and bookmarks so be sure to preorder before June 30th and fill out the form here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...

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

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

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

4. Will there be foreign translations?
Yes! I'm so happy to report a few foreign countries have bought the rights to publish WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS. Here are the languages the book will be translated into I can publicly announce (so far):

English (US and UK) - Book 1 & 2
German - Book 1 & 2
Italian - Book 1
Hungarian - Book 1
French - Book 1

[kylie’s been jinxed ౨ৎ]

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✨ || ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ i am so excited to read this! the cover is wonderful - i think that i will read any book with a purple cover.

[Rachel Sperber · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review still coming, but I absolutely devoured this book! I really enjoyed the world building with magic being sourced from dragon bonds and metal, and the main rivals to lovers couple is just adorable and my favorite type of pairing.

[☀︎ amber ☀︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

when dealing with dragons by dana swift 🐉🌊🩺

“Humans or dragons? Which would dominate over the other? It’s an age-old question our forefathers debated and why crafting began. But it’s never been one or the other. We were meant to work together.”

★★★★★

Hell yeah. THIS BOOK GETS ALL THE STARS (all five of them!). This one had me deep in my feels. I absolutely devoured this YA romantasy. It felt innocent and wholesome, but the stakes? Surprisingly high for YA. And I was hooked from start to finish. I have the softest spot for Farren and James 🥹

Friends, family, enemies: this is how you do a standalone romantasy 👏🏻 I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in because it’s YA, but there were some intense moments that gave it a more mature edge without losing that heartfelt sweetness. And the ending? Wrapped up beautifully, full of hope and giddiness for these two cuties.

* The plot? Unique. The metal magic system storyline was so cool!
* The pacing? Chef’s kiss 🤌🏻
* Dual POV?! Dana can do no wrong!
* Rivals-to-lovers? Forbidden romance? Tropes that get me every single time.
* The cover? I gasped! It’s STUNNING.

There is something so refreshing about a YA romance that choses innocence and emotional intimacy. The slow burn simmered beautifully, the tension built naturally, and the tenderness made it impossible not to root for the two of them 🥹

Lastly, authors, I’m begging, PLEASE bring back chapter titles because this book had some of the BEST ones and I loved every second of it.

I didn’t even get to the dragons!!!!!!!! Farren and her family live and work at a dragon sanctuary. I REPEAT, DRAGON. SANCTUARY. Dragon vets are a thing!

Many, many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest, albeit, dramatic review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dealing with Dragons by Dana Swift was such an interesting read—unlike anything I’ve picked up before.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was the class system. The idea that a person’s social standing is determined by the type of metal they can magically weild with felt both unique and thoughtfully developed. The fact that the dragons produce this metal—and are sadly taken advantage of and poached for it—added an emotional layer to the story and made the stakes feel even higher.

The world-building was beautiful. I loved discovering the different types of dragons, and the sanctuary in particular was described so vividly that I could picture it perfectly. It felt magical and immersive.

I also really connected with the characters—both human and dragon alike. Farren is such a genuinely good person, always striving to do her best for everyone around her (dragons included), even when it costs her personally. James has so many layers, and it didn’t take long before I was rooting for him and his big heart. The author did a fantastic job giving the dragons their own distinct personalities as well. Hort and Nity will absolutely hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Starr ❇✌❇]

dragon conservationist? 🥺

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars.

🐉 The vibes:
- YA romantasy
- Social classes
- Dragons
- Rivals
- Forbidden love
- Closed door

🐉 My thoughts:
I loved this so much. There are some books that have me so giddy, excited, and on the edge of my seat the entire time; books that I cannot put down and pain my soul when I can’t be reading it. This was that book for me. There’s rivals, pining, yearning, and dragons. Say less. It’s standalone which makes it the perfect read to consume and not get involved in a huge commitment.

🐉 The dynamic between Farren and James gave me all of the feelings of first love, but the depth of the characters individually and also together was everything. Farren and James are the most precious little things ever.

🐉 The class system involving metals was really cool. The social classes gave this story such an angst all throughout that I loved. It created a forbidden love situation that had me screaming and wondering how these two would make it work. The dragon veterinary moments were some of my favorites. Farren’s family was such a good part of the story.

