Spoiler Review: ‘A Language of Dragons’ is for Those Who Love Political Intrigue, Linguistics, and Deeply Flawed Characters
Is everyone nursing an Onyx Storm book hangover (spoiler review here)? Ok, cool, me too. If you’re not ready to let dragons go just yet, and you’d like something that’s less “dragon riding” and more “political strife with dragons”, might I suggest picking up A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson? I absolutely devoured this book, and if you loved Babel by R.F. Kuang, you’ll probably love this story too. Think linguistics, translations, and dark academia vibes. While this story takes place in an alternate history of Post WWI Great Britain where dragons and humans have a peace treaty, it’s tackles many real world issues like classism, prejudice, lack of free speech, travel bans, and segregation. There’s also a romantic subplot for those that need a little romance in their reads, but it’s definitely not the main focus, although it does propel the story forward at times. I’m a sucker for historical fiction fantasy, and it's set in 1923, so the lack of modern conveniences lend itself well to a world with dragons. I found the main character to be absolutely insufferable (the author did this on purpose), but I felt the ensemble cast made it a super engaging read. At times, the plot does seem predictable and simple, but keep in mind, it is YA. There’s also some villains that will absolutely enrage you, and a resistance you’ll want to be part of. And the dragons? Obsessed. More dragons please. I also have to recommend the audiobook, which was fantastic. Let’s get into it, shall we?
P.S. the gorgeous copy I photographed above is the Fairyloot edition with the UK cover. If you’d like to get your hands on one, Mercari is a great place to check for people unhauling special editions from Fairyloot, Illumicrate, and other book subscription boxes. Here’s $10 off your first purchase!
Things to Know:
Debut YA novel
Alternate British History
Historical Fiction Fantasy
Classism, Prejudice, Racism
TW: death on page, gore, torture, SA
Found family
Great banter
Political intrigue
MORE Dragons (even a pink one)!
***MINOR SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT—YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!***
Vivien Featherswallow is a hard FMC to root for. In this case, her ruthless ambition, and questionable beliefs were very much on purpose, but made it hard to fully enjoy the story because I wanted to shake her constantly. How can you be so dense and selfish, and indoctrinated, girl?! We first meet Vivian while she’s getting ready to go out with her cousin, Marquis. We learn very quickly there’s a class system in place, and her family is part of the Second Class with some privileges, and the first chapter hits this home hard with them witnessing a protest that results in spilled blood of the Third Class.
Vivian’s the quintessential teacher’s pet, and it’s hinted at constantly throughout the novel that she did something pretty unforgivable to her best friend, Sophie, during their exam the previous term, which resulted in Sophie being demoted to Third Class. At first it drove me nuts that we had no idea what she did to Sophie because it’s referenced so much, but it truly is a journey, and I can tell you, you do find out in the end. She’s a very real character who’s extremely flawed, but would also do anything to rescue her family who are all arrested for aiding a Rebellion.
I absolutely loved the linguistic aspect of this novel, and while some may find it boring, I ate up all the explanations and descriptions of the different dragon languages and theories on how they’re communicating. The writing style is still super accessible though, and when Vivian finds herself with her cousin as a secret government location as a code breaker in the war effort she accidentally started, there’s nonstop action and political intrigue. We meet a diverse cast of characters, and a potential love interest.
I personally didn’t like that her love interest was a Priest-in-training. It felt like Viv was trying to corrupt him in a way, and I didn’t love the way faith was addressed, but I will acknowledge that it also made Atlas a great flawed character. He was the foil to Viv, trying to show her the right path. But oh, is that path difficult. Sophie conveniently also happens to be at this site. And when Viv is pitted against her, and everyone she arrived with to break the code first, you’re left wondering if she’ll continue being a coward and make the ultimate selfish decision that could save her sister and parents, or the potential to save thousands of others.
What would you do if you had the chance to make an impact for the greater good, but you might have to sacrifice everyone you love? It’s honestly a super hard question, and forces you to question how can you choose a good life for yourself at the detriment of everyone else.
Lastly, I must give praise to the dragons! I loved them. As with most dragons, they are snarky and proud, and I have a special place in my heart for Chumana, the pink dragon, who absolutely stole the show.
It’s still unclear to me if this book is a standalone or not. I did feel the ending left it very much open to a sequel, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for any news. I’d also note that although this is technically a YA novel, the story is super relevant for older audiences. Many thanks to Harper Collins for an eArc to review. All opinions are my own.
Fave Quotes:
“Atlas, languages are like that. You can say the same thing a hundred different ways, and occasionally one of those ways is so unique to the translator that it is impossible to reproduce. No other translator will use the same words, the same rhythm, the same turn of phrase ever again. Translating is creating, too.”
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“To control languages, to control words, is to control what people know.”
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“Riding is for horses. I am permitting you to take refuge on my back. Now hurry up before I change my mind.”
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“Peace isn’t peace if it’s only given to some.”
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“We live in a world that permits everything but forgives nothing.”
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“Every act of translation requires sacrifice.”
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“Your whole life has been built on what you can do. So much so that you have no idea who you are.”
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