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Jane Austen's Dragons #1
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon
England is overrun by dragons of all shapes and sizes. Most people are blissfully unaware of them and the Pendragon Treaty that keeps the peace between human and dragon kind. Only those born with preternatural hearing, like Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are able to hear and converse with dragonkind.
When the first firedrake egg laid in a century is stolen from Pemberley, the fragile dragon peace teeters on collapse. Darcy has no choice but to chase down the thief, a journey that leads him to quaint market town of Meryton and fellow Dragon Keeper, Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth shares a unique bond with dragons, stronger than anything Darcy has ever experienced. More than that, her vast experience and knowledge of dragon lore may be the key to uncovering the lost egg. . But Elizabeth can’t stand Darcy’s arrogance and doesn’t trust him to care properly for a precious baby firedrake. After all, he already lost the egg once. What’s to prevent it from happening again?
Can he win her trust and recover the stolen egg before it hatches and sends England spiraling back into the Dark Ages of Dragon War?
When the first firedrake egg laid in a century is stolen from Pemberley, the fragile dragon peace teeters on collapse. Darcy has no choice but to chase down the thief, a journey that leads him to quaint market town of Meryton and fellow Dragon Keeper, Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth shares a unique bond with dragons, stronger than anything Darcy has ever experienced. More than that, her vast experience and knowledge of dragon lore may be the key to uncovering the lost egg. . But Elizabeth can’t stand Darcy’s arrogance and doesn’t trust him to care properly for a precious baby firedrake. After all, he already lost the egg once. What’s to prevent it from happening again?
Can he win her trust and recover the stolen egg before it hatches and sends England spiraling back into the Dark Ages of Dragon War?
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2016
About the author
Maria Grace
92 books286 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
September 15, 2023
Yet another marvelous tale by Ms. Grace. This is a new Pride and Prejudice universe where the early chapters of that ageless story up to the Netherfield ball blend seamlessly with an England inhabited by various species of dragons. They speak in a language only other dragons and certain humans have the ability to understand. Those without it are not even aware that dragons exist. (Sort of like Muggles in the Harry Potter universe). It is a closely guarded secret, and there is a Pendragon Treaty, hundreds of years old, that has kept the peace between dragons and humans up to the time this story begins.
But now an unhatched major-dragon egg, a firedrake, has been stolen from Pemberley, and Mr. Darcy comes to the area along with his companion cockatrice dragon, Walker, in search of it. If the egg hatches in the wild without a human there to imprint upon it, it will be wild and uncontrollable, threatening the longstanding peaceable relations.
In the Bennet family, Mr. Bennet, Mary, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner all can recognize and understand dragons, but Elizabeth is particularly gifted. Darcy is amazed at her ability to soothe dragons of every type, but his pride makes him resist working with her to find the egg until circumstances (and their dragons) force the issue.
I am impressed with the entire culture that Ms. Grace creates surrounding the dragons, with specific protocols and courtesies, different levels of respect depending upon the type and bearing, and the individual personalities. I love the little details, such as how Elizabeth's fairy dragon, April, nips at Darcy's ear when she's aggravated with him, and how Mr. Bennet's massive wyvern dragon, Longbourn, stretches his neck for Elizabeth to scratch him and thumps his foot like a dog as she does so.
The way Ms. Grace incorporates this dragon-related crisis into the familiar Pride and Prejudice is truly amazing. It gives structure to this fully developed stand-alone book while hinting of what's to come in succeeding volumes of this series. Obviously, the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth has yet to heat up, but their interactions are a delight to read. There are lingering mysteries, because Longbourn (the dragon, that is) seems to have secrets he's hiding. And who booby-trapped a trunk in Netherfield with dragon venom? Is there another dragon lurking in the forest near Longbourn? Despite these questions, there's no annoying cliffhanger at the end of this book, which comes to a reasonable conclusion.
But now an unhatched major-dragon egg, a firedrake, has been stolen from Pemberley, and Mr. Darcy comes to the area along with his companion cockatrice dragon, Walker, in search of it. If the egg hatches in the wild without a human there to imprint upon it, it will be wild and uncontrollable, threatening the longstanding peaceable relations.
In the Bennet family, Mr. Bennet, Mary, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner all can recognize and understand dragons, but Elizabeth is particularly gifted. Darcy is amazed at her ability to soothe dragons of every type, but his pride makes him resist working with her to find the egg until circumstances (and their dragons) force the issue.
I am impressed with the entire culture that Ms. Grace creates surrounding the dragons, with specific protocols and courtesies, different levels of respect depending upon the type and bearing, and the individual personalities. I love the little details, such as how Elizabeth's fairy dragon, April, nips at Darcy's ear when she's aggravated with him, and how Mr. Bennet's massive wyvern dragon, Longbourn, stretches his neck for Elizabeth to scratch him and thumps his foot like a dog as she does so.
The way Ms. Grace incorporates this dragon-related crisis into the familiar Pride and Prejudice is truly amazing. It gives structure to this fully developed stand-alone book while hinting of what's to come in succeeding volumes of this series. Obviously, the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth has yet to heat up, but their interactions are a delight to read. There are lingering mysteries, because Longbourn (the dragon, that is) seems to have secrets he's hiding. And who booby-trapped a trunk in Netherfield with dragon venom? Is there another dragon lurking in the forest near Longbourn? Despite these questions, there's no annoying cliffhanger at the end of this book, which comes to a reasonable conclusion.
March 17, 2019
I am about to gush happily over this book but first...WHAT IS UP WITH THE COVER?
I mean, look at this monstrosity:
Mr. Darcy looks like a pirate? And Elizabeth's gown is giving off this Tudor England vibe and the dragon just makes me want to cringe! Agh!
Despite what it looks like, a super fun book. I devoured it hideous cover to hideous cover. This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling...but also not. It stands alone as an exciting, creative story about dragons and entails and treaties. And oh yeah, it happens to loosely follow Pride and Prejudice while at it. Score!
This book rocks for several reasons:
First, the author does a great job with world building. This is not just another "let's add dragons to a pre-existing world." This is a whole new world, loosely set in the Regency era, but alternate and well-thought out. Dragons come in various breeds and rankings, possess their own government, and live in complex harmony with humans. This is not Pride and Prejudice and Zombies where the original tale gets a few unoriginal additions. This is genuinely a full developed story.
Second, I like the pacing of the story. I mean, it sort of drives me wild because now I need to go find the sequel. But as I started creeping closer and closer to the end, I worried the author would wrap everything up too swiftly. This is one instance where I actually don't mind the loose threads that turn this story into a series. I have many unanswered questions but A. I wouldn't want them hastily answered so slow works and B. somehow knowing where the story is going (à la Pride and Prejudice) makes it okay. At least, it builds up the tension between Darcy and Lizzie and let's be honest,that is all I read these retellings for.
Third, I say this hesitantly, but I like Darcy and Lizzie and the development of their relationship. Of course, it is awkward and painful and sometimes I just want to scream "HAVE A FREAKING CONVERSATION ALREADY." What with the ending and all, we don't get the resolution between them I would like. (And if the series follows the original story, I won't get resolution for a while yet.) But in a sense, this is the new Darcy and Lizzie we are presented with. And I am okay with it because this is Maria Grace's version of the characters, not Jane Austen.
Lemme see if I can explain without spoilers. Though nominally bearing the names of the characters from the original classic, most of the characters in this book differ from their namesakes. Some differ significantly and play a much greater role. Some fade into the background. And some simply act entirely unlike their other selves. This slightly annoyed me at times. But at the same time, it worked because this is (as noted earlier) a story that loosely follows P&P and does not purport to follow it exactly. Accordingly, characters can act differently and in the process they become more themselves for this story. And so how Darcy and Lizzie acted, though frustrating, did not bother me because it still flowed with the story.