🐉 And the action scenes involving the dragons was great. It’s been such a long time since I’ve read a book with dragons that connected for me that didn’t feel overly cheesy or silly. The dragons in this book gave me exactly what I look for in a dragon book. They’re big and strong beasts, but we also see a heartwarming side also.

🐉 This is definitely fantasy because we have dragons, but also there are cars and phones, and the way they talk feels modern. So I guess maybe urban fantasy is what I would classify this as based on that.

🐉 Overall, this is a favorite for me. It had so many elements that just worked so well. The friendships, the romance, the family, the dragons, and the action. I LOVED THIS.

Note- closed door; brief mentions of sex
Release date: June 30, 2026.

Thank you so much to Dana Swift, St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

[Rebekka Röttger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an early version of this and can say that it is one of the best young adult romantasy novels I read in a while. Absolutely lovely characters and a very cute romance. I was a bit hesitant at first, because the similar named Dealing with Dragons is one of my favourite children's novels, but this one needn't fear the comparison. In fact, I think Ferran and Cimorene would get along splendidly.

[Sarah Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Wednesday Books for the ARC!

This book was so sweet, I loved learning about the Walshes and their dragon sanctuary.

Going into this, I knew that there was a little enemies to lovers situation with the higher class dragon racer versus lower class dragon veterinarian, but the last 20% had me shocked. I was way too optimistic in thinking that the worst thing to happen to Farren and James would be a little miscommunication. I went from giggling & kicking my feet to full on crying at record speed.

Nity will always hold a special place in my heart <3

[BookishKB]

💫🐉 When Dealing with Dragons 🐉💫

📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

✨What to Expect
• Dragon sanctuary
• Academic rivals
• Dual POV
• Dragon veterinarian
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: June 30, 2026
📝 Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“When Dealing with Dragons” by Dana Swift is a charming YA fantasy packed with dragons (complete with well-developed and unique worldbuilding), heart, and an adorable rivals-to-lovers romance, all wrapped in a thoughtful story about empathy, ambition, and standing up for what’s right. Before going into the review, I do want to provide a content warning for child physical abuse, which, while not described in detail, is mentioned throughout the book.

The book follows Farren Walsh, who helps run her family’s dragon sanctuary in a world where dragons are often treated as commodities rather than living creatures. She’s passionate, driven, and fiercely dedicated to protecting dragons, even when market forces and powerful families prioritize profit over their welfare. Enter James Murphy, heir to a wealthy family deeply involved in dragon racing and everything Farren stands against. Though expected to follow his family’s path, James secretly wants to become a dragon veterinarian, putting him at odds with his own future. As their paths collide, their rivalry slowly turns into something deeper, forcing both of them to question the system they live in.

One of the biggest highlights here is the romance. Farren and James have a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic filled with tension, snarky banter, and plenty of teenage angst, but their relationship develops in a way that feels organic and age-appropriate. The dual POV lets you understand both sides of their conflict, and while the story largely centers on Farren’s journey, James’s perspective adds emotional depth, especially as he struggles with family expectations and his own dreams. Their push-and-pull dynamic is sweet, believable, and easy to root for.

Of course, the real stars of the book are the dragons. There are so many different kinds (playful, fierce, protective, and even baby dragons), each with distinct personalities that make them impossible not to love. The worldbuilding surrounding dragons is especially creative, with a metal-based system that shapes society, politics, and class divisions. The story explores themes of animal welfare and exploitation in a way that mirrors real-world conversations about ethical treatment and conservation, giving the fantasy setting surprising depth.

The world itself feels rich and thoughtfully constructed, blending modern elements with magical creatures in a way that’s intriguing rather than confusing. Between the dragon sanctuary life, racing culture, and societal tensions, there’s plenty to explore, and the story raises meaningful questions about empathy, responsibility, and the cost of progress.

Beyond the romance and dragons, the book also shines through its characters. Farren’s perfectionism and determination make her relatable, while James’s softer, more conflicted personality adds emotional balance. The supportive family dynamics, especially Farren’s family, provide warmth, and the story’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth give it emotional weight.

