Definitely not my usual read! It's vulgar, it's lewd, it's brilliant. Vern is an Absolut Vodka-drinking, Netflix-watching, dragon with a misanthropic outlook, and possibly the last of his kind. The book can get a bit depressing at times, but it is also hilarious, fun, and heartwarming towards the end. The story generally revolves around a 15-year-old swamper called Squib, who accidentally witnesses the murder of a drug-dealer by a local bent (and psychopathic) cop. His life is saved by Vern (Lord Highfire) and what follows is a briskly moving plot with plenty of laughs.

I had a particular appreciation for the fact that Vern is fat dragon (no bias from me there), this explained as being part of his physiology and essential for his ability to breathe fire. I was not expecting this going in, and it was rather a nice surprise :)

There were a few issues in it which I found hard to overlook, particularly towards the end: concerning Vern's general strength and abilities, and why it is that he's the last dragon. However, this did not stop me from enjoying it and I really hope there will be a sequel, as it left me wanting more. All in all, my favourite book of the year. A warning though if you plan to read it, I was not joking about the book being vulgar (and graphic!).