A Language of Dragons tells the story of an alternate past in which the UK has a class system and a tentative peace treaty with dragons. Enter a linguist who speaks multiple draconian languages, an uprising, and lessons on privilege. While the first part of the story felt a little too heavy on telling, the plot was interesting enough that I kept reading. The last half felt more cohesive and engaging, but maybe it was because I was invested at that point.
I will be picking up the next book on the series because I am curious about what happens next.

If you like alternate histories with dark academia vibes, dragons, and political unrest, then this book is for you.

Our main character, Vivian, navigates London in the 1920’s as dragons fly overhead and rebellion is brewing. As someone who is very adept at dragon languages (she already knows 9 and hopes to pursue a prestigious internship), Viv finds herself thrust head first into the political unrest.

I really enjoyed this book, and was questioning whether I would have done the same things if I was in Viv’s shoes. She’s smart and witty and a little bit awkward. There’s action, adventure, and even a bit of slow burn enemies to lovers romance.

This book was so fun and thrilling from start to finish! The world-building was expansive and so detailed, seamlessly blending historical and fantasy elements. As a dragon enthusiast, I was completely in awe by the dragons in this story. They were fresh and unique, especially with the author's exploration of dragon linguistics, languages, translations, and species descriptions.

Some others have pointed out that the main character can be insufferable at times, and I agree. She lived a very privileged life and often overlooked others. However, her journey to overcome that mindset was fantastic and very well executed. The side characters were also a major highlight, and I was really invested in them throughout the story. Their work and interactions felt very genuine.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fantasy and dragons! Thank you so much to HarperCollins for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I love a good fantasy with a unique plot. This one I can still remember a few weeks later. With a romance subplot, and the main character needing to work for the enemy to help her family or to put it all on the line against them, it was an adventure.

Between the dragon language, the dark academia, and the romance, there was a lot happening here. It was a quick read, easy to follow, but held a lot. I enjoyed the world built, and the relationships with dragons. Also, I know that dragons have been a popular focal point for fantasy novels these days, but I just loved how different this one was. Having their own secret language, and having to decode it? Something I never would’ve thought of.

A very fun book, and I can’t wait to follow along with this series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the author and publisher through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

This book had so much more potential than it seemed to focus on, perhaps due to it being from Viv's perspective or perhaps leading up to a second book, but I was felt a little disappointed in how much seemed to be skipped over, especially the class system and the world outside betchly. The characters also seemed to be a bit limited, having their own lives but not really being conveyed as more than strangers, although again, that could have been due to Viv's perspective. Overall, this book was very well written and satisfied my yearn for dragons and some complex politics that actually matches the war setting. I also appreciate Viv for not being the typical protagonist and for having flaws,.

I don’t even know how to describe my disappointment. 3.5 stars for the WWII-esque vibes and the code breaking but the FMC was a bit insufferable….actually more than a bit. Maybe she was just stupid.

I don’t know y’all, I’m so bummed 🗣️

This is a debut historical fantasy about a world with dragons, rebellions, and heartbreaking love. It’s 1923 in the streets of London and dragons fly overhead as protesters line the streets demanding an end to the class system. Vivian Featherswallow is living in her second class “bubble.” She follows the rules, keeps her head down, and works hard. When her idol comes to dinner at her family home, Viv hopes to secure an internship studying dragon languages (she can already speak nine), but her life comes crashing down as her family is arrested for colluding with the rebels. Desperate to save her family, Viv makes a choice to release a dragon. By midnight, her actions have started a civil war.

This novel has dragons and bombs for a glimpse of steampunk. The story in this book goes in so many unexpected directions. Included in this novel is dystopian class segregation, individuals struggling against the oppressive government, espionage and modern war. A heavy list, and that’s not to say there isn’t fun.but It was a story that lingered for me after reading.this novel. As a daughter of refugees and linguists, Viv speaks several human and dragon tongues. Her love of language depicts it as more than words, but rather a family bond, a useful tool, and still an academic joy.