The pacing is fast and engaging, with cliffhangers, mysteries, and steady emotional development that make it hard to put down. The tone balances humor, heartfelt moments, and exciting fantasy elements, making it appealing for younger readers while still enjoyable for adults. I would absolutely love a sequel to this book as I want to stay in the world Swift created.

Overall, “When Dealing with Dragons” is a delightful fantasy filled with lovable characters, inventive worldbuilding, and meaningful themes about compassion and responsibility. If you enjoy dragon-centered stories, sweet rivals-to-lovers romance, and immersive YA fantasy worlds, this one is an easy recommendation, and it definitely leaves you hoping for more stories in this universe.

[Lea Jankowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
5 ⭐️
Dana Swift is a truly incredible author, and When Dealing With Dragons is a book that my teenage self would’ve dreamed of. A world where bonding with dragons gives you the ability to craft metal, which is exploited by the powerful in order for society to use these metals for anything ranging from buildings, medicine to fashion accessories. The population is societally divided by metal crafting classes, in which copper-crafting FMC Farren and her silver-crafting rival James share the dream of becoming dragon veterinarians, hoping to protect these dragons from the cruelty they may have to endure for their metal.

The romance between our two MCs is so realistically portrayed, which is hard to come by nowadays, and truly makes me wish that my 15 year old self would’ve had the chance to read novels like this. James isn’t a classically badass, broody MMC that hates everything except his girl. He is kind, soft and caring, despite his upbringing, and sees the best in Farren and these dragons. Another point for the fact that the FMC is actually slightly taller!! The emotional turmoils that so many go through during our teenage years, and how these emotions might be processed, are beautifully portrayed, and a big part of the story. It is exactly what should be coming out in the YA space.

Moreover, Dana Swift’s writing might be one of the most genre-appropriate fantasy YA novels I have read. It is a perfect example of how books should be written for teenage audiences. Swift explores so many core societal issues that arise in our own world, like animal cruelty for the sake of monetary gain, societal disparities between economical classes, questioning the ethicality of how materials are sourced, as most people, like in our world, never really think about, and more!
The emotional turmoils that so many go through during our teenage years, and how these emotions might be processed, are beautifully portrayed, and a big part of the story. It is exactly what I want to see coming out in the YA space.
The romance between our two MCs is just so realistically portrayed, which is hard to come by nowadays, and truly makes me wish that my 15 year old self would’ve had the chance to read novels like this. James isn’t a classically badass, broody MMC that hates everything except his girl. He is kind, soft and caring, despite his upbringing, and sees the best in Farren and these dragons. Another point for the fact that the FMC is actually slightly taller!!

The stakes are perfect if you are in the lookout for a cosy read that still has the depth and thrill of a higher fantasy,

If you choose to read When Dealing With Dragons, you can expect dragon racing, magical crafting, veterinary, familial love, male yearning and so much more :) While it might not be the perfect cup of tea for older audiences, I would absolutely recommend it to younger adults and any readers looking for a easy to read, cosy and empathetic read (with dragons!!)

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dealing with Dragons is a Young Adult-approved fantasy praising the dragon species and commenting on the hierarchy between social classes that are uniquely categorised by metals.

The book exceeded my expectations! With all the hype around dragons in romantasy, this book separates itself by emphasizing the bond between dragon and human. Farren and her family's love for their practice and dragons is how it should be done in a society dominated by the idea of making the most profit from the dragon's metals. The Walsh family and James are among the few people who truly care about these magnificent creatures. This social critique gave it a critical twist that served the story's plot. I had never read this kind of magical system, so it was very refreshing to me to delve deeper into the worldbuilding. It also commented on female degradation and a little bit on misogyny, BUT near the end is a twist that you may or may not see coming!

The Characters
Farren is passionate, intelligent, diligent, and can be commanding (in a self-respecting way). It was a pleasure reading through her POV because you could feel her struggle with self-identity secrecy. She's in this battle between what she wants and what's best for her family and the dragons. Farren is anything but selfish, contrary to some side characters. She thinks that golden boy James Murphy hates her guts, considering his family's reputation, too. But that's far from it. James is absolutely smitten with Farren Walsh, and that's evident in the way he always tries to protect her and those he loves in general. Growing up with a manipulative father, he struggles with family expectations and what his heart desires. So the moments in which we follow him finding himself are so emotionally connecting.

