S. F. Williamson’s *A Language of Dragons* is a breathtaking fantasy adventure that masterfully combines lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and a story brimming with heart. From the first page, Williamson immerses readers in a world where dragons are not just mythical creatures, but beings of profound significance, tied to a magic that is as ancient as it is mysterious.

The pacing of the novel is exceptional, balancing action-packed moments with quieter, introspective scenes that allow the characters and their relationships to shine. Every chapter unfolds with purpose, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while unraveling the secrets of this enchanting world.

The characters are a true highlight of the story. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and courage feels deeply personal and relatable, while the supporting cast adds depth and vibrancy to the narrative. Williamson skillfully develops the bonds between characters, making their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices all the more poignant.

The world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. Williamson crafts a realm where magic and language intertwine, creating a unique system of communication with dragons that is both intricate and awe-inspiring. The vivid descriptions bring every setting to life, from towering mountain peaks to hidden sanctuaries, making it easy to lose yourself in the story’s rich tapestry.

*A Language of Dragons* is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and beautifully crafted stories. S. F. Williamson has delivered a tale that is as imaginative as it is emotionally resonant—a true testament to the power of storytelling. Highly recommended for anyone who dreams of worlds where dragons still soar.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was well written. The themes were interesting and timely. Loved all the language stuff and the world felt loved in. The dragons were awesome. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Wow! First thank you netgalley and Harper collins for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I did! We follow Vivian who knows about seven different dragon tongues. and is in second class. People in the UK are divided into 3 different classes based on how well they did in their examination, or where they were born. Everything is going well that is until one night, they receive a dinner guest who turns over Vivian’s parents as rebels! Vivian has no idea that they were rebels and in exchange of trying to free them accidentally starts a war. In turn of starting a war, the prime minister gives Vivian a chance at survival along with her parents and recruits her to be a code breaker at Bletchley Park. Vivian needs to crack this new dragon code for the people she loves survival, but can she??? I’m honestly excited for the next book and I can’t wait to see where Viv and the coalition go.

I really enjoyed this book! As it is expected to be duology, I really look forward to the next book.

I am a huge fan of languages and it was such a pleasure to read a book where they were so important, part of plot. I like the dragons and that they are in ways equal to humans and can easily talk to each other.

The characters are nice, most a rather background and they don't get any development, which is fine in this story. Main character goes from naive, blindly following rules girl, to someone who sees the world for what it is and does the right thing.

I look forward to the next book, I am curious how will the plot go and I hope we get more of the dragons.

While this one wasn't my exact cup of tea, I see where people who have an appreciation for languages and softer, cinnamon roll love interests will get more out of this book than I did. It was advertised as how to train your dragon vibes with enemies to lovers and I actually didn't get much of either of those, and sadly I didn't end up caring about the romance much either. What I did get was a rag tag team of clever criminals stuck in Bletchley Park together, trying to uncover dragon secrets to save themselves and their families from a corrupt government. Things got even more interesting when the stakes were raised and some of these recruits start dying. It's very politically charged and I actually really appreciated that our main character isn't just a hero from the get go. Overall I had a fun time reading it, though I wouldn't say it particularly wowed or spoke to me.

Dark Academia, War, Dragons, Touch of Historical Fiction, Linguists. This gave me Babel x Fourth Wing vibes that could’ve been an epic fantasy IMO. Easily binge worthy as it was paced perfectly that would give a little bit of a tear jerk. A must read if you love plot twists and betrayals.

I love how the characters are written in A Language of Dragons. They are messy and imperfect and barely adults. These barely adults are forced to pick sides in a war. Everything Vivian grew up believing slowly gets chipped away.

Vivian is complicated. She is hard to like at times but that is what makes her a good, well written character. We see her inner struggles the most so we also see her growth. She is never perfect which makes her human.

Since this is clearly about Dragons I’m sure some will wonder if this is like Fourth Wing. Honestly I don’t think it is. The way humans and dragons interact is nothing like Fourth Wing. A Language of Dragons is about learning about how Dragons communicate with each other than trying to bond and ride them into war. A Language of Dragons is less action packed and more about political intrigue.

The ending!!! I wanted just a little more and I can’t even say much more without potential spoilers!

