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A review by sustainably_lucia
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was hooked after 4 pages! Strong indigenous FMC, dragons, anti-colonialism. It’s a slow-paced and low-stakes story that gets major points for diversity and inclusion. The realities of racism and prejudice are seamlessly integrated in a way that feels real and honest. I could tell it was written from experience. I would classify this as a cozy fantasy because of the low stakes but it definitely doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Anequs is a spitfire 15-year-old who is always challenging the status quo. She grew up in a supportive community where she didn’t have many opportunities to doubt herself.
The beginning was great but it dragged in the middle and I lost the main plot line. I wasn’t sure what the goal of the MCs was. The ending was good but not as well crafted as the beginning. Overall, this was a great book and I loved the prominence of indigenous culture and I recommend reading it for that alone.
Graphic: Colonisation and Racism
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Violence
Minor: Animal death