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onegalonelife27's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Anequs is the first in hundreds of years of her people to be chosen by a dragon, after the Great Dying when settlers came and wiped them out. And now her whole world is changing with it.
This a slower read, we are learning about the Anglish society along side Aneqes. I mean I was six hours into the audiobook and Aneques was on her second day of school. I'm not sure if I recommend the audiobook or print more, since with the audiobook I got pronunciation but with the print-I finally realized the world was based on our world, with a world map, pronunciation guide and everything. Depends on what you would prefer how to prefer to take in this journey.
The author does a great job so setting up how the cultures of the world vary, especially by way of stories shared by characters. Masaque dragon story is that of partnership. Anglish’s dragon story is that of conquering. Also have to say “Freya’s Tits” best fantasy swear, I’ve read in a while.
I feel like there’s a turn in the story. Anequs finds herself insulted-not for the first time by one of the Anglish students at the school, but this time he goes too far and Aneques slaps him, much to my relief and joy. Which of course sends her to the headmistress’s office. It’s there she learns it’s not just the dragoneering school that have an eye on her-seeing if she’s fit to keep her dragon, but all of the Anglish society around her. They expect her to bend to their ways, but Anequs refuses, holding onto her people’s ways. That’s when there’s more drive in in Aneques, a new found determination to show them who she is and to succeed. This scene left me really rooting for her success!
Also, Sanders is the best autistic boy and if anything happens to him, I’m gonna kill everyone in this room and then myself.
This is a start of a new series, and I’m curious to see where it goes. Since the story does take place on the east coast of the continent, while the west coast has Nakkies still having dragons and giving the Anglish settlers there trouble. It’d be curious to see what would happen in the two sides ever met.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Ableism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, War, and Transphobia
geekmom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book is an absolutely unique, utterly fabulous, genre-bending disruption of a novel.
It takes beloved tropes and turns them on their heads.
It is proudly and unapologetically anti-colonialist.
I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
It takes beloved tropes and turns them on their heads.
It is proudly and unapologetically anti-colonialist.
I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Ableism, Racism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
nerp's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
This and So Let Them Burn should be THE dragon books of the decade, but I digress: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath was absolutely fabulous, and I cannot wait for the sequel.
There’s no attempt here to make the cultures in the book unrecognizable, and for a story about colonization, it works. Yet even so, there’s a complexity and acknowledgment of the heterogenous nature of empire that I rarely see, and that was deeply refreshing.
What I also love about this is how unapologetic Anequs is about herself and her people. In some ways, she doesn’t quite grow in this book—just becomes more firm in her convictions and understanding of who she is, while also becoming more savvy in the dance of not stepping on too many colonizer toes for safety’s sake.
Also, the autism rep made me cry.
Absolutely fabulous.
There’s no attempt here to make the cultures in the book unrecognizable, and for a story about colonization, it works. Yet even so, there’s a complexity and acknowledgment of the heterogenous nature of empire that I rarely see, and that was deeply refreshing.
What I also love about this is how unapologetic Anequs is about herself and her people. In some ways, she doesn’t quite grow in this book—just becomes more firm in her convictions and understanding of who she is, while also becoming more savvy in the dance of not stepping on too many colonizer toes for safety’s sake.
Also, the autism rep made me cry.
Absolutely fabulous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Ableism
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Slavery, Sexism, Murder, and Hate crime
spookylettuce's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I cannot put into words how much I love this book.
There is such a variety of representation and allusion to painful history that fits within the world-building.
I loved the dragons, and underlying magic/science system.
The chapter “And had a revelation” had me weeping on my commute. It resonated with something deep within me that I also cannot put into words. I am an Indigenous person in the sciences who used to carry around the dictionary because it had a copy of the periodic table in it. Reading Anequs have the revelation that Traditional Knowledge of skiltakraft was still being passed on and hidden in plain sight , and it being relearned after being lost to colonisation and violence made me feel so much.
There is such a variety of representation and allusion to painful history that fits within the world-building.
I loved the dragons, and underlying magic/science system.
