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A review by bluepoohreads22
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
‘Forgiveness is suffering redeemed.’
This book follows Vivian Featherswallow, whose life unravels after she accidentally sparks a civil war in 1923 London. To save her family, she’s recruited as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park, where she must uncover the secrets of a hidden dragon language. As the stakes rise, Viv faces betrayals and must navigate a dangerous world full of secrets.
This book marks the debut novel for the author, and as a debut, I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt.
The plot itself is relatively simple. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, yet at other times, it felt a bit predictable. While I enjoyed the ride, I do wish there had been a little more unpredictability or twists to keep the tension high throughout.
What really drew me in were the themes. The combination of political intrigue and identity struggles is a fascinating mix and added depth to the story. This is where the book really shines for me.
As for the characters, I had a bit of a mixed reaction, especially with the FMC. While I wasn’t sure if I liked her or not, I found her a bit insufferable at times. She had moments of strength, but they were often overshadowed by her frustrating decisions. The other characters were... okay, but I didn’t feel there was much character development overall, which made it hard to truly connect with them.
The book is marketed as dark academia, but I’m not entirely sure that label fits. Sure, there are moments set in an academy where the characters are learning the dragon’s language, but outside of that, I didn’t see enough of the classic dark academia elements to fully justify the label.
The romance in this book is really more of a subplot. If you’re picking it up for the romance alone, you might find yourself disappointed, as it takes a backseat to the larger plot and themes.
Overall, this book is a solid choice for young adults or teens who are dipping their toes into fantasy for the first time. The blend of political intrigue and identity exploration makes it a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy stories with deeper, thought-provoking themes. While it may not be the book for readers craving intense romance or darker academia vibes, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into a world of dragons, secrets, and self-discovery.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
This book follows Vivian Featherswallow, whose life unravels after she accidentally sparks a civil war in 1923 London. To save her family, she’s recruited as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park, where she must uncover the secrets of a hidden dragon language. As the stakes rise, Viv faces betrayals and must navigate a dangerous world full of secrets.
This book marks the debut novel for the author, and as a debut, I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt.
The plot itself is relatively simple. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, yet at other times, it felt a bit predictable. While I enjoyed the ride, I do wish there had been a little more unpredictability or twists to keep the tension high throughout.
What really drew me in were the themes. The combination of political intrigue and identity struggles is a fascinating mix and added depth to the story. This is where the book really shines for me.
As for the characters, I had a bit of a mixed reaction, especially with the FMC. While I wasn’t sure if I liked her or not, I found her a bit insufferable at times. She had moments of strength, but they were often overshadowed by her frustrating decisions. The other characters were... okay, but I didn’t feel there was much character development overall, which made it hard to truly connect with them.
The book is marketed as dark academia, but I’m not entirely sure that label fits. Sure, there are moments set in an academy where the characters are learning the dragon’s language, but outside of that, I didn’t see enough of the classic dark academia elements to fully justify the label.
The romance in this book is really more of a subplot. If you’re picking it up for the romance alone, you might find yourself disappointed, as it takes a backseat to the larger plot and themes.
Overall, this book is a solid choice for young adults or teens who are dipping their toes into fantasy for the first time. The blend of political intrigue and identity exploration makes it a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy stories with deeper, thought-provoking themes. While it may not be the book for readers craving intense romance or darker academia vibes, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into a world of dragons, secrets, and self-discovery.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.