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Dumpster Fire of Doom
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26Cherry Evans is thirty-six, ordinary, and pretty sure her life is already enough of a dumpster fire. Then a dragon shifter lands in Philadelphia.
Eorian Emberos is stranded far from his own world, and the only thing he wants is to get home. Cherry has no magic, no special powers, and absolutely no idea how to send a dragon back to another world—but somehow, she ends up helping anyway.
With an unlikely team pulled into the chaos, Cherry finds herself chasing answers through secret tunnels, uncovering a centuries-old organization, and trying to figure out how to open a way back to Eorian’s world. Unfortunately, every answer seems to create another problem, and getting Eorian home is turning into one hell of a mess.
Eorian Emberos is stranded far from his own world, and the only thing he wants is to get home. Cherry has no magic, no special powers, and absolutely no idea how to send a dragon back to another world—but somehow, she ends up helping anyway.
With an unlikely team pulled into the chaos, Cherry finds herself chasing answers through secret tunnels, uncovering a centuries-old organization, and trying to figure out how to open a way back to Eorian’s world. Unfortunately, every answer seems to create another problem, and getting Eorian home is turning into one hell of a mess.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 23, 2026
I won’t lie to you, when I read the first few paragraphs and chapters I almost added it as a do not finish. The concept felt stupid in a way I don’t know how to describe but I was thinking “Hell what did I get myself into” but I’m so so so so glad I kept reading.
Not only is it a book you wouldn’t expect like Dragons in Philly? Who tf thinks it’s a good idea and making Wawa a reliable puzzle. Well I sure didn’t expect it.
Cher gained two great friends and a dragon boyfriend. All in attempts to send Eorian back to his world even splatnarf. It has been a rollercoaster of events from finding a naked man during a Wawa run to hiding Eo in Stacy’s family Barn so he can rest to man hole routes, to TOM?!?!? Idk how I didn’t connect the dots earlier tbh. It was a super fun experience to read and will re read again This is a clear “don’t judge a book by its cover” well done Esbeth Gazey. Thank you for letting me be part of your ARC team for this.
Not only is it a book you wouldn’t expect like Dragons in Philly? Who tf thinks it’s a good idea and making Wawa a reliable puzzle. Well I sure didn’t expect it.
Cher gained two great friends and a dragon boyfriend. All in attempts to send Eorian back to his world even splatnarf. It has been a rollercoaster of events from finding a naked man during a Wawa run to hiding Eo in Stacy’s family Barn so he can rest to man hole routes, to TOM?!?!? Idk how I didn’t connect the dots earlier tbh. It was a super fun experience to read and will re read again This is a clear “don’t judge a book by its cover” well done Esbeth Gazey. Thank you for letting me be part of your ARC team for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2026
A Fun, Chaotic, and Entertaining Debut!
First off, as a Philly girl, I absolutely loved that this book was set in Philadelphia! The references to Wawa, the Eagles, and the city itself made the story even more enjoyable for me. Dumpster Fire of Doom was such a fun and unexpected read! I loved the humor, sarcasm, and absolute chaos throughout the story. Cherry is such an entertaining main character, and the combination of dragons, magic, mystery, and hilarious situations kept things interesting. I especially appreciated that the characters felt like actual adults rather than the typical young fantasy protagonists. For a debut novel, Esbeth Gazey did a wonderful job creating a unique and entertaining story. I’m excited to see what she writes next!
First off, as a Philly girl, I absolutely loved that this book was set in Philadelphia! The references to Wawa, the Eagles, and the city itself made the story even more enjoyable for me. Dumpster Fire of Doom was such a fun and unexpected read! I loved the humor, sarcasm, and absolute chaos throughout the story. Cherry is such an entertaining main character, and the combination of dragons, magic, mystery, and hilarious situations kept things interesting. I especially appreciated that the characters felt like actual adults rather than the typical young fantasy protagonists. For a debut novel, Esbeth Gazey did a wonderful job creating a unique and entertaining story. I’m excited to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The premise was interesting, and the plot itself was engaging, but the overly-sardonic voice of the narrator grew exhausting after the first few chapters and made it difficult to focus on the actual narrative. Also—as a redhead—please know our whole personalities do not revolve around us having red hair. I have never been offended by redhead representation until now. Honestly didn’t even think it was possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I first began reading this book I was unsure if I would like it or not. I felt like there was a lot of anger in the writing in the first paragraph, but after pushing through this short section I came to realize that it was a small insight into the character. It helped build "Cherry" into this loveable character who struggled with self-image and finding people to call friends/family. I loved how there seemed to be such a disconnect between Cherry, Fuller, and Stacy in the beginning and a struggle to understand how such a friendship may work. Once you realize their weird quirks such as being former Amish, an MIT tech genius/criminal, and a dragon. It kind of makes sense on how such a odd group can bond so quick and truly become family.
