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A review by flightyreads
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Note: I have received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I started this book excited to read about a girl and her dragon. I ended this book reflecting on what intersectionality in feminism looks like.
To Shape A Dragon’s Breath very clearly draws on the real and devastating effects of colonialism and white oppression on the world, and how racism destroys everything with hate. Anequs expects to grow up and inherit her family’s home, and continue her life taking care of her community. While the threat of white (“Anglish”) settlers hangs over their heads, Anequs wants for little as her community cares for her as she does them.
When Anequs is forced to attend the Anglish school as to not put her community at further risk from either her dragon or the Anglish, she goes to learn how to care for her dragon. Anequs goes to this school already a complete person with her own culture and heritage, yet the Anglish see her as primitive because of the cultural differences. Even the friends that Anequs makes often make ignorant remarks and take offense at being called on them. Instead of apologies, Anequs is often met with their tears because they didn’t mean to do anything hurtful, and then expect comfort for it.
Anequs is young, and the reader may often forget this for how clever and mature she is, especially when set against ignorant and hateful people. I am very eager to see where she and Kasaqua will travel to together next, as Anequs has a long journey and tough battles ahead.
I recommend this book for everyone regardless of your journey in life, but especially for those who have had harder ones.
I started this book excited to read about a girl and her dragon. I ended this book reflecting on what intersectionality in feminism looks like.
To Shape A Dragon’s Breath very clearly draws on the real and devastating effects of colonialism and white oppression on the world, and how racism destroys everything with hate. Anequs expects to grow up and inherit her family’s home, and continue her life taking care of her community. While the threat of white (“Anglish”) settlers hangs over their heads, Anequs wants for little as her community cares for her as she does them.
When Anequs is forced to attend the Anglish school as to not put her community at further risk from either her dragon or the Anglish, she goes to learn how to care for her dragon. Anequs goes to this school already a complete person with her own culture and heritage, yet the Anglish see her as primitive because of the cultural differences. Even the friends that Anequs makes often make ignorant remarks and take offense at being called on them. Instead of apologies, Anequs is often met with their tears because they didn’t mean to do anything hurtful, and then expect comfort for it.
Anequs is young, and the reader may often forget this for how clever and mature she is, especially when set against ignorant and hateful people. I am very eager to see where she and Kasaqua will travel to together next, as Anequs has a long journey and tough battles ahead.
I recommend this book for everyone regardless of your journey in life, but especially for those who have had harder ones.