The Last Dragonslayer - Jasper Fforde

Title: The Last Dragonslayer
Author: Jasper Fforde
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 281
Date read: August, 2011

In the good old days, magic was powerful, unregulated by government, and even the largest spell could be woven without filling in the magic release form B1-7g. But somewhere, somehow, the magic started draining away.

Jennifer Strange runs Kazam!, an employment agency for state-registered magicians, soothsayers and sorceresses. But work is drying up. Drain cleaner is cheaper and quicker than a spell. Why trust a cold and drafty magic carpet when jetliners offer a comfy seat and an in-flight movie? And now potions are eligible for VAT...

But then the visions start. The Last Dragon is going to be killed by a Dragonslayer at 12.00 on Sunday. The death will unleash untold devastation on the UnUnited Kingdom, setting principality against dukedom and property developer against homesteader. And all the signs are pointing to Jennifer Strange, and saying"Big Magic is coming!"

An interesting mix of classic fantasy and modern technology. Rather different from what I have expected, but I guess I should have known better than to expect anything traditional from Jasper Fforde. I tend to like the absurdity of his universes and fortunately this was no exception.

I loved Jennifer Strange as a main character, and got quite fond of Timmy Prawn as well. I would have loved to hear more about Kazam! so I wonder if Jasper Fforde is planning any sequels. I'm not entirely sure if the universe would allow it, but if anybody can make it work, he can.