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Structophis
Structophis is a heartwarming YA adventure from the author of The Book of Deacon, Bypass Gemini, and Free-Wrench. It is based upon a concept and artwork by ProjectENDO.
In a small town in Colorado, Markus Spiros was just getting his life on track. By day he worked as a veterinary tech, by night he took classes. His steady little routine was rolling along nicely when his impulsive Uncle Dimitrios threw a wrench in the works. Thanks to an unannounced trip, Markus had to swing by his uncle’s bistro to tend to the ‘special oven.’ When he arrived, he discovered it wasn’t the oven that was special, it was the rare and exotic egg that had been incubating inside it.
And now it had hatched.
Suddenly, Markus found his life had become a good deal more complicated. The creature was a Structophis Gastrignae—a strange creature that was equal parts dragon and oven—and she’d become quite a big girl. Large as a refrigerator and curious as a toddler, the creature he’d dubbed Blodgette would have been a handful in any situation. Markus had bigger problems than figuring out how to take care of her, though. Owning such a rare and special beast was illegal, so should the cops learn of it, Markus would be destined for jail. Worse, there were certain unscrupulous people who would do anything to acquire Blodgette.
Now, with the help of his old classmate Gale, Markus must scramble to stay two steps ahead of the authorities and a corrupt CEO, all while being the best ‘mommy’ he can be to his brand-new pizza dragon.
In a small town in Colorado, Markus Spiros was just getting his life on track. By day he worked as a veterinary tech, by night he took classes. His steady little routine was rolling along nicely when his impulsive Uncle Dimitrios threw a wrench in the works. Thanks to an unannounced trip, Markus had to swing by his uncle’s bistro to tend to the ‘special oven.’ When he arrived, he discovered it wasn’t the oven that was special, it was the rare and exotic egg that had been incubating inside it.
And now it had hatched.
Suddenly, Markus found his life had become a good deal more complicated. The creature was a Structophis Gastrignae—a strange creature that was equal parts dragon and oven—and she’d become quite a big girl. Large as a refrigerator and curious as a toddler, the creature he’d dubbed Blodgette would have been a handful in any situation. Markus had bigger problems than figuring out how to take care of her, though. Owning such a rare and special beast was illegal, so should the cops learn of it, Markus would be destined for jail. Worse, there were certain unscrupulous people who would do anything to acquire Blodgette.
Now, with the help of his old classmate Gale, Markus must scramble to stay two steps ahead of the authorities and a corrupt CEO, all while being the best ‘mommy’ he can be to his brand-new pizza dragon.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2017
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 20, 2017
I am a fan of Joseph Lallo, so I applied to be an ARC reader. This book is in the YA genre, but I was only one chapter in before I thought my 8-year-old grandson would like it, so I started over reading it to him. I was right. Giggle, giggle, giggle. He and I were both entertained, and it led to good conversations about species endangerment and the black market exotic animal trade, as well. It's a winner!
July 12, 2017
This book will keep you smiling! I have always been a fan of Joseph Lallo's writing style and this book did not disappoint. I loved the sense of humor and wit in this story! As a matter of fact, the whole book seems like a comedy of errors. A lot of enjoyable surprises. If you need a reason to smile, read this book as it will totally put a smile on your face the whole way through.
July 26, 2017
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I grew up on the Scooby Doo cartoons, and sure, they weren’t great literature, but there were a million reasons I kept watching. I’ve never read a narrative that invoked the same response until now, but Structophis definitely has it. Sure, the novel has a bit of an over-the-top mad scramble narrative with the evil, immoral villain who “our heroes” must outwit to save the day, but it’s so much more than that.
Markus is a post-college drifter still trying to find his purpose in life. Gale is an enthusiastic overachiever who is struggling to meet the requirements for a doctorate in the veterinary study of the aptly named pizza dragon, or the Structophis gastrignae. This means she brings a concrete element to Blogette in exploring and correcting the current understanding of pizza dragon physiology and behavior. She also helps guide Markus through the steps required after imprinting.
