Release Date: January 28th 2020
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Pages: 384
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Synopsis

From the internationally bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series: Eoin Colfer’s first adult fantasy novel is a hilarious, high-octane adventure about a vodka-drinking, Flashdance-loving dragon who’s been hiding out from the world – and potential torch-carrying mobs – in a Louisiana bayou . . . until his peaceful world’s turned upside down by a well-intentioned but wild Cajun tearaway and the crooked (and heavily armed) law officer who wants him dead.

Squib Moreau may be swamp-wild, but his intentions are (generally) good: he really wants to be a supportive son to his hard-working momma Elodie. But sometimes life gets in the way – like when Fake Daddy walked out on them leaving a ton of debt, or when crooked Constable Regence Hooke got to thinking pretty Elodie Moreau was just the gal for him…

An apprenticeship with the local moonshine runner, servicing the bayou, looks like the only way to pay off the family debts and maybe get Squib and his momma a place in town, far from Constable Hooke’s unwanted courtship and Fake Daddy’s reputation.

Unfortunately for Squib, Hooke has his own eye on that very same stretch of bayou – and neither of them have taken into account the fire-breathing dragon hiding out in the Louisiana swamp…

For Squib Moreau, Regence Hooke and Vern, aka Lord Highfire of Highfire Eyrie, life is never going to be the same again.

Highfire is a genre-bending tour-de-force of comedy and action by the million-copy-selling master storyteller.

Review

I loved the Artemis Fowl series growing up so when I heard that Eoin Colfer was releasing an adult fantasy novel about a vodka drinking dragon I was desperate to get my hands on it. This action packed tale is full of hi-jinx and humour and is without a doubt one of the most unique tales I’ve read in a long time.

Highfire follows a young boy named Squib Moreau who lives and works in the bayou. He’s often getting into trouble with the law but he tries his best to do right by his mum Elodie. He often has run ins with Constable Hooke, a shady officer who has his sights on his mum, despite her constant rejections. When Squib and Hooke stumble upon an ancient dragon who is spending the rest of the days hiding out in the Lousiana swamp, Squib has to do everything he can to stop Hooke from taking over the bayou.

I loved how brilliant and original this story was. Have you ever read a book about an ancient dragon who drinks Vodka and is obsessed with flashdance? I thought not. This is a very cleverly woven story and I really enjoyed the blend of fantasy, action and thriller. I did find the beginning a little slow to get into but it quickly picked up the pace and the second half of the book is a complete roller coaster ride. The characters are really fascinating and that was probably what I enjoyed most about this one – Vern is grumpy and stubborn, Hooke is the definition of the crooked police officer. Squib was a great protagonist and it was so easy to root for him and Vern to safe the day.

Highfire is an action packed tale that is full of comedic moments. I found the pacing a little off in this one but overall it was a really enjoyable and fun read, full of humour and adventure. If you’ve been curious about this one I’d definitely suggest trying it out.