The Last Dragonslayer 

An initiation rite 

The novel, The Last Dragonslayer, by Jasper Fforde, is a classic coming of age story and follows along the lines of “to kill or not to kill’. Jennifer Strange, the heroin of this story, is an orphan in a misbegotten wizard industry. Magical powers are aging, and Strange, not even 16, is trusted with a lot of responsibility. Originally running the magical company, she is then entrusted as Dragonslayer; the last of her kind. As budding adolescent, Strange is constantly questioned and doubted due to her age. She must prove herself worthy of the tasks demanded of her, regardless of her experience or youth. Due to a prophecy, the world is waiting for the death of the last dragon, and dear Strange is charged with the task of killing him. She does not want to kill him, yet much of her kingdom is pressuring her to do so. She is inherently good, and in stark contrast, the greed of her country could be seen as evil. Eventually, Strange does kill the Dragon, but in doing so, she provides life to two more dragons. This story presents the struggle to do what feels right and to follow one’s moral compass, or to let outside influences sway that compass.