Audiobook Review – A Natural History of Dragons (The Memoirs of Lady Trent, Book 1) by Marie Brennan, Narrated by Kate Reading (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Length: 10 hours and 16 minutes (336 pages)
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: November 15, 2013
ASIN: B00GOTNHTW
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Memoirs of Lady Trent series
Source: Audiobook from Audible.com
Rating: 4/5 stars

“You, dear listener, 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.”

This is the first of five books in The Memoirs of Lady Trent series. Previous to reading this book I had also read Brennan’s Doppleganger series (enjoyed it) and the first book in her Onyx Court series (didn’t like it). This is a historical fantasy of sorts and is told from an aged Lady Trent’s POV. She tells the reader about her childhood and her start into the research of dragons. I ended up enjoying this quite a bit.

I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it. Kate Reading always does a phenomenal job narrating and I loved listening to her read this book. I would highly recommend listening to this on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.

I love this kind of Victorian fantasy, and despite being a bit slow at times, I really enjoyed this. I love how scientific minded Lady Trent is and how she is portrayed throughout. She has a witty and dry sense of humor and is never overly sentimental. There isn’t any romance in this book, so if you are looking for that don’t look here.

Overall this was a great read and I will definitely continue this series. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book. I would recommend to those who enjoy Victorian fantasies about mythical creatures.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Goodreads Reading Challenge