
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The next entry in The Memoirs Of Lady Trent (A Natural History Of Dragons) keeps the familiar style of victorian era, scientific memoirs containing more observation, description and critical analysis than it does plot. The story progresses as the needs contributing to the scientific exploration voyage on the ship known as the Basilisk as events unfold. Political persuasions, local cultures and environmental factors are what effect the story here, and it's no less exciting for it.
Throughout her two year voyage, Lady Trent manages to explore the homes of unique dragons with feathers, fire dragons atop a volcano and sea serpents in two very different seas, the last of which provide one of the most exciting scenes throughout the book. She simultaneously works tirelessly to create detailed sketch images and notes of her observations, all the while juggling between social taboos on her travels and back home, with gossip always making it's way back (an unmarried woman travelling the world is open to much scandal), raising her son who is now old enough to be included in the party on the voyage, and a relationship with an intelligent and exotic archaeologist who creates much intrigue.
Another eclectic array of characters, from the crew on the basilisk to the locals on the islands they arrive at, combined with the extremely imaginative retelling of the dragons and their habitats makes for an extremely detailed style of writing which once again absorbs and enthralls throughout.
Events reach a surprisingly action packed and war ridden conclusion with an amazing and terrifying invention taking the spotlight. The pace is picked up and things become quite tense as we reach quite a surprising twist to proceedings in the discovery of an unexpected character.
Once again, Marie Brennan's amazing writing style, focussing on the scientific observations and detailed descriptions makes for a surprisingly thrilling page turner. Seeing as story takes the back seat here, it's amazing how you're encouraged to keep reading to find out as much as you can about Lady Trent's life and the events of her travels. An excellent addition to the series.
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