I came for the dragons, but stayed for the political uprising and emotional damage 😅

So… I saw a book about dragons and code breaking and was like, this will be a fun read. Well now I’m crying 😂

But in all seriousness, this was fantastic! I can’t believe it’s a debut!

🐉🐉🐉

Premise:

Vivien is a budding linguist, in a post-WW1 Britain shared by humans and dragons. After her family is arrested, Vivien sets free a rebel dragon and accidentally breaks the peace agreement between the two species.

To avoid being locked up for treason, she is offered a new job by the Prime Minister, at Bletchley Park, where she can put her language skills to use and unlock a secret code of the dragons. And in doing so, save her family.

🐉🐉🐉

It’s incredibly enthralling and I struggled to put it down!

Vivien, whilst not the most likeable narrator at times due to her actions, is incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her go through her internal struggle of what is right and wrong. I still feel she has gotten off lightly with Sophie though and wonder if there will be further revenge later on 🤔🤔

The location itself, was literally my dream. As someone who studied maths and did extra courses around code breaking at school, with trips to Bletchley park, I was obsessed! And despite not being much of a linguist myself, the way the language of dragons was developed was fascinating. Plus I love the magical element of it all!

And the plot was fantastic! With the state of the UK with it’s division and the uprising! This book is truly, first and foremost, a political fantasy in my mind. But despite the 1920s backdrop, so much still seems relevant today!

And the romance subplot was very cute! Firstly, he’s a priest in training!! Which just adds to the forbidden nature of it all! But I loved them sharing notes and how well they clicked despite the class divide.

And the wider characters were fab! I want to adopt Marquis as my cousin! And I’m very intrigued about wider characters and what happens next for them, especially Serena, Sophie and Gideon! (What was that bomb drop by Gideon at the end? Bloody hell!)

The ending definitely broke me emotionally, but I will 100% be reading the next book!

This was a fascinating and imaginative tale set in an alternative post WW1 world where dragons exist alongside humans. As a lover of alternate histories and dragons, this book was one that I was excited to be reading.
I felt that Language of Dragons was aimed towards the younger end of YA. The protagonists are all in late teens and I really got that adolescent feeling of knowing everything when actually, you don’t especially from Viv, the main protagonist. It’s an action packed story with a real emphasis on friendship and although there is a romance (in fact more than one), they don’t form the main part of the book.
The story is told in the first person which has the effect of making events feel very dramatic as they are seen through Viv’s eyes. The opening scenes when her family life is turned upside down are gripping. She is definitely not perfect but I enjoyed her character flaws and felt that they were in keeping with her age and experience. Her inability or unwillingness to see the truth of what was actually happening felt very lifelike even though it was frustrating to read. I thought that her story arc during the book and the way she grew up was really well done.
One downside of the first person narrative is that it restricts how much we see of other characters. Some of them were well developed especially Atlas but others were more two-dimensional and it would have been nice to have more insight into them. I did enjoy the villains of the story though and the dragons of course.
I enjoyed the world building with its politics and uneasy alliance between humans and dragons. There was very clear history which we were given enough details of to anchor the story without feeling too bogged down by details. The social structure with its different classes was well thought out too and although it’s a theme that has been used many times before, it felt quite fresh in this novel.
The language element was fascinating although not really like Babel which it has been compared to. I loved the academic aspect of their work at Bletchley park and the way that the students were all engrossed in their work of translation. Language is a strong theme throughout the book with the constant idea that no translation, no matter how good, can ever convey exactly what a reader meant.
This was a great YA read and a book that I would love to have read when I was a teenager. My thanks as always to Net Galley and the publishers, Harper Collins UK, for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

A YA book about dragons? Perfect for my Twixtmas read.
This is much more thought provoking than the description above would lead you to believe. Set in a parallel universe 1920s where dragons and humans co-exist thanks to an increasingly wobbly peace agreement, and humans are graded into classes according to how well they do in one Examination, this is a kind of Hunger Games meets dark academia read. Our hero Vivienne Featherswallow is a translation student, who speaks nine languages. When her parents are arrested for being part of a coalition trying to mount a rebellion against the system, Vivien takes some radical action and is offered a chance to save them if she goes to.Bletchley Park to try to work out dragon communication. Along with a group of other teens who have things to atone for, including her former best friend, her cousin, and a hot trainee priest, Vivien must crack the dragon code and then try to work out where her allegiance really lies.
There’s romance, violence, moral ambiguity and dragons! Including a pink one.Exactly the kind of book I would have absolutely loved as a teenager, and still very much enjoy as an adult. I really hope there’s a sequel. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I am speechless. it has been a while since I have devoured a book like this and wow it was fantastic.

this was a gripping, historical fantasy, filled with dragon lore, broken societal systems, corrupt leaders, scheming and academia. I don't know what my expectations were but it blew me away.

