This book! This is about to become my 2025 roman empire and the only fantasy I recommend to every human i meet

“Every act of translation requires sacrifice—it is this harsh truth that made me fall in love.”

In A Language of Dragons, dragons and humans must coexist, and after a massacre in Bulgaria by the native dragons, the Peace Agreement is written for the British Isles which limits the freedom of both dragons and humans in an effort to coexist amicably. Vivian Featherswallow is a member of London’s Second Class, and the only thing standing in between her and the maltreated Third Class in a society that only values usefulness is her academic work. The perfect ending to her family’s upcoming dinner party will be her acceptance into an internship studying dragon languages. However, her parents and uncle are arrested for rebel support, her cousin is detained, and her little sister is put in danger. After failing to free them and kickstarting a civil war, Vivian is assigned to break the secret code of dragons by the British Prime Minister, or her entire family will be killed.

I do not often dive into dark academia, but dragons in an alternate version of London was something I couldn’t pass up. I loved the focus on language, on translating and linguistics. I especially liked that there were several spoken tongues that the dragons had developed, just like how humans have many distinct languages. A lot of the book also focused on the implemented class system, which consists of three human classes that are drastically separated—even down to the areas that they are allowed to live in. I found it interesting that citizens wore passes that dictated their class and that promotions and demotions between Class Two and Three commonly occurred due to an academic examination, but that this was hardly the same for Class One, the elite. Dragons are essentially a fourth class and are heavily restricted by humans, which I found ironic considering that they are also known to be ferocious beasts. I found the theme that if not all have peace, then no one has peace, to be an intriguing aspect that added depth to the story. Vivian was the perfect narrator; she has a competitive personality that stems from the fervent need for her to be top in her field of study. She begins as a very naive character, and her development is slow, which I think portrays a realistic progression for someone who has steadfastly believed something to be true all their life. I now can’t wait for the sequel of this duology.

Amazing read, really enjoyed the story and world building. This was my first book by this author, I would read other books by them for sure.

When Vivian Featherswallow inadvertently helps break the truce between the dragons and humans she is taken to Bletchley Park where she’s put on a team of codebreakers set to crack the secret dragon language that could help the humans win the war. If she succeeds, she and her family will survive, if she doesn’t they’ll all die. No pressure! As she unravels this new language she discovers corruption in her own government and has to make a decision between the lives of her family and doing what’s right for the world.

S.F. Williamson does a wonderful job of building a world that feels familiar but is completely different than a world where the reader lives. I loved the different dragon species and Finley’s ability to speak different dragon languages really adds to that global feel of different lands where these dragons lived. Her 1920’s London felt very post world war era appropriate that added to the ambience and set the mood.

The story flowed so well. All of the characters were interesting, added to the story and theme, and helped build Viv up into someone who the reader could like. She didn’t start off that way, but by the end of the book she had a redemption arc that left me wanting to know more about her, this world, and what would happen next. All in all I thought it was a solid fantasy novel, with hints of greatness. I’ll definitely be picking up the next novel when it comes out.

When I went into "A Language of Dragons," I think I was expecting something like Divine Rivals meets Babel – but with dragons. While it was clear from the book's description that it takes place amidst a civil war, I also thought there'd be levity with the rush of high-stakes codebreaking and thrill of romance in an unexpected place. But this book ended up much heavier than I expected it to be, with themes of guilt, betrayal, and who you can truly trust rife throughout the narrative. I also found the romance to be a bit underbaked, and wished there had been a bit more of its development on the page rather than through exposition.

This is still a good read – an imaginative and interesting reimagining of some of the events of World War II, with great character studies and deep dives into morality and religion, as well as privilege and forgiveness. Though (most of) the characters were likable, and the pacing was well=managed, I ultimately found this to be much more stressful than I was expecting! That said, the way this book ends is intriguing, and I'm definitely curious to know what comes next.

A great story and fantasy world. I loved blending dragons with the war and the linguistic elements were so unique. That being said, this book is solidly YA and in the middle, I found the FMC to be very stubborn in a more immature way and held onto her false beliefs for a bit too long. The idea of the dragon “language” was great, though the way the sounds were described were less interesting. The ending was fast paced and a page turner. Can’t wait for book 2!

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

3.5 stars

Let me start by saying this is nothing like Fourth Wing or Babel. Dragons and languages. That’s it. It’s not nearly as addictive as Fourth Wing, or as well written as Babel. Comparing it to these books is a huge disservice.
This book is easy to read and quite bingeable. I liked how the author took a different approach by making the FMC almost like the villain in this story. It’s unique and I always appreciate something outside the norm.

I also enjoyed some of the side characters and there were some fun and exciting moments. I found the world and political system to be clever and also something I haven’t read before.
The pace was possibly the best part of the book. The author managed to keep this fantasy heavy world at a good run. I also loved all the interactions with the dragons.

This quote was great, “Someone requested I keep my teeth to myself. Otherwise, human girl, you might already be rotting at my feet.”

THOUGHTS:
ALL the side characters were underdeveloped. I didn’t feel a thing when some of them got hurt and or killed.
The pace was great! But some sections will most likely bore people with its random ramblings of dragon languages.
I didn’t necessarily mind that the main character was an absolute piece of work…
“Typical Viv, always intent on winning, no matter the cost to everyone else.”
My issue was that her imperfections were repeated again, and again, and again.
“Maybe I was born bad.”
“That probably makes me a terrible person. But trust me, that’s not news to me.”
“It’s like I can’t stop making mistakes that hurt the people I love.”
“…I am fretful, hotheaded, selfish.”

I ended up separating myself emotionally from the FMC. If I hadn’t, well, I may have thrown my kindle across the room.
While the world and magic were unique, the plot was painfully predictable. If I were a younger reader with less reading experience, the twists might be shocking, but for me, it was elementary.
The sweet romance was also desperately underdeveloped. I liked that she kept it to only kissing for this age group, but honestly, we needed more connections between them.

Author S. F. Williams creates a thrilling Sci Fi Fantasy to delight readers, drawing the reader in with well-developed characters and clear detailed descriptions throughout the storyline.

What the author does with finesse is create characters that can cause one to think… “If I am put in the same situation, would I have done the same?” In war is there a clear right and wrong?

Vivien Featherswallow is the main female character of the book, and the reader will have to decide if she is good or evil. Can she be redeemed for past mistakes or will she become part of the evil? Choices… everything is about choices and her choices matter to many people and to the future of this world.

There are several male characters that are prominent in this book, her cousin Marquis and Atlas, a priest in training. There are so many interesting characters that it’s hard to pick a favorite. But these three are my favorite along with the criminal dragon, Chumana.

I loved this author’s way of writing because I was forced to think about actions, reactions, and how do you choose between which loved ones to save. Choices is my word for this book. But the struggle to do right from wrong is a close second.

Though I wouldn’t want to live in this fantasy world I was enthralled with the book and look forward to the next one with great anticipation.

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?