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A Language of Dragons

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A Language of Dragons

By: S. F. Williamson
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

The most exciting debut of 2025 – an incredible fantasy Dark Academia, perfect for fans of Babel, Fourth Wing, and the Scholomance trilogy

EVERY FIRE STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPARK.

Welcome to Bletchley Park… with dragons.

London, 1923. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn’t worried. She’s going to follow the rules, get an internship studying dragon languages, and make sure her little sister never has to risk growing up Third Class. By midnight, Viv has started a civil war.

With her parents arrested and her sister missing, all the safety Viv has worked for is collapsing around her. So when a lifeline is offered in the form of a mysterious ‘job’, she grabs it. Arriving at Bletchley Park, Viv discovers that she has been recruited as a codebreaker helping the war effort – if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn’t, they’ll all die.

At first Viv believes that her challenge, of discovering the secrets of a hidden dragon language, is doable. But the more she learns, the more she realises that the bubble she’s grown up in isn’t as safe as she thought, and eventually Viv must decide: What war is she really fighting?

An epic, sweeping fantasy with an incredible Dark Academia setting, a clandestine, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and an unputdownable story, filled with twists and turns, betrayals and secret identities, A Language of Dragons is the unmissable debut of 2025, from an extraordinary new voice.

A Language of Dragons was Children's #1 bestseller in the TCM chart on 07 January 2025.

©2025 S. F. Williamson (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers Family & Relationships Literature & Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Romance Romantic Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy Thrillers & Suspense Fantasy Fiction War Dragons Exciting

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Critic reviews

“Burning with dragon fire and the flames of revolution, A Language of Dragons is compulsive and brimming with intelligence. This is dark academia with a thrilling twist … A historical YA fantasy that is uniquely compelling.” – Rachel Greenlaw, author of Compass and Blade

“Hugely gripping and wildly enjoyable, A Language of Dragons sinks its talons into you from the very first page and doesn't let go until its heart-stopping conclusion. This is the dark academia dragon book my heart was yearning for, and a must-read for fantasy fans everywhere.” – Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

“Dragons meet dark academia in this spellbinding fantasy about forbidden love, tested loyalty, and the art of translation. I was captivated from start to finish!” – Lauryn Hamilton Murray, author of Heir of Storms

"A gripping dark academia fantasy … I absolutely loved the unique premise of this book! While there are many great dragon books out there these days, this one stood out to me as a really interesting and different take.” – Cosmopolitan
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honestly is so different to any dragon related story ever, world building is great, the universe is so unique, all emotions mix together, sometimes i want to slap the FFMC but honestly give it a go youbwont regret it.

Freaking Amazing!

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really enjoyed the storyline, keep me entertained, no slow or flat bits in it,narrators were very good ,defo recommend

good story line ,nice narrator

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This is such a clever concept, and so thoughtfully spun. I wanted more detail on the code breaking and research, and I think some of the worldbuilding was lost to keeping it pacy, but I enjoyed it.

Great idea, great narration

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Quick read. Action packed from the first chapter. Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait to see where the story goes.

Story was unique mix of historical fiction and fantasy.

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It gave me goosebumps listening to this book what an amazing story if only dragons were real

Amazing

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I absolutely loved A Language of Dragons. I loved the writing style and definitely does not read as a debut novel. I was hooked from the start. The audiobook narration was also extremely good 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Can’t wait for the sequel in 2026

Loved 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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I loved the book, and the audible version was just perfect. A fantastic story, enjoyable to read and listen to.

Brilliant, of course

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I was recommended this book by a lady in Waterstones and OMG I am glad she did. This book had me in the first few chapters and kept me hooked for the whole book. This story was amazing and I loved it. The narrator had an incredible voice and made it for me.

Amazing Story

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Dragons, politics, puzzles, and teetering political climate. I liked that the protagist did not have a strong moral compass - she struggled between ambtion, survival, protecting her family, and doing what's right for the masses.

At times I was frustrated by Vivans short sightedness & naivty. However, this made her character feel more real as she is only 17 and finds herself in impossible situations

I look forward to more installment!

As always, the narrator is fantastic. She is one of my favorites and I found this title via her audible listings.

Great perspective on government & power

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Mc : Vivian's story moved me, from her character growth to her loyalty. She has lost to bring to the table. I am looking forward to a sequel and tink this is a great book for starters, tis story keep me reading end listening.

a story with depth

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