Book Review: Dungeons And Drama by Kirsty Boyce

‘Dungeons and Drama’ by Kristy Boyce is a Young Adult romance novel that was published in 2024. It follows Riley, a High Schooler and theatre buff, who stole her mother’s car and drove it to Columbus, Ohio, without a license with her best friend Hoshiko to see Sara Bareilles in the ‘Waitress: The Musical’ Tour.

Honestly, had I not spent my Audible credit for the month on this, enraptured by the gorgeous cover art, and the promise of a blend between Dungeons and Dragons and Musicals, I probably would have shelved it for the sheer audacity of opening the book with a character so brazenly breaking multiple laws for the sake of a Broadway show on tour.

This disdain for the book in the first instance was in the form of Riley, a usually level-headed and rule-abiding child’s punishment. For stealing her Mum’s car, driving without a license, and endangering her life, her best friend’s life, and the lives of everyone else on the road, the risk of a criminal record for driving without a license – plus the fact she could have just asked her father to drive them(!) – Riley was grounded for a minimum of eight weeks, where she would have to spend her evenings and weekends working at her somewhat estranged father’s game shop.

Once the plot really started plotting, and hijinks including fake dating your begrudging, easily irritated colleague, and trying to make your ex-boyfriend, Mr. Suddenly Full Of Himself Lead Of The Community Theatre Production Over The Summer, Paul, had the audacity to imply that Riley was miserable and lonely and single after their breakup. She’s irked, especially when he sought to wave his new Leading Lady in her face. It quickly wrenched me out of the sheer improbability of such a lax punishment for something so serious, especially since Riley was going to be paid for her work at the game shop.

I was astounded by how quickly Boyce’s narration and coaxing with Dungeons and Dragons swept any concern about Riley’s selfishness, brattiness etc. She really was a stupid kid that made a stupid decision in the name of the theatre, and although, I couldn’t relate to her motivations in the same way, I was rooting for her to get her punishment ramped down at almost every opportunity. I liked watching Riley and Hoshiko manage to balance their commitments with new friendships and falling in love.

Hoshiko and Lucas falling in love was exceptionally sweet to witness. I loved getting to catch glimpses at their budding feelings and understanding why they work so well together. It was incredibly sweet.

Another thing I loved about this book was the second plot happening in the background, Riley’s attempt, in the name of theatre, to ensure that the school doesn’t cut the Spring Musical due to issues with the budget. Adamant not to just fall to the wayside, Riley, who dreams of being a Broadway Director, manages to convince the choir teacher Miss Sahni to organise a meeting with the principal, and some school board reps to hear her plead the musical’s case. She rallies theatre kids in the school to put on a showcase, followed by a thoroughly researched presentation. I loved seeing that this High School Junior wasn’t immediately good at everything. She struggled, not only with the DnD portion of the story but with the musical aspects, too. She couldn’t immediately get things to go her way and her persistence is what makes her story compelling. Ultimately, I was desperate for her to succeed.

The plot twist was expected, well foreshadowed, didn’t come out of the blue, and was very well done. I really appreciated how normal it was, and how it helped resolve the turbulent relationship Riley had with her father after her parents’ divorce.

This book, once the initial conveniently lucky alls-well-that-ends-well scenario that actually sets the events into motion, this book was really good. I really enjoyed it, and if you can get past that – as I did, I’m sure the events of ‘Dungeons And Drama’ will have you squealing and fangirling too! I’d really recommend it!