The Last Dragonslayer
 First edition | |
| Author | Jasper Fforde |
|---|---|
| Country | UK |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Chronicles of Kazam |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton |
Publication date | 4 Nov 2010 (Hardback) |
| Media type | Print Hardback |
| Pages | 280 pp |
| ISBN | 978-1-4447-0717-5 |
| Preceded by | - |
| Followed by | The Song of the Quarkbeast |
The Last Dragonslayer is a fantasy novel by Jasper Fforde. It is set in an alternate world in which magic is real, but has become weakened and is also being replaced by modern technology. The setting is almost like modern Britain, except that it is split into a number of small states.
Synopsis
The story begins with 15-year-old Jennifer Strange, who is filling in for the missing manager, Mr. Zambini, for an employment agency for magicians called Kazam. There are prophecies that the last dragon will soon die, meaning that the dragon's territory is up for grabs. Trying to find the truth of the matter, she finds the official Dragonslayer and is pushed into becoming his apprentice. And from there it gets worse. The Dragonslayer dies and she becomes the last Dragonslayer, which means that she will be the one that slays the dragon.
Context
The style is similar to his Thursday Next and Nursery Crimes series, but the assumptions and world-rules are very different. Unlike other Jasper Fforde novels, there are no obvious references to specific works of fiction, even though many standard elements of fantasy are used for comic effect.
The book is described as for 'Adults' and is the first in a planned trilogy.
It is also available as an Enhanced Editions iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad application containing the audiobook synchronised to the full text.
Adaptation
The novel was adapted into a TV movie by Blueprint Pictures, and broadcast on Sky One on Christmas Day, 2016. It starred Ellise Chappell as Jennifer, Andrew Buchan as Zambini and Richard E. Grant as the voice of the dragon. Family Chrgd reran it 13 October 2017.