Relationship and dynamics
Farren and James' relationship is more of a he-falls-first, she-falls-later-and-together-they-fall-hard. Throughout the story, it has elements of rivals-to-lovers, Romeo-and-Juliet-romance, fake-hating, and forced-to-spend-time-together. They exchange delightful banter, and as they get to know each other, they find themselves individually too.

Side Characters
The side characters, such as the Walsh and Murphy families, and Farren's (ex)best friend, and a jerk of a classmate, are layered in such a way that makes them distinct. While the latter two are a bit more flat (and I would have loved to read more about Farren's best friend), the first two are more in-depth, which gives you a good indication of the separate ideals and social class system.

Ultimately, it's an intriguing dragon-centred young adult fantasy with weaved-in themes of social critique and politics. The pacing and writing-style were accessible and easy enough to follow, which makes you pay more attention to the plot and lets you fully immerse yourself in the story. It balances these lighter and heavier moments well, so it can be read by anyone.

Thank you, Dana Swift and NetGalley, for the chance to read this e-ARC of When Dealing with Dragons.

[Vetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Dana Swift & St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader copy!

I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed the experience. While I know it’s a standalone, I am definitely willing to return to this universe some day to meet new characters and their scaly companions!

When Dealing with Dragons focuses on the romance between Farren and James a bit more than it does on the study & care of dragons. The author did a really good job of displaying how awkward and adorable teenage love can be, however this book definitely could have used more dragons facts!

We learn too little about these beautiful creatures. Most of the descriptions were basic. For example, they take care of a breed called Tree Slinger and it’s grumpy and enormous. That's all we’re told about it…
Please! What colors/patterns do they come in? Do they have round or pointy snouts? How long are their necks? What do they eat? Do they have horns at all and if yes, are they curly, straight? How big is an adult Tree Slinger next to an adult Sprinter or an adult Ocean Swooper? Wait, do Ocean Swoopers have gills or can they only hold their breath for a short amount of time while underwater? If there are Wyverns then there must be Drakes around, yes? What region can they be found in?

I was also confused by the setting/era this took place in? I was under the impression we were in a medieval-fantasy world until suddenly someone turned on the lights and made a phone call about loading up a dragon in the truck. HUH? But their technology is not advanced enough for TV, cameras, internet, flashlights? Is this urban fantasy?

Anyway! The metal crafting was a cool system I hadn't seen before and I liked most of the characters, especially Hort and Dr.Walsh! However the villains were cartoonishly evil. In fact, if animal abuse is one of your triggers, do beware because it gets dark a few times and it's a little jarring compared to the general sweet vibes of the book.

[gerdenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Star*
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this eArc!
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year (I've literally had it on my goodreads shelf since 2024)... I was a little hesitant the first couple chapters but I quickly became engrossed.

As a whole- I loved this story and I am truly so sad it is a standalone.
The dragons/magic were so unique and interesting- I could have read 500 more pages.
The characters and their relationships were crafted beautifully- I haven't cared so much for main or even side characters this much since Fourth Wing. I can't remember the last time a book made me feel so many things.
Definitely one of the best true romantasy's I have ever read- a balanced love story and plot.

I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed what Dana created (as I plan for a reread)- a reminder before the next section...

The reason I did not give a 5 star rating is because I felt like the book didn't know what it wanted to be.
This is my first Dana Swift book so maybe it's just her writing style, but it is advertised as YA and the writing style feels very YA almost middle school sometimes- but the themes and characters are quite mature and complex (we mention sex very early on, torture and abuse are discussed a lot, and there is occasional cursing).
There also was not a lot of descriptions of places or dragons- I thought we were in a medieval fantasy setting until cars were mentioned (maybe just a me issue).
If the book had been geared more towards an upper YA or adult it easily could have been one of my top 3 favorite novels.
AGAIN, I still LOVED reading this book- the writing style did make easier to read and felt more comfy (despite all of the turmoil we go through), but I think a stronger tone could have matched the strong content of the story better (or maybe it wouldn't have- I'm no expert).

