This was a fun read. I enjoy any books about dragons to begin with. The title and cover instantly caught my eye. I liked the blend of fantasy into our modern world that was cool to read about. I do think this book will be enjoyable to most YA readers but it isn't a stand out "omg this book is amazing" type read.

A Language of Dragons is as an unexpected delight and perfect for any fantasy fan that values strong world building and thought-out but flawed characters.
The prose was beautifully written, creating a sense of emerson within the world. The setting of academia worked perfectly for the story line, as S.F. Williamson broached topics of prejudice, class, and war.
My only wish is that this book contained more dragon action, but as this is the start of a series, I believe this will come in later books.
Overall, a very enjoyable, easy, and insightful read that I would recommend to YA and adult fantasy readers alike.

A big thank you to Harper Collin's Children's Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and options are my own and this review was left voluntarily.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

Vivien Featherstone has always been in the first class of her society, and she gets benefits that other classes don't. A determined student, she is currently studying dragon languages at a prestigious college. She is eager to succeed and to show off her knowledge of dragons, who live in an uneasy truce with humans. But then her parents and uncle are arrested for espionage and her young sister is in danger. Vivien recklessly frees a dragon trapped in a library.. While the dragon roams free, they arrest Vivien and tell her she can redeem herself by trying to help the think tank with dragon communication.

A Language of Dragons is an interesting alternate history tale. I wish we had dragons! The main character is unlikable, I think on purpose but the other charactders had me involved. I enjoyed it and wish for a sequel.

Loved the plot of this book! The world felt well built and immersive. The characters were good but I wish some of the side characters had been given more time to interact with the reader since we only get the main characters actions and personality coming through in the story most of the time. I also felt like the romance was missing something for me to love it and be attached emotionally to the characters and their relationship! This book was entertaining and fast paced with something always happening, but not in an overblown way and I loved reading it from start to finish! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a well rounded world and story with a great plot and dragons!

There will be some people who judge this book based on the likeability of its main character, Vivian, who is not likeable. She's not meant to be--at least not through most of her journey. She's meant to be real. She's selfish, ignorant, and blind to the suffering around her. She doesn't think about those less fortunate; her world is small and insulated. Her motivations lie in what is best for her and those she loves, not anybody else. So when faced with confronting systemic oppression and, indeed, having to decide whether her own needs outweigh the lives of millions of others, her natural instinct is to conform, lie to herself, and believe that what is best for her is really all that matters. If you've been paying attention, that way of thinking is hardly unusual.

I get the author's choice. It's one thing to have a protagonist that is only flawed in ways that can ultimately be explained away as inevitable or unavoidable, It's another to have a truly flawed protagonist--one who the reader will disagree with. We all would like to think that we would act nobly when faced with making sacrifices for the greater good; A Language of Dragons makes you question whether you will. Are we like Vivian? Or are we like Atlas, the angel on her shoulder. We would be either... or both.

That I liked this book even with such a frustrating protagonist owes to the wildly unique--yet historically familiar--setting. This along with a heavy dose of dragons--and who doesn't love talking dragons?--make A Language of Dragons an enjoyable, and sometimes emotional, read. I do wish that some of the side characters were better fleshed out, which would have given certain moments in the book more of an impact, but overall, this story is a fascinating start to what could become a more expansive and adventurous journey.

*3.5 stars

If there's one thing in the world I love, it's historical fantasy. Take history and sprinkle a little magic on top and I will EAT IT UP. Unfortunately, this one didn't really do it for me, but that's okay. The writing style is nice, and I'm curious to see what Williamson will do in the future, but the plot moves at an odd pace, the historical aspect feels underdeveloped, and I just... I fear I'm actually growing up because like. why are they pinning all their hopes on a bunch of teenagers. why do they seem unconcerned when said teenagers start trying to kill each other. what is going on.

That said, though, the conversations about language and communication were really beautiful. Vivian herself was a fascinating protagonist to follow; it's been awhile since I've read one who's so truly morally grey as she is. The dragons are so sassy and iconic I love them.

I might be interested enough to pick up the sequel. Oh, yeah, IT'S A DUOLOGY. Why publishers seem allergic to putting that information in descriptions I don't understand but I'd like to be aware before 92% where I'm like, "you know I think there's too much to wrap up in just one book". Thanks.

