Dreadful

Rozakis’s amusing debut opens on a bewildered amnesiac waking up “with no eyebrows and no idea how he’d gotten into such a position.” Through interactions with his terrified but endearing goblin minions, he pieces together his identity as the Dread Lord Gavarax, a dark wizard who has apparently kidnapped a princess and is entangled in a rather complicated scheme led by the ghastly and unpleasant Lord Zarcornar. Tales of the evil deeds he can’t remember committing turn Gavarax’s stomach, but he’s forced to continue playing the villain while investigating how he’s lost his memories. Floundering through his daily routines while trying to reconcile his past and present selves proves challenging—especially with his clever and wary hostage, Princess Eliasha, observing his every move. Adding a surprising dose of heart to her quick-witted tale, Rozakis demonstrates her excellent comedic timing and keen ability to keep readers guessing. This clever, high-energy fantasy is a delight. (May)