Mini-Review

It’s 1923, and Vivian Featherswallow is a talented and driven young student linguist, hoping to become a dragon translator in a highly controlled England in which peace between dragons and humans has been negotiated by a special pact. But the pact is under threat from rebels protesting against the treatment of dragons and the punitive class system. When civil war erupts, Vivian is offered one final chance to save her place in the hierarchy: to go to Bletchley Park and attempt to crack a hidden dragon language… and she’s determined to succeed. But as her eyes are opened more to the inequality around her, she starts to wonder if her ambitions are worth the cost.

I was excited to read this historical fantasy/dystopian novel, especially with its Bletchley Park setting. And I enjoyed it, but it’s not one I would rave about. It’s a touch slow in the middle and the ending’s set up for a sequel. At 425 pages it’s also a tiny bit chunky (although fantasy readers are less bothered by length). But the world building was pretty cool and different, and I liked the genre mash up. I read it back in February but forgot to review it, so that’s all I can remember!

Suitable for year 7 & up.

*

Williamson, S. F. (2025). A language of dragons. Harper Fire.

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