This book was so unique and it reminded me a little bit of Violet Evergarden and Divine Rivals but in a much more YA setting.

I thought the premise of this was pretty interesting. You already know, as the reader, that the rebels are probably the ones on the "right" side. I appreciated the realistic aspect of someone who is helping the government further oppress people and admits that she's a coward for doing so. Even when confronted with certain truths, she's still too comfortable to make the right decision until the very end.

The only reason this book is not five stars is only the fault of my own. I think I am growing out of YA books and even so, I enjoyed this read and I think many will probably rate it higher than I did.
I'd heard really great things about it and became curious when it was picked as Fairyloot's YA book. Overall a great read and would recommend!

Honestly it was just incredibly *incredibly* meh. Like it compared itself to Babel and for some reason I expected that excellence and when it failed to meet it I was somehow surprised.

Ok this is the best way I can sum this up LOTS of politics and corruption, with a rebellion brewing! Put into an urban fantasy post WW1 London, BUT one where dragons and humans coexist, in a dark academia setting.

Give the lead to a morally gray female that would do anything to protect her family, add a side of possible romance, a few feisty side characters, and mini dragons that deliver the mail (is that better than owls? Lol).

This is a strong well thought out start to what I hope is a wonderfully fulfilling series that in my opinion has MASS appeal even though it is said to be YA.

Have I been a bit vague – YES. Why? Because I really actually think you should just go read it without too much info (it adds a lot to the experience).

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC in return for my unbiased review.

This was a great book! I mean, what’s not to love in a world where dragons and humans exist?! You will find a corrupt government, phenomenal world building, lots of action, code breaking, and a slightly morally grey FMC!

Not to say this book is bad, it just wasn't for me! I do hope others take a chance on reading it.

I was drawn to this book from the cover alone! It is stunning! The colors and the dragon are so pretty, I love it. Also, the title. You say dragon and I am all over it.

Honestly I think my hopes for this book were a bit too high. I had been excited to read something in this time period, however, it was hard for me to get into. I kept finding myself putting it down constantly, or being easily distracted. I wasn't engaged in the book and struggled with wanting to read it.

Dragons
Forbidden romance
Secrets and betrayal
Rebellion
Spice free

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc!
I am always on the hunt for more dragon books and when I saw this cover, I just knew I had to grab it! I was excited when I saw the comparison to Babel as that is truly an excellent book and I can see some similarities between the books. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking the story, and I will be continuing the book. A good blend of academia, dragons, fighting, and language. Definitely worth checking out!

A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson
A breathtaking fantasy novel, A Language of Dragons weaves an enchanting tale of magic, destiny, and the power of words. Williamson’s worldbuilding is rich and immersive, transporting readers into a realm where language itself holds unimaginable power. With compelling characters and a fast-paced narrative, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers craving a fresh take on dragons and mythology.

A Language of Dragons by R.L. Martinez is an imaginative and heartwarming tale that dives into the complexities of language, culture, and identity through a fantastical lens. Set in a world where humans and dragons coexist, the story explores the way communication shapes relationships and the deep connections that form through shared understanding.

The protagonist, a young linguist named Kiva, is thrust into an adventure that challenges not only her knowledge of language but also her beliefs and her place in the world. The discovery of a secret dragon language acts as the catalyst for the story, one that could unlock both wondrous and dangerous powers. Martinez does an excellent job of weaving together themes of personal growth and the significance of language in shaping both individuals and societies.

Overall, A Language of Dragons is a captivating blend of fantasy and intellectual curiosity. It’s a celebration of language, identity, and the bonds we share with those who understand us. If you’re a fan of magical realism, thought-provoking narratives, and strong character development, this book will surely leave a lasting impression.

This book was a pleasant surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was a quick read and a good time.

I went in with conflicting expectations for this one, mainly based on the comps. You've got Babel, which is smart and sophisticated, with complex characters and a truly stunning magic system based on translation (and also one of my FAVORITE dark academia books of all time - truly a modern classic). And then you've got Fourth Wing, which is fun and smutty, but more of a popcorn book than anything. I think if you're in it for Fourth Wing, you'll be disappointed. If you're in it for Babel, I think you'll have a great time.

