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A review by izzalice
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
The premise of A Language of Dragons is incredible and I really liked how the study of dragon language and echolocation was incorporated into the book. The first four chapters have such a strong pull and Williamson is great at establishing both the setting and the oppressive class system that the characters are living in with vivid clarity.
Alright, down the hill we go. Let's talk about Vivien Featherswallow- she's insufferable. And I don't say that lightly. I understand this in the first half- Vivien grows up in a more privileged class and the government's lies run deep however it gets to a point where her ignorance borders on unrealistic and extremely frustrating given the things she sees and hears as the plot progresses.
You also find out in the very first chapter that Vivien horribly betrays her bestfriend. You don't find out how until very late on in the book but it's mentioned nearly every chapter and it drove me up the wall. This piece of information made it difficult to root for Vivien as well and I just didn't care about her as much I should care about a main character.
I also can't write this review without mentioning the 'perfect for Fourth Wing fans' and the 'enemies to lovers' marketing that I've seen for A Language of Dragons and how I think it does this book, its readers, and the author a massive disservice.
I understand to an extent why this comparison has been made- dragons, competition aspect, both characters names begin with V? But that's pretty much it. Fourth wing is an adult romantasy with a much faster pace whereas A Language of Dragons is a teen historical fantasy with more of a romance subplot which is- at most- mild dislike to lovers, certainly not enemies.
Overall, Williamson has created a really interesting setting and an excellent plotline. There is so much to like in this book but I don't see myself continuing the series unless a different character's perspective is introduced in the sequel.
Alright, down the hill we go. Let's talk about Vivien Featherswallow- she's insufferable. And I don't say that lightly. I understand this in the first half- Vivien grows up in a more privileged class and the government's lies run deep however it gets to a point where her ignorance borders on unrealistic and extremely frustrating given the things she sees and hears as the plot progresses.
You also find out in the very first chapter that Vivien horribly betrays her bestfriend. You don't find out how until very late on in the book but it's mentioned nearly every chapter and it drove me up the wall. This piece of information made it difficult to root for Vivien as well and I just didn't care about her as much I should care about a main character.
I also can't write this review without mentioning the 'perfect for Fourth Wing fans' and the 'enemies to lovers' marketing that I've seen for A Language of Dragons and how I think it does this book, its readers, and the author a massive disservice.
I understand to an extent why this comparison has been made- dragons, competition aspect, both characters names begin with V? But that's pretty much it. Fourth wing is an adult romantasy with a much faster pace whereas A Language of Dragons is a teen historical fantasy with more of a romance subplot which is- at most- mild dislike to lovers, certainly not enemies.
Overall, Williamson has created a really interesting setting and an excellent plotline. There is so much to like in this book but I don't see myself continuing the series unless a different character's perspective is introduced in the sequel.