This book is a perfect blend of friendships, loneliness, love, magic, puzzle solving, danger, mystery, and humor.
I have to say that I read this in one day after work and really enjoyed it. While the book was very good I honestly believe that my favorite part is the ending. While some may say that they hate cliff hangers this book gives you one that really makes you excited for book #2. Will Cherry and Eo stay lovers? Will Cherry or any of the gang be able to obtain an ability such as shapeshifting in this new world? Will they fight and struggle again to get back to Earth? or accept this new world as home and find love and belonging while fighting to ward off T.O.M. and cure the Withering?
Why is this book a 5/5 you may ask... Well because it is truly entertaining! Grab yourself a copy upon release and prepare yourself to be excited for book #2 just as much as I am. Enjoy!
This book is a perfect blend of friendships, loneliness, love, magic, puzzle solving, danger, mystery, and humor.
I have to say that I read this in one day after work and really enjoyed it. While the book was very good I honestly believe that my favorite part is the ending. While some may say that they hate cliff hangers this book gives you one that really makes you excited for book #2. Will Cherry and Eo stay lovers? Will Cherry or any of the gang be able to obtain an ability such as shapeshifting in this new world? Will they fight and struggle again to get back to Earth? or accept this new world as home and find love and belonging while fighting to ward off T.O.M. and cure the Withering?
Why is this book a 5/5 you may ask... Well because it is truly entertaining! Grab yourself a copy upon release and prepare yourself to be excited for book #2 just as much as I am. Enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was terrible. The dedication page wasnt a great start. I understand you are proud you wrote a book but the wording gives pompus.
I gave it the best chance i could, to only make it almost half way.
From the writing, to the insufferable main character and very odd things that were most definitely not needed. I just couldnt continue. Last page of chapter 6 (absolutely wild to have in there with no context what so ever) or how the feel of magic is described. Not everything needs to be erotic. There are so many different ways to describe that.
I have a huge problem with when ever the main character's red hair is mentioned it's derogatory or negative. Ronald McDonald's armpit? Really?
The amount of cliché insults, that all redheads are soo tired of hearing, are in here and the majority of them were used in the first 10 chapters of the book.
All redheads who have short curly hair do not automatically look like Annie or want to be compared to that character.
Worst of all she was degrading herself as a redhead. It makes you wonder how the author really feels about redheads.
It's tiring to see red head characters in a negative light or are always the villain. Pick a different troupe.
I dont know if the author was trying to be funny but the only funny thing about this book was how bad it was.
The reason I gave it even half a star is because the bones of the story could really be an interesting plot, but everything around it is demolishing it.
This needs to be a first draft not a completed work being ready to publish.
I gave it the best chance i could, to only make it almost half way.
From the writing, to the insufferable main character and very odd things that were most definitely not needed. I just couldnt continue. Last page of chapter 6 (absolutely wild to have in there with no context what so ever) or how the feel of magic is described. Not everything needs to be erotic. There are so many different ways to describe that.
I have a huge problem with when ever the main character's red hair is mentioned it's derogatory or negative. Ronald McDonald's armpit? Really?
The amount of cliché insults, that all redheads are soo tired of hearing, are in here and the majority of them were used in the first 10 chapters of the book.
All redheads who have short curly hair do not automatically look like Annie or want to be compared to that character.
Worst of all she was degrading herself as a redhead. It makes you wonder how the author really feels about redheads.
It's tiring to see red head characters in a negative light or are always the villain. Pick a different troupe.
I dont know if the author was trying to be funny but the only funny thing about this book was how bad it was.
The reason I gave it even half a star is because the bones of the story could really be an interesting plot, but everything around it is demolishing it.
This needs to be a first draft not a completed work being ready to publish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dumpster Fire of Doom – ARC Review
First, a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!
Dumpster Fire of Doom was an insanely entertaining read! From the prologue, I was hooked, and I honestly did not want to put it down. The story follows Cherry, a middle-aged woman from Philly, who ends up encountering a dragon shifter near the Wawa. Because apparently, an ordinary day just wasn't in the cards for her! 😂
With a colorful cast of characters, we get to tag along on the adventure to help Eo, the dragon shifter, get back to his homeland. There are twists, turns, a cat, an elf, and so much fun packed into this story. It was such an entertaining ride, and I loved how much personality the story had.
