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A Natural History of Dragons

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A Natural History of Dragons

By: Marie Brennan
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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About this listen

From Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, Isabella, Lady Trent is known to be the world’s preeminent dragon naturalist.

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

©2013 Bryn Neuenschwander (P)2013 Macmillan Audio Classics Fantasy

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Critic reviews

"A rich and absorbing tale" ( Publishers Weekly)
"It's a compelling book, with the authority of a great writer, and it's the start of what surely will be a wonderful series." ( The Book Bag)
All stars
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Emil Zola meets Anne McAffrey. This is real writing, well paced, beautifully described, deft character portrayal and engaging plot.

A delight

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Great story, great fantasy, great narration. I have been entranced by this odd, yet familiar, land and it’s peoples and wildlife. What glorious imagination. Can’t wait to read the next one.

Spectacular

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From the get go enjoyed the narrator, and the story was enjoyable. So much so I felt I had to write this! Looking forward to the next book!

Totally unexpected

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loved the narrator, it was a nice to listen to the steady paced story. period drama plus dragons in an anatomical way was super refreshing

who wouldn't want Lady Whistledown narrating dragon tales

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one of my favourite books brought to life with a great narration, a journey through a Victorian society with dragons

Marvelous

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I felt that the narrator match the characters wonderfully.
I will definitely be listening to the other books in this series.

Enjoyable adventure

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⭐ 4.5/5 ⭐

Audiobook narrated by Kate Reading.

This series has a place in my heart and it's been a few years since I read it so decided to revisit. We follow Isabella, a young upper class women in an analogue of Victorian England as she starts her adventurous career studying dragons. The books are told as a set of her memoirs.

- This book is a slow start as Isabella's childhood is described. When I read this the first time I remember it took me a while to get through but on reread I very much enjoyed it and the set up for what occurs later in the book and series.

- The main adventure of the book takes place in rural Vystrana (Russia/Eastern European inspired region) where Isabella joins a party research Rock Wyrms. I love how Brennan brought the region to life and dropped in details that added to the ambience.

- Isabella is both amazing and fun but also frustrating and naïve. I love her character but did occasionally wish to hit her over the head to beat some sense into her. Kate Reading gave her so much personality and vibrance and made the listening experience excellent.

A historical sci-fantasy that captured my heart again. Would recommend to those who enjoy historical fantasy, a charismatic female protagonist and speculative science of mythological creatures.

.

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I don't really know what I was expecting going into this story but my god it wasn't what occurred. I was expecting some sort of bestiary about dragons but it was such a good story that transpired instead. If you have any doubt about the book put them aside and listen. It is such a good story well written and executed.

Absolutely brilliant!

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wasn't expecting a lot but was pleasantly surprised. The narrator was fantastic and she made the story even better. this is a cosy read/listen with some heart breaking moments because of how real and relatable they are. Will Def listen the next book!

A pleasant surprise

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Simply put; I loved this book.

I'm a huge Terry Pratchett fan, and somehow this book resonated with me in a Terry Pratchett way. Yet it's not at all like Sir Terry's books in that this is written as a serious fantasy piece. That said, if Lady Sybil Ramkin's Grandmother wrote a serious memoir cross anthropology book on Dragons, this could well be that book.

The author captures the essence of what we imagine Victorian England and their conquests of the World might have been like. The narrator carries that image through the way she uses her tone and inflection. Both merge to bring the story alive in a beautiful way. The engineering quality is also good with this audio download, which is nice as that is something that can be lacking on some downloads.

This is going to be a firm favourite of mine, and I have no trouble given it top marks all the way round.

Loved this book.

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