Miss Bennet's Dragon

I would recommend this novel to all Jane Austen devotees, it is a historical romance with dragons, and as such, immensely enjoyable. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy of this book.

First, thanks M. Verant, Acerbic Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

This retelling of Pride and Prejudice with dragons is actually an improvement on the classic. Filled with thrills, mystery, whimsy and, of course, romance, it makes me highly anticipate the next in the series.

What bliss, 2 of my favourite things, Pride and Prejudice  & Dragons. A perfectly realised alternate world which pays homage to the original with an injection of imagination and fun. There are myriad P&P spin offs and embellishments and I have read lots of them, but this is my favourite. M Verant has done justice to Austen and developed some characters in a fascinating manner, whilst managing to insert modern sensibilities and attitudes without seeming unlikely or unwieldy. More please. Thankyou to M Verant, Acerbic Press and Netgalley for the perfect escapist read.

It is a truth universally acknowledges, that once someone has fallen in love with Jane Austen, they are going to need as many well-written retellings as is possible.
Although with so many retellings and reimaginings on the market, it is a rare thing indeed for a book to find that gloriously different spark. To fix this problem, add dragons!
I adored Miss Bennett’s Dragon. Not only because, well dragons, or because of the delicate charm in keeping with a fantasy of manners, but because of the beautifully explored characters. Plus these explorations open up beautiful new possibilities. I mean, why can’t Mary be a social justice warrior and composer? Why can’t Georgiana Darcy be an intelligent woman, and passionate and accomplished musician who has instruments sent to her from across the world just so that she’ll try them out instead of a sweet and dainty little butterfly? Why can’t Lydia be something that I won’t discuss because a: spoilers, and b: this is a pg rating.
All of the Austen and dragons that you want, as well as the sharp social commentary, droll humour, and discussions of sexual and gender politics that you forgot were a part of what you loved about Austen in the first place TURNED UP TO 11.
(Seriously, no spoilers, but there is a moment in which two characters make eye contact over a mention of the poems of Sappho and I can’t even)

An updated retelling of Pride and Prejudice with Dragons a perfect blend, what’s not to love. Characters old and new are interwoven in this fantasy. You are introduced to draca the dragons connected to special members in families bound on a couples wedding night. Members in the Bennett family will bring to life the old stories. Good and evil will thrive. Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy is so complicated, dark and passionate. In the background is Napoleon and the french wanting to bind their own draca to have an advantage in the war to come. This is a very exciting retelling moving along at a breathtaking pace. Elizabeth and her sisters are given a modern makeover. A time for change is on the horizon. I will certainly love to read the next instalment in this series.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Obviously this is a rewritten version of Pride and Prejudice; yet it is far more than that, as well. It is a fantastically good version, including draca (aka dragons) as serious characters whose actions influence the storyline as much as any other character, and I loved it.
There is so much to enjoy; the depth of the world and character building, new facets of characters and discovering the world of draca, where the monsters are not the draconian beasts bound to married couples.

You can read the blurb to find out about the storyline, so what I will say is this: if you enjoyed the original story; if you’ve ever sighed over a historical romance novel; delighted over a fantasy full of dragons, or enjoyed the witticisms of characters then this is the novel for you - the book you didn’t previously know that you have to read... Enjoy, I did.

"But our estate, Longbourn, was entailed - only bound gentry could hold the property. When our firedrake left, we would be cast out, a household of women with no livelihood and no home." (quote from the book)

Step into the world of Jane Austen Fantasy and you will never want to leave. Dragons, Enchantments and Magic have added a whole new dimension to the Austenesque sphere, and M. Verant's 'Miss Bennet's Dragon' is a worthy one to be added.

"I am gentry of marriageable age. Destined to be a wyfe and bind. But today, I discovered I am woefully uneducated about draca." (quote from the book)

Dragons, legends, bonding, social injustices, intrigue and the power of good versus evil abound in this first book. Yes, this is a retelling, however there are enough differences to make it new, refreshing and riveting...how could it not be with draca and...well, you will have to read it to find out! Just know that Mr. Bennet's health is failing and when things start falling apart after the Netherfield ball, their lives will never be the same again.

"I would not abandon Jane to a nest of vipers." (quote from the book)

I was 'bound' from the beginning of this unique rendering. We see the events from Elizabeth Bennet's perspective. We learn along with her about draca and her dealings with Mr. Darcy and especially, Mr. Wickham...for they have their own secrets...though at times, I felt she should have made some connections sooner. However, I don't wish to say too much to spoil your own enjoyment! Yes, I had a quibble or two regarding the lack of draca knowledge and propriety concerns at times, but as this is a 'fantasy' novel, I went with the flow and enjoyed it immensely.

"It was good he had not come sooner. I did not wish to raise dangerous questions in the mind of a man I could not trust. Questions I could not answer even for myself." (quote from the book)

The development of Mary Bennet's character was a special bonus in this story. She is not the only sister to have a major role either. Elizabeth has her own secrets and visions, but when the darkness that lurks within certain characters comes on full display, it will leave you feeling breathless and unable to put the book down!

"I had cried myself out among the trees. Now I was calm but brittle, as if sealed with cracking varnish. My emotions parched." (quote from the book)

I have now read several Austenesque fantasy novels along with many Austenesque variations, sequels, and retellings. I recommend this well written, historical leaning novel for it's all encompassing story line, romance and suspense. Though this is only book one in the series, I felt it ended at a good place with no real cliffhanger. You just want to know where you will be taken next.

Thank you to M. Verant and NetGalley for an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.