Written as a "memoir" in stuffy, aristocratic tones which belie that its author Lady Isabella Trent has actually devoted her life to the decidedly not ladylike pursuit of the study of dragons. Growing up an outsider for not fitting into the box assigned to her sex, Isabella fortuitously marries Jacob who understands her "eccentricities." When Jacob is invited to an expedition to study dragons in Vystrana, Isabella campaigns to join him. In the unfriendly, foreign land, the local dragons are mysteriously bellicose and Isabella uncovers a dastardly plot.

While the novel takes places in a fantasy setting, it parallells 19th-century Europe with Isabella likely from England and Vystrana in Eastern Europe. I felt the book started strong but got less interesting over time. It's nevertheless an entertaining story although I don't feel compelled to continue in the five-book series. ( )

Here is the true story of the pioneering spirit of Isabella, Lady Trent, 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. I listened to this as an audio book and enjoyed it mightily, but dude, I didn't like the ending. Boo. Hiss. Boo. I'll read the next one.
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A lady who wishes to be more than society allows, gets the perfect husband and becomes a scientist who studies dragons. Now this is a beatiful book about dragons, the love of knowledge and of going after what you want out of life. Normally I am no fan of books written in the first person. There are exceptions though and this book is one of them. It really felt as if Lady Trent was telling me about her younger years and I love her. This is not a fast paced book, but a moving tale of an extraordinary woman and her quest to know more about dragons. So I am off to book 2. ( )

A perfectly respectable and enjoyable book. A little to light on the fantasy aspect to net a higher rating. The writing style was strong. I will definitely read more by this author in future.

Pacing was rather slow, and the action sequences felt a tad forced. World building was also somewhat lacking for me. Though I did enjoy the field notes turned published work vibe.

I recommend reading this book when one is fully awake, so as not to miss anything. ( )

This is one of those easy to read books that is entertaining, but is not that substantial. It tries to mesh a book with a Victorian feel with the moralities of the modern age - and, while it works, it comes off as heavy handed. As for the main character, Lady Trent, I found her mostly annoying. You don't go traipsing around a mountain after someone at night, regardless of gender or social status. Its dangerous. The book tried to explain it by saying, well, she was only 19, etc etc, but my tolerance for people doing stupid stuff for the sake of the plot is considerable lower than it used to be.

But, I do like the dragons - they are well done, and interesting. I especially liked the conversations where ecology and physiology where discussed. As for the ending, it is especially well done, with an eye towards understanding human behavior, and keeping dragons safe. ( )