A Natural History of Dragons, Marie Brennan
A Natural History of Dragons, Marie Brennan
8 Rating(s)
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A Natural History of Dragons
A Memoir by Lady Trent

Author: Marie Brennan

Narrator: Kate Reading

Unabridged: 10 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/29/2013


Synopsis

Marie Brennan begins a thrilling new fantasy series in A Natural History of Dragons, combining adventure with the inquisitive spirit of the Victorian Age.

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one's life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know 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.

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

"Saturated with the joy and urgency of discovery and scientific curiosity."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on A Natural History of Dragons

An NPR Best Book of 2013

About Marie Brennan

Marie Brennan is Professor of Education at Victoria University, Australia, and a former Dean of Education at the University of South Australia. She is currently leading the final year of a major Australian Research Council grant (LP100200499) Renewing the teaching profession in regional areas through community partnerships and participating in the Australian study of the Work of Teacher Educators (WOTE).

About Kate Reading

Kate Reading is the recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named by AudioFile magazine as a “Voice of the Century,” as well as the Best Voice in Science Fiction & Fantasy in 2008 and 2009 and Best Voice in Biography & Culture in 2010. She has narrated works by such authors as Jane Austen, Robert Jordan, Edith Wharton, and Sophie Kinsella. Reading has performed at numerous theaters in Washington D.C. and received a Helen Hayes Award for her performance in Aunt Dan and Lemon. AudioFile magazine reports that, "With subtle control of characters and sense of pacing, Kate’s performances are a consistent pleasure."


Reviews

Goodreads review by Miranda on December 09, 2020

4.5 starsOne benefit of being an old woman now, and moreover one who has been called a "national treasure," is that there are very few who can tell me what I may and may not write.Ever since she was a child, Isabella was obsessed, absolutely obsessed, with dragons. She would spent long hours cur......more

Goodreads review by Christopher on February 09, 2018

A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent, by Marie Brennan, is a superb novel in every regard. It's a classic, first-person adventure full of travel, science, and of course, dragons. The writing is clean, concise, and well-assured. The characters are interesting—especially the main one,......more

Goodreads review by Petrik on March 05, 2024

Review copy provided by the author's agent—Zeno Literary Agency—in exchange for an honest review. A Natural History of Dragons is a very different kind of fantasy book compared to what I usually read, and it provided me with a refreshing reading experience despite its flaws. This is the first time I r......more

Goodreads review by Sean Barrs on March 09, 2016

I like books about people who like books. Perhaps it’s because it immediately allows me to sympathise with the protagonist as a bond of kinship is created. Or perhaps it’s because reading about books is a double winner. Well, either way it creates a novel that is easy to relate to and easy to become......more


Quotes

"Kate Reading’s narration in this novel is superb.... The life she brings into the already outstanding Lady Trent is phenomenal."—The Sound of Fantasy

“Her Ladyship is a determined and canny woman in search of dragons--I wholeheartedly approve!” —Melanie Rawn, bestselling author of Touchstone, on A Natural History of Dragons

“Saturated with the joy and urgency of discovery and scientific curiosity.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“If you've ever secretly wished dragons were real, this story is for you. Fans of Naomi Novik and Mary Robinette Kowal will especially enjoy this book.” —RT Book Reviews

“Told in the style of a Victorian memoir, courageous, intelligent and determined Isabella's account is colorful, vigorous and absorbing. A sort of Victorian why-what-whodunit embellished by Brennan's singular upgrade of a fantasy bromide and revitalizingly different viewpoint.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Lady Trent is the Jane Goodall of dragonkind, and I'm glad she's finally sharing her story with the world.” —Jim C. Hines, author of Libriomancer

A Natural History of Dragons stands somewhere between Naomi Novik and Elizabeth Peters, but rock-solidly in its own world and on its own terms. Highly recommended.” —Daniel Fox, author of Dragon in Chains


Awards

  • NPR Best Book of the Year
  • Slate Best Books of the Year
  • World Fantasy Award - Finalist
  • Slate Book Review Best Books of the Year