A Natural History of Dragons

By: Marie Brennan

Narrated by: Kate Reading

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

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)

Love the tone

I really like the premise of the aging woman writing her memoirs to keep the world from glossing her over from misunderstood respect. The tone is that of the past gentleman scholar, just with a gentlewoman and in a faintly steam punk world were the reader recognize most historical equivalents. She has a wonderful loving distance to her younger self and the narration supports it beautifully. I expected more dragons, but was certainly not disappointed when the emphasis was more on the story of the protagonist. The story ends on two highs, the promise of the next installment and the introduction of the the big story line that might carry a long, solid series.

Engrossing, surprising and great fun.

Loved how the scholar-heroes of this book consider new theories so sensibly - something may be unlikely but worth taking precautions anyway! Such a relief from so many simplistic thinking.

Great main character, excellent world building with tantalising glimpses of an alternate history? With dragons, obviously, which makes everything better.

loved it, driving right into the next.

loved the story, Kate Reading is as always a gem and does a great performance.

love the character of Isabella, can totally see myself in her. only not interested in dead things as her.

Ecology meets fantasy

As an ecologist myself, I appreciated this accurate portrayal of early natural exploration in a fantasy setting. In addition, the reading was done marvelously! It was as if sitting around a campfire with a coleague, listening to their stories. Will definitely be purchasing my hard copies of this series.

The narration is fantastic

Beautiful story if you like science, fantasy, history, and most importantly, DRAGONS.
It's written as a memoire of a woman who breaks ground both as a natural historian and as a female academic.
The narration is so well done. It feels real. I love all the characters so far and the plot moves forward at a great pace. This isn't your typical fantasy novel or plot, but it really is well done.

Drags a bit. Not my favourite novel.

Though the story is set up beautifully, the novel tends to drag on. Being written from a scientific background, it seems a bit cold and emotionless.