Markus and Gale might be the main characters, excepting of course the dragon, but there is a large cast of interesting characters as well. I enjoyed the great uncle always after a big win but no so smart about it. He has big ideas and a good heart. Then there’s the babbling aunt who drives everyone, even Frau Templeton who is pure evil, crazy. She exists only on the other end of phone lines, but is vibrant and amusing.
Which brings me to the dragon named Blogette for the metal pizza stove that served as her incubation chamber. First of all, what fantasy reader hasn’t wanted a dragon friend. From Pete’s Dragon to Pern and a thousand other ways, we’ve been trained (like How to Train a Dragon ;)) to see dragons as misunderstood and wonderful, intelligent creatures. Well, Blogette is that and more. She’s an infant who is rapidly learning and understanding. We get to see her maturation process right there on the page, and with the gimmie of a dragon, it reads true in a developmental way besides being fascinating.
Blogette’s intelligence isn’t the only thing developing. The relationship between Markus and Blogette is one of the best parts of the book. It starts with Markus reluctant and annoyed that this creature (which scared him years ago) has imprinted on him. However, he’s a veterinary assistant by trade, and so not ignorant of animal behavior and needs. It says a lot for Markus that not only does he recognize Blogette is in need, but also, he goes to someone he knows has studied the pizza dragon for help. He sticks with Blogette even when she’s mainly an annoyance, accepting responsibility at least until a more appropriate substitute can be found…at first.
This might sound like a chaotic novel between the mystery of Blogette’s unusual circumstances, the chase with villains on the trail, and now a burgeoning parental relationship between a dragon and a young man, but what chaos there is suits the story. The journey Markus is on entranced me. Blogette is wonderful, frustrating, and annoying while Markus is so real with her.
Basically, it hits all the Scooby Doo notes of mystery, humor, adventure, and good friends working together. Then it adds the child growth and parental connection to offer a lovely story I heartily recommend.
P.S. I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
I grew up on the Scooby Doo cartoons, and sure, they weren’t great literature, but there were a million reasons I kept watching. I’ve never read a narrative that invoked the same response until now, but Structophis definitely has it. Sure, the novel has a bit of an over-the-top mad scramble narrative with the evil, immoral villain who “our heroes” must outwit to save the day, but it’s so much more than that.
Markus is a post-college drifter still trying to find his purpose in life. Gale is an enthusiastic overachiever who is struggling to meet the requirements for a doctorate in the veterinary study of the aptly named pizza dragon, or the Structophis gastrignae. This means she brings a concrete element to Blogette in exploring and correcting the current understanding of pizza dragon physiology and behavior. She also helps guide Markus through the steps required after imprinting.
Markus and Gale might be the main characters, excepting of course the dragon, but there is a large cast of interesting characters as well. I enjoyed the great uncle always after a big win but no so smart about it. He has big ideas and a good heart. Then there’s the babbling aunt who drives everyone, even Frau Templeton who is pure evil, crazy. She exists only on the other end of phone lines, but is vibrant and amusing.
Which brings me to the dragon named Blogette for the metal pizza stove that served as her incubation chamber. First of all, what fantasy reader hasn’t wanted a dragon friend. From Pete’s Dragon to Pern and a thousand other ways, we’ve been trained (like How to Train a Dragon ;)) to see dragons as misunderstood and wonderful, intelligent creatures. Well, Blogette is that and more. She’s an infant who is rapidly learning and understanding. We get to see her maturation process right there on the page, and with the gimmie of a dragon, it reads true in a developmental way besides being fascinating.
Blogette’s intelligence isn’t the only thing developing. The relationship between Markus and Blogette is one of the best parts of the book. It starts with Markus reluctant and annoyed that this creature (which scared him years ago) has imprinted on him. However, he’s a veterinary assistant by trade, and so not ignorant of animal behavior and needs. It says a lot for Markus that not only does he recognize Blogette is in need, but also, he goes to someone he knows has studied the pizza dragon for help. He sticks with Blogette even when she’s mainly an annoyance, accepting responsibility at least until a more appropriate substitute can be found…at first.