Please PLEASE continue writing in this world... I am obsessed.

[E. McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through a giveaway here on Goodreads. When I submitted my entry I found the premise sounded intriguing and so I was ready to read my copy.

Before I share my thoughts I'd like to say that if you're not a fan of first person and/or present tense writing then this isn't the book for you. The entire story is written this way. It took a little getting used to for me but I got there in the end.

For the first half of the story I honestly would not have given this more than two stars. It was slow and clunky at times for my personal taste. It also didn't help that I couldn't stand Farren. She's not the worst but there was a good deal of tell rather than show in the writing. So we get told that she hates James but don't really get to see much evidence of it. Which made it worse when it switched to his POV and you find out he's awkward and abused and without anyone he can be close to in life. This got better about halfway through the book as she got to know him but as a reader I was really struggling to keep pushing forward.

I also found that some of the writing early on made it so that the big reveal of the Walsh family having a gold dragon landed short. As wonderful as it is to drop hints, I had guessed the big reveal at the first mention of Nity's name. Personally I feel that if the cliffs had been mentioned without her name attached then I would have been left curious at the mystery rather than dropping the final puzzle piece immediately.

With that said, the second half of the book really picked up and allowed my rating to jump to where it is now. Not only did the chemistry between the characters improve, I felt the writing did as well. Suddenly things felt like they had a purpose which was so nice. (I would drop the very unnecessary detail about possible racism in one paragraph though. It felt very out of place and then had no evidence anywhere else. It was kind of gross in a way that wasn't necessary to the plot.) The twist at the end that Mr. Murphy was still an awful person but not responsible for the gold theft was beautiful. More so that James still kicked him to the curb rather than trying to make amends with a man who abused him all his life.

Overall the story is pretty good. While I can't say is recommend it to friends, I also wouldn't discourage anyone to not read it if there was interest. Others might enjoy things a lot more than I did. Besides, who knows if there might not be a handful of changes from now until it releases in the summer.

Feel free to give the book a chance if the premise intrigues but I will note that it's got some flaws that had me struggling to finish until the plot really picked up.

[Leslie Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compulsive read had me wishing I could decorate my walls with dragon art. Swift brings a fresh take to the rivals-to-lovers romance trope, giving the reader two unforgettable characters that you can't help but root for. This is a dual POV book, but it is clearly Farren's story. Farren Walsh helps her parents run a dragon sanctuary in a world in which market forces often overshadow ethical treatment of these marvelous creatures. The ethical parallels to animal cruelty situations in our own world are immediately apparent to anyone up to date on discussions of unethical treatment of farm animals (don't even get me started). Swift will find an audience who is primed to be invested in this book.

James Murphy, the second POV, is torn apart by familial obligations (his family is rich and wants him to be a dragon racer) and his own desire to be a dragon veterinarian. Both characters are painfully aware of their goals being potentially squashed by a system that doesn't elevate empathy over profit. Swift deftly develops their relationship in organic ways that show her to be a master of romance craft.

So, now let's focus on dragons. Dragons! So many dragons. Happy dragons, angry mom dragons, playful racing dragons, sad dragons, baby dragons. And then there are the different types, based on metals, which suggests to me that anyone who grew up reading WINGS OF FIRE is going to lose their minds with joy reading this book. My personal favorite dragon is Bex, a protective momma dragon who has quite a journey in the book.

My final thoughts on the book: WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS is one of those clever books that is able to give readers the romantic highs and lows they crave, while also encouraging us to question our relationship with the creatures we depend on.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5
💌 Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

When Dealing with Dragons is a young adult book that approaches dragons from a fresh angle, which made for a really fun and engaging read.
In this world, humans gain the ability to craft metal from dragons, but of course, humans turn this into a social class system, with silver crafters at the top.

The dual perspectives of Farren and James added so much depth to the story. Their relationship was utterly charming. Watching them navigate the awkwardness of getting to know each other, stumbling through conversations, and slowly building trust was both heartwarming and delightful.