4.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed this read so very much. Coming into it, I didn't have a clue what the story would be about and coming from a linguistics background, was extremely surprised that there was such a great sense of plausibility in the learning of language(s) and dragon human interactions. So much so that it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I, however, was most certainly the target audience.

There was a great deal of nuanced morality and politics that suit the current climate and got me quite fired up at times, I can't lie.

My only qualm was near the end when *possible spoiler ahead* what happened to one of the characters made me question the author's choices. It was almost giving Cho Chang with Harry as an obligatory POC as a temp love interest. The book did seem like there would be sequels given the slightly cliffhanger-esque ending so I guess we'll see what happens.

As always, big thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration.

Thank you @harpercollins for the #gifted eARC!

A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS was my last book of 2024 and it was my final 5 star read of the year. As soon as I started it, I was absolutely hooked.

It’s a fantasy alternative history of post-WWI but with dragons set in London. Second class citizen Viv is given the choice of trying to codebreak a secret dragon language or her entire family will die. She makes the obvious choice to save her family and is whisked away to Bletchley Park where she joins a team of rejects in a secret project to take down the dragons. But the more Viv learns, the more she questions what’s right and what’s wrong and which side of the war is the right one.

One thing I loved about this book was how messy and complicated these characters are. The MC, Viv, is not entirely likeable. She’s incredibly single minded and selfish. She struggles with making the right choice when balanced against sacrifices she must make. She lives in a society where her class and status give her a lot of privileges that others don’t and then turns a blind eye on those with less and their suffering… sound familiar?

I also loved the dark academia aspects that reminded me a lot of BABEL (another favorite of mine). Because this book is technically YA, the issues of translation and what can be lost during translation where presented in a more approachable manner. But it was still incredibly thought provoking.

And finally this is a book about dragons! What’s not to love about that?!

Pick this one up if you like:
- Dragons!
- Spies and codebreaking
- Historical fantasy
- Complicated characters
- A touch of romance
- Corrupt governments

A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS is out now!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7105588364
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE2kPlAveEr/

Thank you to the publishers for my review copy of the riveting new YA fantasy A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS!

A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS is a clever dystopian fantasy twist on the code-breakers of WWII. In this world, British society is divided into 3 classes and dragons are relegated to the underclass. Teenage Vivian Featherswallow wants nothing more than to preserve her second class status and enter university to study dragon languages. But when her parents are arrested under suspicion of rebellion, she’s forced to Bletchley Park to undergo a secret mission to help the war effort… The more she learns about her mission, the more she begins to question everything.

This book has an unbeatable setting and very nuanced character development that kept me hooked from the first page. I really felt for and related to Viv. She makes some questionable decisions, but her desperate dedication to her family is completely understandable. I really appreciated how this book posed the question: would you do anything for your family? Even if it harmed others? Where would you draw the line?

There are no easy answers here in A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS. Instead, it’s a slow burn political fantasy with nuanced moral quandaries, a distinctly British academia vibe, and a side of soft romance. Plus… dragons!!! I think the author has created a clever and interesting world and I loved her twist on dragons!

I highly recommend this book for fans of historical fantasy, but you may want a few tissues for the ending… I know this book is technically a standalone, but the ending made me want more! Fingers crossed for a sequel…

I enjoyed the second half of the book a lot more than the first, especially once the kids arrive at Bletchley, By far, the coolest part of the book was the dragons. Vivien was the worst part. As a narrator, she was insufferable. I would have loved a multi-POV version of this story.

4.5 stars. I'm gonna need a sequel. Though this was admittedly a bit slow to start while the world building took place, the resulting novel was a really great debut. WWII codebreakers meets dragon fantasy...who would've thought of that combination?!?! But it was such good fun. Great tension and character building. Some bits of the plot do require suspension of disbelief, but it's a fantasy...so you kind of have to expect that to a certain degree. The plot wraps up well, but leaves SOOOOO much room for this to continue as a series. And I would totally be here for it. That last page....ugh. I NEED to know more.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I was drawn to this book after having read several books set at the secretive Bletchley Park over the last several years. This is set in an alternative London/England, and while it takes some elements from the original Bletchley and codebreaking mission of the park, the war they are fighting is very different. This is not a WWI/WWII historical fiction as one might expect based on the setting, it is a completely different alternative history and fantasy story. There is quite a good bit of discussion about politics, corruption, class systems, oppression, and of course there are dragons.

