Book Review: Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons

Hey there, it’s Anca, your friendly book blogger, diving into the enchanting world of “Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons” by the talented Quenby Olson. Now, I’ll be honest, I’m usually all about contemporary fantasy, and Regency books aren’t my usual cup of tea (yes, pun intended). But when Twitter folks kept raving about this one, I couldn’t resist giving it a go.

So, let me tell you, I had an absolute blast reading this book! The story is set in the fictional town of Upper Plimpton in Wiltshire during the Regency era. Our leading lady is the fabulous Mildred Percy, a middle-aged spinster who’s been living life on the sidelines, doing her sister’s bidding.

But here’s the twist — this isn’t your typical love story. It’s all about self-acceptance, not finding Prince Charming. Sure, there’s a love interest, but the heart of the story is Mildred’s journey from a pushover to a woman with her own voice.

What I loved most is the humor. Olson’s writing is witty and charming, and there were moments where I couldn’t help but giggle. The author’s knack for infusing humor into everyday situations is pure genius.

Now, here’s the unique part: the narrative style. Olson breaks the fourth wall from time to time, chatting directly with the reader and giving us glimpses into Mildred’s inner thoughts. As someone who’s not always the most confrontational, I totally related to this approach.

The character development is top-notch. Mildred Percy is a character you can’t help but root for. She’s selfless and strong, and her transformation is a journey you’ll want to join.

And of course, we can’t forget Fitz, the baby dragon! The book delivers on its promise of dragons, and it’s a charming touch of magic in the story.

Now, a little heads up: the tongue-in-cheek tone and those parentheses with side comments might be a tad much for some readers. But honestly, I thought it added to the book’s unique charm.

To sum it up, “Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons” is a delightful Regency romance with a dash of humor, oodles of charm, and a whole lot of heart. Quenby Olson’s storytelling style and compelling characters make it a must-read. So, if you’re up for a whimsical adventure filled with dragons, romance, and self-discovery, grab a copy — you won’t regret it!

* This review was first published in Hooked on Books on Medium. If you're a Medium member and are interested in book reviews, self improvement hackes and writing tips, check out my articles.