The chapter “And had a revelation” had me weeping on my commute. It resonated with something deep within me that I also cannot put into words. I am an Indigenous person in the sciences who used to carry around the dictionary because it had a copy of the periodic table in it. Reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Gun violence, Ableism, Racism, Classism, Violence, Sexism, Bullying, and Genocide
Minor: Death of parent and War
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Maybe my favorite book of the year so far. Fascinating world-building in an alternate US shaped by Scandinavian colonization. Incredible characters, queer/poly rep, an Indigenous heroine, DRAGONS, an academy setting… I could go on. Please please please read this!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and Ableism
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: War and Animal death
cakehatwombat's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Don't be turned away by the map + pronunciation guide at the beginning- it's simple to get once you've read a little.
The basic idea behind the world is that a. magic exists, b. dragons are real and can do magic (simplification), and c. the Norse were the first white colonizers to come to the Americas, and that much of North America (and presumably Central and South America) is still indigenous (it goes further than that, in truth, but that's for you to discover!). The Anglish are still very much colonizers, and are still very violent towards the indigenous people with whom they come into contact, but it is on a smaller scale (although, great dying maybe small pox or plague? I want to know more about the great dying so badly). I do wish the historical aspect of the world building was pushed even further? Like, there are some really great parts and broad strokes, but I wanted even more. I guess I wanted incredibly detailed erelore for every single civilization mentioned, which kind of detracts from the rad dragons. I can't help it, I'm the person who loved all of the singing, walking, and history lessons in LotR.
If you like dragons I think this book is absolutely worth your while. The powerset of the dragons in the book is very interesting and creative, def not something I've seen before.
I like the characters, but the character growth we see isn't really in the protag, it's in the supporting cast. I feel like the protag doesn't really 'grow' so much as plant her feet- she grows stronger in her convictions and her determination.
The protag has two love interests and is very much down for dating both of them, which is exactly what we want to see when multiple love interests are introduced. That said, one of them is definitely more developed than the other by the end of the book. I'm hoping that Liberty gets more time to shine in the next book.
Which leads me to: def planning on reading the next one.
The basic idea behind the world is that a. magic exists, b. dragons are real and can do magic (simplification), and c. the Norse were the first white colonizers to come to the Americas, and that much of North America (and presumably Central and South America) is still indigenous (it goes further than that, in truth, but that's for you to discover!). The Anglish are still very much colonizers, and are still very violent towards the indigenous people with whom they come into contact, but it is on a smaller scale (although, great dying maybe small pox or plague? I want to know more about the great dying so badly). I do wish the historical aspect of the world building was pushed even further? Like, there are some really great parts and broad strokes, but I wanted even more. I guess I wanted incredibly detailed erelore for every single civilization mentioned, which kind of detracts from the rad dragons. I can't help it, I'm the person who loved all of the singing, walking, and history lessons in LotR.
If you like dragons I think this book is absolutely worth your while. The powerset of the dragons in the book is very interesting and creative, def not something I've seen before.
I like the characters, but the character growth we see isn't really in the protag, it's in the supporting cast. I feel like the protag doesn't really 'grow' so much as plant her feet- she grows stronger in her convictions and her determination.
The protag has two love interests and is very much down for dating both of them, which is exactly what we want to see when multiple love interests are introduced. That said, one of them is definitely more developed than the other by the end of the book. I'm hoping that Liberty gets more time to shine in the next book.
Which leads me to: def planning on reading the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Ableism
jess_always_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I absolutely loved this book, I can't wait for the next one!
Blackgoose managed to artfully blend Indigenous folklore and history, and fantasy (dragons!) with a delightful sprinkling of steampunk.
I highly recommend this to anyone who's interested in dragons and Indigenous/own voices stories. You won't regret it!
Big ups for great LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse representation!
Blackgoose managed to artfully blend Indigenous folklore and history, and fantasy (dragons!) with a delightful sprinkling of steampunk.
I highly recommend this to anyone who's interested in dragons and Indigenous/own voices stories. You won't regret it!
Big ups for great LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse representation!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Colonisation, Ableism, Sexism, and Racism
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Violence
pandact's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I like the other review saying the author would be friends with R. F. Kuang, and I'll add Brandon Sanderson because it's almost as similar to the Rithmatist as it is to Babel.