And that ending?! Talk about a cliffhanger! Now I'm sitting here needing the second book immediately. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
If you enjoy a fun, quirky fantasy with a dragon shifter, a memorable cast of characters, and plenty of surprises, this one is definitely worth checking out!
First, a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!
Dumpster Fire of Doom was an insanely entertaining read! From the prologue, I was hooked, and I honestly did not want to put it down. The story follows Cherry, a middle-aged woman from Philly, who ends up encountering a dragon shifter near the Wawa. Because apparently, an ordinary day just wasn't in the cards for her! 😂
With a colorful cast of characters, we get to tag along on the adventure to help Eo, the dragon shifter, get back to his homeland. There are twists, turns, a cat, an elf, and so much fun packed into this story. It was such an entertaining ride, and I loved how much personality the story had.
And that ending?! Talk about a cliffhanger! Now I'm sitting here needing the second book immediately. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
If you enjoy a fun, quirky fantasy with a dragon shifter, a memorable cast of characters, and plenty of surprises, this one is definitely worth checking out!
October 25, 2026
This is my second ARC and am glad I started doing this. It was fun reading about a FMC that wasn’t the prettiest, most athletic, or master at everything or anything.
Character conversations were fun and several times I chuckled at the banter. I would describe this book as a blend of real world, splashed with fantasy and sprinkles of secret organizations. Apparently there is a diabolical alpaca in the back story that I would love to read about in the future.
There aren’t a lot of characters to get lost on so the characters were easier for me to relate with. The internal dialogue that Cherry shares with the readers was enjoyable and showed how “real” she was.
One last note, don’t take the introduction too serious like I did. After a message between myself and the author (reinforced by the epilogue), I realized the intro was written by Cherry. There was likely a lot of truth behind the sentiment, but the author didn’t come across that way to me.
I will be looking forward the next Dumpster Fire of Doom
Character conversations were fun and several times I chuckled at the banter. I would describe this book as a blend of real world, splashed with fantasy and sprinkles of secret organizations. Apparently there is a diabolical alpaca in the back story that I would love to read about in the future.
There aren’t a lot of characters to get lost on so the characters were easier for me to relate with. The internal dialogue that Cherry shares with the readers was enjoyable and showed how “real” she was.
One last note, don’t take the introduction too serious like I did. After a message between myself and the author (reinforced by the epilogue), I realized the intro was written by Cherry. There was likely a lot of truth behind the sentiment, but the author didn’t come across that way to me.
I will be looking forward the next Dumpster Fire of Doom
October 18, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED FROM THE AUTHOR
This book had me hooked from the start! It was funny, relatable, and such a quick read. I got so into it that I didn’t want to put it down, and whenever I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up again. My only real complaint was that the connection between the main characters felt like it came out of nowhere. I would’ve loved a little more detail and development to make their connection feel more natural and believable. Overall, such a fun, easy read that kept me entertained the whole way through! I can’t wait to read book 2.
This book had me hooked from the start! It was funny, relatable, and such a quick read. I got so into it that I didn’t want to put it down, and whenever I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up again. My only real complaint was that the connection between the main characters felt like it came out of nowhere. I would’ve loved a little more detail and development to make their connection feel more natural and believable. Overall, such a fun, easy read that kept me entertained the whole way through! I can’t wait to read book 2.
October 16, 2026
I honestly really enjoyed this book. The humor, and ability to relate to the characters is amazing. I also have never been so jealous of a character in a book before I would love to have amazing friends like she does and she gets to ride a dragon!! It was so hard to put this book down and be an adult while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy from author
Oh..what a fun read. Cherry is hilarious. The story kept my attention and I did not see the twist at the end.
And now I have to wait for book 2...
Oh..what a fun read. Cherry is hilarious. The story kept my attention and I did not see the twist at the end.
And now I have to wait for book 2...
October 16, 2026
Advance copy provided by Author.
Absolutely an enjoyable and entertaining story. Main character Cherry highly relatable and what an adventure she has including a dragon shifter, portal to another world, a secret society/order and new friends. Story has a good mix of humor, sarcasm and chaos. Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Absolutely an enjoyable and entertaining story. Main character Cherry highly relatable and what an adventure she has including a dragon shifter, portal to another world, a secret society/order and new friends. Story has a good mix of humor, sarcasm and chaos. Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews