The Enchanted Forest Chronicles Book Three: Calling on Dragons

I came to *Calling on Dragons* expecting another cozy fantasy romp, but Wrede and her full cast elevated it into something far sharper. The narration sparkles with wit, thanks to a cast that clearly relishes the material—Alison Larkin’s Cimorene is all dry sarcasm and stubborn grit, while Simon Jones’s Kazul delivers dry humor with the gravitas of a creature who’s *technically* a dragon but would rather be napping. The supporting cast, including a trio of witches who steal every scene they’re in, keeps the energy high even during slower plot beats. My only quibble? Some side characters’ accents waver in consistency, which occasionally yanks me out of the story. That said, the production handles transitions between dialogue and scene-setting effects with aplomb; the whoosh of a spell or the clatter of a dragon’s tail hitting the floor makes the world feel alive without drowning out the voices. Pacing is a standout—Wrede’s knack for balancing action, banter, and world-building means the audiobook never drags, even at six hours. If you’ve read the first two books, you’ll adore this installment; if you’re new to the series, the story still stands alone well enough, though you’ll miss the deepening lore. A fantasy adventure that’s as smart as it is fun.