In the Labyrinth of Drakes

January 25, 2016
In the solid fourth book of the Lady Trent series (after Voyage of the Basilisk), Lady Isabella Trent looks back at a time when she and long-time friend Tom Wilker are tapped to lead a military-research program to breed dragons. Facing off against sexism, assassins, and her own conflicted feelings, Trent discovers more than she expects. Brennan maintains the parallels to Victorian-era Earth within a fantasy setting, but occasionally strains to show the resemblance, as in the desert portion of her world run by Sheiks who follow an Islamic-style religion. Trent is forced to think closely about her beliefs, the purity of her research, and just what sort of relationship she wants with archaeologist Suhail, who returns here in a different role from past encounters. It’s a time of changes for the main character, but this mix of scientific and fantastic creatures remains in fine form.

April 15, 2016

It is a pleasure to go on another adventure with Lady Trent, naturalist and dragon enthusiast, in a fantasy version of Victorian times. In this outing, she is asked to head up a dragon breeding program in the desert. There she again encounters archaeologist Suhail, whom readers will remember as a possible love interest from The Voyage of the Basilisk.--MM

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-This installment continues the adventures of Isabella-Lady Trent-the world's foremost dragon naturalist and the woman responsible for taking the study of dragons out of myth and into proper science. Presented as published volumes of her private memoirs, this series follows Lady Trent's life as she bucks society's expectations for young women and compromises her future prospects at a proper marriage and her own safety as she travels the world to study dragons. This book chronicles her adventures in the dangerous deserts of Akhia, where she has been sent by the Royal Scirling Army to investigate a case of dragon breeding. YA librarians may have missed out on Brennan's series, since it is published as adult fiction. However, there is great crossover potential. Give to teens who love dragons or archaeology and those who are seeking a story starring an independent, smart female Indiana Jones-like heroine.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.