He had information, a lot more information than an hour ago. He had a name! Dread Lord Gavrax. Surely that couldn’t be his original name, of course. No mother would name her baby Gavrax, would she? He winced. Of course someone who thought those bedposts were a good idea would choose the name Gavrax. He tried thinking of himself as a Gavrax, and just couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Gav, maybe? He could live with Gav. Not that he had anyone to call him Gav.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up one day as a villain? In Caitlin Rozakis’ debut novel Dreadful,” Dread Lord Gavrax experiences just that, with a twist: he has no memory of who he is, and even less of why he’s the bad guy in the first place.
Make it fantasy but from the villain’s perspective 😏
After a misguided experiment, Dread Lord Gavrax finds himself in his office with a lot of questions, no eyebrows, and no recollection of his identity. The initial shock of spotting his middle-aged self in the mirror —soon gives way to confusion and even more curiosity. The man formerly known as Dread Lord Gavrax embarks on a mission to discover his past all the while carefully naviganting the remnants of his dark legacy. As he delves deeper into his own history, he finds that the new version of himself is quite different from the tyrant he once was.
Also, what is a beautiful maiden doing in his dungeon?
Gavrax’s arrogance and insecurity was what had got him into this mess in the first place.
A different kind of anti-hero
Gav’s journey of self-discovery is both humorous and poignant. He attempts to make subtle but significant changes, starting with his treatment of his goblin servants. The once-feared Dread Lord now finds little pleasure in killing his minions and other cruelties his former self was known for. With the support of his personal assistant Siraco, his loyal valet Grrribeetle, and the captive Princess Eliasha, Gav tries to do better this time around and reinvent his life.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Along the way, Gavrax must also confront the dark forces he once endorsed and collaborated with, including the powerful and sinister wizard Zarconar. An impending ritual he cannot remember but must partake in adds a layer of urgency and danger to his quest. The stakes are high, as the ritual could bring about destruction and mayhem to the world he knows (and is eager to make a better place).
Reinvention and redemption
In her debut novel, Rozakis crafts a story that is both a fantasy adventure and a sharp, witty comedy. Her colorful and imaginative language, paired with a fine sense of humor, makes “Dreadful” a delightful read. The familiar tropes of larger-than-life threats, unlikely allies, and a tumultuous hero’s journey are all present, but with a refreshing twist that adds new layers to well-known motifs.
Literary themes and real-world reflections
Beyond the laughs and the fantastical elements, “Dreadful” also touches on real-world issues. Themes such as gender inequality, body image, and workplace ethics are discussed in a whimsical and entertaining manner. Rozakis cleverly incorporates these topics, adding depth to the story and showing that even a lighthearted fantasy comedy allows some room for reflection. Because it’s not just all fun and torture.
A Promising Debut
As a fan of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, I found Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis to be a highly enjoyable and promising debut. Her ability to blend humor, fantasy, and thoughtful commentary makes for a compelling read. I’m looking forward to her next book (and maybe even the further adventures of Gavrax — though this book definitely works as a standalone as well).
Dreadful is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on the fantasy genre, especially those who enjoy a good laugh and a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Thanks to Netgalley and Titan Books for the ARC!