It is not one of my specific book goals for 2024, but beginning a few years ago, I challenged myself to start reading outside of the same 2-3 genres. And as I’ve continued on with giving different genres a try, I’ve found some series that I’ve really loved. I was not sure about this series when I started it in late spring, but I’ve now almost finished the series (only one book left!) and I am left wondering what other historical fantasy series have I missed out on. I do think that many of you readers may be interested in A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan, so let’s dive in!
A Natural History of Dragons, Marie Brennan
You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart–no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon’s presence, even for the briefest of moments–even at the risk of one’s life–is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .
All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world’s preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.
Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.
Why You Should Read This…
This was absolutely a slow starting book (and series for me) but once it got going, I was fully invested- I would say it took about the first quarter of the book for me to settle in. Isabella is a very specific protagonist and character, and I struggled with her for the first bit. (I found her endlessly frustrating and excessively stubborn, but once I came around, she became quite the endearing character.) Given that this is a decent-sized novel and it is a five book series, I was okay with allowing more time to settle in.
I would say that the book is obviously set in alternative Britain and Europe- Brennan builds on what most of us know/understand while still creating her own world well. (That can be a difficult tightrope to walk but she does!) She also builds her story based on a familiar Victorian and/or Edwardian scientific framework . While it does allow her to eliminate a small amount of world-building, it has a skeleton that works well for both the book and the series as a whole.
My one true qualm is that there could absolutely be more dragons, and the dragons are what pulled me in!
Is A Natural History of Dragons on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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