A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

Thank you to Harper Collins Children's for sending me the digital ARC of this book.

A Language of Dragons was so good. The story follows Vivian Featherswallow, a dedicated student with high aspirations of studying dragon languages and translation. Living in an alternate version of Great Britain, Vivian is a second class citizen because of the Peace Agreement meant to stop violence between the humans and dragons. Essentially dragons are viewed as fourth class citizens while humans fight among themselves to prevent being demoted from their class. When Vivian's parents are arrested for opposing the Peace Agreement and class system, Vivian is forced to question whether the authorities she's believed to be good her whole life are indeed good, or if they've been lying about their intent for peace.

What made this book so good is that it's part of the fiction wave that sees a pedantic take on fantasy. Similar to how the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett is written as a field guide on the research of faeries, A Language of Dragons follows research on dragons. The characters are studying the dragons and learning as the reader is. And there is so much to learn because Williamson has made her dragons unique. The way they communicate has rules, depth, and even a sanctity that other dragon books right now really lack.

Additionally, the book has that romantic sub-plot that I personally want in every book. It doesn't have to be the main focus, and in this story, it isn't. That doesn't make the sub-plot any less interesting. Semi-spoiler ahead: her romantic interest is a third class citizen who was studying to become a priest. He's a gentleman who sticks up for what is right and protects the people he loves. But his identity studying to become a priest shows that this book has some SCANDAL, and who doesn't love a little drama?

If you're searching for a book with dragons in it that isn't romantasy (or 500 pages long), pick up A Language of Dragons when it's released on January 7, 2025!