Publishers Weekly
01/25/2016
In the solid fourth book of the Lady Trent series (after Voyage of the Basilisk), Lady Isabella Trent looks back at a time when she and long-time friend Tom Wilker are tapped to lead a military-research program to breed dragons. Facing off against sexism, assassins, and her own conflicted feelings, Trent discovers more than she expects. Brennan maintains the parallels to Victorian-era Earth within a fantasy setting, but occasionally strains to show the resemblance, as in the desert portion of her world run by Sheiks who follow an Islamic-style religion. Trent is forced to think closely about her beliefs, the purity of her research, and just what sort of relationship she wants with archaeologist Suhail, who returns here in a different role from past encounters. It’s a time of changes for the main character, but this mix of scientific and fantastic creatures remains in fine form. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"A thoroughly absorbing conclusion to this refreshingly different and consistently intriguing pentalogy"—Kirkus Reviews on Within the Sanctuary of Wings
"This mix of scientific and fantastic creatures remains in fine form." —Publishers Weekly, on In the Labyrinth of Drakes
"These chronicles have the power of fabulous and historic voyages, along with a wry wit that refuses to accept the standard notions of any era—past, present, or future."—Locus on The Memoirs of Lady Trent series
“Isabella, Lady Trent, narrates her astounding adventures from volume to volume, blending Victorian pastiche and alternate-world fantasy with a distinctly pulp sensibility…now is the time to get acquainted.”—NPR on The Voyage of the Basilisk
"Discoveries about the connections between dragons and humans mix with bone-punk technology, and revelations crash like waves in a satisfying conclusion." —Publisher's Weekly on Voyage of the Basilisk
"Smart and nuanced...Overwhelmingly fun and a perfectly delightful [summer] read."—io9 on The Tropic of Serpents
"Uncompromisingly honest and forthright [and] narrated in Brennan's usual crisp, vivid style.... Reader, lose no time in making Isabella's acquaintance." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on The Tropic of Serpents
"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 on A Natural History of Dragons
Library Journal
04/15/2016
It is a pleasure to go on another adventure with Lady Trent, naturalist and dragon enthusiast, in a fantasy version of Victorian times. In this outing, she is asked to head up a dragon breeding program in the desert. There she again encounters archaeologist Suhail, whom readers will remember as a possible love interest from The Voyage of the Basilisk.—MM
School Library Journal
07/01/2016
Gr 9 Up—This installment continues the adventures of Isabella—Lady Trent—the world's foremost dragon naturalist and the woman responsible for taking the study of dragons out of myth and into proper science. Presented as published volumes of her private memoirs, this series follows Lady Trent's life as she bucks society's expectations for young women and compromises her future prospects at a proper marriage and her own safety as she travels the world to study dragons. This book chronicles her adventures in the dangerous deserts of Akhia, where she has been sent by the Royal Scirling Army to investigate a case of dragon breeding. YA librarians may have missed out on Brennan's series, since it is published as adult fiction. However, there is great crossover potential. Give to teens who love dragons or archaeology and those who are seeking a story starring an independent, smart female Indiana Jones-like heroine.
