A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent (The Lady Trent Memoirs, 1)
Marie Brennan begins a thrilling new fantasy series in A Natural History of Dragons, combining adventure with the inquisitive spirit of the Victorian Age.
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. . . . All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day. Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever. "Saturated with the joy and urgency of discovery and scientific curiosity."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on A Natural History of Dragons An NPR Best Book of 2013 The Lady Trent Memoirs1. A Natural History of Dragons
2. The Tropic of Serpents
3. Voyage of the Basilisk
4. In the Labyrinth of Drakes
5. Within the Sanctuary of Wings
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Community Reviews
It was better than I expected. Having not finished this once before two years ago, I'm thankful that I decided to give this another chance, because I really enjoyed it.
If a reader is into reading memoirs, this is, perhaps, a book for them. But be forewarned: this memoir is of a person who never existed, in a time where dragons are common predators. It's about a woman who struggles to blend in with her society, for a female scholar is unheard of during Isabella's time. This is very, very different from all other historical fiction (not too sure if this book is in the regency era though) that I have ever read. There are literal names of bones and muscles, and even drawings that Isabella is said to have done (huge kudos to the artist. You're amazing!)!
I thought at first this book would focus only on the study of dragons, but there is a mystery embedded within, making this an even more exciting read. So, if you're a lover of fantasy (specifically dragons, their anatomy, behaviour, etc), historical fiction and mystery, this is a book highly recommended for you. It's just that some parts can be a little dry and slow, which is why I've given 4 stars. Whether or not I'll read the second book will depend when I'm up for it. It's not your typical fantasy book, after all, but make no mistake, I'm really glad I read this.
If a reader is into reading memoirs, this is, perhaps, a book for them. But be forewarned: this memoir is of a person who never existed, in a time where dragons are common predators. It's about a woman who struggles to blend in with her society, for a female scholar is unheard of during Isabella's time. This is very, very different from all other historical fiction (not too sure if this book is in the regency era though) that I have ever read. There are literal names of bones and muscles, and even drawings that Isabella is said to have done (huge kudos to the artist. You're amazing!)!
I thought at first this book would focus only on the study of dragons, but there is a mystery embedded within, making this an even more exciting read. So, if you're a lover of fantasy (specifically dragons, their anatomy, behaviour, etc), historical fiction and mystery, this is a book highly recommended for you. It's just that some parts can be a little dry and slow, which is why I've given 4 stars. Whether or not I'll read the second book will depend when I'm up for it. It's not your typical fantasy book, after all, but make no mistake, I'm really glad I read this.
A lovely fantasy novel with a pinch of scientific curiosity. A daring heroine whom from a young age with a fascination for dragons and what makes them unique sets her future from her first discovery, finding love to solving a mysterious case. Her cheeky and outspokenness sets the novel with adventure and intrigue.
This was such an interesting take on dragons! I love that it was written like an old timey, Victorian memoir, complete with asides about what her publisher would find scandalous and mentioning of events and technology that the "reader" would know of. I wish there was a little more dragon action and a little less political intrigue and I NEEDED MORE JACOB TIME but overall I really enjoyed this and will be continuing with the series!
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