This follows Vivien, a polyglot, fluent in several human languages and several dragon languages. Dragons live along side humans, and a Peace Agreement between the British Prime Minister and the Dragon Queen keep their violent natures at bay, atleast outwardly. Vivien hopes to become a famous dragon translator, and will do anything to ensure her future is secure. All of her plans come to a halt when her parents and uncle are arrested for treason and being members of the rebellion. In an attempt to destroy evidence Vivien concocts her own plans to save hwe family, which only sets off events that she never anticipated. She finds herself assigned to Bletchley Park to learn a new dragon language to pay for her crimes against her country and save her family. She and a group of "criminals" have been assigned to the Park to work on various dragon projects to help the Prime Minister save the country from a devastating war with the dragons, or so they think. The longer they are at Bletchley, the more Vivien and her cohort discover that corruption is all around them, and the language she is learning isn't a mere code to break, but something so much more.

I really enjoyed this! Vivien struggles alot with her self-worth and guilt. She was brought up in a class system where performance is everything and the threat of losing your status is worse than death. She is naive when it comes to trusting people, always expecting they will do what they say and hold up agreements. Betrayal is a huge part of her character arc and the reason she has so much guilt. We see Vivien struggle with doing what she knows is right versus doing what she thinks will either get her ahead or later on protect her loved ones. She then has to come to terms with corruption and what is best for the greater good while still trying to figure out what will save her family. I really enjoyed all of the side characters as well that helped Vivien on her journey to crack the dragon code, and figure out what kind of person she truly wants to be. There is a light bit of romance.

I'm not sure if this is the first book in a new series, but it does read as if there will be more to come. I do feel like this installment had a fulfilling ending, but there is still more story to be told. If there is another book, I can't wait to find out what happens next! This was so unique and I'm completely invested in the characters and the plot. I would really like to see more of Chumana the dragon, I really enjoyed her! I also hope to get to know the side characters better if there is another book.

A stunning debut novel! The premise of an alternate historical fiction set at Bletchley Park in the 1920 with dragons is a unique concept and worked well. These aren't just beasts that wreck havoc either, but dragons that speak, are of high intellect and at one point lived among of humans as equals. However, due to peace agreements, they've been treated as less than equal and the humans divided themselves into economic statuses that inhibit true progress or equality. This has caused a rebellion to stir, and when our female main character's parents are arrested as traitors, Viv makes a desperate move to protect them that lands her in a world of trouble and forced to aid the prime minister in a negotiation to dismiss the charges against them all and free her family to resume as they lived before. In the process however, Viv discovers not all is as perfect as it once seemed and questions the type of life she really wants to return to. Through new friendships, old friendships and a new love interest Viv finds herself questioning everything she once knew. I particularly enjoyed the linguist elements in the book. Some revelations were a bit hyped while others left you emotionally wrecked. The romance was sweet, but I hard a difficult time being convinced the feelings were as strong as we are meant to believe. The dragons were phenomenal and worldbuilding of their history and how they played a part in this world was intriguing. I only wish Viv didn't flip flop as much as she did even as truths were uncovered. She was a little flimsy and hard to root for at times, but showed a really good character arc for growth,

This was one of those rare books where I made it over halfway through and then DNFed at 53%. This was not something I saw coming at the very beginning; for the first 20% of the book, I was sure that it was going to be a four-star for me. It had great pacing, a unique plot, and a sassy pink dragon. What more could I want?

Unfortunately, by 50%, a lot of that had started to fall apart. The FMC, who started the book as a compelling but ignorant character, was becoming more and more of a naive, immature brat. I appreciate the author's note explaining that this was intentional; however, it became so much of a theme that it really detracted from the plot of the book.

I was also surprised to see that this was being marketed as a YA romance. I would argue that the characters and the romance began to feel progressively less mature as the book went on. By 50%, I felt as though the characters were more middle school-aged than the nearly college-age they felt like at the beginning.