It hits all the right notes If you like magical realism that combines science and mysticism in an alternate history world with multicultural mythologies foreshadowing worldbuilding. The dragons and Skilta system could be developed more, but it almost qualified as math magic and still didn't distract me too much with trying to figure out if it was chemistry or alchemy...
It hits all the right notes If you like magical realism that combines science and mysticism in an alternate history world with multicultural mythologies foreshadowing worldbuilding. The dragons and Skilta system could be developed more, but it almost qualified as math magic and still didn't distract me too much with trying to figure out if it was chemistry or alchemy...
All the more reason to look forward to the sequel because the third act passed five stars! Maybe I'll also read the next one during finals and student protests 🎒
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Forced institutionalization, and Bullying
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, and Misogyny
Minor: Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, and Xenophobia
dreareads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Indigenous fantasy lore, Dragons, and a fearless main character! There is plenty to love in this book but also a few things that keep it from being perfect.
Things I loved:
- Anequs is such a fun and unique character with a very clear set of believes that she is not afraid to express. I love how unmoving she was in the presence of those that wanted to change her. Her love for her family and community inspired me.
- The DRAGONS!!! Ugh I love how they are described and how each race of dragon is representative of the culture they come come.
- The world building!! Especially the use of stories as mirrors into the make up an ideologies of the communities and individuals in the book. Storytelling was a very beautiful and compelling world building tool that gave something special to the book. I genuinely think the world building is the strongest aspect of this book.
- Beautifully diverse cast with representation of queerness, disabilities, backgrounds, and histories.
- The complex ideologies of the book. Blackgoose did an excellent job at creating characters in all sides of the spectrum of good-bad-complicated. I also think that the politics between and inside the indigenous were fascinating and I wanted to learn more.
What I did not like:
- While I love Anequs, other than reinforcing her believes she did not go through much of a character development. In many ways, Anequs is the same girl in the end as she was in the beginning (albeit a few technicalities here and there). As a main character she is such a clear unmoving moral compass, that she feels one note at times.
- Most of the character development fell on Theod , the other nackie at the dragon school. The problem with this is that due to the book being written in first person we did not get to experience these changes. Majority of the character development takes place off page. We were constantly told that Theod was changing but again, not even in his interactions between Anequs and Theod were these changes clear.
- Anequs love for her community of Masquapaug comes through clearly, but the relationships she has with the people in her community do not. Maybe it is because we spend such little time with her in Masquapaug, but I know more about the believes and history of the Masquapaug than I do of Anequs place in her community. We were constantly told that she has friends, and that she knew her place in the community but we never saw it. Even her friends felt like forgotten side pieces.
- The plot and final resolution felt rushed. I think this is in part due to the fact that the world building took up so much space, but alongside with majority of the characters being underdeveloped so was the plot. In particular the final deus ex machina used to solve the government plot was ridiculous.
Overall, a book with lots of heart and lots to enjoy. It simply suffered from telling more than showing in regards to character development. I truly hope that the sequel will expand on the plot and make the final resolution not feel as jarring
Things I loved:
- Anequs is such a fun and unique character with a very clear set of believes that she is not afraid to express. I love how unmoving she was in the presence of those that wanted to change her. Her love for her family and community inspired me.
- The DRAGONS!!! Ugh I love how they are described and how each race of dragon is representative of the culture they come come.
- The world building!! Especially the use of stories as mirrors into the make up an ideologies of the communities and individuals in the book. Storytelling was a very beautiful and compelling world building tool that gave something special to the book. I genuinely think the world building is the strongest aspect of this book.
- Beautifully diverse cast with representation of queerness, disabilities, backgrounds, and histories.
- The complex ideologies of the book. Blackgoose did an excellent job at creating characters in all sides of the spectrum of good-bad-complicated. I also think that the politics between and inside the indigenous were fascinating and I wanted to learn more.
What I did not like:
- While I love Anequs, other than reinforcing her believes she did not go through much of a character development. In many ways, Anequs is the same girl in the end as she was in the beginning (albeit a few technicalities here and there). As a main character she is such a clear unmoving moral compass, that she feels one note at times.