It did take me a little while to get fully invested. The beginning didn’t quite pull me in, but around the 30% mark the story really picked up, and from there I found myself much more engaged. Some of the bigger reveals were hinted at quite early on, which made them feel a bit less impactful when they happened. I would have loved a bit more mystery, especially surrounding the cliffs.


I also found myself wishing certain elements had been explored more deeply. Racism is mentioned briefly but not really developed further. Similarly, since the dragons and their sanctuary are so central to the story, I would have loved to learn more about the different species and their behavior.

The world-building felt a little inconsistent at times. Much of the setting has a Regency-era feel, but then things like cars and phones appear, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.

That said, I still had a really enjoyable reading experience overall and ended up finishing the book in a day. The combination of the unique premise, the cute dragons, and especially Farren and James completely kept me hooked, and I'd definitely pick up an interconnected novel.

This book really makes me wish for half-stars. I enjoyed it too much for a 3-star rating, but the flaws kept it from being a full 4-star read for me.

[Roslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4.25 stars

Brimming with longing, mystery, and magic, When Dealing With Dragons was a charmingly delightful read. The story follows two academic rivals, James and Farren, who are brought together, despite their differing ranks in a metal-based class system, to care for dragons while keeping secrets from each other.

At first, I thought the world was in the typical fashion of most fantasy novels; however, I was pleasantly surprised that it took on more modern aspects (vehicles, phones, and so on), which made it feel more unique. I especially found how dragons were used in society to be interesting—I really like the idea of and focus on a dragon veterinary. It makes me wonder more about the world, such as (unless I missed it while reading) if dragons are the only source of metal, and how else they might be used in this society outside of racing.
The dynamic and progression between the main characters appeared fairly natural (though it almost leaned a little forced on Farren’s side when it came to disliking James). In my opinion, the dual-POV worked in this story; however, it did seem as if some things were revealed too soon, as well as it getting occasionally wordy. When it comes to the romance, there’s a definite feel to it that leans into the YA genre, but I still found it cute and enjoyable.

Overall, When Dealing With Dragons was a quick and easy read that I rather enjoyed, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone searching for a YA fantasy with dragons, young love, and found family.

To Wednesday Books (as well as NetGalley): thank you for sending an eARC in exchange for my thoughts!

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- dual POV
- Closed door YA Fantasy
- Dragon riders and magically crafting metal
- Strict social classes
- Rivals to dating
- Forbidden love
- Found family
- Plot driven story with big twists

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- the Walsh family and their kindness
- Farren’s competitive and inquisitive nature
- James’s sensitive, gentle, timid personality
- The dragon’s personalities
- James’ brave moments declaring his feelings
- When he dropped his mask and she stopped hiding
- The MC’s journey to dating
- The Walsh parent’s open honest conversations
- The satisfying ending where everything feels wrapped up and clean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a very cute fantasy with adorable dragons and an easy to grasp magic system. I enjoyed the story and adventure of it all. The rivalry and then learning to flirt and perspective switch was so cute and endearing. Their banter was cute and very smooth at times which I loved. I also especially loved the healing love the Walsh family gives. The found family in this one is so cute. There are such great examples of grace and kindness as well as forgiveness and making amends.

There are strong themes of whose life has more value animals (dragons) or people. As well as ethical practices of animals (dragons).

This one did feel very YA to me expect for the mentions of sex and attraction. The teenager angst and fearlessness against rules and adults felt all very YA. The miscommunication and figuring out feelings was so teen.

This is a YA fantasy with kissing, some cursing, mentions of sex/attraction. There is death, violence, and torture.

**Thank you so much to Dana for letting me read this gifted ARC via NetGalley. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First the good, then the bad.

The good is that I loved 95% of the romance. The other 5% is just me being nitpicky. The romance was sweet and logical and came with good character arcs. I knew why each character wanted the other and there wasn't any insta-love or grains of salt that I had to not see. Also good was the expert plot arcing. All of the ups and downs of this book have been well thought out. Another good point is that I think this would be a good YA book for both actual young adults and adults to read. I think it's satisfying for either age range.

