A Natural History of Dragons (The Memoirs of Lady Trent, #1) in Retro Chapter Chicks

Nov 14, 2023 Book Concierge rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, 19th-century, historical-fiction, series, adventure, travel, concierge, strong-women, science, library

Digital audio performed by Kate Reading

Subtitle: A Memoir by Lady Trent

From the book jacket: All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, knows 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 le Digital audio performed by Kate Reading

Subtitle: A Memoir by Lady Trent

From the book jacket: All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, knows 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.

My reactions:
Well, this was a wonderful romp of an adventure. We learn how Isabella became interested in natural history, and dragons in particular. As the only daughter in a family of six children, she struggled to be ladylike, but her curiosity would not be dampened. Her father suggested she try book learning rather than “field work” and when she came of age to marry she was fortunate to find a man whose intellectual curiosity matched hers and who was more than willing to have her continue her research. And that is how they come to take a thrilling expedition to foreign lands in search of dragons.

Isabella is a wonderful heroine. She’s intelligent, tenacious, curious, and determined. She makes sure that she is of value to the expedition by honing her skill at anatomical drawing so as to record the expedition forces’ findings. But she also is a keen observer on her own. Of course, it is she who solves the great mystery at the center of this adventure.

While the time is set in approximately the Victorian era, Brennan has really created a marvelous world where dragons roam. She includes much information about the various sub-species and their differences in both appearance and behavior. I was completely engaged from beginning to end. I’ll definitely continue with the series.

Kate Reading does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. Her diction is clear and easy to understand. She really brings these characters to life.
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Apr 17, 2024 Joanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-read, jolene

I really enjoyed this story(written as memoir) of Lady Trent ( Isabella) and her very first foray to study dragons in the wild.

Isabella recollects her beginnings as a "misfit" in a world where women are expected to be demure. spend their life weaving or stitching and basically be arm candy for their husband. When the time comes for Isabella to be put on display, in hopes a finding a husband, she is most fortunate to find a man who can be her friend and one who most importantly allows her to read ...more

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May 09, 2024 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, historical-fiction, teaspring2024challenge

Isabella is a curious young woman with a scientific lust for all things dragon. Her mother cannot abode her 'distraction' and insists that she lives the life of a proper young lady. When a well-to-do young man asks for Isabella's hand, her mother is anxious for her daughter to start a proper life. But that will not come to pass. Jacob, also a dracophile, stokes Isabella's dream. The two are able to live an adventurous life, one that Isabella dreamed of. Readers will travel with Isabella in dange ...more

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Feb 08, 2025 Tasha rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

I definitely enjoyed it but I wasn't feeling more than ⭐⭐⭐. I am definitely interested in continuing on with the series as I really like the premise. I listened to this on audio which I felt was better over the print. The narrator did a great job which seemed to engage me more than reading it in print did ...more

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May 16, 2023 Bianca rated it liked it

Shelves: borrowed-from-library, audiobook, bookclub-picks

I have mixed feelings about this one. While it was intriguing, there were moments when it felt too slow-paced. Nonetheless, I am eager to complete the rest of the series, hoping that the later books will offer more action.

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