One thing I really love to do is help other writers and entrepreneurs reach their dreams. Recently, I had the chance to read Beth Barany's
Henrietta the Dragon Slayer.
What a wonderful story and cast of characters! Beth weaves the story through a fantasy world where the main character has slayed dragons and has seen her fair share of war for such a young woman.
As Henrietta stumbles out of a tavern after hearing tales of her heroics, she meets a pushy knight named Franc, who insists that she return with him to the Islands of Oro to face the Emerald Dragon, Mimoto. However, Henrietta has other plans when she hears that her master has fallen ill and only the Dragon’s Dracontias stone can save him.
Henrietta is a strong female role model who is on her hero’s quest with some unexpected and unlikely traveling companions. The young witch, Paulette, adds personality and innocence to the band. The pushy Knight, Franc, is stoic and harsh, yet finds his compassion in this quest. The Jester, Jaxter adds comic relief and helps blend all of the characters’ personalities. Beth creates a story of intrigue. The book is an action-packed fantasy with moments of real human emotions and turmoil. I adore Henrietta’s no nonsense, warrior ways. She has a sharp tongue and attitude befitting her legendary status as a dragon slayer.
Henrietta the Dragon Slayer flows and is easy-to-read. You won’t find offensive language or sexual content, though there is some mild violence that stirs the action, but no overwhelming details. Throughout you’ll hear Henrietta mention in thought and deed that she is tired of killing. Beth’s fantasy world is detailed to the point that you can picture yourself in the tale, the mark of a good fantasy writer, yet she doesn’t get the reader mired down in too much fluff.
As far as young girl fantasies goes, this is a GREAT read! Super-empowering for females of all ages. Perfect for your summer reading list! I can’t wait to read book 2:
Henrietta and the Dragon Stone!
What are you reading this summer? Tell us in the comments below.
About Beth Barany
Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in two genres: young adult
adventure fantasy and romantic fantasy. Inspired by living abroad in
France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romantic
adventure to empower women and girls to jump into life with both feet
and be the heroes in their own lives.
In her off hours, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on
her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author
Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with their cat named Leo, a
piano, and over 1,000 books.
When not writing or playing, Beth runs her own company helping
novelists as a book midwife, coach, and teacher to help them write,
market, and publish their books.
PS. This is not an affiliate link. I just really loved the book.
