The Dragon Thief Review

There be dragons and merfolk off the starboard bow in JL Mbewe’s short story, The Dragon Thief. This is the first work I’ve read by the author and it acts an introduction to her forthcoming trilogy of fantasy novels, set in the same fictional world. 

Semine is a student living with merfolk far from home, training to become a Guardian. But while carrying out her studies, she is contacted by her mentor Raven, who tells her that the teachings of their order are a lie. I can’t really say much more than that without spoiling the story but put it this way, Semine has to decide whether to become a rebel or stay the course with her studies. 

I did enjoy this story. It was quite intriguing and had some fresh ideas, mostly with the merfolk characters, for a fantasy novel. There were a lot of interesting environments as well which were beautifully portrayed. 

Unfortunately, I feel the story failed to hit home the gravity of how serious Semine’s rebellion would mean if she chose to walk that route. The story did enough to leave the impression that she would get into trouble. 

But when the book only gives you a vague impression of what the Guardians do and poorly references the ancient, sacred rules they follow, it leads to a lack of understanding about what she is doing wrong; or in fact what the Guardians are apparently doing wrong. It is slightly confusing.

Also there were a few typos and silly errors in this book, especially near the start. If you let these slide though, it is a very well told, well rounded, engaging short story. 

It gets 6/10.