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 … 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
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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This book is set in a fictional world, which feels very much like England and other recognizable parts of Europe. Written in the style of a 19th century novel, it can be slow going. The characterization of most of the characters are flat, which means it’s hard to care about what happens to them. Yet the idea of a world where dragons are part of the normal environment and ripe for study was enough to keep me going. I’m even looking forward to the sequel.
Great book
Charming, entertaining, but not emotionally heavy. Recommended if you like Harry Potter, A Discovery of Witches, Clan of the Cave Bear.
Superb world-building, and for once, a story about a married couple who are actually in love.
I came upon this series accidentally and now count these among my favorite books.
I am so excited! A new, well writen, adventure series to follow. I love Isabelle. All the characters are fully fleshed and endearing. In one way or another. Do yourself a favor. Start this series.
The
A good story. Not much happens but fun.
Set in an alternate universe during “Victorian” times, Isabella is an insatiably curious girl who wants to know everything there is to know about dragons. A Natural History of Dragons is her story of how she managed to acquire her dream despite the role her society requires of women. Written as a memoir, this shows us her first forays into scientific inquiry, her marriage at age 17 and her first scientific expedition (at 19, with her husband) in search of dragons. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Although some people seem to have been put off by the scientific inquiry that permeates the story, I thought it added to my understanding of Isabella’s character; it is an integral part of her and rarely stops. I highly recommend The Lady Trent Chronicles.