This was utterly delightful! Every ten years, the Dragon picks a village girl to come live with him in exchange for the village's protection against the dangerous Wood. The feared, respected Dragon has mastered the use of certain magics and lives mostly as a powerful, aloof wizard in his tower. When Agnieszka is surprisingly chosen as his companion over her friend (and assumed choice) Kasia, she embarks on many unexpected adventures in (and out) of his household.
I absolutely adore the heroine, Agnieszka. She is plagued by self-doubt, holds occasional pity-parties for herself, is average in appearance, and grows realistically as a character. The most impressive part of her story is the fantastic way that she resourcefully figures out how to solve a problem by doing her best. Sounds simple, but so many books take illogical jumps from a character having basic skill to mastery of the skill in the course of a minute. Agnieszka uses the knowledge she has from reading and understanding the basic nature of a simple substance to do the best in whatever situation she lands in. Sometimes it simply slows down a problem until a more permanent situation can be found. This is often how REAL life is, even though there is also magic in the story.
The magic is completely enchanting. There's a beauty to the fluidity of the spells that make it a joy to read even as terrible things are happening. The juxtaposition of gruesome in the Wood and the evocative, often merry-sounding spells was captivating.
It's also hard to find good gal friendships in stories these days. Particularly without jealousy, heaps of resentment over appearances, or fighting over a man/multiple men. Agnieszka and Kasia remain devoted to each throughout the story, no matter if they're experiencing highs or lows.
I greatly respected Novik's approach to the story, and the blend of elements she used to make a truly entertaining read. It is apparent that she was raised on Polish fairy tales, and has indeed "pillaged degrees in English literature....from various ivory towers" (from author blurb on the back flap of my edition). Definitely interested in reading her backlist, particularly the Temeraire Series.
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