A review by owlstory
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • 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? It's complicated

4.75

How do I describe this wonderful book? I was riveted from the first page. It felt like a response to every magic school, dragon rider book that I've read. It challenged my colonist assumptions (in the best ways) with a main character who came to the table with an "of *course* this is this way", which was refreshing. At times it became a little world building explain-y, but it's not an uncommon problem for first-time novelists that I've seen. This book stands right between teen and adult books. It's got a teen main character but she's also culturally an adult (which was an interesting thing and I'm going to be thinking about it for a while). I grew up spending parts of my summers in some of the regions mentioned. Also, can we talk about the amazing nonspeaking/semi-speaking autistic representation with Sander? I adore him so much. Also the bi rep. This also is an alternate history set in a time period and about topics we just don't talk about enough.
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