- Most of the character development fell on Theod , the other nackie at the dragon school. The problem with this is that due to the book being written in first person we did not get to experience these changes. Majority of the character development takes place off page. We were constantly told that Theod was changing but again, not even in his interactions between Anequs and Theod were these changes clear.
- Anequs love for her community of Masquapaug comes through clearly, but the relationships she has with the people in her community do not. Maybe it is because we spend such little time with her in Masquapaug, but I know more about the believes and history of the Masquapaug than I do of Anequs place in her community. We were constantly told that she has friends, and that she knew her place in the community but we never saw it. Even her friends felt like forgotten side pieces.
- The plot and final resolution felt rushed. I think this is in part due to the fact that the world building took up so much space, but alongside with majority of the characters being underdeveloped so was the plot. In particular the final deus ex machina used to solve the government plot was ridiculous.
Overall, a book with lots of heart and lots to enjoy. It simply suffered from telling more than showing in regards to character development. I truly hope that the sequel will expand on the plot and make the final resolution not feel as jarring
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Bullying, Racism, Classism, Ableism, Colonisation, Racial slurs, Toxic friendship, Violence, and Xenophobia
leweylibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
So I really love the idea of this book. It's basically Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing but much better than both of those things lol. The dragon element is well done and a lot of fun imo, and I love watching the MC's dragon grow up 🥹
I think my biggest issue with the book is the pacing. It's super slow, like the first 300ish pages only covers like 5ish months of time. I was totally cool with that pace, although I was starting to wonder when something significant was going to happen. But then the pace started picking up and time started moving in bigger chunks, but it didn't feel like it was moving towards anything? At least not anything big. And then something big at the end just happened and you're like WHAT but then it's super quickly resolved. I was just confused and now I'm annoyed that who knows when the second book will come out 🫠 I do want to know where the story goes from here, though.
BUT! This book's reflections on colonialism, racism, and classism were absolutely by far the best part. It wasn't quite as intricate or well-developed as something like Babel (that world map was...idk how to feel about that lol), but I think this is probably more a YA speed, so that's alright. I liked that it had characters that showed the different levels and aspects of those isms. Like we have the MC who's a proud of her indigenous culture and doesn't know anything else and therefore doesn't think Anglish is at all better versus Theod who is also indigenous but has been raised in an Anglish world and taught to believe that culture is best.
I also loved her friends, especially Sander. Her relationship with him is just so wholesome. Oh! And the love interests were fun! We love some LGBTQIA+ rep, and it was refreshing that Anaqus' culture just respects those differences and doesn't think they're a big deal like the Anglish do. Last thing, we love the pronunciation guide! So helpful.
I think my biggest issue with the book is the pacing. It's super slow, like the first 300ish pages only covers like 5ish months of time. I was totally cool with that pace, although I was starting to wonder when something significant was going to happen. But then the pace started picking up and time started moving in bigger chunks, but it didn't feel like it was moving towards anything? At least not anything big. And then something big at the end just happened and you're like WHAT but then it's super quickly resolved. I was just confused and now I'm annoyed that who knows when the second book will come out 🫠 I do want to know where the story goes from here, though.
BUT! This book's reflections on colonialism, racism, and classism were absolutely by far the best part. It wasn't quite as intricate or well-developed as something like Babel (that world map was...idk how to feel about that lol), but I think this is probably more a YA speed, so that's alright. I liked that it had characters that showed the different levels and aspects of those isms. Like we have the MC who's a proud of her indigenous culture and doesn't know anything else and therefore doesn't think Anglish is at all better versus Theod who is also indigenous but has been raised in an Anglish world and taught to believe that culture is best.
I also loved her friends, especially Sander. Her relationship with him is just so wholesome. Oh! And the love interests were fun! We love some LGBTQIA+ rep, and it was refreshing that Anaqus' culture just respects those differences and doesn't think they're a big deal like the Anglish do. Last thing, we love the pronunciation guide! So helpful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Colonisation, Slavery, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: War