I mostly purchase sets for buildable animals, and I really enjoyed this dragon. It's large but doesn't monopolize shelf space, and it has elbows! The wings are a bit plain without printing, and the lower jaw isn't the most stable. But I think the positives outweigh the negatives, the shaping is very satisfying and the implied texture with plates/ spines is well done. It stands out stylistically against the newer Ninjago dragons as it has a brick-built head that gives it a unique look and more smooth/ realistic shaping. I also love that the set comes with a cast of smaller critters as well.
In general it is a great set. I love LEGO and love D&D as well as my son. We built it together and had a blast.
Very good building experience.
Pros: Monsters are great. The images of the displacer beast weren't compelling, but in actuality it is a great monster. The beholder and owlbear are both great.
The minifgs are fantastic. It is basically a mix-and-match setup with different equipment and heads that can be used to customize your D&D party. This is a great play feature.
Cons: The indoor spaces are too small. It is very difficult to place minifigs in the indoor areas, particularly the inn, and complicated with weapons and other items. The overall dimensions of the interior spaces are simply too small for active play.
Overall: I do recommend it as it is a great building experience, minifig customization, and the overall aesthetic is very pleasing with fantastical elements. Just be aware if you have a child that wants to play with the indoor spaces of the set, that it may be a challenge, but it is a great set overall.
Though the price is a bit steep, it is waves easier than putting together other miniature sets, and it already comes "pre-painted," so to speak. The story is also very fun, and glad to get this and the printed book together.