First of all, before we get this review started, can we just take a minute to appreciate how freaking adorable the cover art is? It really sets the mood/vibe of the book and basically is a good way of showing you exactly what the book is about.

Upscaled is about two kids who live in a fantasy world full of dragons and magical creatures. However, the Inquisition has decided that creatures like dragons are evil and have made it their mission to try and exterminate them. However, these two kids, setting out with the simple task to find and procure eggs for their mom at the market, end up bring home a dragon egg instead. Much to their moms dismay, the dragon ends up hatching, and all the shenanigans start to ensue.

This was a really cute and light hearted book. I really liked the characters and the over all silliness of the story. I think this book would be enjoyable for all ages and thing both kids and parents will enjoy reading this together.

Despite it's overall silliness. I do like how some of the commentary brings up topics like disputes being made for stupid reasons or over misunderstandings because realistically that's how a lot of conflicts are. You look at them in hind sight and you're just left thinking how stupid a lot of these conflicts are and the reason why they where started. It also shows how easy it is for someone to control a narrative or how easy it is to convince people of something. I don't think the author initially intended that outcome or really meant to dive to much into it but that's just what I got out of it!

I was a little impartial to the humor but I think that's because I'm reading this from an adults perspective and not a kids. I've seen other reviews say the humors bad, dry, or something along the lines of Monty Python. I wouldn't say it's that bad. It's definitely something kids would find funny and the humor reminds me of the books I read when I was a kid. So I think going in, you need to look at it from a kids perspective and what a kid finds funny.

Overall, I enjoyed and think I'll buy a physical copy for my nephew when it releases!

3.5 rounded up

A cute middle grade fantasy adventure full of dragons, wit, and charm.

This is a humorous story that has major Monty Python vibes. It's dry, sarcastic, and over the top at points, but when paired with the adorable Pilib it makes for a sweet tale. The more meta moments add to the tongue in cheek style, and it's perfect as a light read.

Some of the dialogue is really awkward and simple, especially at the beginning, but this fits well with the dim wittedness of many of the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought the pacing was quick and the episodic plotting worked for the chaotic circumstances.

Upscaled reminded me of The Gravedigger’s Son and the Waif Girl in terms of its tone and the nonsensical rules - the world is governed by lies and selfishness, but one little decision leads to an extended journey towards truth (and hopefully a better future!). This book would be great for teaching about satire as it has so much to say about politics and storytelling, but it's also just good fun.

I'll definitely be on the lookout for book two, as it seems Cam's own adventure is about to begin!

Upscaled is one of the best books I've read this year so far. It's such an amazing read. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down. So so good.

4.5 / 5 stars

Upscaled is a cute, humorous spin on the dragon tamer trope. I would've loved this book as an awkward, nerdy middle schooler who was just starting to discover the humor of Monty Python. I thought that the main character, Ailís, was a delightfully precocious child, and that the supporting characters were all well-developed. This was a quick read for me, but I think the pace is perfect for a preteen audience. And, as the author says, there are plenty of nerdy references in the books aimed at us adults as well. I'm curious to see what happens with Ailís and her brother Camaráin in the future.

This was a delightful story about a girl and her dragon with a slight twist. The humour worked really well for the most part but fell flat in certain parts, which is a risk of humourous books. The characters are lovely and fun, even the background characters are unforgettable (like Miss Roisin leading a protest, what?!)
This would work equally well for kids and grown-ups. If you want to buddy read a book with your young one, this is it!