All I gotta say is: WHEN IS BOOK 2 COMING?

Everything about this book is what I love in a fantasy series. Academic setting? Check. Complex characters? Check. DRAGONS? SASSY DRAGONS? check. Dystopian society with a evil ruler...wait that's just our modern society.

The main female characters motivation is relatable to me, and I really appreciate the fact that she makes bad decisions and has annoying moments. As an annoying academic validation craved older sister, I can relate.

I loved the cast of characters in this. I do have to say that I am not a fan of Ralph's character (shocker?) but it's like the writer couldn't decide if he loved the FMC or hated her, wanted to sleep with her or whatever. That's fine, I think we are suppose to be confused by him, but it was why this is 4 stars instead of 2.

Also, Atlas. If I had a dollar for every time I fell in love with a male character named Atlas, I'd probably be rich.

Thank you for Net Galley for allowing me to access this ARC before its release, and to FairyLoot for including it in their Dec YA book subscription. Unlike many fantasy readers, I have never been a fan of dragons in fantasy books.. I think I just changed my mind. This book was so exciting to read, the plot was very much political oriented, and it made it that much more interesting. Viv is a 17-year living in London with her parents and her little sister. Her goal in life is the attend the University of London and to become a translator in draconic languages (she speaks several dragon languages, which is pretty unheard of in 1920s London). Her parents are educated people who have always pushed her to be her best academically. One evening, they received the Head of the Linguistics in their home in the hopes of locking an apprenticeship for Viv. The visit turns into a disaster, and both of Viv's parents are arrested. Viv goes rogue and forgets about civility and goes to greats lengths to save her parents. Little does she knows, her acts are about to trigger and national war.. Being a fan of linguistics myself, I devoured the book; I could relate with a lot of insight the author was sharing with the us. I also very much enjoyed meeting all the side characters (my favorite being Marquis and <3 Atlas<3 )
From what I understand, there is going to be a sequel. I am definitely going to follow this series (or duology) and will re-read ALOD because I am sure this book is even better upon re-read (I will be looking closely at all the foreshadowing).

A Language of Dragons was an absolute delight from the first page. A complex mix of historical fiction, magical realism, and fantasy that blended the emotion and beautiful prose of Divine Rivals with the political turmoil of Divergent.

I was distraught when I reached the last page until I discovered there is a sequel coming in January 2026. I was not ready to leave this rich and immersive world and cannot wait for the story to continue!

YA 🫑

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for the early reader copy!

As a reader of history, I have never been a fan of the injustice of the Class System. I was immediately rooting for ‘the rebels’. What politics is this PM all about? Who is Vivian going to support? Does she see that she has options?

Once at Bletchley Park this team of young adults are put to work studying dragons. They are split into three teams. Vivian is assigned to dragon linguistics. Initially she is only concerned with pleasing the Prime Minister so she can save her family and keep her second class status. Things turn tense at the mansion and soon she is shockingly aware that her life is what is in danger.

A Language of Dragons starts at a good pace. The mystery was slowly unveiled, with more unexpected connections. People, dragons, places and events were described in great detail but not so much as to weigh down the writing.

Emotionally, I was right there with the characters in the middle of their political / legal messes. I experienced a mix of grief and outrage, followed by a proudness at their courage and camaraderie. Thou they are pressured with this enormous task of breaking the dragon language code and staying alive there was time for personal growth and even a little romance.

Reading this has inspired me to read other retellings of events in history.
I recommend this to book to both teens and adults who enjoy a fantasy version of history with a mix of politics, intrigue and action.

I am grateful for this ARC provided to me via NetGalley.All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Language of Dragons was surprisingly full of politics and subterfuge for a YA novel.

The world was rich and vivid, and I would love to see more stories in this world - I enjoyed the interplay of the human and dragon politics, and the consideration of how they affected one another.
The main character was immature in some ways, which makes perfect sense for a child of her age and station, and her interactions with the other characters she encounters at Bletchley felt realistic and well considered.

I loved the way languages and translation were woven through the book, and the idea of the different kinds of dragon languages.

Overall, I enjoyed A Language of Dragons and would read more from this author in the future.