A review by econsidine
Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A classic Victorian-style social drama about a high society family in turmoil after the death of their patriarch leaves them in disagreement over their inheritance.
Except that everyone is a dragon and the inheritance dispute is mainly over who gets to eat what part, and how much, of their father's body.
It's the rare combo of a top-notch premise and flawless execution. It's dry humor social commentary with a highly creative world. It's the best of Jane Austen and the best of Anne McCaffrey rolled into one delightful story. It's a reminder that, for all our social graces and scripts, it's all just obscuring true animalistic instincts and monstrous threats. And the dragons canonically wear hats.
Except that everyone is a dragon and the inheritance dispute is mainly over who gets to eat what part, and how much, of their father's body.
It's the rare combo of a top-notch premise and flawless execution. It's dry humor social commentary with a highly creative world. It's the best of Jane Austen and the best of Anne McCaffrey rolled into one delightful story. It's a reminder that, for all our social graces and scripts, it's all just obscuring true animalistic instincts and monstrous threats. And the dragons canonically wear hats.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Death, Violence, Child death, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Classism, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment, Trafficking, Grief, and Confinement