This is the first book in the Enchanted Forest series and, objectively, probably the best (though I like the second as well or a bit better).

Turning classic fairy tale tropes on their heads has always been a favorite of mine, and Dealing with Dragons is an excellent headstand of a fairy tale. The main character is a curious, intelligent, practical princess who is bored and frustrated by the typical princess life and curriculum. She tricks as much of a broader education as she can from her parents and castle staff before heading out on her own to become a dragon's princess — and to remain a dragon's princess despite the best efforts of annoying knights and princes who come to save her. She becomes instrumental in uncovering and foiling the plot of bad wizards, saving not only herself and other princesses, but also the balance of power in this fantasy world.

The world is full of fairy tale insider jokes, the characters are interesting and mostly well drawn, the dialogue is snappy and silly, and the plot has enough mystery and adventure to keep it moving. It's all subversive enough to challenge unthinking tradition, but traditional enough to feel fun and cozy while doing it.

This is probably most appropriate for middle-school readers, but unlike the last book in the series (Talking to Dragons), it's witty enough to be enjoyable for older readers who appreciate YA and fantasy fiction.