A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan is a light academia fantasy novel involving danger, discovery, and dragons. Not only is it a brilliant fantasy akin to the Emily Wilde series, but it is a touch darker, more grounded, and carries a lovely reminiscent tone due to its nature as a memoir-style fiction novel.

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.

First and foremost, A Natural History of Dragons contains beautiful illustrations that enrich the story and produce such fine, detailed, immersive images of the story world. Given the kinds of dragons out there in fiction, not to mention all the cousins and distant family members I am sure will arise throughout the series, having these visual cues feels both incredibly smart for the style of the narrative and effective as an aspect of character building for Isabella. I love a good map, but to have multiple illustrations throughout the novel makes for moments of pure excitement and wonder amid an engaging adventure.

As for a story, A Natural History of Dragons strikes a great balance between an academic’s memoir as well as a fun fiction journey into being a natural scientist in a world where dragons exist. There are moments to laugh at, moments to cry at, and moments that shed light on the finer details of life in a semi-historical context, such as sex, class, expectations, and the learnings of a woman who has lived a full life doing things she shouldn’t have been. The pacing of the novel felt right, allowing for the mystery and drama to unfold in time as well as provide a shock here and there that not only made the story better, but also helps shape the trajectory of the series.

If you enjoyed the Emily Wildes books by Heather Fawcett – Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, and Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales – then you need to give A Natural History of Dragons a read. It is whimsical yet grounded, fantastical yet academic, adventurous yet mature, and makes for such an intriguing read. There is so much potential and possibility for the rest of the series and I cannot wait to see what happens next for Isabella in The Tropic of Serpents: A Memoir by Lady Trent.