I don't regret reading it, it's very readable and an interesting premise. It won't be a favorite of the year, but that's a-okay. I can absolutely see people being obsessed with it, and I love that for them. 3.5 stars from me!

* content warnings for profanity (including several f-bombs), a lot of violence, and a few of the side characters identify as gay

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

A Language of Dragons is a debut young adult romantasy novel that blew me out of the water. We have a world in a tentative peace agreement with dragons cause some dragons can quickly eat or burn you alive. The world is set in an alternate 1920s London. Viv is our main character who has a passion for languages. She is a polyglot who can speak both human and dragon languages. Once she makes a terrible choice, she is recruited to figure out a dragon language and hand it over to her superiors to win a war, but at so much cost. This first book has a lot to love, including learning the various characters and twists and turns of what Liv has been told about the peace agreement, dragons, and even languages. What she knows about this new language is so sacred and essential to the survival of dragons that she puts a lot on the line to keep it from those who would twist it for evil. It's a great first book.

This novel is such a thrill. However, I would have appreciated less focus on the academia side of things and more focus on action-packed scenes. The fast pace will keep readers interested, while the high stakes add tension. A noteworthy book and a great start for 2025.

“In a world where dragons and humans coexist, danger lurks around every political corner. S. F. Williamson’s A Language of Dragons kept me hooked with its intrigue and atmospheric world!

A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson offers a compelling blend of historical fiction and young adult fantasy, set in 1923 Britannia—a richly imagined world where humans and dragons coexist. Class divisions, fragile agreements, and political intrigue threaten to unravel peace, endangering both species.

Vivian Featherswallow, a dedicated rule-follower, soon discovers that not all rules are worth following. Her mysterious new job reveals hidden truths that could upend everything she believes in.

This book captivated me from start to finish. The characters felt authentic, their struggles and motivations deeply resonant. The author's atmospheric writing brought the setting to life, immersing me in a world where danger and wonder intertwine. The plot is skillfully paced, with twists that keep the tension high and the pages turning. The world-building is clear and accessible, making it easy to follow the complex political landscape and its implications.

While I want to avoid spoilers, certain plot elements truly stood out and made the story a good one. I originally thought this was a standalone novel, but it turns out to be the first in a series. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting the next installment, and I hope it is not going to be a long wait.

Thank you to HarperCollins for providing me with a digital copy of this book.

Since I read Fourth Wing I was really hopeful in this one. Why the book isn't terrible, I wanted more dragon riding and less academia. I found the FMC to be hard to like. She was very selfish and kept making the same destructive mistakes the entire books. It didn't seem to matter if her choices hurt others, only if it helped her and her family. While this wasn't really for me, I feel it's still a good book for others who want the academia.

A Language of Dragons is the first book in a new YA series by S. F. Williamson and I am hooked!. Yes, "there be dragons" so sign me up, but the things that make this book interesting.

The Writing: The book is well paced and easy to follow even though it deals with difficult themes such as class, prejudice and war. The author's prose is excellent and I found myself highlighting passages throughout that hit me as very relevant and meaningful.

The Characters: The main characters vary from 18-19 year old teens to adults in power and authority to the dragons with their own unique personalities. I loved how the dragons were very much beasts to be wary of, but intelligent and we inspiring. The one main dragon in particular is complex and I love how his character evolved in the story. The main character Viv is a difficult one because she is selfish, privileged and narrow at the beginning of the novel. She continues to do things that will make readers mad many times, so I can see how for some it would be difficult to like her or have empathy for her in contrast to the plight of the other teen characters in her position. I though Williamson maneuvered this well and gave us a young character, reacting in to danger in a believable immature way, who has a lot of introspection still ahead of her, but is capable of growth. It was refreshing to see.

The Setting: The book is set in an alternative historical 1920's London. As a result there is a mix of decadent Gatsby vibes (post war recovery, dances, dress, architecture) under a strict class system that allows the lowest class to suffer for the sake of the 2 upper classes and material wealth and access is rigidly enforced along those lines. The war recovery is from a previous war with the dragons and the "peace" initiative is about avoiding another confrontation humans know they can't win. It's a fascinating mix of things that could easily feel muddled, but that Williamson weaves together well.

Themes about Language: The plot takes a page from R.F, Kwang's Bable in issues of translation and understanding are everywhere through the story. I loved how Language is presented as fluid and how understanding is based on connection and bounds as opposed to objective definition. In being forced to translated a dragon "code" for the government, Viv is confronted with how her views of language affects her understanding of the world and specifically the unique culture and values of the dragons. There is power in language- whether it be the rhetorical power to manipulate through propoganda, or the power to change ones perspective and see possibilities for experiences outside our own, stories about translation and language take us to a closer inspection of ourselves, our humanity and beauty in our differences. But here Williamson adds that they are also stories about sacrifice and what we are willing to let go in order to understand and be understood.

I would highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing with this series.

Vivien Featherswallow is willing to do anything to accomplish her goal of attending university to become a dragon translator, even if it means betraying her best friend.
When her family is arrested all her plans fall apart. In her first act of rebellion, Vivien releases a dragon and starts a war. Now she must work for the Prime Minister in order to save her family. Teenage misfits with nothing to lose are recruited to work in Bletchley Park. The secret assignments are in codebreaking, aviation, and zoology in hopes of winning the war against the dragon rebels. Will Vivien do what is right or what is being asked of her to save her family?

Fantastic! A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson is a debut historical fantasy about a world with dragons, rebellions, and heartbreaking love. It’s 1923 in the streets of London and dragons fly overhead as protesters line the streets demanding an end to the class system. Vivian Featherswallow is living in her second class bubble. She follows the rules, keeps her head down, and works hard. When her idol comes to dinner at her family home, Viv hopes to secure an internship studying dragon languages (she can already speak nine), but her life comes crashing down as her family is arrested for colluding with the rebels. Desperate to save her family, Viv makes a choice to release a dragon. By midnight, her actions have started a civil war.

To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. There wasn’t a single thing in this book that I didn’t enjoy. Viv is a complex, morally grey character that has you questioning from the start what you’d do if in her shoes. Viv isn’t the clear cut protagonist, and she carries guilt for the choices she’s made both in her past and present. She doubts that she is a good person. She feels selfish, concerned only with keeping her second class status, preventing her sister from dropping to third class, and doing whatever it takes to attain her goals. Now that her family is arrested, she is even more desperate, desperate enough to break into the university library and release a dragon who has been there since the start of the class system. The consequences of her actions haunt her and follow her throughout the book.

I like Viv. While she feels selfish, her choices are the choices most would make when placed into seemingly impossible situations. The fact that she struggles with the consequences and guilt haunts her proves that at her core she is a good person. Though, admittedly, while reading, I have no doubt you will question that.

The consequence for releasing a dragon is that Viv is required to work for the prime minister. If she succeeds, she’s promised that her family can go free. Viv, along with a handful of other teens, are thrust into a secret base, researching dragons. Viv’s knowledge of dragon tongues is put to breaking a secret code among the dragons and becomes the main focus of the book. I loved this. It reminds me of the codebreakers during WWI and WWII. Viv’s job and everyone there is to find a weakness to stop the rebels which includes dragons and humans. The tensions are high, but the stakes are higher.

Overall, I loved A Language of Dragons. It’s exciting, thrilling, and even has a dash of romance. I loved the dragons (I could write multiple reviews of this book focusing on the different things I loved). The relationship Viv builds with the dragon she releases was unexpected, but fantastic. I also really enjoyed the other characters present at the base Viv is at which includes her cousin Marquis, her former best friend Sophie, and so many others. I highly recommend this one to fans of YA fantasy or historical fantasy.

Side Note: This book ends on a small cliffhanger. There is no mention that this will be a duology. I believe it is a standalone. Though I hope more will come from this world.

A different story about dragon sand how now communicate with each other ,
the academic and government wants to understand the language to use .to fight the war.
some drama action ,angst and possible romance.
a little slow at times.
voluntarily reviewed.

This began as a fast-paced read with high stakes and intrigue, but it slowed as Vivian started working on the code-breaking mystery. I wanted more interactions with dragons and clearer world-building. There wasn’t enough discussion on how dragons lived in this society, and it was hard for me to envision while the MCs were cooped up in the mansion working in secret for the government.

I struggled to root for Vivian. She regretted her past betrayal but didn’t tell Sophie the truth, apologize or try to make amends for way too long. She was willing to do the wrong thing to save her family but was repeatedly given evidence that indicated her leaders couldn’t be trusted. Too much of the tale was her agonizing over what to do.

The romance between Vivian and Atlas felt awkward and uncomfortable, as he was in training to become a celibate priest.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC.

From the first pages of S.F. Williamson's A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS, I was deeply immersed in an alternative London where the fragile truce between humans and dragons has been broken. Adept with dragon languages, Vivien Featherswallow is caught up in the politics, high-stakes decisions, and fundamental rights for all living creatures, be they dragon or human, including the best friend she betrayed to advance in a classist, elitist, exacting society. The action is swift and fantastically well-done so I never knew what was coming next, only that I would read with pell mell delight whatever Williamson chose to share in elegant prose with fully dimensional characters of every kind, and all-encompassing questions of identity, loyalty, and love. Will recommend far and wide. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the e-arc of this amazing debut!

This book is being compared to Babel, Divine Rivals, and Fourth Wing, and while I can agree with them all I think it is such a unique tale of its own.

The dedication to the linguistics is so well done, and the commitment to the actual science of code breaking and translation demonstrates just how much Williamson put into this book.

The characters are real, and flawed. The stakes are high. The accuracy and weight of corrupted regimes is painfully reminiscent of what we're experiencing today.

Vivien's arc throughout this book as she balances saving her family with the greater good is so fascinating to me. She is not /meant/ to be liked at certain points of this -- she's an immature kid who is being faced with real world problems after being relatively sheltered. What's impressive about it is that I was still dedicated to her story, and cheered her on by the end.

The side characters were everything to me (I've never been more invested in a background story than that of Dr. Seymour).

And Atlas. Ugh. My golden boy. I knew it was coming, and still...

The last line? Utterly gut wrenching.

I don't know if I'd call this book enemies to lovers, at least not in Book 1. Book 2 could be set up for it, but for now it feels just like... lovers. It felt like a mutually reciprocated romance from the start and honestly I was fine with what. I think some of the tension could be stronger, and the depth of the relationship between Atlas and Viv could have been better fleshed out, but this is a debut, and a bloody strong one at that.

4/5 ⭐s for Williamson to start the New Year!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty solid debut novel and what I hope is the first in a series with that cliffhanger.

In this historical fantasy, we follow Viv, who lives a pretty comfortable life despite there being a class system for the citizens in this society. Her life is turned upside down though when her parents are arrested for assisting a rebellion, which Viv did not know they were apart of. Now orphaned with her little sister, Viv decides to seek help from a dragon held captive for treason. They strike a deal for Viv to release her, and in return, she would burn the evidence of Viv’s parents’ wrongdoings. As expected, this plan backfires, and Viv is caught. She is now left to decide if she will be executed or use her knowledge of dragon languages to assist the government in deciphering a valuable dragon language that has yet to be cracked.

Overall, I thought the pacing and plot were pretty steady for this one. We also get a wide cast of characters that each bring something unique to the story. Viv is also an interesting character to follow since she’s not what we would normally expect out of a book like this. She lives a life of privilege and has a pretty hard time grasping other people’s struggles outside of her own. She is selfish and self serving when certain opportunities present themselves, but this honestly didn’t make me hate her. In fact, it made her character development so much better. Especially since we know she genuinely has to have her eyes opened multiple times to make the right decision, because she has a history of not doing so. It was very realistic and authentic, and she did win me over at the end.

Which brings me to the ending. This leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m hoping we get a second book to get some questions answered that were left open ended, especially with a certain character.

4/5 stars

This is very much Babel meets Fourth Wing, but YA and a heavier lean on the Babel side of things. There is a good bit of academia surrounding language, translation, especially with regard to the language of dragons. However, if you were intimidated by Babel, you do not have to worry about that here. As it is YA, it does not get to that same technicality level.

We do get the same concept of those who have been forced into the lower class of society wanting a revolution and to change society and characters that have been higher up in a society being confronted by the facts of life for these people who are now their friends. I love this as a commentary on modern society also.

Viv is not a super likeable character and very stubborn and a bit selfish. She wants things to go back to how they were without thinking about what they could be. It takes a lot for her to actually change, which is frustrating at times, but is consistent storytelling for the character.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for my copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Devoured this one like a hungry dragon. Great plot. Great world building. Wish it had MORE with the dragons, but it's definitely a great start to a new series.