Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - A Natural History of Dragons

A Natural History of Dragons is a story taking place in the Victorian Era where we follow a woman named Isabella. Isabella is a feisty young woman who develops a love for dragons & a want to learn more about them. Because of the times she has grown up in, Isabella can't pursue her desire to learn about dragons but an opportunity comes her way. When an expedition by a wealthy man to a foreign county to study dragons with a small group of researchers she jumps at the chance to finally fulfill her dream at last.

The first thing I want to say is how much I enjoyed how the dragons were weaved into the environment and how other people's knowledge about them is constantly evolving the more they learn about them. It was nice to see a fantasy creature implemented like this into a story. The only thing I thought was that the plot did get a little out there towards the end. It didn't deter me though and still enjoyed the story!

I loved Isabella as a character and how she evolved into a stronger person by the end of the book. How she went through so much but she made it through it all even a horrific tragedy that I hope won't change the feeling of the rest of the series as it goes on. I might read the others sometime in the future but this still was a very good read and I recommend it!

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lunep's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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readandfindout's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

4.0

Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars

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brooklvk's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted 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? No

5.0

I loved this book! It had happy lighthearted storytelling, but kept me totally interested the whole way. Loved it! Spoiler:

The ending with her husband made me soo sad! I was so invested in the romance!! So sad! but I am still finishing the series of course.

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ophycore's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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leona's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This was unique and interesting take on your traditional fantasy story, with the whole novel being told in the form of a memoir in hindsight. The setting is a Victorian-esque fantasy, with our main character being a young woman who is fighting to make her way as a naturalist - but one who studies dragons. As such, the book feels like a scientific study or autobiography, but also tackles the social aspect of what it is like to be a pioneering woman in a field that doesn't want her. It is a fascinating blend of literary / feminist fiction with some fantasy elements.

The general story was somewhat interesting, however I am glad the book was only short as the expedition and mystery wasn't my favourite. I found the beginning much more exciting, as well as the hints of social commentary and the relationship between

Isabella and her husband.

I enjoyed Isabella as the main character for the most part because I believe she can represent many women even in our 'modern' society, especially those (similarly) in STEM fields such as mathematics, physics or computer science - which are often disproportionately represented by men. I found some of her comments particularly wholesome, witty and at times inspirational or heartbreaking. Some reminded me of the concept of 'female rage' and the anger that can come from having to fight to be accepted. I did truly enjoy her character.

Despite this, I could also understand if people were to dislike her. She comes from a place of relative privilege, which ultimately makes her 'quest' somewhat easier, she has a supportive relationship and is somewhat wealthy. This makes her somewhat frustrating when she is interacting with the characters in the village in which they were staying, (such as Dagmira). She often seems unnecessarily critical or rude, for no other reason than that she was 'frustrated with the language'. I feel this made it difficult for me to fully connect with her character.

The plot itself was relatively interesting and the more scientific approach to looking at dragons was something that is rarely seen.

But damn, that scene where they shoot the dragon and completely dismember it was slightly... I'm not sure what to make of it actually! :O

I found myself relating to Isabella's curiosity. However, I also feel like not much actually happened,(which may be the case considering it is a rather short book). The mystery and reveals at the end were satisfying but I also didn't feel like I cared that much.

An aspect I did enjoy was the beautiful relationship

of Isabella and Jacob. Honestly one of the cutest and most wholesome relationships I think I have read about; one that reflects what I hope any of my relationships may look like. They are friends first and foremost, and support each other through many difficult situations. Isabella does suffer in this book, her miscarriage was a very emotional section that further emphasised the pain of being a woman, especially at a time when motherhood is so deeply tied to a woman's worth / purpose. Isabella faces rumors and abuse because of this heartbreaking event, only making it even more emotional. On top of that, Jacob's death at the end genuinely broke me. THE MAN DESERVED BETTER!!! WHY CRUEL WORLD??? THEN SHE WAS PREGNANT AGAIN??? AAAAAH!!!

But then, I feel like the way this book is written sucks some of the emotion out of the story. Young Isabella was someone I could connect too, but the older Isabella narrating the story felt rather unexpressive when it came to these major events. I would have liked to see events such as Isabella's miscarriage, Jacob's death, and her later pregnancy, be given some time to explore these sections with greater depth and emotion. At times it felt somewhat sterile or coldhearted.

Overall, I quite enjoyed this story, particularly the character work and emotional sections. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series, however I will be rating this installment 3.5 stars.

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ayhuz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious sad 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? Yes

5.0

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