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

Reviews tagging 'Miscarriage'

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan

81 reviews

quiltedquill's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging inspiring mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

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nassuada's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

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

3.75

I really wanted to rate this book higher as it has all the things I usually love about books - dragons, science, a really interesting premise, and an outspoken woman as the main protagonist. I loved the first half of the book. The worldbuilding really hooked me, and there was a lot of really strong characterisation that defined everyone's motivations. But it started to fall flat afterwards when the main plot took over, and I found myself skimming the last few chapters. I really didn't like the ending, either - it felt like the author was in a rush to wrap everything up.

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meganpbell's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

I should have been obsessed with this book—I am totally the target audience! However, the main character’s xenophobic stance toward the village she’s intruding upon as a researcher does not change enough to give me confidence in joining her on an expedition to the version of colonial Africa in the sequel. I wanted more dragons, more science, and a more intersectional feminism. I would highly recommend Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina series instead!

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oliviawright1014's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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binie03's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious relaxing sad medium-paced

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

4.5

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laurasliterarynook's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

Enjoyed this a lot. Lady Trent is a badass, with great wit and a no-nonsense attitude. Unlike anything I've read. I hope my friend who borrowed me this book has the sequels too!

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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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samschnell19's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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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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sevensableyes's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

Love, love, love.

I knew when I first heard the premise of this series, that I would adore it. And I do. Isabella is fast becoming one of my favourite protagonists, along side Keladry (Protector of the Small series). This book made me feel very nostalgic for my dragon/dinosaurs phase. Isabella's passion is infectious.

The worldbuilding feels very natural, and is fairly easy to keep up with. I think it's because the world will slowly unravel throughout the books, following Isabella's adventures into different parts of the world. I really like how there is no magic system; it's just dragons. It makes them feel like real and vulnerable animals. I'm looking forward to seeing more species.

I loved all of the characters. I liked that

Jacob was a good husband; it would have been very easy to write him as dismissive of Isabella's passions, but he was truly lovely

. I'm fairly certain

Isabella and Mr Wilker will become closer in the future (not romantically)

.

This book ticked all the boxes for me, and hopefully the rest of the series does too.

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