I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to HarperCollins as this was at the top of my wishlist!

When I first stumbled upon this book I was immediately drawn to the dragons, but the aspect of codebreaking and Bletchley Park made me add it to my TBR immediately. A few days later when I was approved for it on NetGalley I woke everyone in the house because I was so excited. I don't enjoy reading eBooks at all, but, of course, I was going to for this one.

I highly enjoyed the first few chapters, especially with each chapter ending with some sort of cliffhanger. Honestly, the entire book flew by. At one point it did feel a little bit sluggish, but all the things going on made me still want to pick it up and figure out what happened next. It does pick back up and once all the pieces go together, you realize why things were somewhat sluggish for a little while.

Each of the characters was very well developed. I did not like Vivien until the very end when we come to fully understand her. What's funny is I probably would have acted the same way in every situation as she did. She is relatable and it is refreshing to see a main character that is flawed and not instantly redeemed. I would have liked a little more of her backstory told by her in her thoughts or maybe a few flashbacks. I also would have liked more backstory on the other recruits, but I think that will likely come with the sequel.

I did not expect to find romance, but it was a very nice touch. I felt like the romance was very believable and not overdone. I smiled while reading and I actually cried (if you read this you'll know what part) which is very rare for me when reading.

I enjoyed the inclusion of linguistics. The author has a background in language and I've always had an interest in it, so seeing someone else put it into words was delightful. I've not encountered any other books yet that have done something similar.

The dragons were remarkable, though they aren't as prominent for a majority of the story. I would have liked more interaction with them. I enjoyed the words in draconic language, but I felt like there weren't nearly enough. I remember some at the end of the first chapter, but if there were any others I don't remember. I can tell the dragons will have a large part in the sequel. Speaking of which, how can a book end like this? This book hasn't even been released yet and I am expected to wait even longer with that ending?!?

Overall, this was a very well thought out plot with great writing. It is much deeper than just a story and had so many layers to it. It is evident in some areas that this is a debut, though they are harder to notice, and I can't wait to see the author's progression in the next book.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson takes the reader through an environment similar to World War II codebreakers working at Bletchley Park in England. The story is set in a world that encompasses dragons who speak a variety of languages, including English, and an English government that has been divided into 4 classes after a Great War where dragons are a class, and then citizens are placed into First Class, rich, privileged, politicians and business men; Second Class, those who are academics and business owners who are less well-off, have more restrictions on their freedom and lastly, the Third Class, where the demoted, the poor and the criminals live. All must always wear passes to identify their class and classes are even restricted to where they can live, where they can walk, what job they can have, etc. Our FMC is Vivien, a Second-class student who is so determined to become a translator of dragon languages that she condemns her best friend to a life of Third Class. Before Vivien can fulfill her dreams of the most prestigious academic education to become a translator, her parents are exposed as rebels and her life falls apart from there. To save her parents, Vivien commits a crime and falls into the hands of the Prime Minister who is trying to “save” the country from dragons and a brewing war with rebels. Vivien is offered redemption for her parents, and most importantly, her little sister by working for the government as a secret facility at Bletchley Park. In a deal to save her cousin, Marquis, Vivien has gotten him sent with her to the facility. There, the two of them meet other students who excel in puzzles, languages, biology, and aeronautics to compete in a contest to create not only a secret language to spy on dragons, but other technologies that will give the humans and advantage over the dragons. Throughout the experience, Vivien learns about betrayal, loss, prejudice, sacrifice and love.

The characters are mostly believable and there is a large cast of characters, but the story focuses on Vivien and Marquis. There is your usual conflict of personalities because of the competition aspect of the program and there is a truly evil guard. The plot drags a bit in the middle as there are “days” of experimentation and life in the facility. However, the plot picks up at the end and ends on a cliffhanger, leading me to believe this is the first in a series, but it is not listed anywhere. The plot very much reminded me of any one of the historical fiction books I’ve read about England during World War II about codebreakers and the secret work done there during that time. This book is a Young Adult fiction book, and I believe that is the target audience, although many adults would enjoy the book, especially those who enjoy World Ear II historical fiction or dragons. Unlike many books with dragons, they are not secondary characters, the dragons in this book are main characters. This book will appeal to any who like academy type settings.

I gave this book 4 stars, mainly because it does drag some in the middle and did not completely hold my attention. I would read a sequel if there is one, because the war hasn’t been won yet and I need to know how Vivien and the dragons save the world.

Overall, A Language of Dragons is an entertaining book. The major premise of the story, talking dragons with a variety of human-like languages and characteristics is unique.