I'm way more of a Babel girlie, so I was vibing with this one from the first page. Vivien Featherswallow is a rule following future translation scholar, specializing in dragon languages. Her parents, talented scholars, are actually rebels in disguise -- in order to free them when they're arrested and sentenced to death, Viv agrees to become a translator for the British government, who's hoping to discover the secret of dragon echolocation. Her cousin Marquis comes along with her, as does her ex-bestie Sophie. In a race against time, Viv and crew must meet the government's demands in order to stop a civil war, but Viv begins to question the cost of what she's doing as time goes on.

I loved the beginning, but felt my enthusiasm flagging as the novel went on. I think part of my problem is standard debut issues. The moments of violence and tension--of which there were many that should have felt like gut punches--were quickly brushed over, giving the pacing a rather uneven feel. Part of this could also be that the relationships among the Bletchley Park crew vacillate in ways that feel rather inconsistent. Sophie and Viv go from being enemies to friends and back again in paragraphs (this happens multiple times), and a recruit attacks another but is then redeemed at the end with little explanation or fanfare. Viv herself also has a frustratingly paced character arc.

The 1920s setting felt unexplored, given that Viv and crew largely remain at Bletchley Park for most the book (though I have read a lot of 1920s era fantasy lately, so I may be a bit biased). The language also felt more or less contemporary, not really immersing me in the setting. But, for all those critiques, the dragon lore is so unique, and I really, really appreciated how complex the politics were. There's been a tendency in YA lately to water down the politics, or make them so convoluted that even a seasoned fantasy reader has some difficulty, but this hit the sweet spot. It's got that Hunger Games-esque critique of capitalism that I so adore. Williamson writes cleverly, and though I could see the Babel comparisons (translation and use of language as resistance), it did a great job of differentiating itself as well. And for all my critique of the 1920s setting, I did adore the spy school itself far more than Fourth Wing's Basgiath. The romance and plot were well balanced, and Atlas was a wonderful love interest, though I do question his decision to leave the priesthood for...Viv.

Ultimately, this felt very much like a debut, but a really solid debut, if that makes sense. I have a read a lot of dragon books, a lot of dark academia, and a lot of 1920's era fantasy these past couple years, so my standards are very high. But I think readers should definitely not sleep on this book, especially younger readers new to the genres.

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and S. F. Williamson for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review! I think Williamson has a lot of promise, and I'm interested to see where the series goes next.

Dark Academia, Post WW1 London, dragons. What's not to like? I love the emphasis on language and the strong story. I'm definitely coming back to this author.

5 ⭐️

Wow, this book was so so good! The politics, the rebellion, the love story, and the dragons and their languages were all so intricately woven into a beautiful story that I literally couldn’t put down and finished in 6 hours.

Viv was a brilliant young woman, both principled and flawed, trying to protect everyone she loved while learning about herself and the government she was serving as a dragon linguistics expert. Atlas challenged her, made her think more deeply and gave her new perspectives that shook her to her core, all while standing up for her at every turn. The love story between them was beautiful, but it wasn’t the heart of the book - the dragons were.

The dragons were masterfully written. Those on the side of the government were just as wary of the humans as those on the rebellion’s side. I loved the nuances in how they allied together but still kept their secrets, because dragons will always protect their own first. It was a disturbing look into the way humans try to force animals into captivity and then exploit them for their own gains and entertainment. And the way that can backfire in the end.

Every side character offered their own vital piece of the story, and the relationships between them all was really well done. Even the ones I didn’t like had redeeming qualities and justifiable reasons for being the way they were.

I really hope there’s a second book coming to complete this story because I need so much more.

The audiobook narrator, Henrietta Meire, sounded great. Her accent was beautiful and her emotional range was perfect for Viv.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is a book I will absolutely be buying for myself now, because I want to read it again and again.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

Love the idea of it and I love a book with dragons, but this wasn't for me at this time.