A review by danigc
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

I really wanted to love this book. The premise is extraordinary: an Indigenous author weaving a world where dragons are neither Eastern serpentine nor Western wyverns, but something entirely unique - feathered, antlered, rooted in Native American culture, their breath manipulates chemistry. But they’re still immense, volant, and powerful. 🐉 

My list of criticisms is long (ND characters written as stereotypes, side characters one-dimensional, dialogue bland and only exists to shuttle us to next plot point, narrow exploration of lessons and lore). I think this was intended for a younger audience with its oversimplified themes and underdeveloped characters. That’s my fault for not realizing it’s YA, which just isn’t for me.