What if you were an evil wizard with amnesia? That’s the protagonist’s central issue in the chaotic and downright hilarious world of “Dreadful” by Caitlin Rozakis. This book had me laughing out loud and quickly turning the pages as I followed Gav’s wild journey of self-discovery and attempted redemption.

From the very first page, you are thrown into a world of magic and mayhem(with an emphasis on mayhem). When the book begins, Gav wakes confused in a room with small fires burning everywhere, no eyebrows, and worse yet – no idea who he is. As he makes his way through this mysterious castle, he tries to piece together his fragmented memory and understand how he ended up as the Dread Lord Gavrax – a name that strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it. Well, maybe not all, but most people are. If only he could remember what got him into his current predicament and figure out why his goblin minions seem to be more interested in decorating the dungeon with questionable interior design choices; oh, and why is there a princess locked in a room in the castle? And why does he feel like things will get much worse before they get better?

As Gav reluctantly embraces his role as an evil overlord, you can’t help but root for him as he stumbles through his evil plans, trying to figure out exactly how he got himself into this mess in the first place. His journey is filled with hilarious mishaps, but also with moments that we all can relate to. It’s not easy being an evil overlord when you have no memory of how you became said overlord. It’s even more difficult when you realize that being nice isn’t really all that hard and actually feels kind of nice. But can a once evil wizard ever be accepted as anything other than, well – evil? Gav will sure try, and his mishaps and misadventures are endlessly entertaining.

The world-building in “Dreadful” is not just rich and vibrant; it’s immersive. From killer moat squids to an evil wizard convocation, memory demons, and a village full of quirky characters, Rozakis seamlessly blends fantasy elements with comedic flair, creating a world that you can’t help but get lost in. The humor in this book is sharp, witty, and delightfully absurd, making it a joy to read from start to finish.

But don’t let the light-hearted humor fool you – deeper themes woven throughout the story make this fun little book more than just a light fantasy read. Rozakis expertly tackles toxic masculinity, identity, and the complexity of morality in a way that feels both relevant and thought-provoking – especially in today’s political climate.

Ultimately, I found this book to be a delightful blend of fantasy, comedy, and heart that will appeal to readers of all ages. It’s a refreshing take on the classic hero’s journey, with a “wicked” protagonist as endearing as he is bumbling. So, grab a copy, settle in for a wild ride, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Who knew being an evil overlord could be so much fun?