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⭐️

Your next must-read dragon story!

Fourth Wing meets Babel in this dragon fantasy war-torn book. I literally could not put it down. I found the idea of dragon languages a new and interesting take on dragons. The whole world, from the class system to the languages, the rebellion, and the dragons, was well thought out and immersed me in the story. The treatment of the people and conditions within the class system makes you ask yourself questions. You begin to route for the main character right from the beginning and I can't wait to see where this goes.

"Peace isn’t peace if it’s only given to some."

In this spellbinding debut, S.F. Williamson weaves a rich tapestry of high fantasy, seamlessly blending historical elements with the mystical allure of dragons. "A Language of Dragons" soars on the wings of imagination, offering readers a world where the past and the fantastical collide in spectacular fashion.

At the heart of this enchanting tale is Viv, a protagonist whose internal struggles resonate with profound emotional depth. Williamson's masterful characterization invites readers to transcend mere like or dislike, instead compelling us to contemplate our own choices when faced with similar moral quandaries. It's this nuanced exploration of human nature that elevates the narrative from mere entertainment to a thought-provoking journey of self-reflection.

Dragons, far from being mere window dressing, play a pivotal role in the story's intricate plot. Their presence is woven into the very fabric of the world, influencing politics, culture, and the personal journeys of our characters. Williamson's dragon lore is both familiar and refreshingly original, promising to captivate even the most seasoned fantasy readers.

The romantic subplot is deftly handled, adding depth and emotional resonance without overshadowing the main narrative. This delicate balance appeals to a wide range of readers, from romance enthusiasts to hardcore fantasy fans.

For those who relish a satisfying conclusion that still whets the appetite for more, A Language of Dragons delivers in spades. The ending is nothing short of reeling, masterfully balancing closure with tantalizing hints of adventures to come.

Williamson has created a world that is both familiar and fantastical, populated by characters who will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. As the first in a series, it sets a remarkably high bar, leaving this reviewer eagerly anticipating the next installment. Highly recommended for those who dare to dream in the language of dragons.

Thank you, HarperCollins and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

This one had a lot of promise - dragons, politics, class dynaimcs! There needed to be more exposition with the world and setting. The class system is easy to understand but how did get there? Why is the relationship with dragons different at the country level? Why is Britain handled so differently?? The lore needs work. Things were told not discovered.

Welcome to Bletchley Park… with dragons.

This book is a fascinating blend of Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals, with a touch of the historical Navajo Windtalkers’ story. Set in 1920s London amidst dragons, protests, and espionage, A Language of Dragons captures the chaos of war and the moral dilemmas it brings in a way that feels both unique and deeply compelling.

I absolutely loved the rich setting—the post-war 1920s backdrop, the wartime codebreaking, and the secret dragon language all wove together into something truly magical. Vivian’s journey was equally gripping. Her internal struggle, torn between saving her family and fighting for a greater cause, felt so raw and realistic. The story doesn’t shy away from the morally gray areas, and I appreciated how both sides of the conflict had flaws and merits.

Viv’s character arc, filled with doubt, fear, and indecision, was the heart of the book for me. Her choices felt genuine, and the stakes were incredibly high. However, I didn’t connect as much with some of the side characters like Gideon, Serena, and Katherine, who felt underdeveloped compared to Viv. Similarly, the relationship between Vivian and Atlas, while intriguing, sometimes lacked the depth I hoped for.

That said, the story as a whole was excellent—filled with twists, betrayals, and impossible choices. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how the series develops. If you love epic fantasy with dragons, moral dilemmas, and a touch of dark academia, this is a debut you won’t want to miss!

I didn't quite know what I was in for when I started this book, but after about the 25% mark I couldn't put it down. This is the story of a young woman coming to terms with her privilege, of the importance of language, and of second chances. Reading this gave me some of the academic vibes of Babel plus the romantic and war-stressed atmosphere of Divine Rivals but with DRAGONS. The blurb says it's perfect for teen fans, but I am far past my teen-years and still really enjoyed this story.

There are many things I liked about this book, but there were just as much I did not.

Our main character, Viv, was one of the things I did not like. While reading there were so many times I felt a bit enraged by something she did. I knew going in that Viv was not necessarily a likeable character. I had hoped to potentially warm up to her at least towards the middle of the book. In the end I can tolerate her, but as the main character and only pov I want to be able to have more of a connection to her than mere tolerance.

The side characters are what actually kept me reading. I would have loved to get the povs of Marquis or Atlas or even Sophie. A sporadic pov from Chumana would have also been a great addition and could have added to more understanding of this world. Honestly, I would have probably had a much better read had these characters been a little more of the focus and I can only hope we get more of them in the next book.

I did find the World building intriguing. I loved reading anything about the dragons and how this worlds society is structured. I really want more of this aspect to be expanded on in the next book.

While I did struggle a bit because of my dislike of our main character I did overall enjoy this read. I will continue the series and look forward to reading what happens next.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. There are certain things I do love about the book, the dragons and the language and their intelligence. It was certainly interesting learning about the languages. However the majority of the book takes place at a secret location where some teenagers are trying to (reluctantly) work on what seems like impossible tasks. There was some explanation for them all being young but overall it did seem a bit out of place that they were all such geniuses and able to perform these tasks and the fact the majority of the book was slowly putting this language together it was too slow and dry for me for a long while.

I had a hard time sympathizing with the character as well and believing in the relationship that suddenly went from a bit preachy to breaking it. I just had a hard time grasping that and liking the characters development.

It has potential in the future books but overall an average start for me.