The bad is that I found the depiction of dragon torture and murder to be very unappealing. It kind of surprises me that not a lot of other readers have said this, but I would have appreciated a trigger warning for it. Most of it happens "off screen" so to speak, but the reader still has to think about it and that made for several parts where I wanted to put the book down and walk away.

I was going to rate a 3 because of how disturbing I thought the dragon torture was, but the closer I got to the end the clearer it was that the plot/romance bits were so on point. So, I'm going with 4 stars.

One last note: This is the second dragon-veterinarian book that I have read in the last six months. It could be 50. I want more dragon veterinarian books. I feel like so often publishers think "well... we had one of those already..." and then good books don't get bought. Even though the fans of that type of book would absolutely buy another.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having the connection between humans and dragons be related to the metallic nature of the protective scales of the dragons and the metal crafting ability of the human — copper, bronze, silver, gold — was an interesting concept. It also worked well to allow the author to explore issues of caste systems, prejudice and power imbalance, as one’s place in society was influenced and to a large extent dictated by metal crafting ability.

Part of the animosity Farren feels toward James is based on him being a silver crafter and her being only a copper crafter (at least that is what she wants people to believe) and the statements he has made about her because of the difference in status.

However, neither James nor Farren are quite what they seem. One of the best elements of the story is James interning at Farren’s parents’ dragon sanctuary. James will discover the secrets that Farren and her family have been hiding. But it will also give Farren the opportunity to see the “true” James, not the facade he feels forced to display because of his father’s expectations and status.

The story contains some obvious villains — Mr. Murphy and Art (a descaler) — motivated by power and greed and a cruel nature. But there are also some less obvious villains; people who have good intentions but resort to extreme and inappropriate measures to try to achieve their goals and deem that harm to dragons or even other people is acceptable for the “greater good.”

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant fave!! I loved this adrenaline-fueled, action-packed adventure with true emotional depth so much as an adult and can't wait to give it to my YA reader. It is the perfect story for teens who ask for books like Fourth Wing, but aren't quite ready for adult romantasy yet. Publishing more of this for our teens please!! Farren, who helps run her family's dragon sanctuary, and James, the scion of a dragon racing family, are rivals at school for a critical college scholarship. Even worse, his family wants to buy the sanctuary and turn it into a race course. After Farren saves James and his dragon after a racing crash, the last thing she expects is for him to recover during an internship at the sanctuary. Or that he actually wants to be a dragon veterinarian. Or that he might not be the huge jerk he's always played at school. Or that he is head over heals in love with her. The way this all plays out in the dual POV chapters is perfection! And the stakes couldn't be higher as Farren is protecting an secret that could change humans' relationship with dragonkind forever. I loved everything about this story!! The dragon lore. The human magic or crafting that depends on the dragons. THE SECRETS. The voice!! The issues Farren and James face as older teens will be totally relatable for young readers in our non-magical world. This is going to be one of the top books of 2026!! Highly recommend!

[Taylor Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)

“Little bird? I’m a little bird? If I’m anything with wings, I’m a dragon.”

When Dealing with Dragons is a captivating YA fantasy with soft romance and so much heart. The title and synopsis instantly pulled me in, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read this ARC — Farren and James’s story was truly beautiful.

The setting and worldbuilding were both unique and deeply immersive. Dragons are commonplace here, distinguished by the metal that coats their skin — such a fresh and creative concept. I loved seeing dragons portrayed in a way that went beyond the usual war-and-fire trope (though they absolutely had bite when threatened). The cozy atmosphere made this an incredibly comforting read.

The characters felt fully realized, and I adored watching Farren and James’s relationship grow. Their journey and emotional development were handled with so much care, and honestly, they both deserved every bit of happiness after all they endured.

And speaking of enduring things… there’s a scene in this book I will never recover from. It completely shocked me and shattered my heart. Be warned: this story pivots from cozy fantasy to devastating heartbreak in the blink of an eye.

