Guest post written by When Dealing With Dragons author Dana Swift
Dana Swift graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two dogs.
About When Dealing With Dragons: Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal—now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight. Releases June 30th 2026.
Want to know a universal truth? Before every writer is a writer, we are readers. For me in particular, I’ve went from reader to bookseller to book buyer and event planner, writing along the way. So, I’ve recommended a book or two in my time (maybe even a few hundred).
Nerd Daily is one of my absolute favorite book outlets so when they asked for a list of my reader recommendations for this summer, I happily put my bookseller cap back on. Because what’s easier than talking about my own book, WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS, hitting shelves June 30th from Wednesday Books? Talking about other books, of course!
Three Young Adult 2026 SUMMER releases I’ve read and adored:
CURSED EVER AFTER by Andy C. Naranjo
Okay, I’m biased with this first one, like really biased. But that doesn’t stop CURSED EVER AFTER being one of my favorite stories.
For a time, it felt like fantasy wasn’t allowed to be funny anymore and Andy said hold my witch’s hat and let me break that curse upon young adult literature with this one! This book is funny, heartfelt, diverse, and seeped in fairytale whimsy.
Even better on June 30th Andy C. Naranjo and I will be hosting our joint launch event at BookPeople at 6:30pm CT. So, if you’re in or near Austin, Texas come see two friends who just so happened to luck out that our books come out the same day!
ROLLS AND RIVALRY by Kristy Boyce
I’m a huge Kristy Boyce fan and have been since we debuted together in 2021. I especially love her Gaming and Romance series! When I learned her new one starred a color guard captain I was sold because well, I was a color guard captain in high school.
This third installment in the series might even be my new favorite of Kristy’s because all the band references, the childhood friends turned rivals, and her sparkling dialogue? Nothing is more perfect for summer! I read it in one day!
OF FLAME AND FURY and OF VENOM AND VENGEANCE by Mikayla Bridge
The moment I read OF FLAME AND FURY last summer I was hooked! Phoenix racing, fake-dating, and a critique on capitalism wrapped up in one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen!
Therefore, you can imagine my excitement for the companion novel, OF VENOM AND VENGEANCE. Set in the same world this book follows two new protagonists, who you can expect to give you the most delicious romance.
Three Young Adult 2026 releases I haven’t read yet, but can’t wait for:
FIRE TO THE STARS by Morgan J. Watchorn
If you’re into dragons, then may I suggest dragon shifters? Because I can’t wait for this YA debut from Morgan J. Watchorn.
Written in dual points of view (my favorite) this is a story about two teens from opposing worlds forced to form an alliance. The cover is stunning too!
IMMORTAL GAME by Allison Saft
Do I know how to play chess? No. Will that stop me from reading the next Allison Saft release? Never! Add in Fae and deals and the lyrical whimsy I know this will have and I’m beyond sold.
This book is the next one on TBR because I’ve somehow been chosen for the honor to be Allison’s conversation partner for her Austin, Texas tour stop.
Link here to RSVP now if you would like to watch and join me fangirling over Allison Saft.
ALL WE HUNGER FOR by Anna Mercier
A magical baking competition with a side of brewing rebellion? Excuse me, Anna! What a concept!
It reminds me a little of WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS in that it’s a cozy premise bundled with high stakes and guarded secrets. I’m all for books with that combination. So excited for this debut that is out now!!!
Looking for something like WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS in a different age category?
Middle Grade: KINDRED DRAGONS by Sarah Mensinga
Sarah has crafted the perfect pitch for a book, as if it was written for me––Anne of Green Gables meets Dragons.
I don’t know if I need to say more than that, but this graphic novel is beautifully illustrated (also done by Sarah because she is amazing and talented and wonderful) and the story is heartfelt, with a magic system anchored in the bonds between people and dragons like WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS!
Also, I gave this graphic novel to my cousin’s seven-year-old daughter and have heard back that she loved it and thus I have received the brownie points for years to come because it’s the first in a series!
Adult: STRANGE FAMILIARS by Keshe Chow
If you want more magical veterinarian and rivals-to-lovers content, but for the adult audience, look no further than STRANGE FAMILIARS.
It’s set at a magical college with cute animal familiars. Nothing can be more perfect, except oh, it also has a delicious spicy romance too! Perfection!
Because it is always easier to talk, sell, and promote other books I deeply appreciate everyone, especially, Nerd Daily, for promoting WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS! I wrote this book for dragon lovers and kids who want to see protagonists who win through kindness. A few elements in the book I incorporated because of my bookselling background include:
- It can be read as a standalone. Though a companion novel is coming in summer 2027 for those who fall in love with the world.
- It fits firmly in the young adult category, with some reviewers even saying they see it as a bridge book between middle grade and young adult.
- It’s warm and heartfelt but doesn’t avoid high stakes and hard topics that make people think long after the last page.
I really hope you enjoy the story! Thank you!
