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A Language of Dragons
A Language of Dragons 1
By S.F. Williamson

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication date: January 7, 2025

Print length: 432 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0063353848

Reading age: 15+ years

Book 1 of A Language of Dragons

Grade level: 8 - 9

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

In an alternate London in 1923, one girl accidentally breaks the tenuous truce between dragons and humans in this sweeping debut and epic retelling of Bletchley Park steeped in language, class, and forbidden romance. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.

 

Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn’t worried. She’s going to follow the rules, get a summer internship studying dragon languages, be smart, be sweet, and make sure her little sister never, ever has to risk growing up Third Class. She just has to free one dragon.

 

By midnight, Viv has started a civil war.

 

With her parents and cousin arrested and her sister missing, Viv is brought to Bletchley Park as a codebreaker—if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn’t, they’ll all die.

 

As Viv begins to discover the secrets of a hidden dragon language, she realizes that the fragile peace treaty that holds human and dragon societies together is corrupt, and the dangerous work Viv is doing could be the thread that unravels it.

 

A War of Wyverns
A Language of Dragons 2
By S.F. Williamson

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication date: January 6, 2026

Print length: 368 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0063353862

Reading age: 13 years and up

Book 2 A Language of Dragons

Grade level: 8 – 9

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Rebellion happens in the shadows. In the sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Language of Dragons, language is the greatest weapon in a war between humans and dragons—and one translator has the power to change the world. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.

 

Who is Vivien Featherswallow?

 

It’s the question on the lips of every human and dragon in Britannia, and even she doesn’t know the answer. Is she the Swallow, the face of the rebellion against the corrupt government and invading Bulgarian dragons? Is she a brasstongue, a translator on the cusp of discovering a new dragon language? Or is she just Viv, the girl who lost the love of her life after playing spy?

 

Viv isn’t sure, but she knows she has to fight back.

 

Armed with a machine that allows her to listen to dragons’ thoughts, a diary with the clues of a never-before translated dragon tongue, and her own need to avenge her lost love, Viv seeks out the elusive Hebridean Wyverns. If she can find them and convince them to join the war, the rebellion might have a chance.

 

Viv will soon realize that while translation is a weapon, it might not help her on her journey to victory—or to finding herself.

 

My Thoughts:

If you haven’t already read the first book in this trilogy, why on earth not? It’s one of the best fantasy books of 2025. Think…Bletchley Park, but with dragons.

 

Of course, this series is so much more than that. It’s about class, and the power of language, and rebellion. And yes, a little bit about love. But not just romantic love. It’s about love of family, love of heritage, and even love of God.

 

Vivien is a flawed protagonist. She’s done some bad things in order to achieve the success that is expected of her. But she knows she’s done bad things, and she feels deserving of every bad thing that comes her way. She is also naïve about how the world really works. She is quick to judge, assuming that she knows what’s what.

 

With this clearly established, then, Vivien’s growth in understanding and purpose is eminently satisfying. After she inadvertently causes the Peace Agreement between humans and Dragons, she is sent off to Bletchley Park, to join other gifted teens in an effort to decode the ultrasonic language of dragons. She meets teens with different backgrounds and life experiences, and she begins to realize that her ideas are not always right.

 

One of the best parts for me is her conversations with Atlas, a priest-in-training. Their discussions on the idea of forgiveness, and spending one’s life being better, are lovely.

 

I also enjoyed the ideas about language. Words and word choice are important. Language conveys power, culture, tradition, and so much more that is not directly encoded in the words. As we get into the second book, Williamson also introduces the idea that much of the meaning in a translation comes from the translator, trying to convey the intangibles of one language into another.

 

Consider the irony, then, in today’s Instagram story from Williamson. A French publisher is has fired their translators in favor of using Artificial Intelligence.

 

Book 1 ends on a tragic note. It’s not the only death in the book, but it’s by far the most important one.

 

Book 2 starts with Vivien working hard on a new draconic language, as war rages in England. She still has a habit of making snap judgements, but she also continues to grow and learn, including the most important lesson: that she is more than her abilities.

 

In both of these books, there is a cast of interesting, well-rounded characters. Perhaps the most stock character is the principle antagonist, Prime Minister Wyvernmire.

 

The only reason not to read these books RIGHT NOW is that book two ends on a cliffhanger, and you’ll have to wait another year for the conclusion.

 

Or you can just have the pleasure of reading them again.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Minor cursing. Frequent use of the “f” word. Smoking, drinking. One character is gay. It’s war and many—humans and dragons—die. Children are hunted by dragons. Dishonesty. Child abuse—not shown. Families are separated. Classism. Attempted sexual assault. Kissing.

 

Who Might Like These Books:

Those who like stories about dragons, alternate histories, language, dystopian governments.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing ARCs in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

#NetGalley #YAbooks #biblioquacious #bookbloger #dragons #ALanguageOfDragons #AWarOfWyverns #trilogy #SFWilliamson #HarperFireBooks

 

 

A Fateless Chosen One

 

Fateless
By Julie Kagawa
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: July 15, 2025
Print length: 400 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1335448804
Reading age: 13 - 17 years
Grade level: 7 - 9
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.

When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.

What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.

Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep listeners into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.

 My Thoughts:

This book follows some of the YA fantasy tropes: A chosen one. A romance. Found family. Honestly, the blurb is a little misleading. Sparrow doesn’t lead “a band of thieves” into the underground city, and they actually do very little battling in the tombs. It’s what happens after Sparrow’s quest to the underground city that really matters, and it’s what forces her to run from all she has known and team up with people who become her friends—and more.

 Sparrow has always been taught to count on no one, that the only person she can truly rely on is herself. Her people believe that the fate you are born to cannot be changed. So having to see herself as anything but a thief is a big lift. Luckily, she is able to develop both the humility and the hope to do exactly that.

 There is one thing that bugs me a bit—the romance between Raithe, the equivalent to an elf, who has lived for centuries, and 17-year-old Sparrow. Age gap much?

 This book doesn’t tread a lot of new ground. There are elves and dwarves, although the names of those races are slightly different. There are battles and adventures. But don’t take this to mean that it’s not worth the read. It most definitely is, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Mild swearing. Drinking. Fantasy creatures. Stealing. Dark blood magic. Battles, complete with blood, injuries, and death. Kissing.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who likes the Chosen One trope. Those who like magical realms and adventure.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #Fateless #NetGalley #JulieKagawa #HarperColllins #BookReview #YAFantasy #ChosenOne

The Magic of Tea

 

A Magic Steeped in Poison

The Book of Tea #1

By Judy I. Lin

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (March 29, 2022)

Hardcover: 384 pages

ISBN-10: 1250767083

ISBN-13: 978-1250767080

Reading age: 13 - 18 years

Grade level: 7 – 9

Publisher’s Blurb:

I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her―the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi―masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making―she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.

But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

 

My Thoughts:

As with so many young adult fantasy books, this one starts with a character who leaves home in an attempt to redeem herself. Ning feels responsible for the death of her mother and illness of her sister. After all, she’s the one who served them the poisoned tea. When the opportunity comes to compete for a boon from the princess, Ning seizes the chance as a means of saving her sister.

 

Of course it’s not that simple. She’s competing against people with far more experience at tea magic than she has. In fact, she’s not even technically her mother’s apprentice in the art—her sister is. And Ning is from a small province, and is ignorant of the ways of the court, so naturally she finds herself in trouble—more than once!

 

Add in a mysterious—and attractive—young man, and the plot gets even more complicated.

 

Ning’s ignorance and innocence, coupled with her need to save her sister, often cause her to trust the wrong people. She stumbles into court intrigue and ends up facing her own execution, only to be saved at the last minute.

 

I liked Ning as a protagonist. Her combination of self-doubt and determination was endearing.

 

I also loved the idea of tea as a conduit for magic. I don’t like tea—it’s just flavored hot water—but the magic system here was really intriguing. The book is influenced by the author’s Taiwanese culture and mythology.

 

This book is part 1 of a duology. While it’s not exactly a cliffhanger, it definitely leaves you wondering how things will be resolved. Good thing I already have book 2!

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Violence. Poisoning. A little kissing. Magic. A polytheistic society. Same-gender couples.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

If you like YA fantasy, I see no reason you wouldn’t like this book. If you like stories influenced by East Asian culture, that’s a bonus.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

 

A Venom Dark and Sweet

The Book of Tea #2

By Judy I. Lin

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (August 23, 2022)

Hardcover: 352 pages

ISBN-10: 1250767105

ISBN-13: 978-1250767103

Reading age: 13 - 18 years

Grade level: 7 - 9

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust.

Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi―a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making―has escorted Princess Zhen into exile. Joining them is the princess' loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning's newly healed sister, Shu. Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen's rightful throne.

But the golden serpent still haunts Ning's nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world...

 

My Thoughts:

Picking up from the previous book, this one is told in two points of view: Ning’s first person and Kang’s third-person. I like this, as it gives us the opportunity to see Kang’s conflict more clearly.

 

And he is conflicted. As the adopted child of his soon-to-be-emperor father, he yearns for his father’s approval. But he is not blind to the plotting that takes place to bring his father to the throne. He knows something’s up, and hopes earnestly that his father is not responsible for the poisoned tea that initiated the action of the previous book.

 

Ning is a little less naïve, but nonetheless earnest. Having healed her sister of the poison’s effects, she understands somewhat the evil force behind what is happening, and is determined to fight it, despite her relative insignificance.

 

This is a book of faith in the gods, that they will put a person in the right place to help achieve their ends in the battle against evil. Ning learns to have more confidence in her gifts and in the people she is with.

 

The resolution of the conflict is logical and pleasing as Ning works together with others to bring it about—even though the risks are great.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Magic. Multiple gods. Same-gender couples. Violence, none of it graphic.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like East Asian culture and mythology, fantasy in general.

 

Thank you to the publisher who provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my opinion.

Romance Two Ways

 The Valet’s Secret
By Josi Kilpack
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 8, 2022)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1629729892
ISBN-13: 978-1629729893
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

York, England, 1819

 As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales―never to an ordinary woman like her.

 She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom―Kenneth Winterton.

 Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca s life does that . . . except how he feels when she is with him.

 Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales―until she finds herself living in one.

 My Thoughts:

I. Loved. This. Book.

 If you generally trust my opinion on books and that’s all you need to know, then stop reading and go put it on hold at your library, or buy it at your favorite local bookstore.

 If you want to know more, read on.

 It was so refreshing to read a romance novel about people in their 40s, rather than their late teens/early 20s. People who were both widowed, and didn’t realize how lonely they were until they met someone like them.

 Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a book if Kenneth had been truthful from the beginning. And it wouldn’t have been much of a book if they hadn’t both had social expectations to try to live up to, which of course prevents them from thinking they could be together.

 Thank goodness for meddling old baronesses.

 Near the end, it begins to resemble the “Cinderella” fairy tale, enough that I was quite worried—there wasn’t enough time for a big plot complication and a happy resolution.

 The characters here are well drawn, the dialogue natural, and the plot complications believable. It wasn’t completely without editing issues, but it I read an ARC, so hoping they were fixed by publication time.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Deception. Loss of spouses. A fair bit of kissing. An abusive parent.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who enjoys “proper” (i.e., clean) romance, particularly of the regency period. Those who enjoy seeing mature characters fall in love.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

 

A Far Wilder Magic
By Allison Saft
Publisher: Wednesday Books (March 8, 2022)
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN-10: 1250623650
ISBN-13: 978-1250623652
Reading age: 14 - 18 years
Grade level: 7 – 9
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist―yet. He's been fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt―if they survive that long.

In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.

 

My Thoughts:

This is not an easy book. It starts a little slow. Several things are unexplained, and we have to do the work to infer their meanings through context. But as the plot gets rolling, the book grabs your attention and forces you to keep going.

 Set in a sort of alternate universe United States (New Albion) in some time around the 1930s-ish, this story of lonely Margaret and ambitious Wes deals with some pretty heavy issues. Wes is the equivalent of an Irish Catholic immigrant, while Margaret’s father was the equivalent of a Jew. And both of those cultures are recipients of hatred, prejudice, and injustice. The story tackles questions of bystanders failing to stand up for the oppressed, and the answers are realistic.

 Wes and Margaret have a pretty typical hate-to-love relationship. Would they have fallen for each other had they not been thrown together by circumstance? Hard to say.

 A lot is made of a traumatic experience Margaret had in her mother’s lab, but when it is revealed exactly what happened, it seems a bit overdone. I mean, I get that her mother was dabbling in some pretty hard-core alchemy, but why was it so traumatizing? That could be better developed.

I do have concerns about the suggested reading level. I teach 9th Grade English. Admittedly, I specifically teach reading intervention. But I think the complexity of the prose here might be a bit inaccessible for the lower end of the recommended demographic.

All in all, I found this a satisfying read.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Prejudice, racism, killing things, fistfights, swearing (a couple of F words), masturbation, unmarried sex. Parental abandonment. Magic (alchemy). There is a sex scene, but it is not described in detail.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like magic, slow-burn romance, and people who want to change the world—especially when it comes with a dose of social justice.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my opinions.

I Love Unicorns

Unicorn Island
By Donna Galanti
Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (February 9, 2021)
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524864706
ISBN-13: 978-1524864705
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 4 – 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

When Sam arrives in Foggy Harbor, population 3,230, all she can see is a small, boring town that’s way too far from home. And knowing that she’s stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only makes things worse.
 
But when Sam discovers a hidden trapdoor leading to a room full of strange artifacts, she realizes Foggy Harbor isn’t as sleepy as it seems. With the help of a new friend, Sam discovers an extraordinary secret beyond the fog: an island of unicorns whose fates are intertwined with hers.

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand
By Donna Galanti
Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (March 8, 2022)
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524871974
ISBN-13: 978-1524871970
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: 690L
Grade level: 4 – 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.

But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.

 My Thoughts:

Any world with unicorns in it is a better one. That’s a given! So of course I wanted to read these books. Overall, I enjoyed the characterization. I probably liked new best friend Tuck and grumpy Uncle Mitch best, but that’s me. I like how Sam and Tuck came together with a complementary friendship.

 The exposition of the secrets of Unicorn Island worked well. The first book ends satisfactorily enough, but it was clear that another book was planned.

 Book two carries on with Sam and Tuck learning to be unicorn protectors, and Sam is loving it. Of course, life can’t carry on so happily, and there are problems and more revelations to be dealt with. The door is definitely open for this story to continue!

 For me, the narrative style skewed toward the younger end of the intended audience, and Sam read younger than 12 to me—a bit innocent and naïve. There’s nothing really trailblazing here in either narrative or plot. That’s not to say it isn’t a good read; it’s just not an exciting read.

 The illustrations are a definite plus in these books, helping the reader to visualize the atmospheric setting.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

There are fantasy creatures. A single parent must travel for work, so their child has to stay with an unfamiliar uncle. Deception. Perilous situations.

 Who Might Like These Books:

Unicorn fans! Those who like a little fantasy in their stories. Those who like friendships and protecting living creatures. Especially readers in the younger end of the suggested range.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing ARCs in exchange for my opinions.