This might sound like a chaotic novel between the mystery of Blogette’s unusual circumstances, the chase with villains on the trail, and now a burgeoning parental relationship between a dragon and a young man, but what chaos there is suits the story. The journey Markus is on entranced me. Blogette is wonderful, frustrating, and annoying while Markus is so real with her.
Basically, it hits all the Scooby Doo notes of mystery, humor, adventure, and good friends working together. Then it adds the child growth and parental connection to offer a lovely story I heartily recommend.
P.S. I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
June 15, 2017
Markus, a struggling student who rarely had time to just relax and read for pleasure, was jolted out of a long-awaited 15 minutes’ down time by a call from his slightly demented aunt. He was desperately needed to go to his uncle’s bistro, where he had not been in 5 years, because there were noises, something was burning, and his uncle had not been seen for days. What did he find? The special oven he had tended for a few years had been destroyed by a very large, very dragon-like creature that quickly became obvious was both hungry and thirsty! The dragon opened the sprinkler system and drank gallons of water, while Markus thought frantically about what to do.
He remembered a very odd former classmate who had studied exotic creatures and their care, and began asking theoretical questions. She astutely guessed he had an exotic creature and required here direct assistance. They escaped with the creature, having some adventures while getting to a safe environment; then the real adventures began.
Where was Uncle Demetrios? In Europe, trying to replace the manual he had accidentally burned up a few years before. Part of the delight of this story is discovering a great deal more about Uncle Demetrios and the exotic creature, so this review will not give away the surprises.
Mr. Lallo, you are a genius and have a winner!
He remembered a very odd former classmate who had studied exotic creatures and their care, and began asking theoretical questions. She astutely guessed he had an exotic creature and required here direct assistance. They escaped with the creature, having some adventures while getting to a safe environment; then the real adventures began.
Where was Uncle Demetrios? In Europe, trying to replace the manual he had accidentally burned up a few years before. Part of the delight of this story is discovering a great deal more about Uncle Demetrios and the exotic creature, so this review will not give away the surprises.
Mr. Lallo, you are a genius and have a winner!
March 10, 2019
This books is about a young boy who finds a dragon in the oven of his uncle’s pizza restaurant. He and an animal researcher friend rescue the dragon, fighting against a group of bad elements that have purchased the dragon from the uncle. My 11-year-old enjoyed this book enough to read it quickly and to recommend it to me. As an adult, I didn’t find it entirely convincing or engaging. I had to force myself through it, and the one insight came at the very end. So strong review from 11-year-old boy, mediocre review from mom equals four stars.
August 9, 2019
This is a fun and fast romp dealing with an unusual idea. The author implicitly asks, "What would a combination pizza oven/dragon be like?" The answer, of course, is quite funny. There isn't much in the way of setting, and the plot is stated in the blurb, but the characters carry this book all the way through; and for me, characters are king.
If you're looking for some lighthearted fun that doesn't overstay its welcome, then this is the book you're looking for. Wholesome, quirky, and frenetic with a dash of heartwarming 'daww' moments.
If you're looking for some lighthearted fun that doesn't overstay its welcome, then this is the book you're looking for. Wholesome, quirky, and frenetic with a dash of heartwarming 'daww' moments.
June 17, 2017
A very cute, heartwarming novella. Anyone who has pets can relate to the story of how our animals are loving, inquisitive, and above all, family. Mr. Lallo is excellent on not just having you read a story, but immersing you into it. He has excellent character building and wonderful descriptions of the environment, letting you picture everything in a way to make you an observer, not just a reader.
July 14, 2017
How to train your pizza dragon
Joseph Lallo has a talent for creating fun and unique animals, and this story is certainly proof of that! This is a wonderful tale of a young man who unexpectedly finds himself caretaker to a creature called a 'Structophis', which is like a hybrid of a dragon and an literal oven. Resulting events are absolutely hilarious.
Pick up a copy!
Joseph Lallo has a talent for creating fun and unique animals, and this story is certainly proof of that! This is a wonderful tale of a young man who unexpectedly finds himself caretaker to a creature called a 'Structophis', which is like a hybrid of a dragon and an literal oven. Resulting events are absolutely hilarious.
Pick up a copy!