My main affection for this story stems from the fact that it tells its own tale. But sometimes it forgets that fact and that is why it only gets 4 stars from me. Frequent direct quotes from Pride and Prejudice just felt...off. Unlike other retellings, I do not mean off in the sense that the direct quotes jar with the author's writing style. It actually flows pretty well. But in the broader context of the book, iconic scenes like Mrs. Bennet nagging Mr. Bennet to go call on Mr. Bingley, or gossipy scenes between Jane and Lizzie about what a perfect young man Mr. Bingley is, just feel extremely out of place. Like...where did the dragons go?! Even if only for a paragraph or two, I found it often distracted me from the story rather than added to it. (Moreover, the author occasionally places these direct conversations in different scenarios from the original or mashes a few together and that irritated me too because then I was doubly distracted by how off it all felt.)
There is also a scene at the beginning akin to the BBC Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are riding horses and look at Netherfield Park and this is the STUPIDEST THING EVER but my silly little brain went into overdrive trying to figure out if the author meant the allusion or just forgot it wasn't actually a scene in the book or never intended to only follow the book...
Sigh. This is why P&P retellings are a blessing and a curse. I always read into them more than intended.
Anyway! Overall, quite a fan. Looking forward to the next one. I am not enough of a dragon fanatic to say whether dragon lovers will enjoy this one, but I think Janeites might (just be prepared to buy the whole series because you won't want just the first one!)
I mean, look at this monstrosity:
Mr. Darcy looks like a pirate? And Elizabeth's gown is giving off this Tudor England vibe and the dragon just makes me want to cringe! Agh!
Despite what it looks like, a super fun book. I devoured it hideous cover to hideous cover. This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling...but also not. It stands alone as an exciting, creative story about dragons and entails and treaties. And oh yeah, it happens to loosely follow Pride and Prejudice while at it. Score!
This book rocks for several reasons:
First, the author does a great job with world building. This is not just another "let's add dragons to a pre-existing world." This is a whole new world, loosely set in the Regency era, but alternate and well-thought out. Dragons come in various breeds and rankings, possess their own government, and live in complex harmony with humans. This is not Pride and Prejudice and Zombies where the original tale gets a few unoriginal additions. This is genuinely a full developed story.
Second, I like the pacing of the story. I mean, it sort of drives me wild because now I need to go find the sequel. But as I started creeping closer and closer to the end, I worried the author would wrap everything up too swiftly. This is one instance where I actually don't mind the loose threads that turn this story into a series. I have many unanswered questions but A. I wouldn't want them hastily answered so slow works and B. somehow knowing where the story is going (à la Pride and Prejudice) makes it okay. At least, it builds up the tension between Darcy and Lizzie and let's be honest,
Third, I say this hesitantly, but I like Darcy and Lizzie and the development of their relationship. Of course, it is awkward and painful and sometimes I just want to scream "HAVE A FREAKING CONVERSATION ALREADY." What with the ending and all, we don't get the resolution between them I would like. (And if the series follows the original story, I won't get resolution for a while yet.) But in a sense, this is the new Darcy and Lizzie we are presented with. And I am okay with it because this is Maria Grace's version of the characters, not Jane Austen.
Lemme see if I can explain without spoilers. Though nominally bearing the names of the characters from the original classic, most of the characters in this book differ from their namesakes. Some differ significantly and play a much greater role. Some fade into the background. And some simply act entirely unlike their other selves. This slightly annoyed me at times. But at the same time, it worked because this is (as noted earlier) a story that loosely follows P&P and does not purport to follow it exactly. Accordingly, characters can act differently and in the process they become more themselves for this story. And so how Darcy and Lizzie acted, though frustrating, did not bother me because it still flowed with the story.
My main affection for this story stems from the fact that it tells its own tale. But sometimes it forgets that fact and that is why it only gets 4 stars from me. Frequent direct quotes from Pride and Prejudice just felt...off. Unlike other retellings, I do not mean off in the sense that the direct quotes jar with the author's writing style. It actually flows pretty well. But in the broader context of the book, iconic scenes like Mrs. Bennet nagging Mr. Bennet to go call on Mr. Bingley, or gossipy scenes between Jane and Lizzie about what a perfect young man Mr. Bingley is, just feel extremely out of place. Like...where did the dragons go?! Even if only for a paragraph or two, I found it often distracted me from the story rather than added to it. (Moreover, the author occasionally places these direct conversations in different scenarios from the original or mashes a few together and that irritated me too because then I was doubly distracted by how off it all felt.)
There is also a scene at the beginning akin to the BBC Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are riding horses and look at Netherfield Park and this is the STUPIDEST THING EVER but my silly little brain went into overdrive trying to figure out if the author meant the allusion or just forgot it wasn't actually a scene in the book or never intended to only follow the book...
Sigh. This is why P&P retellings are a blessing and a curse. I always read into them more than intended.
Anyway! Overall, quite a fan. Looking forward to the next one. I am not enough of a dragon fanatic to say whether dragon lovers will enjoy this one, but I think Janeites might (just be prepared to buy the whole series because you won't want just the first one!)
January 19, 2020
Relying too much on the original for the human characters, at times confusing, and it seems I can't read much more than a page or so at a time.
So basically, it's about dragons?
This is the second br where I call quits on Gaufre and Joan. Sorry!
So basically, it's about dragons?
This is the second br where I call quits on Gaufre and Joan. Sorry!
January 1, 2022
If I could give this one 100 stars, I would. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can not wait for the next installment. I look forward to the day when I have the whole series and can read them non-stop. The future romance between e & D was thoughtfully set-up, the dragons are fabulous, the interactions between humans, dragons, and non-hearing humans was amazing. I can not fault this book. Original idea and well done. You have made me a permanent fan, Ms Grace, with this book. Thank you!
Reread: I just can't get enough of this book. I have been waiting patiently for the next book to be released as a paperback so I can sit back and relax and read it. Love this book.
Reread: Still love!
Reread: I could probably sit here and reread this again right now. It is that good.
Rereading the whole series again!
Reread: I just can't get enough of this book. I have been waiting patiently for the next book to be released as a paperback so I can sit back and relax and read it. Love this book.
Reread: Still love!
Reread: I could probably sit here and reread this again right now. It is that good.
Rereading the whole series again!
October 31, 2016
My problem with this book is that I was hooked with reading the chapter postings on the author's blog and thus paid no attention to the fact that this is Book 1...in how many?
Much of the story follows canon but we are first introduced the the connections between humans and dragons and the treaty which maintains peace between the two species. Then there are humans who hear and can talk to dragons. Elizabeth has inherited the role of Dragon Keeper from her father and thus is also under rule to marry Collins as he will inherit Longbourn and its wyvern dragon, Longbourn.
Darcy comes to Hertfordshire mainly due to the fact that his firedrake egg has been stolen and if it hatches without immediately imprinting on a human it will then hunt and kill humans and lead to another war.
Much of the story has to do with first the various sub species of dragon and their behaviors and how they communicate with each other and humans. Secondly there is the matter of searching for the egg among households, among caverns, valleys, casks and chests; one such search almost killing off our two principal characters.
Darcy and Elizabeth find that although they have to respect the roles each has with their dragon acquaintances they have all the misunderstandings and conflicts we know of from canon. Darcy finds that Elizabeth has learned through instinct and observation much from which the world of dragon-hearers could benefit. While Elizabeth must not only tolerate Darcy and help in his search, she has her future planned for her and can only accept it and get comfort from all the various forms of dragons who have learned to love her and desire to be in her company.
I just hate to have to wait to read the next book.
Much of the story follows canon but we are first introduced the the connections between humans and dragons and the treaty which maintains peace between the two species. Then there are humans who hear and can talk to dragons. Elizabeth has inherited the role of Dragon Keeper from her father and thus is also under rule to marry Collins as he will inherit Longbourn and its wyvern dragon, Longbourn.
Darcy comes to Hertfordshire mainly due to the fact that his firedrake egg has been stolen and if it hatches without immediately imprinting on a human it will then hunt and kill humans and lead to another war.
Much of the story has to do with first the various sub species of dragon and their behaviors and how they communicate with each other and humans. Secondly there is the matter of searching for the egg among households, among caverns, valleys, casks and chests; one such search almost killing off our two principal characters.
Darcy and Elizabeth find that although they have to respect the roles each has with their dragon acquaintances they have all the misunderstandings and conflicts we know of from canon. Darcy finds that Elizabeth has learned through instinct and observation much from which the world of dragon-hearers could benefit. While Elizabeth must not only tolerate Darcy and help in his search, she has her future planned for her and can only accept it and get comfort from all the various forms of dragons who have learned to love her and desire to be in her company.
I just hate to have to wait to read the next book.
December 7, 2017
"Always speak politely to an enraged Dragon.” Steven Brust
This is book 1 in a series and at this writing, there are two books. Maria Grace did an excellent job in establishing the universe that our characters would live in. She moved the scenes so smoothly that the reader was soon comfortable with the notion that humans and dragons coexisted in the world. I was blown away by the writing style and the detail that our author took the time to create in this story.
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” J.R.R. Tolkien
Within the human society you have the hierarchy of social standing. We know Pemberley, Rosings, are of a higher social standing than a minor landed gentleman like Mr. Bennet and his Longbourn estate. It is the same within the dragon hierarchy. Each dragon is named for the estate where they live. Pemberley, Rosings and Longbourn are landed dragons and each has a Keeper.
After the death of Mr. Darcy, the Pemberley Keeper, his dragon also died… an egg was stolen from Derbyshire by someone close to the Darcy family. We know it was that scum-bag-rat-bastard but we do not know all the details in how it was accomplished. Those details are revealed slowly throughout the story.
The story is very vague as we progress toward finding the egg before it hatches. Things are constantly happening to Darcy and Elizabeth and we don’t know who is causing it or why it is happening. When this story ends, we still do not have the answers. I have book 2: Longbourn: Dragon Entail and am really anxious to see what happens next. I think a third book is planned.
I was really impressed with the writing. There were subtle nuances and details that really brought my attention to this story. The relationships, the love and attention paid to the dragons was really touching. I also wanted to rage at Mr. Bennet and Longbourn for their stubbornness and choking control of Elizabeth. Neither would acknowledge or notice what their actions were doing to her. Their lack of attention was so obtuse and disconcerting, that I really felt for Elizabeth. She was caught between her father, and her dragon. I can’t wait to read the second book so I can see what happens. There is something else in the woods near Longbourn that Lizzy and Darcy don’t know about.
Revised: I failed to note that this is a clean read.
This is book 1 in a series and at this writing, there are two books. Maria Grace did an excellent job in establishing the universe that our characters would live in. She moved the scenes so smoothly that the reader was soon comfortable with the notion that humans and dragons coexisted in the world. I was blown away by the writing style and the detail that our author took the time to create in this story.
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” J.R.R. Tolkien
Within the human society you have the hierarchy of social standing. We know Pemberley, Rosings, are of a higher social standing than a minor landed gentleman like Mr. Bennet and his Longbourn estate. It is the same within the dragon hierarchy. Each dragon is named for the estate where they live. Pemberley, Rosings and Longbourn are landed dragons and each has a Keeper.
After the death of Mr. Darcy, the Pemberley Keeper, his dragon also died… an egg was stolen from Derbyshire by someone close to the Darcy family. We know it was that scum-bag-rat-bastard but we do not know all the details in how it was accomplished. Those details are revealed slowly throughout the story.
The story is very vague as we progress toward finding the egg before it hatches. Things are constantly happening to Darcy and Elizabeth and we don’t know who is causing it or why it is happening. When this story ends, we still do not have the answers. I have book 2: Longbourn: Dragon Entail and am really anxious to see what happens next. I think a third book is planned.
I was really impressed with the writing. There were subtle nuances and details that really brought my attention to this story. The relationships, the love and attention paid to the dragons was really touching. I also wanted to rage at Mr. Bennet and Longbourn for their stubbornness and choking control of Elizabeth. Neither would acknowledge or notice what their actions were doing to her. Their lack of attention was so obtuse and disconcerting, that I really felt for Elizabeth. She was caught between her father, and her dragon. I can’t wait to read the second book so I can see what happens. There is something else in the woods near Longbourn that Lizzy and Darcy don’t know about.
Revised: I failed to note that this is a clean read.
June 22, 2018
Warning: This book has no ending. You have to buy the next book to get the ending. Otherwise, it's five stars.
February 6, 2019
Pride & Prejudice and dragons... oh yeah, I can dig it. I got very excited when I first heard about this series and had big plans, but got distracted. Still, after enjoying Misty at the Book Rat's reviews, I was still eager. Now that I've devoured the first part of the story with Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon, I am chagrined that I kept letting myself get distracted all that time. The author's dragon world and complex lore alone was worth it, but a clever way to link it to Austen's classical tale was well done.
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon is more like Act One in a three part story. I say that because it has some resolve like a good closing act will, but it is obvious that there is much more to come and require resolution.
So, the series premise is that dragons not only exist in a curious and wide variety, but they agreed to an accord with humans to protect both species occupying the planet. The accord is between dragons and the human Order of Dragons who can actually hear dragon speak. Those average humans like you and me have no idea that dragons exist. Major dragons hold territories that correspond to human estates and lesser dragons can live within these territories with permission. There are humans who are Dragon Keepers and part of those major dragons' keeps and there are humans who have dragon companions, but no keep duty.
Into this world, we are introduced to Austen's characters and how they fit into the dragon world. Mr. Bennet is a member of the Order as the archivist and he's a dragon keeper, but his daughter Elizabeth is the real keeper because his arthritis prevents him and she has some sort of gift and intuition toward dragons. They are not pleased when Mr. Darcy a young dragon keeper arrives searching for a fire dragon egg that he 'lost'. Both Bennets are severe, but he is more severe on himself for being betrayed by an old family friend. They must all work to recover the lost egg and require the help of Longbourn and all the lesser dragons to help.
So, yes, I was enchanted by the dragon world. Now, I'm going to speak Austen blasphemy and say that I was less enchanted with the Bennets and Darcy. They totally jumped down the guy's throat without waiting for explanation and Mr. Bennet is over the top with his attitude. This Darcy keeps opening his mouth only to switch feet it seems. I found it hard to believe that he would be like that. Let's just say I felt the 'pride' and the 'prejudice' on both sides needed to be dialed down and not become drama for drama's sake since there was already some built in conflict with the dastardly thief and his lies, the missing egg, and Longbourn the dragon's insistence that Elizabeth marry Collins to keep his Dragon Keeper close to him.
It wasn't a huge deal and didn't keep me from enjoying this part of the story and glad that I thought to have the second installment ready.
Those who enjoy high fantasy with strong dragon lore, but also love mash-ups with an Austen classic should definitely pick this up.
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon is more like Act One in a three part story. I say that because it has some resolve like a good closing act will, but it is obvious that there is much more to come and require resolution.
So, the series premise is that dragons not only exist in a curious and wide variety, but they agreed to an accord with humans to protect both species occupying the planet. The accord is between dragons and the human Order of Dragons who can actually hear dragon speak. Those average humans like you and me have no idea that dragons exist. Major dragons hold territories that correspond to human estates and lesser dragons can live within these territories with permission. There are humans who are Dragon Keepers and part of those major dragons' keeps and there are humans who have dragon companions, but no keep duty.
Into this world, we are introduced to Austen's characters and how they fit into the dragon world. Mr. Bennet is a member of the Order as the archivist and he's a dragon keeper, but his daughter Elizabeth is the real keeper because his arthritis prevents him and she has some sort of gift and intuition toward dragons. They are not pleased when Mr. Darcy a young dragon keeper arrives searching for a fire dragon egg that he 'lost'. Both Bennets are severe, but he is more severe on himself for being betrayed by an old family friend. They must all work to recover the lost egg and require the help of Longbourn and all the lesser dragons to help.
So, yes, I was enchanted by the dragon world. Now, I'm going to speak Austen blasphemy and say that I was less enchanted with the Bennets and Darcy. They totally jumped down the guy's throat without waiting for explanation and Mr. Bennet is over the top with his attitude. This Darcy keeps opening his mouth only to switch feet it seems. I found it hard to believe that he would be like that. Let's just say I felt the 'pride' and the 'prejudice' on both sides needed to be dialed down and not become drama for drama's sake since there was already some built in conflict with the dastardly thief and his lies, the missing egg, and Longbourn the dragon's insistence that Elizabeth marry Collins to keep his Dragon Keeper close to him.
It wasn't a huge deal and didn't keep me from enjoying this part of the story and glad that I thought to have the second installment ready.
Those who enjoy high fantasy with strong dragon lore, but also love mash-ups with an Austen classic should definitely pick this up.
March 29, 2023
I like Fantasy and I like Pride and Prejudice, but I was not into this combo. It was like mixing chocolate chip cookies and shrimp cocktail.
Perhaps it was the Imperalistic way the humans treated the dragons or that the audiobook narrator was an older man unable to do the voices of young women in their twenties, but I won't be finishing this series.
Perhaps it was the Imperalistic way the humans treated the dragons or that the audiobook narrator was an older man unable to do the voices of young women in their twenties, but I won't be finishing this series.
November 8, 2016
Take Darcy and Elizabeth, mix in dragons and a pinch of sorcery and you have a brilliant tale that just captures your imagination! The descriptive verse and level of detail, provided such a fabulous visual. I found the tension palpable between Darcy, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet. You can just see the sparks flying!
Not everyone can 'hear' dragons but certain members of the Bennet family can as well as Darcy. I quite enjoyed Mary's role in this story. Though in canon she may be somewhat pedantic, she has such vulnerability in this tale. I look forward to reading more on her growth.
The dragons themselves have unique personalities giving them almost human qualities. The interactions between each of the dragons was so believable. I so loved Elizabeth's fairy dragon, April. I found her opinion of Mr. Collins to be spot on! The various personalities between the dragons were well developed and added such realism and depth to the story. Each were so unique and at times provided great humour.
As this is a variation of fantastical proportions, it is cleverly written incorporating Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice with old dragon lore. It is also the first book in these dragon chronicles. One can only hope there will be many more.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Not everyone can 'hear' dragons but certain members of the Bennet family can as well as Darcy. I quite enjoyed Mary's role in this story. Though in canon she may be somewhat pedantic, she has such vulnerability in this tale. I look forward to reading more on her growth.
The dragons themselves have unique personalities giving them almost human qualities. The interactions between each of the dragons was so believable. I so loved Elizabeth's fairy dragon, April. I found her opinion of Mr. Collins to be spot on! The various personalities between the dragons were well developed and added such realism and depth to the story. Each were so unique and at times provided great humour.
As this is a variation of fantastical proportions, it is cleverly written incorporating Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice with old dragon lore. It is also the first book in these dragon chronicles. One can only hope there will be many more.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
Ugh.
I wanted to rate this 4 stars.
Pride & Prejudice + Dragons. Yes please!
The idea is good and in my opinion the author handles the dragon elements very well, maybe too well.
The main P&P elements are dialogue quoted nearly word for word from the original book, but without any added insight. That’s what I enjoy the most about P&P variations. Familier dialogue and plot, new angles and perspectives. So I think the author missed a great opportunity here.
However it gets good when when the author breaks ground with the dragon side of the plot. So it only gets three stars from me because I was skipping the same conversations I’ve read more that 100 times to get to the good stuff.
Maybe the next book will be better. I’m definitely interested enough to continue reading.
I wanted to rate this 4 stars.
Pride & Prejudice + Dragons. Yes please!
The idea is good and in my opinion the author handles the dragon elements very well, maybe too well.
The main P&P elements are dialogue quoted nearly word for word from the original book, but without any added insight. That’s what I enjoy the most about P&P variations. Familier dialogue and plot, new angles and perspectives. So I think the author missed a great opportunity here.
However it gets good when when the author breaks ground with the dragon side of the plot. So it only gets three stars from me because I was skipping the same conversations I’ve read more that 100 times to get to the good stuff.
Maybe the next book will be better. I’m definitely interested enough to continue reading.
January 12, 2021
I realize this is book one in a series, but I was expecting the P&P story line to be wrapped up. I should have read other reviews more closely. This book basically ends after the Netherfield Ball, so not a lot of resolution. I liked the interactions between Dragon Keepers and dragons. It was very clever to have the dragons named after the estates (or maybe the estates were named after the dragons, lol). I liked how the dragon hierarchy was similar to the classes of Regency society (he is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter, etc). I wasn't too fond of how dragons could persuade people to think what they wanted. I understand that they had to disguise themselves for those who couldn't hear or understand dragons, but it was still a little weird. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series right now, but maybe at a future date.
February 14, 2023
Не думала, що мені сподобається мешап "Гордості й упередження" й драконів, але мені дуже зайшло.
Кінець першої частини розбив мені серце Т_Т
Кінець першої частини розбив мені серце Т_Т
Read
May 28, 2021RTC! I'm going to review it on the blog later this month.
Read
February 20, 2022
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon is on sale for .99 cents right now! You can find it here:
Pemberley:Mr. Darcy's Dragon on Amazon
January 7, 2023
Truly enjoyable. Wonderful writing of Elizabeth and Darcy's characters and excellent development and learning for them. Thoroughly worth the read.
May 4, 2017
3.5 stars.
I had really high hopes for this book, because I'm 100% trash for both Austen retellings and dragons. So really, an Austen retelling WITH DRAGONS should have been a surefire hit for me.
But no.
Honestly, I think part of the problem here is that it's only the first...third??...of Pride and Prejudice. Like, by the end of the book, Mr Collins hasn't even proposed to Lizzie. So it felt INCREDIBLY long a lot of the time. And yes, there's a lot of world building to do because it's a world with dragons and all of that stuff has to be developed. But still. It's 340 pages...
I liked that Mary and the Gardiners play a more significant role in the story than in the original. I like that Lizzie and Darcy, despite their loathing (unadulterated loathing/for your face, your voice, your CLOTHING), are forced to team up in an attempt to find a missing dragon egg.
But it draaaaaaaaaaagged, and I honestly wasn't a huge fan of the dragons... I mean, I liked the idea of teeny little dragons and dragons having different powers/abilities/whatever. But the fact that people who can't hear dragons just think they're birds was...kind of silly? IDEK.
So yeah. The last 50-ish pages was pretty solid, but I'm still not sure if I'll bother reading the second book, even though it's only $5 on Kindle.
I had really high hopes for this book, because I'm 100% trash for both Austen retellings and dragons. So really, an Austen retelling WITH DRAGONS should have been a surefire hit for me.
But no.
Honestly, I think part of the problem here is that it's only the first...third??...of Pride and Prejudice. Like, by the end of the book, Mr Collins hasn't even proposed to Lizzie. So it felt INCREDIBLY long a lot of the time. And yes, there's a lot of world building to do because it's a world with dragons and all of that stuff has to be developed. But still. It's 340 pages...
I liked that Mary and the Gardiners play a more significant role in the story than in the original. I like that Lizzie and Darcy, despite their loathing (unadulterated loathing/for your face, your voice, your CLOTHING), are forced to team up in an attempt to find a missing dragon egg.
But it draaaaaaaaaaagged, and I honestly wasn't a huge fan of the dragons... I mean, I liked the idea of teeny little dragons and dragons having different powers/abilities/whatever. But the fact that people who can't hear dragons just think they're birds was...kind of silly? IDEK.
So yeah. The last 50-ish pages was pretty solid, but I'm still not sure if I'll bother reading the second book, even though it's only $5 on Kindle.
May 6, 2018
Wonderful story
Interesting and unexpected journey among dragons, misunderstanding, betrayal, intrigue and learning.
A unique and original tale that is very hard to put down, so don't start reading it if you have something else to do.
Interesting and unexpected journey among dragons, misunderstanding, betrayal, intrigue and learning.
A unique and original tale that is very hard to put down, so don't start reading it if you have something else to do.
May 22, 2019
This is the first of a three part Pride and Prejudice variation set in a fantasy version of Regency England, in which there are dragons living among and alongside people.
This is a beautifully imagined fictional world, in which only certain people are aware of and can hear the dragons, while most people are completely unaware of their existence.
The smaller or "minor" draconic characters in the story are hidden from those who can't hear them by the power of suggestion, by way of subliminal messages that the dragons use, which can apparently be heard unconsciously by all those except the decidedly dragon-deaf. For instance the tatzelwurm called Rumplkin, who catches rats around the Bennet house and environs is able to disguise himself as a cat to those who can't hear him speak. Lizzy's little fairy dragon Friend, April, is believed by non-dragon-hearers to be a pretty little pet bird similar to a hummingbird. Rustle, the cockatrice Friend to Lizzy's Uncle Gardiner, and Walker, who is Darcy's cockatrice Friend (formerly his father's), appear to non-hearers to be falcons. There are many other types of dragons whom we meet throughout this series, and each has a kind of disguise, maintained by suggestion, which governs how non-dragon-hearers see them. The characters of the dragons in the story are every bit as well developed as those of the human characters.
A governing body called the Blue Order has established laws by which minor and major dragons of many different species, types, and sizes get along with other dragons and with humans. The Order was created in order to prevent the bloodshed, decimation, and outright wars that happened before the Pendragon Treaty and Accords of some many hundreds of years earlier.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are already quite involved with dragons in their respective lives before this P&P variation begins. The story is also a mystery, in fact each book in the series contains a different mystery, some of which threaten the tenuous peace afforded by the Accords and the Blue Order.
This first book in the series begins with Miss Elizabeth Bennet as Junior Keeper of Longbourn, the temperamental wyvern (a venomous type of large or "major" dragon) who claims her family estate as territory. Mr. Bennet, who is still Longbourn's official Keeper, is getting older and is badly arthritic, so he is unable to actively care for Longbourn, a responsibility that requires quite a lot of physical work and can't be entrusted to servants. Lizzy shares some of this work with her middle sister Mary, who can also hear dragons, but Mary takes part only reluctantly, even fearfully, and no one else in the family seems to be aware of the existence of dragons.
Because she is the most qualified to carry on as Longbourn's Keeper, in fact she has an innate affinity for dragon kind that surpasses most who can hear them, Lizzy has known since she was very young that she's expected to marry her distant cousin, Mr. Collins, who is to inherit the entailed estate. Such arranged marriages are apparently common within the Blue Order. Lizzy has never met Collins, and has only somewhat resigned herself to this fate, though she is devoted to dragons and to caring for Longbourn.
Shortly after his father died around five years ago, Mr. Darcy took over care of Old Pemberley, the firedrake his family's estate belonged to. That dragon died soon after old Mr. Darcy, leaving behind a single firedrake egg, which is now finally about to hatch. But the egg has been stolen, and has been traced to a militia regiment that is to be quartered for the winter in Meryton, in Hertfordshire, near the Longbourn estate. Darcy's uncle, the Earl of Matlock, is a high ranking officer of the Blue Order, and has written ahead of Darcy's arrival for Mr. Bennet, who is an historian for the Order, to aid him in retrieving the stolen egg. It must be retrieved before it hatches, for a dragon hatched in the wild without impressing on humans can be dangerous, and especially one as large and powerful as a firedrake, is a danger to all and could even set off war. Mr. Darcy comes armed with the Order's Dragon Slayer sword in case all goes wrong, though he is sure he'll be able to retrieve the egg in time, at least he is determined to. But Mr. Bennet proves distrustful of Darcy's ability to properly protect the egg.
This is a well drawn, romantic, and suspenseful mystery story, revealing an intriguing world as well as providing a fresh and unique look at Austen's story. If there are any flaws here they are typos and overuse and under-use of certain words and gestures, and not always clarifying who is speaking, or who is being referred to in narrative. The words "trundle" and "shamble" instead of the more invisible and ordinary "walk" seem to stand out a bit much, as do some of the quoted material from the original P&P story. But overall this is a fascinating page turner.
If you love P&P, JAFF, fantasy, and especially if you also love Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, and/or the Harry Potter series, you will love this series.
This is a beautifully imagined fictional world, in which only certain people are aware of and can hear the dragons, while most people are completely unaware of their existence.
The smaller or "minor" draconic characters in the story are hidden from those who can't hear them by the power of suggestion, by way of subliminal messages that the dragons use, which can apparently be heard unconsciously by all those except the decidedly dragon-deaf. For instance the tatzelwurm called Rumplkin, who catches rats around the Bennet house and environs is able to disguise himself as a cat to those who can't hear him speak. Lizzy's little fairy dragon Friend, April, is believed by non-dragon-hearers to be a pretty little pet bird similar to a hummingbird. Rustle, the cockatrice Friend to Lizzy's Uncle Gardiner, and Walker, who is Darcy's cockatrice Friend (formerly his father's), appear to non-hearers to be falcons. There are many other types of dragons whom we meet throughout this series, and each has a kind of disguise, maintained by suggestion, which governs how non-dragon-hearers see them. The characters of the dragons in the story are every bit as well developed as those of the human characters.
A governing body called the Blue Order has established laws by which minor and major dragons of many different species, types, and sizes get along with other dragons and with humans. The Order was created in order to prevent the bloodshed, decimation, and outright wars that happened before the Pendragon Treaty and Accords of some many hundreds of years earlier.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are already quite involved with dragons in their respective lives before this P&P variation begins. The story is also a mystery, in fact each book in the series contains a different mystery, some of which threaten the tenuous peace afforded by the Accords and the Blue Order.
This first book in the series begins with Miss Elizabeth Bennet as Junior Keeper of Longbourn, the temperamental wyvern (a venomous type of large or "major" dragon) who claims her family estate as territory. Mr. Bennet, who is still Longbourn's official Keeper, is getting older and is badly arthritic, so he is unable to actively care for Longbourn, a responsibility that requires quite a lot of physical work and can't be entrusted to servants. Lizzy shares some of this work with her middle sister Mary, who can also hear dragons, but Mary takes part only reluctantly, even fearfully, and no one else in the family seems to be aware of the existence of dragons.
Because she is the most qualified to carry on as Longbourn's Keeper, in fact she has an innate affinity for dragon kind that surpasses most who can hear them, Lizzy has known since she was very young that she's expected to marry her distant cousin, Mr. Collins, who is to inherit the entailed estate. Such arranged marriages are apparently common within the Blue Order. Lizzy has never met Collins, and has only somewhat resigned herself to this fate, though she is devoted to dragons and to caring for Longbourn.
Shortly after his father died around five years ago, Mr. Darcy took over care of Old Pemberley, the firedrake his family's estate belonged to. That dragon died soon after old Mr. Darcy, leaving behind a single firedrake egg, which is now finally about to hatch. But the egg has been stolen, and has been traced to a militia regiment that is to be quartered for the winter in Meryton, in Hertfordshire, near the Longbourn estate. Darcy's uncle, the Earl of Matlock, is a high ranking officer of the Blue Order, and has written ahead of Darcy's arrival for Mr. Bennet, who is an historian for the Order, to aid him in retrieving the stolen egg. It must be retrieved before it hatches, for a dragon hatched in the wild without impressing on humans can be dangerous, and especially one as large and powerful as a firedrake, is a danger to all and could even set off war. Mr. Darcy comes armed with the Order's Dragon Slayer sword in case all goes wrong, though he is sure he'll be able to retrieve the egg in time, at least he is determined to. But Mr. Bennet proves distrustful of Darcy's ability to properly protect the egg.
This is a well drawn, romantic, and suspenseful mystery story, revealing an intriguing world as well as providing a fresh and unique look at Austen's story. If there are any flaws here they are typos and overuse and under-use of certain words and gestures, and not always clarifying who is speaking, or who is being referred to in narrative. The words "trundle" and "shamble" instead of the more invisible and ordinary "walk" seem to stand out a bit much, as do some of the quoted material from the original P&P story. But overall this is a fascinating page turner.
If you love P&P, JAFF, fantasy, and especially if you also love Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, and/or the Harry Potter series, you will love this series.
July 10, 2022
Pride and Prejudice with dragons. How can I not want to give this a go? The interactions between humans, dragons, and those unable to hear dragons are a very original idea. My first book from this author, and I was pretty impressed with her extensive ability to pay attention to the details of the original story and the one she is creating. Being the first book, we are still learning about the interaction between keeper and dragon. Still, from what I can tell, Longbourn (dragon) and Mr. Bennett don't care how their demands on Elizabeth suffocate her. With this being an audiobook, the variety of voices used to read the story enhanced my enjoyment as we met different types of dragons in the hunt for the stolen egg.
I recommend picking this one up for those who enjoy high fantasy with solid dragon lore but also love mash-ups with an Austen classic.
I recommend picking this one up for those who enjoy high fantasy with solid dragon lore but also love mash-ups with an Austen classic.
May 5, 2018
Lucky Me-I Can Read All Three!
I may have waited a couple of years to start this trilogy but having just finished book one, it was worth the wait. Thank you Dear Author for writing and finishing this wonderful fantasy romance.
I may have waited a couple of years to start this trilogy but having just finished book one, it was worth the wait. Thank you Dear Author for writing and finishing this wonderful fantasy romance.
February 18, 2021
This was fun and interesting. I love both P&P and dragons, so this was exactly what I needed. There's awesome worldbuilding, plus the assortment of dragons and their personalities is lovely. I reached the last page and immediately downloaded the second book in the series.
August 13, 2023
This was so interesting how the author merged Dragons and Pride and Prejudice. I found it a bit hard to follow the writing at first. But I soon got into it and I was presently surprised by how cool the idea of this book was. I only gave it a 3 because of how I had to go back and read a lot. To really understand what was going on. But Elizabeth as a dragon keeper and Darcy as well. I got the second book already. So I hope the writing gets easier to read on this next one.
February 19, 2017
One of the reasons I love JAFF so much is that my interest in spending time with Darcy and Elizabeth has compelled me to read books in genres that I would not have been very likely to read. I am not typically a reader of fantasy books, but when I saw that Maria Grace had made the decision to write a fantasy JAFF story centered around a mystical world that threw Darcy and Elizabeth into the path of dragons, as well as each other, I was curious to see how this fantasy story would unfold.
In “Mr. Darcy’s Dragon,” Mrs. Grace has created a captivating and amusing imaginary world where dragons and the humans who can hear them, co-exist and interact with each other in order to uphold the traditions and expectations of their blended society. This story unfolds in a timeline similar to Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” where readers learn that the Bennet’s are considered important dragon keepers in their community, one where Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Mary share a gift for hearing dragons and a penchant for caring for them. Longbourn is the dragon that they tend and defer to, as he seeks to uphold the duties bestowed upon him through the rules and duties of dragon lore. One of his expectations is that Miss Elizabeth Bennet will marry the heir to Longbourn, her cousin, who still remains an unknown suitor, Mr. William Collins. As much as Mr. Bennet would like to allow Elizabeth to choose a mate of her own choice, he is unable to allow Jane marry Mr. Collins because Jane doesn’t hear dragons. Resigned to her fate, Elizabeth, and her family await her cousin’s arrival to determine whether or not the heir to Longbourn can indeed hear dragons.
As the Gardiners are visiting and assisting the Bennets in the care of their dragons, two gentlemen arrive in Hertfordshire with news that unsettles Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth; Fitzwilliam Darcy, the dragon keeper of Pemberley, has arrived in Meryton seeking their assistance with a matter of great importance. They must help him find the dragon egg that has gone missing while it has been under his care at Pemberley without bringing undue attention to their pursuit. Yet, once they meet the young master and become better acquainted with his manners, it becomes clear that this will not be an easy task. Can two headstrong and obstinate dragon keepers, such as Darcy and Elizabeth, work together for the mutual benefit of the dragons in their care?
Maria Grace did a wonderful job spinning a tale that’s enjoyable for Austen lovers who do and who don’t typically delve into the fantasy genre because she does a great job balancing the dragon world she has created alongside Austen’s characters. Naturally, the dragons love Elizabeth, as she is all that is charming, kind, and gracious to them. When it comes to Fitzwilliam Darcy… well, not so much! His haughty mannerisms and controlling ways do not endear him to dragons or to people, so he finds himself frustrated with his attempts to locate his missing egg. The fact that he’s even missing his all-important egg is a sore point throughout the whole story. How could a respectable landowner not take prodigious care of the dragon placed within his care? Clearly, there’s plenty for Darcy and Elizabeth to banter and argue about, but it really is in their best interest to find out where his egg is and help her prepare to became the wife of the heir of Longbourn, isn’t it?
I loved the smallest details that Mrs. Grace included to help bring this world of the landed gentry and dragons together into one clever and engaging story! There are plenty of magical elements to enjoy throughout her story, and they are executed in a way that doesn’t become confusing or allow the plot to become overshadowed by these details. I also loved how she found ways to weave elements of Austen’s story, such as Jane’s visit to Netherfield, into the story, while also having these events serve their own separate purposes for her own story’s plot. This is a story I highly recommend to Austen lovers of all kinds… be it humans or dragons, there’s plenty to relish in this magical tale!
This book is the first book that sets the stage for this trilogy, so readers should be aware that while this book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, there’s certainly more to come until the entire story is completed.
I’d like to thank Maria Grace for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 21, 2021
This is book one of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series. It can be read first, but reading book four, A Proper Introduction to Dragons would be preferable entry to the series. You need to read books one, two and three to get the entire story.
This combines a Pride and Prejudice variation, with fantasy about dragons. It will appeal to both JAFF readers and fans of fantasy.
Regency England is overrun by dragons. Most people are entirely unaware, because they cannot hear them and are persuaded not to see them. Those with the ability to hear dragons work in the Blue Order, to support the Pendragon Treaty that keeps the peace between human and dragon kind. Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is part of the Blue Order and a junior keeper, assisting her father in taking care of their dragon.
Into the local area comes Mr Bingley and his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Darcy is part of the Blue Order and his estate Pemberley once belonged to the old dragon Pemberley. The dragon died five years ago, when he inherited the estate. The new dragon has not yet hatched. The first firedrake egg to hatch in a century is a precious thing. Then it is stolen!
Darcy has traced the egg to Hertfordshire and is desperate to find it. Time is of the essence. Eggs must hatch in the presence of a Keeper, so that it imprints and accepts humans. Otherwise the dragon will be wild and very dangerous! Such a dragon will face a dragon slayer for the protection of all.
Elizabeth is drawn to dragons and they to her. Her easy relationships and instinctive knowledge of how best to interact with dragons, surprises Darcy. He soon comes to value her skills and acknowledge he needs her help.
Unfortunately, Darcy does not make a good impression on the local residents. Elizabeth finds him arrogant and conceited. Will they be able to work together to find the egg and save the dragon?
The story focusses on Elizabeth, Mr Darcy, Mr Bennet and the many dragons. Although the rest of the Bennets are included, only Mary has a role, as she learns to manage dragons. Mr Bennet continues to be an antagonistic curmudgeon. Elizabeth is a strong character, who knows her value. She is however, thoroughly exasperated by the dismissive attitudes of her father and possibly Darcy. The dragon characters are well drawn and engaging. I think the dragons are probably the most appealing characters in the book.
This is a great story and the hatching scenes are thrilling. The ending leaves you desperate to know what happens next. Book two awaits! I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy.
This whole series is narrated by Benjamin Fife. His narration is very good, his voice warm and pleasing to listen to. His female voices are convincing and his dragon voices are excellent.
I look forward to more stories by Maria Grace.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This combines a Pride and Prejudice variation, with fantasy about dragons. It will appeal to both JAFF readers and fans of fantasy.
Regency England is overrun by dragons. Most people are entirely unaware, because they cannot hear them and are persuaded not to see them. Those with the ability to hear dragons work in the Blue Order, to support the Pendragon Treaty that keeps the peace between human and dragon kind. Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is part of the Blue Order and a junior keeper, assisting her father in taking care of their dragon.
Into the local area comes Mr Bingley and his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Darcy is part of the Blue Order and his estate Pemberley once belonged to the old dragon Pemberley. The dragon died five years ago, when he inherited the estate. The new dragon has not yet hatched. The first firedrake egg to hatch in a century is a precious thing. Then it is stolen!
Darcy has traced the egg to Hertfordshire and is desperate to find it. Time is of the essence. Eggs must hatch in the presence of a Keeper, so that it imprints and accepts humans. Otherwise the dragon will be wild and very dangerous! Such a dragon will face a dragon slayer for the protection of all.
Elizabeth is drawn to dragons and they to her. Her easy relationships and instinctive knowledge of how best to interact with dragons, surprises Darcy. He soon comes to value her skills and acknowledge he needs her help.
Unfortunately, Darcy does not make a good impression on the local residents. Elizabeth finds him arrogant and conceited. Will they be able to work together to find the egg and save the dragon?
The story focusses on Elizabeth, Mr Darcy, Mr Bennet and the many dragons. Although the rest of the Bennets are included, only Mary has a role, as she learns to manage dragons. Mr Bennet continues to be an antagonistic curmudgeon. Elizabeth is a strong character, who knows her value. She is however, thoroughly exasperated by the dismissive attitudes of her father and possibly Darcy. The dragon characters are well drawn and engaging. I think the dragons are probably the most appealing characters in the book.
This is a great story and the hatching scenes are thrilling. The ending leaves you desperate to know what happens next. Book two awaits! I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy.
This whole series is narrated by Benjamin Fife. His narration is very good, his voice warm and pleasing to listen to. His female voices are convincing and his dragon voices are excellent.
I look forward to more stories by Maria Grace.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
July 13, 2020
Where do I start? When I give low stars on a book I tend to start with the positive so that's what we'll do.
Maria Grace created a fascinating world of unique dragons and circumstances. Only certain people can hear and speak with them, and the humans become their Keepers. This is to prevent another dragon vs. human war. It's an elaborate set up with councils and so forth.
Now, why didn't I like it?
There were a few reasons. One, being that it was Pride and Prejudice. Before you bite my head off I think the story is fine. I have nothing against PAP, but it didn't mesh well here. There were a few copy and paste moments through the book that didn't fit with the rest of the theme. This would have been much much better if it was an original story.
There is also the issue with her father and the head dragon of the estate, Longbourn. They irritated me to no end. In PAP I always considered the girls' father to be quite fond of them, especially Elizabeth. When she said she wouldn't marry Collins he supported her because he only wanted her happiness. That man is not here in this book. And I think that's one of the big issues with re-tellings. The characters are, in a sense, already established and to change them so much didn't feel right. He had moments of being unnecessarily cruel to Lizzy.
Longbourn was the head dragon of the estate. His Keeper is in charge of caring for him and he is able to make decisions about the estate. In a sense, he's pretty much the head of the household and what he says goes. The problem here is that he's aggressive and temperamental. More than once he just seemed like a very large child rather than an old dragon caring for his home.
While the dragons were unique there was nothing about them that made me want to be part of that world. I think the idea was to put the humans and dragons on the same level of sorts but honestly, the humans felt like slaves and didn't even know it. They get bossed around by the dragons repeatedly and must tip toe around their flippant personalities. Say they wrong thing and you'll get nipped on the ear for sure.
I think they were to be thought of as animals but they also had knowledge and speech, they could be talked to and reasoned with. The two didn't click well. If the dragons couldn't speak I think I would have been a little more forgiving of their attitudes.
Anyways, I really didn't care for this book and won't continue on with the series.
Maria Grace created a fascinating world of unique dragons and circumstances. Only certain people can hear and speak with them, and the humans become their Keepers. This is to prevent another dragon vs. human war. It's an elaborate set up with councils and so forth.
Now, why didn't I like it?
There were a few reasons. One, being that it was Pride and Prejudice. Before you bite my head off I think the story is fine. I have nothing against PAP, but it didn't mesh well here. There were a few copy and paste moments through the book that didn't fit with the rest of the theme. This would have been much much better if it was an original story.
There is also the issue with her father and the head dragon of the estate, Longbourn. They irritated me to no end. In PAP I always considered the girls' father to be quite fond of them, especially Elizabeth. When she said she wouldn't marry Collins he supported her because he only wanted her happiness. That man is not here in this book. And I think that's one of the big issues with re-tellings. The characters are, in a sense, already established and to change them so much didn't feel right. He had moments of being unnecessarily cruel to Lizzy.
Longbourn was the head dragon of the estate. His Keeper is in charge of caring for him and he is able to make decisions about the estate. In a sense, he's pretty much the head of the household and what he says goes. The problem here is that he's aggressive and temperamental. More than once he just seemed like a very large child rather than an old dragon caring for his home.
While the dragons were unique there was nothing about them that made me want to be part of that world. I think the idea was to put the humans and dragons on the same level of sorts but honestly, the humans felt like slaves and didn't even know it. They get bossed around by the dragons repeatedly and must tip toe around their flippant personalities. Say they wrong thing and you'll get nipped on the ear for sure.
