readandfindout's review against another edition
4.0
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Violence, Death, Animal death, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Classism, and Miscarriage
Minor: Pregnancy
brooklvk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Spoiler
The ending with her husband made me soo sad! I was so invested in the romance!! So sad! but I am still finishing the series of course.Minor: Pregnancy, Animal death, Death, and Miscarriage
I would highly recommend this book to anyone 12+ - good for youth as well as adults. I love it!ophycore's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Animal cruelty, Death, Blood, Gun violence, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Classism, Grief, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Death of parent
leona's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The general story was somewhat interesting, however I am glad the book was only short as the expedition and mystery wasn't my favourite. I found the beginning much more exciting, as well as the hints of social commentary and the relationship between
Spoiler
Isabella and her husband.Despite this, I could also understand if people were to dislike her. She comes from a place of relative privilege, which ultimately makes her 'quest' somewhat easier, she has a supportive relationship and is somewhat wealthy. This makes her somewhat frustrating when she is interacting with the characters in the village in which they were staying, (such as Dagmira). She often seems unnecessarily critical or rude, for no other reason than that she was 'frustrated with the language'. I feel this made it difficult for me to fully connect with her character.
The plot itself was relatively interesting and the more scientific approach to looking at dragons was something that is rarely seen.
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But damn, that scene where they shoot the dragon and completely dismember it was slightly... I'm not sure what to make of it actually! :OAn aspect I did enjoy was the beautiful relationship
Spoiler
of Isabella and Jacob. Honestly one of the cutest and most wholesome relationships I think I have read about; one that reflects what I hope any of my relationships may look like. They are friends first and foremost, and support each other through many difficult situations. Isabella does suffer in this book, her miscarriage was a very emotional section that further emphasised the pain of being a woman, especially at a time when motherhood is so deeply tied to a woman's worth / purpose. Isabella faces rumors and abuse because of this heartbreaking event, only making it even more emotional. On top of that, Jacob's death at the end genuinely broke me. THE MAN DESERVED BETTER!!! WHY CRUEL WORLD??? THEN SHE WAS PREGNANT AGAIN??? AAAAAH!!!But then, I feel like the way this book is written sucks some of the emotion out of the story. Young Isabella was someone I could connect too, but the older Isabella narrating the story felt rather unexpressive when it came to these major events. I would have liked to see events such as Isabella's miscarriage, Jacob's death, and her later pregnancy, be given some time to explore these sections with greater depth and emotion. At times it felt somewhat sterile or coldhearted.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story, particularly the character work and emotional sections. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series, however I will be rating this installment 3.5 stars.
Graphic: Animal death and Miscarriage
Minor: Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Sexism
ayhuz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Minor: Rape
sevensableyes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I knew when I first heard the premise of this series, that I would adore it. And I do. Isabella is fast becoming one of my favourite protagonists, along side Keladry (Protector of the Small series). This book made me feel very nostalgic for my dragon/dinosaurs phase. Isabella's passion is infectious.
The worldbuilding feels very natural, and is fairly easy to keep up with. I think it's because the world will slowly unravel throughout the books, following Isabella's adventures into different parts of the world. I really like how there is no magic system; it's just dragons. It makes them feel like real and vulnerable animals. I'm looking forward to seeing more species.
I loved all of the characters. I liked that
Spoiler
Jacob was a good husband; it would have been very easy to write him as dismissive of Isabella's passions, but he was truly lovelySpoiler
Isabella and Mr Wilker will become closer in the future (not romantically)This book ticked all the boxes for me, and hopefully the rest of the series does too.
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death, Grief, Animal death, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Pregnancy
Regarding the kidnapping,Spoiler
Isabella wonders if she should try to use her body to escape and also decides she won't struggle, in order to protect herself. There is no sexual assault, but she is preparing for it.featherinthewind's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Kidnapping, Sexism, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Murder, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
novella42's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Blood, Violence, Xenophobia, Death, Grief, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Gore, Gun violence, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Classism, Medical content, and Religious bigotry
green_amaryllis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death and Animal death
Minor: Pregnancy
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Blood, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexism, Gaslighting, Grief, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence