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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audio performed by Kate Reading
Subtitle: A Memoir by Lady Trent
From the book jacket: All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, knows 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.
My reactions:
Well, this was a wonderful romp of an adventure. We learn how Isabella became interested in natural history, and dragons in particular. As the only daughter in a family of six children, she struggled to be ladylike, but her curiosity would not be dampened. Her father suggested she try book learning rather than “field work” and when she came of age to marry she was fortunate to find a man whose intellectual curiosity matched hers and who was more than willing to have her continue her research. And that is how they come to take a thrilling expedition to foreign lands in search of dragons.
Isabella is a wonderful heroine. She’s intelligent, tenacious, curious, and determined. She makes sure that she is of value to the expedition by honing her skill at anatomical drawing so as to record the expedition forces’ findings. But she also is a keen observer on her own. Of course, it is she who solves the great mystery at the center of this adventure.
While the time is set in approximately the Victorian era, Brennan has really created a marvelous world where dragons roam. She includes much information about the various sub-species and their differences in both appearance and behavior. I was completely engaged from beginning to end. I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Kate Reading does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. Her diction is clear and easy to understand. She really brings these characters to life.
Subtitle: A Memoir by Lady Trent
From the book jacket: All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, knows 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.
My reactions:
Well, this was a wonderful romp of an adventure. We learn how Isabella became interested in natural history, and dragons in particular. As the only daughter in a family of six children, she struggled to be ladylike, but her curiosity would not be dampened. Her father suggested she try book learning rather than “field work” and when she came of age to marry she was fortunate to find a man whose intellectual curiosity matched hers and who was more than willing to have her continue her research. And that is how they come to take a thrilling expedition to foreign lands in search of dragons.
Isabella is a wonderful heroine. She’s intelligent, tenacious, curious, and determined. She makes sure that she is of value to the expedition by honing her skill at anatomical drawing so as to record the expedition forces’ findings. But she also is a keen observer on her own. Of course, it is she who solves the great mystery at the center of this adventure.
While the time is set in approximately the Victorian era, Brennan has really created a marvelous world where dragons roam. She includes much information about the various sub-species and their differences in both appearance and behavior. I was completely engaged from beginning to end. I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Kate Reading does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. Her diction is clear and easy to understand. She really brings these characters to life.
norahc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-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
annagenesis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caricaficus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
ravenous_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
starinthestorm's review against another edition
1.5
Wish I DNF'd. Very boring and I could not stand the main character
ashyraine's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Honestly such a good book but just a little dry for my taste
caroreadssometimes's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
keyboardsmash123's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
joabroda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this story(written as memoir) of Lady Trent ( Isabella) and her very first foray to study dragons in the wild.
Isabella recollects her beginnings as a "misfit" in a world where women are expected to be demure. spend their life weaving or stitching and basically be arm candy for their husband. When the time comes for Isabella to be put on display, in hopes a finding a husband, she is most fortunate to find a man who can be her friend and one who most importantly allows her to read and express opinions.
After wedding, Isabella convinces her husband to take her along as he heads out on a expedition to study Dragons. Isabella has been interested in the subject since she was a child and longs to see a Dragon up close and draw and study them.
Their adventure into the wilds turns into upset when mishaps and missed connections interfere. There is the mystery of their missing guide and then the unthinkable, attacks upon persons by the dragons.
Brennan's characters and writing are marvelous. If you can suspend the disbelief in dragons the book is a wonderful memoir of a strong, independent woman. I loved it!
Isabella recollects her beginnings as a "misfit" in a world where women are expected to be demure. spend their life weaving or stitching and basically be arm candy for their husband. When the time comes for Isabella to be put on display, in hopes a finding a husband, she is most fortunate to find a man who can be her friend and one who most importantly allows her to read and express opinions.
After wedding, Isabella convinces her husband to take her along as he heads out on a expedition to study Dragons. Isabella has been interested in the subject since she was a child and longs to see a Dragon up close and draw and study them.
Their adventure into the wilds turns into upset when mishaps and missed connections interfere. There is the mystery of their missing guide and then the unthinkable, attacks upon persons by the dragons.
Brennan's characters and writing are marvelous. If you can suspend the disbelief in dragons the book is a wonderful memoir of a strong, independent woman. I loved it!