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A review by proudtobeabookaholic
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
By now the whole world knows about Lady Trent, the famous dragon naturalist. For the first time ever we get the story with her own words, from her being a bookish young woman with a passion for natural history - dragons in particular - to her first expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana.
"You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart - no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments - even at the risk of one's life - is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten..."
I've been wanting to read this series for a long time, and the first book did not disappoint! The only thing I really knew was that it was about the study of dragons, and I was pleasantly surprised that the main character Isabella (later known as Lady Trent) was a stubborn, brave and - for her time - unconventional woman. The book takes place in a fantasy world, but remains faithful to the Victorian Age, with all the restrictions women faced at that time. That Isabella despite this manages to get her way with her purpose of studying dragons is quite impressive. Luckily she's got an extraordinarily supportive husband, who understands her passion and determination (we do love those, don't we?!).
The narrator is really good and perfect for the story. To be able to keep all the men's names apart I probably should have read instead of listening, but I believe that Kate Reading brings something extra with her narration so I'll keep listening!
"You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart - no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments - even at the risk of one's life - is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten..."
I've been wanting to read this series for a long time, and the first book did not disappoint! The only thing I really knew was that it was about the study of dragons, and I was pleasantly surprised that the main character Isabella (later known as Lady Trent) was a stubborn, brave and - for her time - unconventional woman. The book takes place in a fantasy world, but remains faithful to the Victorian Age, with all the restrictions women faced at that time. That Isabella despite this manages to get her way with her purpose of studying dragons is quite impressive. Luckily she's got an extraordinarily supportive husband, who understands her passion and determination (we do love those, don't we?!).
The narrator is really good and perfect for the story. To be able to keep all the men's names apart I probably should have read instead of listening, but I believe that Kate Reading brings something extra with her narration so I'll keep listening!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage