I’m to the point now that if I see a book with dragons I’m just all in. Even tho this was classified as YA it didn’t matter. Entertaining! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

4.5 stars

This was FANTASTIC! Babel meets Fourth Wing by way of The Black Witch. We've got a morally grey FMC, Bletchley Park code-breaking, secret rebellions, high stakes, danger, DRAGONS, and an overall compelling story.

Viv is not an easy character to like. She's naive, selfish, privileged, and unwilling to see the inequality around her. If you've read The Black Witch, she's just like Elloren, and they have a very similar arc of character growth (minus the chosen one trope). Atlas is also very similar to Yvan from the same book. It takes a lot for Viv to recognize the problems around her and to stop contributing to them. But it's a very satisfying journey.

I was hooked from the very first chapter, and never found myself lose interest at any point. The tension is high throughout, and the stakes are constantly raised. Characters are not safe at all, and that becomes abundantly clear at the climax. This is such a fantastic read, and I cannot wait for the next book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview.

This was a 3.5 star book for me. I appreciated that the characters were a bit more grey, but found the main character, Viv, a bit eyeroll inducing. I also felt that the romance was a bit forced and didn’t add to the story all that much. Set in an alternative England where dragons live among humans, but not always peacefully. Viv is a polyglot in dragon languages that gets swept up in what amounts to a civil war. I’ll say the propaganda and the political machinations shine in this book, especially when viewed through the lens of a somewhat naive Viv. Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just wish the romance was left out, or at least minimized.

Loved this. I really liked the language system and anything to do with dragons is always a plus for me. Cannot wait for all the special editions of this coming.

I will admit that for the first 200 pages of this book I was extremely lost but the other 100 pages or so was very good and explained everything. This book as a whole was interesting and kind of reminded me of Babel mixed with dragons which is probably the best way to describe this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Language of Dragons is the debut novel of S. F. Williamson set in an alternate world where dragons have been living alongside humans for centuries. Our protagonist Viv, has worked hard her entire life studying to maintain her second class status and a dream internship is within reach when her life implodes. Her parents are arrested for suspected rebel activity and her snap decision to try and save them lands her in big trouble where her only options are a death sentence or joining a secret government organization where her skills in dragon languages may be the key to winning a war. The book is an extremely interesting mix of fantasy, dystopia, and historical fiction.

A lot of people are not going to like Viv. Her decisions and actions are extremely frustrating to read but I think that makes her a more realistic character. She struggles with very real problems. Should she do what is morally right or should she do what is best for herself and her family? I struggled a bit with the side characters. They weren't one dimensional but I wouldn't call any of them fully formed either. There is a love interest and if you have any experience reading young adult fantasy it will be easy to spot who it is from their introduction. The romance while a little forced and I felt unnecessary to the book did have an extremely funny moment where there's a big climatic scene happening and the characters stop making out and go, wait, we have more important things to be doing.

I found the world interesting but a bit underdeveloped. There is a lot to try and tackle as a debut and I think it's possible Williamson needed to develop her ideas a bit more. We have a three class system for England's citizens with those at the bottom afford the worst jobs, food, and little to no access to healthcare or decent housing. An examination determines whether a person stays within their current class or falls to a lower class. Here's where one of my issues popped in, we learn first can fall to second and second can fall to third. We also learn if third does well enough they can become second but there's no mention of how to get into first class. It's also not clear what the examination entails. All of the characters we meet have different specialties and focus on different subjects, we aren't shown how this big part of the class system works. We also don't see enough of how dragons work with the society. There's a queen dragon that signed an agreement with the Prime Minister after a dragon uprising in Bulgaria. A few of the queen's dragons are shown to be working within the military but otherwise we don't see many other dragons. The book splits its focus much more between academic study of dragons and the social unrest happening around Viv. Though based on the way the book ended the dragons may be larger characters in a sequel.

Overall this was a fun debut with interesting depictions of dragons and good discussions revolving language, translation, and what a government owes its people. Though sometimes its message felt a bit heavy handed A Language of Dragons was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.

This is Babel meets Fourth Wing. The Imitation Game meets Fantastic Beasts. This is how you do a cross-over 👏🏻🤩 If you like either the Historical Fiction or Fantasy genres and want to try out the other, I think this would be the perfect choice!

Set in Britain, our main characters are recruited to the war effort at Bletchley Park working in teams to help the Prime Minister win the civil war that has broken out. One team is tasked with breaking the dragon code, which our main character Viv is well-suited for as she speaks 9 languages including 6 dragon tongues.

The setting lends itself to some prime dark academia vibes, which I loved! But what really stood out to me was how the author delved into the country’s political unrest, government corruption, class system and most interestingly to me, the power of linguistics.

Language is crucial to communication but more so understanding. It can be used to unite and isolate, and meaning can be lost so easily upon translation. I found this to be fascinating, and I loved how the author expounded upon this topic.

I wanted a bit more development from the romantic subplot, and our FMC took a bit too long to come to her senses and see past her selfishness and privilege, but apart from those minor critiques, this was a phenomenal book!

Thanks to Harper Fire and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

The world building in this book is amazing and immense, but I couldn't connect with it. While I so appreciate Viv's dedication to her family and finding herself in a problem of (seemingly) her own creation, this one sadly isn't for me. I can see myself giving it another go in the future, and I'll still recommend to readers looking for books like The Hunger Games.

The premise of this book automatically drew me in with high expectations. However, the book fell flat for several reasons;

- I had a hard time believing that the government would allow teenagers free reign to go anywhere they pleased amongst the fortress they had housed them in. They were poisoners, but were treated like they were at a summer camp. Due to this, it really brought down the intensity and the stakes.
- The romance subplot between the main character and the priest felt forced. There was nothing natural about their relationship, so it came across as though the author was just trying to check off a box to add 'romance' to the books description.
- The dragons were what brought me to this book, and the dragons were what disappointed me the most. Dragons are awesome, destructive creatures, but somehow in this world the dragons are subservient to the humans? But, there's also no explanation of what power the humans have over dragons. In fact, the whole book is focused on finding a way to have control over them. It didn't make sense that dragons were already subservient to humans especially since the Bulgaria dragons showed how easy it was to take over humans.
- Sophie forgave Viv way too quickly. I wished the author had leaned into Sophie's 'revenge' comment instead of having her forgive Vivian two seconds later. It didn't feel natural, and made it seem like Sophie only existed in Viv's world with no thoughts or opinions of her own.

Ultimately, my issues with the book boil down to these few things; pacing, world-building, plot holes, and stilted relationships

Summary:

"A Language of Dragons" by S. F. Williamson is an enchanting fantasy novel that dives deep into the lore and linguistics of a world where dragons are not just mythical creatures but pivotal to the culture and history of the human societies they interact with. The story centers around Elara, a young linguist who has a unique gift for understanding the language of dragons—a skill thought to be lost to time.

The plot unfolds in the kingdom of Adrith, where dragons have long been revered, feared, and misunderstood. Elara's journey begins when she uncovers an ancient text that hints at a forgotten method to communicate with dragons, leading her into a quest that promises to either save or doom her world. She must navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the complex relationships between humans and dragons. Along her journey, she is accompanied by a diverse cast including a rogue with a mysterious past, a noblewoman with her own agendas, and a dragon whose intentions are as enigmatic as his language.

Williamson crafts a detailed world where language serves not just as a tool for communication but as a bridge between species, cultures, and histories. The novel explores themes of trust, power, the nature of knowledge, and the consequences of its use or misuse.

Review:

Plot:
The narrative is intricate with multiple layers, weaving together personal growth with epic fantasy elements. Williamson's plot is well-paced, with enough twists to keep readers engaged without sacrificing the depth of the world-building. However, some might find the political machinations a bit convoluted, potentially overshadowing the central dragon-human interaction.

Characters:

Elara - A young, gifted linguist who can understand the language of dragons. She is the protagonist, embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets of this ancient communication.

Varrick - A rogue with a mysterious past who becomes Elara's reluctant companion. His skills and knowledge of the underworld of Adrith are crucial to their journey.

Lady Seraphine - A noblewoman from one of the powerful houses of Adrith. She has her own agendas and political ambitions, which intertwine with Elara's quest.

Draegar - An ancient dragon whose intentions are not immediately clear. He plays a pivotal role in the narrative, representing the bridge between human and dragonkind.

King Alaric - The ruler of Adrith, caught in the middle of political machinations and the potential upheaval that Elara's discovery might bring.

Mara - Elara's childhood friend and a scholar in her own right, providing support and sometimes a counterbalance to Elara's more impulsive decisions.

Kael - A young knight, sworn to protect Elara but also embodying the traditional views of dragons as threats, which leads to internal conflict and growth.

World-Building:
This is where "A Language of Dragons" truly shines. The world of Adrith feels lived-in, with a rich history and an intricate linguistic system that doesn't overwhelm but enhances the story. The integration of dragons into the societal fabric is both innovative and believable.

Writing Style:
Williamson's prose is eloquent, especially in the descriptions of landscapes and the complex dialogues that mimic the flow of different languages. However, there are sections where the density of information might slow down the narrative pace.

Themes:
The novel delves into themes of communication, power dynamics, and the ethics of knowledge. It poses questions about how understanding can lead to harmony or destruction, making it a thoughtful read beyond the typical fantasy fare.

Conclusion:

"A Language of Dragons" is a commendable addition to the fantasy genre, particularly for readers who appreciate linguistic elements in storytelling. While it has its flaws, particularly in pacing and the balance between plot and political intrigue, the strengths in character development, world-building, and thematic exploration make it a worthwhile read. It's a novel that not only entertains but also invites reflection on how we communicate and connect with the world around us.

Ratings Breakdown:

Plot: 4/5 - Engaging with some complexity that might not appeal to all readers.
Characters: 4/5 - Well-developed with room for further depth in secondary characters.
World-Building: 5/5 - Exceptionally rich and immersive.
Writing Style: 4/5 - Beautifully descriptive but occasionally dense.
Themes: 5/5 - Profound and thought-provoking.
Overall: 4.5/5 - A strong fantasy novel with unique elements that stand out in the genre.

This review encapsulates "A Language of Dragons" as a novel that will resonate with those who love detailed world-building and the exploration of language in fantasy settings

I'm not a fan od dark academia. However, I thought dragons would be enough to make me give it a try. I read to escape, I don't need to be reminded of what's going on the word. 3 stars is for the dragons. I finished it, but it was a struggle. Perhaps I'll give it another try at a later time.

Have you ever come across one of those rare books where you feel like the author had to have infiltrated your mind and hand picked straight from your own brain all the pieces to make your perfect book?? If you haven’t ever experienced that it truly is one of the greatest magics of books and reading and A Language of Dragons did exactly that for me so forgive me if this review is a bit biased lol!! We follow Viv in A language of dragons, a young “second class” woman, who lives in an early 1900’s London dissimilar to ours in that dragons soar through the skies, have jobs in human businesses, and are treated as actual citizens (albeit lesser class ones). When Viv’s parents are arrested for aiding in the ongoing rebellion, a movement by and large for the better treatment of third class citizens as well as dragons, she makes a catastrophic choice that lands her and her whole family in the gallows if she doesn’t join and succeed in the academic side of the war effort at Bletchley Park the stage for top secret war strategy against the rising rebellion. A Language of Dragons blends perfectly what i have found are my favorite type of dragons, ones with their own lore and culture and voices and personalities that are just as real and vivid as their human character counterparts, with a world riddled with political intrigue, rebellion, and characters with morals all various shades of grey. The academia of it all, the linguistic components of this story, watching Viv unravel dragon “codes” and the secret of their origin. Watching her start as a privileged and selfish girl, and eventually her coming to terms with her own moral failings, the failing of her society and the laws that govern them, and turning against the comfort of normalcy to fight against the injustices of corrupt government kept me glued to the page from the first word of this book. Throw in a cheeky little romance with a priest in training who is somehow simultaneously a bit of a “bad boy” who fights anyone who lays a hand on our fmc?? yea this book was made to be a 6 star read (even if it did make me sob uncontrollably in the last 20 pages). I fear I will not rest until I have my hands on a physical copy of this book and can hold its genius in my hands. 6⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an e-ARC of A Language of Dragons in exchange for fair and honest review!

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA historical fantasy, which felt something like a cross between Babel x Temeraire, with a dash of Fourth Wing or The Will of the Many. With rich, lived-in worldbuilding, a set of complex yet distinctive characters, and tight pacing, A Language of Dragons charges forward with a propulsive story of war and sacrifice, guilt and forgiveness, classism and rebellion. There's a romantic subplot too, though for me it felt secondary to the broader plot. I especially enjoyed the thoughtful exploration of the role of language and translation in creating (and bridging) divisions among society. Overall, a masterful novel whose sequel I will look forward to reading.

I received an ARC copy of A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson through NetGalley, and I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this unique and imaginative world! This book blends several genres—Fantasy, Young Adult, and Romantasy—and does so seamlessly.

Set in 1923 London but with dragons, the setting alone captivated me. The central concept of the languages of dragons was fascinating and refreshingly original—I haven’t encountered anything quite like it before. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into creating this world, and the result is a truly magical and immersive experience.

While I loved the overall storyline and the world-building, I did find the main character, Vivian Featherswallow, to be a bit frustrating at times. Her stubbornness and reluctance to be open-minded made her difficult to connect with fully. However, the supporting character, Atlas, was an absolute highlight for me—he quickly became my favorite, with his depth and charm adding so much to the story.

The pacing was uneven, with some parts feeling slow, but the originality and creativity of the book kept me engaged. I’m excited to see how readers respond to this story when it’s published, as it’s a unique addition to the fantasy genre.

If you love dragons, historical settings with a fantastical twist, and creative world-building, this book is well worth picking up!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
So, I liked this novel but I believe that it has many many flaws. In fact, it is flawed since its premises. For instance, how can majestic, powerful, intelligent dragons be subjugated by petty, meaningless humans? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Anyway, I found the “academic” parts to be pretty enjoyable and I am happy to say that the linguistic elements in the book actually make sense (I’m a foreign language major). However, I didn’t like the fact that the process of decoding these draconic languages is not actually represented, but only deduced by the protagonist based on the discoveries that other students made before her at the “academy”.
Moreover, I must say that the “romance” in the book is quite ridiculous: the love interest is a priest in training and they don’t even get together by the end. This makes me think that the novel wanted to imitate some dark romance tropes but failed since this book is for teens…
Other than that, keeping in mind that this is a YA book, I believe that its target audience will be happy with the novel, overall.

A mix of Babel and dragons?!

This book kept me intrigued the whole way through! I love the fantasy with some hints of historical aspects in there!

I am 100% a fan of anything dragons but dragons with personality? Instantly obsessed!

"People shouldn’t fear their prime ministers. Prime ministers should fear their people."
This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of The Language of Dragons. It’s got politics, dystopian drama, and, of course, dragons. There’s a lot to love here, but a few things held it back from reaching its full potential.

The premise is immediately engaging: a post-First World War Britain-inspired setting, steeped in class struggle, secret ‘code’, and the added wonder of dragons. This richly imagined world is the book’s strongest asset. I really appreciated how the worldbuilding unfolded naturally, with the author weaving details into the narrative rather than relying on info-dumping.

The dragons were a highlight, particularly Chumana, whose presence was captivating. However, they weren’t as central to the story as I’d hoped. Chumana’s limited role left me wanting more—more interaction, more depth, and a stronger connection to the narrative.

Vivian, our protagonist, was a more challenging character to connect with. While her youth and naivety made sense in the context of her sheltered life, her repeated poor decisions and lack of growth were frustrating at times. Her decisions often felt inconsistent, and the gap between her impressive skills and her immature behavior was hard to reconcile.

The ending wasn’t so much a cliffhanger as it was a setup for the next book—a “to be continued” rather than a dramatic, leave-you-breathless moment.

Overall, The Language of Dragons is a fun & fast-paced read with a unique take on YA fantasy. It has rich worldbuilding, politically charged narrative and lays a solid foundation for the series. If you’re drawn to fast-paced plots, layered societies, and the promise of more dragons in the future, this one’s worth picking up—and keeping an eye out for book two.

A Language of Dragons was so good. The story follows Vivian Featherswallow, a dedicated student with high aspirations of studying dragon languages and translation. Living in an alternate version of Great Britain, Vivian is a second class citizen because of the Peace Agreement meant to stop violence between the humans and dragons. Essentially dragons are viewed as fourth class citizens while humans fight among themselves to prevent being demoted from their class. When Vivian's parents are arrested for opposing the Peace Agreement and class system, Vivian is forced to question whether the authorities she's believed to be good her whole life are indeed good, or if they've been lying about their intent for peace.

What made this book so good is that it's part of the fiction wave that sees a pedantic take on fantasy. Similar to how the Emily Wilde series is written a field guide on the research of faeries, A Language of Dragons follows research on dragons. The characters are studying the dragons and learning as the reader is. And there is so much to learn because Williamson has made her dragons unique. The way they communicate has rules, depth, and even a sanctity that other dragon books right now really lack.

Wow! This was such a wonderful novel. I absolutely loved the setting and the world building. Definitely would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

Oh. My. Goodness. I would have read this book all in one sitting if I hadn’t started it at 8pm the night before. Dragons, linguistics, politics, this book has everything! If you enjoyed Babel by R.F. Kuang and dragons, definitely pick this book up! 5⭐️