The dragon element of this story was fascinating, I loved the idea of deciphering a new dragon language, seeing where current dragon languages descended from and the whole arc of that story.

Seeing the injustices of the class systems, treatment of people and dragons and corruption of the government was one of my favourite parts. It's books like this that show reading is political. And I loved Vivian's character arc, the guilt she faces, going against everything she was told to believe by society, ooofff it was great.

The side characters were very strong & I cannot wait to see more of them. The reluctant teammates to friends planted a seed of hope for some found family later on down the line. The subplot of romance was so much fun, I loved their notes so much, atlas & viv >>

My heart did shatter towards the end there but boyyyy that ending. I need book 2 immediately.

S. F. Williamson’s A Language of Dragons is an enchanting epic fantasy. Though it technically falls under the YA fantasy umbrella (which I absolutely loved but I'm aware not everyone shares this love), it is rich with world-building, compelling characters, and a lyrical yet accessible prose style.
I was thoroughly impressed with the setting of the book and the way Williamson wielded the magic of world-building. The characters were interesting, flawed and imperfect in their own way, which made them that more relatable. I do wish some of the side character were slightly more flashed out, I could look past it and wasn't too bothered by it
The pacing lagged slightly in the middle, but this immersive tale brimmed with magic, dragon lore, and emotional depth, is a must-read for fans of the genre.

3.75⭐️

This book has a lot to love and is a different spin on classic dragon fantasy tales. I was intrigued by the 1920s Britain backdrop and how the dragon citizens were part of this society. I also liked that it focused on the linguistic aspect of the dragons rather than magic for a change.

The romance was a favourite part and Atlas was easily my favourite character. I would have liked to know more about the side characters however, as I felt we spent a bit too much time with Viv and her exceedingly naive views, which got a bit too much for me at times. I also think the historical and dragon elements didn’t always blend seamlessly, so felt jarring at times.

That said, overall I still had a lot of fun with this book and will be looking out for the second!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

A Language of Dragons is an interesting twist on dragon stories and (fantastical) languages. I enjoyed the world-building immensely, especially the political conflicts and the code breaking. I also liked that the main character was really flawed - at times Vivs back-and-forth was annoying, but I enjoyed seeing her moral dilemma. My only issue with this book is its pacing, but I hope it will be better in the sequel!

4.5 stars

S. F. Williamson’s A Language of Dragons is a beautifully imaginative and immersive tale that will delight fans of epic fantasy and dragon lore. With a world brimming with magic, ancient secrets, and a unique connection between humans and dragons, this book soars high as a memorable addition to the genre.

The story centers on the protagonist’s journey to uncover the lost language of dragons, a skill that holds the power to reshape their fractured world. Williamson’s world-building is exceptional, weaving intricate details about dragon mythology, magic systems, and political intrigue into a rich and captivating tapestry. The author’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, drawing readers into a world that feels both fresh and timeless.

The characters are compelling, with the protagonist standing out as a determined and vulnerable figure who grows tremendously throughout the story. The relationships, particularly between the protagonist and the dragons, are beautifully crafted and layered with emotional depth. The dragons themselves are written with intelligence and personality, making them feel like true characters rather than just mythical creatures.

Where the book falls slightly short is in its pacing. The middle sections slow down as the story focuses heavily on exposition and lore, which, while fascinating, occasionally detracts from the urgency of the plot. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been fleshed out further to enhance their impact on the story.

Despite these minor flaws, A Language of Dragons is a deeply enchanting read that celebrates the bond between humans and dragons while exploring themes of communication, unity, and the power of language. It’s a story full of heart and wonder, and one that will leave readers eager for more from S. F. Williamson. Highly recommended for fans of dragon-centric fantasy.

Overall had a good time and enjoyed the story. The fresh take on languages and dragons was fun and refreshing. I did not enjoy how simplistic and back & white the morals were.