I’d absolutely recommend this to fantasy readers — especially dragon lovers. 🐉

Tropes: dragons, forbidden romance, slow burn, veterinarian × dragon racer, trauma & healing, loving animal companions

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest though

[Julia Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

[⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁Sara . ݁₊ ⊹ . · Rating 4 out of 5]

ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶWhen dealing with dragons𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆
Thank you NetGalley for this arc, all opinions are my own.
By: Dana Swift
4.5 stars ★★★★
13+
Genre: 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ
Fantasy °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*

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Now playing
High hopes-
By
𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ Panic at the disco 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။‌‌‌‌‌၊|• 3:10

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Okay! This book was pretty solid!
I really enjoyed how it was giving httyd vibes, With like a modernized twist.
I also enjoyed reading about all of the characters, and found all of them really interesting.
James was SUPER fun, and Ferran and his relationship was sooo cute.
I was a little disappointed that there were cars, I kinda felt like that ruined the setting a little.
But moving past that, the whole world felt very cozy, so that made up for it.
I liked how Ferran grew over the summer, and I enjoyed how she learned to trust James and get to know him regardless of how she’d perceived him her whole life lol.

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𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ Content 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ᰔᩚ

Language:
Bull****
Sh**
And the d word

Sexual:
Some kissing

Spiritual:
None

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Anyway! It was overall a great book, and I’m definitely excited to see what my fellow readers think of it.
Bye!!
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[Floros Auclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this amazing book!

I only have positives to say about this book. The characters, the plot, the magic system and the DRAGONS? Are all so captivating to learn.

To begin, James and Farren are just such likeable characters. They are both what to be expected; love-struck teens. However this doesn't just define them as their entire characters. Farren is such a caring, perseverant character. Her love for dragons conquers all, and there is genuine growth with her throughout the novel. You see this teen, carrying so many secrets, grow to be a confident girl.

James is equally as lovable, he is equally caring, compassionate, and just Farrens overall biggest fan. Despite all of the torment James faces, he still cares so deeply about those around him. He doesn't grow jealous that someone is better than him, while maintaining knowing exactly where he is in his strengths.

The dragons and metal magic system kept me captivated the whole time, every page that had a new description of a dragon, or tidbits of how wielding metal, had me craving for more. Each idea was so well thought-out that there was no gaps to mistaken how the metal would work which I appreciated so much.

Overall, this novel brough such cozy vibes, filled with a good story, great characters, and even better writing.

Easily a five star read!

[Prose Before Brose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cozy for about 80% of the book, and then suddenly the stakes arrived. Not a moment too soon for me, since by then the leads were well established and it was fun to see them work together during a crisis. (Much better than watching my husband and me try to navigate a crowded train station in Tokyo, I’ll tell you that.)

I fully recommend this book for anyone into the he falls first trope. The story is told in a fairly balanced dual POV, though I do think we get to know the MMC a little more. But don't let that scare you away from the fmc! Farron is strong, clever, and brave, but she still allows herself to accept help from others. She is absolutely *that girl*, and I adored her.

The caste and metal based society and magic system is intertwined with dragons but still remains quite modern. Not everyone has a dragon, and they aren’t commonly used for transport, so automobiles are still part of daily life. There are also several moral questions folded into this system, which was delivered perfectly for a younger audience.

The romance was also very coming of age and sweet without dismissing the sensations young adults experience when falling in love.

I would have killed for a book like this at sixteen. What a cute, thoughtful read. 3.75🌟

Bonus: The chapter titles were soooo entertaining

[rida · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★

this was such an amazing fantasy! the class system was so interesting to me and it was so well developed. i love the idea that a person’s social standing in the hierarchy is based on the highest metal they can craft. it also worked really well to delve into various issues such as caste systems, classism, and power imbalances.

the world building was so magical; i really liked the dragons and reading about all the different types, and the sanctuary itself was so fun. i also find it interesting how the era was a mix of modern and medieval.

i love all the characters so much! farren is a really strong and determined fmc, but she isn’t ‘emotionless’ and lets others in (which we love). james was an interesting character as well and i liked how the author mostly revealed things about him as farren found them out because it developed his character while also developing their relationship in a way. i genuinely love them so much, they’re so precious.

the stakes were surprisingly really high, but they made the last 20% ish so, so good. overall, the plot was so interesting and really unique, all the characters are so developed and have distinct personalities, and the slow burn 🤭🤭 rivals to lovers IS hands down the best trope, and this only proves that!

thank you to netgalley for the arc!