A language of Dragons is S.F Williamson's YA debut focusing on class wars, codebreaking, and rebellions sprung from language and translations. Set in an alternative 1920 Britain, we follow Vivienne as she is thrust into a war she had no idea she was starting when trying to rescue her parents from false accusations of starting a rebellion. While the fast-paced nature of this book is almost a little too fast because we don't get to focus on new and old relationships or allow a naturally forming love story between our main character and her love interest, it's the author's love for language and translation really shines brilliantly. You can really feel her research and love for languages as Vivienne delves deep into translation as a tool for war and propaganda, but also, and more importantly, revolution, hope and love.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for this ARC! "A Language of Dragons" by S. F. Williamson is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves a rich tapestry of lore and adventure. The story immerses readers in a world where dragons and their ancient language play a central role in the unfolding drama. Williamson's world-building is meticulous, with a well-crafted magical system and intriguing characters. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of communication, power, and understanding. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to admire in this compelling and original tale.

This was not perfect, and definitely very YA, but in the ABSOLUTE best way.

When I first read the blurb...are you kidding me? Bletchley Park, dystopian-esque historical society, DRAGONS? TRANSLATION?

And yes, it is all of those things. If you love The Hunger Games, Babel and Fourth Wing but don't mind YA romance, you will absolutely adore this. I was hooked and NEEEEED the sequel.

This was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but I think it will be a big hit with the right audience. It's a very strong premise and the start to an exciting sounding YA series.

Things I liked:
- Lots of linguistics and code breaking
- Lots of dragons
- Set in an alternate Bletchley Park
- Very fast-paced; I tore through it
- A morally complex lead character

Things that didn't work as well for me:
- The worldview and themes felt a bit simplistic and obvious to me
- Too many things going on (best friend drama, slow burn romance, dark academia, class warfare, fascism) made it feel a little muddled
- The writing was a bit heavy handed for my tastes

I know I'm not the right audience for this one, but I really think it will find its market. Readers looking for an exciting, fast-paced book with lots of dragons and drama will enjoy.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins, NetGalley, and S. F. Williamson for generously providing an ARC for review!

4.5⭐️
Here is how I see A Language of Dragons…

Imagine if you took all the nuance, political intrigue, corruption, and rebellion aspects of The Hunger Games - you know the stuff we missed when we read it as kids but became super obvious once we grew up and realized our world is an absolute mess…

Now take all that goodness and shove it into a reimagined post WW1 London, where dragons and humans coexist. Then add in linguistics and translation al la Babel. Add a little dark academia vibes. Throw in a morally gray FMC that would do anything to protect her family, a few feisty side characters, and mini dragons that deliver the mail… Plus a romantic sub-plot.

I had a great time with this book and think it is an absolutely spectacular start to the series. I cannot wait for the next book. The author S.F. Williamson is one to watch!

What I loved…
- a spectacular representation of a corrupt government and killer political intrigue
- flawed characters that felt real
- a PINK dragon
- excellent prose and fantastic imagery and world-building.
- fast-paced start and an action packed ending that had be gasping!

What I didn’t love…
- there is a bit of a lull in the middle of the book imo, but those who find the academia/linguistics aspects really interesting won’t find the same issue
- I wanted more details of the relationship development between the FMC and her love interest. There is evidence to back up the feelings they have but its off page evidence and I wanted to see more on page relationship development
- helicopters were barely being invented and tested in 1923 (we’re talking could only hover 40 feet off the ground) - I get that this is a fictional world but it was just one of those random things that stuck out to me as not really fitting.

While this is technically a young adult novel I think it has mass appeal for adult and younger audiences - the only YA aspect of this book was the age of the characters.

I'm impressed with how explicitly this book discuses rebellion. It very straightly states that politicians should not be feared by people, but should rather be fear the people, that a disinterest in political debate is due to privilege, and it allows the main character to be categorically and unequivocally wrong. It is a story about growing into change, and learning that the side you are fighting for is corrupt. And how to grapple with the mistakes you have made. Plus, there's dragons which is super freaking cool.

If you want Babel but make it YA with dragons, I recommend this one! The main character's views are frustrating at the start but understandable and she does grow and get better. I really like all the time spent explaining the different dragon's ways of communicating, instead of like in fourth wing when they just magically speak English in the human's head. It made for an interesting world and added a new element to the story. It also has a competitive school setting, ex-best friend drama, a romance and more. The ending did not make me feel good though