Although this book clearly falls into the young adult category, it offers more than the usual tried-and-true formulas. The setting—a reimagined early 20th-century London with familiar yet distinctive elements—creates a fantastic atmosphere. Specific locations like Chumana's library and Beltchley Park bring a wonderful dark academia vibe to the story. And while the plot features a trial of sorts, the the context is delightfully original.
The backdrop of an alternative world with recognisable features was especially compelling. The human-dragon relationship, while not a new concept, felt revitalised under Williamson’s skillful hand.

As a lover of well-crafted characters, I was particularly impressed by the villains in this story. It’s rare to encounter antagonists so well-written that they evoke genuine, visceral dislike, but this book delivered on that front.

However, not all characters received the same level of attention. Many side characters felt underdeveloped or one-dimensional, likely due to the limitations of the first-person narration from Vivien’s perspective. A problematic narrator often introduces challenges in fleshing out the surrounding cast, and that was evident here. As a result, I struggled to connect with some of these characters, making some parts of the story centered around them less impactful.

This ties into my primary issue with the book: Vivien herself. While her skewed moral compass and lack of emotional maturity could be intentional flaws designed to support her character arc, I found them too significant to foster much sympathy. While I don’t mind protagonists who take time to grow on the reader, Vivien’s flaws were too pronounced for me to find her relatable or likable.

That said, I suspect this was a deliberate choice on the author’s part to illustrate Vivien’s growth, and some readers may appreciate her complexity more than I did.

Despite these reservations, I enjoyed this book. While I found the pacing a bit slow during the first two-thirds, the originality, atmosphere, and standout villains (and Marquis!) made up for it. I’ll likely revisit this story when the next installment is released.

Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity of reading an advance copy of this great book.
3.5 stars

4/5 Stars!

London 1923, in an alternate historical fantasy setting, where dragons exist and their fragile peace with the humans of Brittania is threatend.

The story had everything needed to have me hooked from the beginning - dragons, family bonds, at times academia vibes and some romance along the way. It was easy to follow, intriguing, exciting and while there were some parts that could have used a bit more explanation it didn‘t bother me too much.

What bothered me a bit on the other hand was our FMC. Don‘t get me wrong, I know this book is YA and she‘s young, but boy did I want to shake her at times. At the same time her thought process was understandable considering the society she lives in, but still, come on Viv..
Also I feel a bit ambivalent about the timeline, story wise the „short“ amount of time (a month I think?) makes sense, character- and relationship wise it feels like they spent a lot more time with each other than they really did.

All in all I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the sequel!

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children‘s for the e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

"Every act of translation requires sacrifice"

This is a story for language lovers and dragon fans and it did not miss.
In this alternate history, there's dragons at Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park being where the code breaking which helped bring an end WWII took place.
But this time the languages needed decoded have to do with the dragons and secrets that could be uncovered.

It's 1923 and our story starts in London. Vivian Featherswallow has been willing to do whatever it takes to stay in school and become the best Draconic polyglot there is. She's going to raise her family status to 1st class from 2nd class so they never have to fear being demoted to 3rd class.
But something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and by that I mean Vivian is about to find out just how much of a protective bubble she's been living in and how much worse life can get when you're living in an oppressive society.

This story takes everything I love from fantasy and pairs it nicely with 1920s war-time London. In the UK there's a peace treaty (at least on paper) between the UK and dragons. The British Prime Minister and the Queen of Dragons have a certain understanding, but there's also other groups to factor in, both dragon and human, and everyone has secrets.

In this story we have a lot of things I enjoy. There's dark academia vibes, characters trying to figure out what the truth is and who to trust, smart characters figuring out puzzles and being clever, and dragons!
The characters were written true to their times and I believe were really well formed and while I wanted to throw things at them at some times, they were being true to themselves in a really good way.

I am so excited to see where this story goes next.

Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC, I cannot wait for my finished copy to arrive.

4.5
I was really excited for this release and very happy to be provided the earc of it. I love languages, they are one of my favorite areas to study, so a book dealing with both the stufy of them and dragons? Right in my alley.

It took me a bit to warm up to the narrative style and Vivian, the main character. But once I did, i enjoyed every second of the ride. I loved seeing the world unravel bit by bit, how both the reader and the characters got to discover and understand what was going on at the moment.

I loved the political parts of this story, especially about dealing with dragons.

Really recommend picking up A language of Dragons if you are interested when it comes out on January 2nd.

Language and dragons, two things I cannot resist and so explain my reasons for picking Williamson’s novel up. However, it is clear that this is a YA book and thus I am probably not the target audience, something which I will take into account in my review.

Written within the overlap between fantasy and dark academia, A Language of Dragons follows Viv, our teenage protagonist who desperately wants to study dragon languages at university. However, all her carefully laid plans fall apart when her parents are arrested for treason and she is sent to work as a codebreaker at Bletchley park.

Williamson’s characterisation of Viv is detailed and works to create an effective coming-of-age narrative as she learns that not all her preconceptions are true and the society in which she lives is not as just as she has been led to believe. Although the pace of her realisations could sometimes be frustrating, it was a good reminder that turning against the status quo is not as easy as many YA protagonists makes it out to be, particularly when it involves going against deeply held beliefs. The sense of realism Williamson therefore injects into their protagonist’s reactions is refreshing.

Overall, the pacing was varied with the initial denser and more lexically focused parts becoming superseded by action for the last quarter of the book. Personally, I prefer the former and enjoyed the look at linguistics and the ethics of translation. However, I think the mixed pacing will do well in a YA novel.

With A Language of Dragons Williamson has created both a fascinating fantasy world in which humans and dragons exist bound by uneasy truces, and a thought-provoking linguistic narrative to go along with it.

A Language of Dragons is not without its issues, but there’s plenty here to maintain your interest and the ending definitely didn’t offer the easy way out. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before its publication in January 2025.
The setting is an alternate 1920s where humans and dragons have no longer got reason to work together. Society is operated on a strict class system, and anyone who fails to pass their exam or prove their worth when asked to can be demoted. The Prime Minister is desperate to find a way to use the knowledge of dragons to her advantage.
Our main character, Vi, is a skilled linguist whose specialism is the study of dragon tongues. Her mother escaped the bloodshed caused when Bulgarian dragons overthrew their government, and she is determined that Vi will take whatever opportunities are available to her in order to live a better, more secure, life.
When her parents are arrested for colluding with rebels, Vi takes it upon herself to free a dragon housed in the Great Library. For her actions she is arrested…but then given the opportunity to work for the Prime Minister at Bletchley Park in order to secure the release of those close to her.
Vi is in a difficult position. Much of the book focuses on her working out what she’s been tasked with and why it has the potential to cause so much harm. There’s a lot of detail given to this that doesn’t really seem significant, until it is.
The last part of the book felt rather rushed, but it also included the parts of the story that pulled things together and which helped you to realise the significance of key moments. Vi’s not given an easy ending, but I wonder if this could be returned to in the future as it feels like there’s definitely more to come.

This book had some really good plot ideas and I loved the dragons!! However I found the FMC too entitled and as a POC reader I could not access her emotions or driving force.

I went into this with little knowledge other than 'Bletchley Park with dragons' which was enough to sell me on the premise. I love an alternate history and this worldbuilding of a history where dragons and humans co-exist, and how that translates and alters history for such a dramatic and well-known time, was really nicely done. The romance was a little insta-love for me, but the morally grey character arcs were nicely complex. And the dragons were dreamy.

3 stars
This was almost going to be 4 stars based on characters, vibes and the storyline but the plot went somewhere I didn't enjoy and was slower and boring towards the end despite picking up in the last quarter so could have been better. I enjoyed the characters a lot but it's not wno7gh the carry the premise along which was interesting.

I enjoyed this book, but even though I really wanted to I didn’t love it. I loved some aspects of it just not all of A Language of Dragons. I think the main reason for this was that I found some of the characters personalities to be very childish (even for a YA book). In the sense that ‘the vilain’ details all their evil plans to the reluctant hero in a speech and the hero is throughout the book the best at everything she tries as well as being the only one who can figure a lot of what is happening/is going to happen making this less realistic.

That being said I enjoyed this book and am excited to read more in this world. I think that the concept of a world where dragons exist and humans can learn their language is fun and innovative and I can’t wait to see what happens next :)

Summary: In 1923 London, Vivien’s pursuit of safety and ambition collapses after a civil war erupts, forcing her into a high-stakes mission as a dragon-language codebreaker at Bletchley Park.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

One of my favourite reads of the year. The world building was epic and the characters are so well developed. I wild say this books start slow so if you want instance fast paced, this may be a little slow for you but it’s totally worth the way. Thank you for letting me review this book.