July 16, 2017
Pizza dragons
Really? Oh my yes! I was a bit dubious with it advertised as YA, but it's YA like Harry Potter is YA (without being at all similar). Simply enjoyable whether you're YA or merely A. I loved it. It wasn't the deepest well in town but it was clever, well written, funny and had you cheering for the good guys and hissing at the bad guys. Lots of fun, very enjoyable.
Really? Oh my yes! I was a bit dubious with it advertised as YA, but it's YA like Harry Potter is YA (without being at all similar). Simply enjoyable whether you're YA or merely A. I loved it. It wasn't the deepest well in town but it was clever, well written, funny and had you cheering for the good guys and hissing at the bad guys. Lots of fun, very enjoyable.
June 20, 2017
I found myself laughing out loud constantly with this story. I actually had to stop reading several times because I couldn't see the pages anymore. I can't wait for the next installment of the Pizza Dragon!!
August 6, 2017
Ok book but Lallo has written better
Nothing wrong with this book, but it did not hold my attention as much as "Free Wrench" series. Conclusion seemed a bit rushed. I think that this book just wasn't for me, but I am sure it will appeal to a different audience.
Nothing wrong with this book, but it did not hold my attention as much as "Free Wrench" series. Conclusion seemed a bit rushed. I think that this book just wasn't for me, but I am sure it will appeal to a different audience.
July 21, 2018
It was a decent story. I like the way Lallo tells his stories- very imaginative. It was just a little too simple. His stories are usually a bit more complex. This one didn’t really have anything unexpected. But! I would read a sequel.
October 9, 2017
Larry's take
This is a very enjoyable and fun read. The trials and tribulations of Markus and the pizza dragon 🐉. Really clever.
This is a very enjoyable and fun read. The trials and tribulations of Markus and the pizza dragon 🐉. Really clever.
October 26, 2017
Cute story, and a quick, light read.
August 19, 2018
A cute urban fantasy. I enjoyed it.
November 1, 2019
Aww, I loved this. Please Mr lallo, can we have a follow up? Pretty please?
Read
February 23, 2021I love the way that Lallo writes. This short novel was amazing :)
Each character thought out and fun to graspe onto
Each character thought out and fun to graspe onto
March 6, 2024
Absolutely charming!!
Precious YA story about a dragon and those who love her!! Can hardly wait for more! Quirky and enchanting tale!
Precious YA story about a dragon and those who love her!! Can hardly wait for more! Quirky and enchanting tale!
February 22, 2022
A wonderful fairy tale type story that I enjoyed at my age of over 60. I am looking forward to reading it to/with my granddaughter in about 2 years.
Markus gets stuck taking care of a dragon egg inside a pizza oven. Blodgett hatches and it's like having a small child in a large body. She is a special dragon that is a pizza oven. The author somehow not only made it work, he made it enjoyable. With interesting character development and plot setup in ch. 1, it then leads to our adventure. Of couse, like all such tales there is a little moral lesson, without it being preachy. I hope he writes another Blodgett adventure.
I have read science fiction, fantasy, and steam punk by Lallo. While sci-fi is my preference, I read his fantasy series and was pulled in fully by the rich tapestry of the story. Steam punk is not a genre I normally read, but he does it all so well I gave it a try.
I recommend not only this fairy tale, young adult type adventure, but all of Lallo's books - pick your genre or try a new one.
Markus gets stuck taking care of a dragon egg inside a pizza oven. Blodgett hatches and it's like having a small child in a large body. She is a special dragon that is a pizza oven. The author somehow not only made it work, he made it enjoyable. With interesting character development and plot setup in ch. 1, it then leads to our adventure. Of couse, like all such tales there is a little moral lesson, without it being preachy. I hope he writes another Blodgett adventure.
I have read science fiction, fantasy, and steam punk by Lallo. While sci-fi is my preference, I read his fantasy series and was pulled in fully by the rich tapestry of the story. Steam punk is not a genre I normally read, but he does it all so well I gave it a try.
I recommend not only this fairy tale, young adult type adventure, but all of Lallo's books - pick your genre or try a new one.
June 7, 2018
Cute little story about a plausible creature with a happy ending. Not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews