Book completed

[eve_prime]

To Shape a Dragon's Breath, by Moniquill Blackgoose. Nampeshiweisit #1. First rate! This book was delightfully fun and also thought-provoking. It's the first novel by a Wampanoag author; she's planning a whole series. Our protagonist discovers a dragon's egg and becomes bonded to the dragon; she's an indigenous girl whose homeland is considered officially part of an "Anglish" colony on the eastern North American coast (in an alternate history where the Roman Empire never existed, per an interview I found with the author, so Anglesland is much influenced by Scandinavia). She is thus legally required to attend a dragonrider academy so she can learn the science/magic associated with dragons. The world is very fun, with vivid details of daily lives, including steampunk elements.

If it weren't for the social justice issues (which are far broader than the colonial/indigenous dynamic), the story would qualify as "cozy" fantasy. One thing author makes pretty clear is that the very reason to address social justice issues is so that everyone, not just the insider elites, can potentially lead interesting and satisfying lives. I'm definitely going to reread this one, and I'm looking forward to its sequels.

Comments

[kaishin108]

That sounds like a great topic.

[eve_prime]

Yeah - she's a fun writer and she can really convey a strong message with her story.