In a cafe that is constantly on fire from baby dragons, Saphira’s dreams of running a cafe for baby dragons is slowly going up in flames – literally. But when Aiden and his mischievous baby dragon, Sparky, need a little help. Saphira soon discovers a way to spend time with the adorable dragon, and keep her dream alive. In a world that is dominated by four dragon breeding and racing families, The Baby Dragon Cafe by A. T Qureshi is a cosy fantasy with a hint of romance.
*This review contains spoilers*
Review
Firstly, I want to appreciate that Sparky the dragon has a car seat which is adorable and the more I read the more I would like a baby dragon. Whether the dragons had a particularly distinctive personality that differed from a normal pet like a dog is questionable, but still cute. This book was a highly anticipated read and I was looking forward to the blend of cute fantasy set in a world of dragons and magic with romance.
I was intrigued by the plot and the fantasy element of dragons and dragon racing. There was a suggestion that Saphira’s mother died after pursuing a dragon on the black market and racing. This is frowned upon in the elite society who have many rituals to integrate outsiders into the dragon world. This wasn’t really touched upon in any detail that showed the consequences of such actions. I would have liked Saphira to attend a race or to comment on the disgusting practice that gave her a strong opinion. Saphira is also not allowed to own a baby dragon, therefore she runs a cafe so she can be around the animals. But if dragons are so precious, what qualifications does she have to either train Sparky for Aiden and run an establishment with so many in one place? I felt the world building was a little confusing and under developed in places. For example, the world felt based in the US and referred to dollars and pop culture references are dotted throughout the book, but then used British language such as ‘mummy’. I was confused on whether this was a light fantasy relying on a contemporary US setting. The writing style felt very modern with certain phrases that didn’t match the fantasy element. This being said, I loved the danger and classism that was mentioned in regards to dragon ownership and racing, but the reader doesn’t actually experience this darker side of the world. It’s briefly mentioned, but doesn’t have any real relevance. Also, Saphira mention the feelings of being unwelcome in the vet with Sparky and Aiden, and dragon owners gossiping behind her back. But this doesn’t materialise into any real conflict.
Furthermore, the book is short around 300 pages, but the pacing was off and many chapters were slow without much direction. Then the fake marriage was too late in terms of the plot that eventually causes Aiden and Saphira to confess their feelings for each other. But despite the scene where the characters confess falling in love with each other, I didn’t feel like they had any chemistry or any real conflict that added intrigue to their relationship. Even Aiden’s parents who are elite in the dragon world aren’t evil or even disapproving of their son’s aversion to dragon racing or his relationship with a non-dragon owner. All these elements contributed to not really believing the romance and the world as a whole. This was a tough read, where I didn’t feel invested in what would happen next.
As much as the dragon cafe and romance is a cute idea, I wanted more romance and slow burn and more integration of the fantasy element of the world. There is potential to have a really interested world and dynamics, and the author does a good job at planting those seeds. I wonder if these points will be expanded on in the second and third book and expand the world.
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and is currently querying literary agents with her debut fantasy novel inspired by the magic and adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean. For more content click here to read book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey.
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