A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent

Marie Brennan

Feb 2013 · The Lady Trent Memoirs Book 1 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

Marie Brennan begins a thrilling new fantasy series in A Natural History of Dragons, combining adventure with the inquisitive spirit of the Victorian Age.

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one's life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

"Saturated with the joy and urgency of discovery and scientific curiosity."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on A Natural History of Dragons

An NPR Best Book of 2013

The Lady Trent Memoirs
1. A Natural History of Dragons
2. The Tropic of Serpents
3. Voyage of the Basilisk
4. In the Labyrinth of Drakes
5. Within the Sanctuary of Wings

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings and reviews

This wasn't an exciting book, but then again I didn't expect it to be. The story is written as a travel log, where Lady Trent travels with her husband to study dragons. At the time, in her world, little is known about dragons and she makes it her life's work to discover whatever she can. Not only does she sketch them inside and out, but also tracks their behaviors and such. If you don't like dragons then this is most definitely not a book for you as there is little action and no real hero type in the story.

This novel is like a hot cup of tea on a cold, dreary day. It's not a shot of espresso to wake you up in the morning, not a cup of chamomile to lull you to sleep at night. It's both exciting and relaxing, showing off Brennan's major research chops and adeptness with voice. A Natural History of Dragons has a strong vein of proto-feminism and a realistic romance founded on intellectual pursuits and genuine affection developed over time.

I loved the book and could barely put it down. The mix of dragons and the pre turn of the century feel of Darwin and the amateur scholar enthusiasts makes for a compelling read. Its a book made just for me, as it delves into classifying and listing attributes of dragons in the old DC whose who or Marvel's OHOTMU. This sets the stage for a conspiracy and even some of the anthropologist's tendencies to come through. All told through point of view of one of the most captivating voices.

About the author

MARIE BRENNAN habitually pillages her background in anthropology, archaeology, and folklore for fictional purposes. She is the author of the Onyx Court series (Midnight Never Come, In Ashes Lie, A Star Shall Fall, and With Fate Conspire) and the Doppelganger duology (Warrior and Witch), as well as more than thirty short stories.