I think they were to be thought of as animals but they also had knowledge and speech, they could be talked to and reasoned with. The two didn't click well. If the dragons couldn't speak I think I would have been a little more forgiving of their attitudes.
Anyways, I really didn't care for this book and won't continue on with the series.
January 11, 2020
Dragons meet Jane Austen in a surprisingly entertaining story that is one part fantasy, one party mystery, and one part romance.
This is my first exposure to Benjamin Fife and I have to say, wow!
Although at times his voices sound just a touch nasal, each and every voice in the book is unique. Even the female and Dragon voices are all different and fit their subjects perfectly. He is a master of both vocal inflections and tempo shifts.
Honestly, I almost passed on this book. I saw it multiple times in various places before I finally decided to take a chance and devote some time to it.
Not only am I not a fan of Jane Austen's writing style (which this book naturally models to a certain extent), but I'm also not typically fond of Regency period fiction.
That said, however, this book has a similar charm (though very different storyline, of course) to the Lady Trent books by Marie Brennan, which I absolutely adore.
Although there are quite a few characters to keep track of, including nearly a dozen dragons, each is surprisingly well developed. Once things got going there was no confusion about who was who.
Clearly, most if not all of these characters are based on the originals created by Jane Austen, with flaws and quirks translated into a new world quite well.
Speaking of the world, the world building is fantastic. Although I'm not personally fond of the direction the author went with the dragons, it's all very well developed. I can definitely see the Pern influence there. The author has clearly thought through the societal ramifications of having dragons exist in the time period.
There are several mysteries throughout, most of which are resolved though one is open ended. Overall, the reveals of the various mysteries are well timed and satisfying.
The only critique I have that's not tied to either the period or Jane Austen is about that final mystery (main plot). It just felt a little too convenient and didn't really require anything of either protagonist to solve it.
Following that final reveal, however, the ending comes together nicely with an excellent weaving of character and plot arcs with more than one rather emotional character moment.
Definitely looking forward to reading book 2!
This is my first exposure to Benjamin Fife and I have to say, wow!
Although at times his voices sound just a touch nasal, each and every voice in the book is unique. Even the female and Dragon voices are all different and fit their subjects perfectly. He is a master of both vocal inflections and tempo shifts.
Honestly, I almost passed on this book. I saw it multiple times in various places before I finally decided to take a chance and devote some time to it.
Not only am I not a fan of Jane Austen's writing style (which this book naturally models to a certain extent), but I'm also not typically fond of Regency period fiction.
That said, however, this book has a similar charm (though very different storyline, of course) to the Lady Trent books by Marie Brennan, which I absolutely adore.
Although there are quite a few characters to keep track of, including nearly a dozen dragons, each is surprisingly well developed. Once things got going there was no confusion about who was who.
Clearly, most if not all of these characters are based on the originals created by Jane Austen, with flaws and quirks translated into a new world quite well.
Speaking of the world, the world building is fantastic. Although I'm not personally fond of the direction the author went with the dragons, it's all very well developed. I can definitely see the Pern influence there. The author has clearly thought through the societal ramifications of having dragons exist in the time period.
There are several mysteries throughout, most of which are resolved though one is open ended. Overall, the reveals of the various mysteries are well timed and satisfying.
The only critique I have that's not tied to either the period or Jane Austen is about that final mystery (main plot). It just felt a little too convenient and didn't really require anything of either protagonist to solve it.
Following that final reveal, however, the ending comes together nicely with an excellent weaving of character and plot arcs with more than one rather emotional character moment.
Definitely looking forward to reading book 2!
January 3, 2023
Okay, so it may look as though I read this variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice in fewer that 24 hours, but that's not quite the case. Maria Grace has kindly posted the first several chapters, serial style, on the her own website Random Bits of Fascination as well as on Austen Variations, so I had a head start and took off flying yesterday afternoon, finishing this morning.
The dragonlore in this first novel of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series, Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon is incredible. I felt as if I stepped into a completely different Austenesque reality than usual, and I was taken in well before the end of the first chapter. Some people can hear dragons, and Elizabeth and Mary are the only of Mr. Bennet's daughters thus gifted. Mr. Bennet, the Blue Order's Historian, is well-versed in dragonlore, and he is also the Keeper of Longbourn, the ancestral dragon.
But news of a stolen dragon egg reaches Mr. Bennet, and he and his dragon-hearing daughters are commanded by the Order to assist in finding the missing egg before it hatches or else the centuries-old treaty between human beings and dragonkind would be in serious jeopardy. And the owner of the stolen egg is an abrasive fellow named Fitzwilliam Darcy....
I won't say any more because I don't want to ruin the plot; the information given here is basically from the first chapter only. ;)
This book was officially released yesterday, and, as I had posted on the site, "I gobbled up the book much as Longbourn consumes his sheep!"
I've been a longtime fan of everything Maria Grace writes, starting with her work posted on FanFiction.net and now through her own website as well as via Austen Variations, and this book is definitely my very favorite of the bunch!
My only regret is how long I'll have to wait to see how the story continues in Volume 2 of this series. (Write fast, Maria!! Please????)
I rarely give 5's to books other than classics and have done so for fewer than a dozen of the over 300 Austen variations I've read, but this book would get a 6 from me if it were possible! Brilliant, brilliant work!!
The dragonlore in this first novel of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series, Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon is incredible. I felt as if I stepped into a completely different Austenesque reality than usual, and I was taken in well before the end of the first chapter. Some people can hear dragons, and Elizabeth and Mary are the only of Mr. Bennet's daughters thus gifted. Mr. Bennet, the Blue Order's Historian, is well-versed in dragonlore, and he is also the Keeper of Longbourn, the ancestral dragon.
But news of a stolen dragon egg reaches Mr. Bennet, and he and his dragon-hearing daughters are commanded by the Order to assist in finding the missing egg before it hatches or else the centuries-old treaty between human beings and dragonkind would be in serious jeopardy. And the owner of the stolen egg is an abrasive fellow named Fitzwilliam Darcy....
I won't say any more because I don't want to ruin the plot; the information given here is basically from the first chapter only. ;)
This book was officially released yesterday, and, as I had posted on the site, "I gobbled up the book much as Longbourn consumes his sheep!"
I've been a longtime fan of everything Maria Grace writes, starting with her work posted on FanFiction.net and now through her own website as well as via Austen Variations, and this book is definitely my very favorite of the bunch!
My only regret is how long I'll have to wait to see how the story continues in Volume 2 of this series. (Write fast, Maria!! Please????)
I rarely give 5's to books other than classics and have done so for fewer than a dozen of the over 300 Austen variations I've read, but this book would get a 6 from me if it were possible! Brilliant, brilliant work!!
April 24, 2021
I'm almost afraid to admit it but I've never read Pride & Prejudice. Did i fully realize that this is an adaptation? Not really. Somehow Mr. Darcy didn't ring a bell even though I've seen the movie. I just read the words '19th century England' and 'dragons', and it ended up in my basket.
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet can hear and communicate with dragons. In a time where dragons of all shapes and sizes inhabit England this is a very useful gift. A special treaty keeps the peace between human and dragon kind, but a stolen firedrake egg threatens this peace. Darcy and Elizabeth have to team up to recover the egg that was stolen from Pemberley. If they don't find the egg before it hatches it can send England spiraling back into the Dark Ages of Dragon War.
The authors strong point is definitely worldbuilding. She invented a rich history and culture surrounding dragons. There are specific courtesies and rules for the different type of dragons. Each dragon has its own unique personality.
The characters, like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, are witty and interesting. They are described in the same manner as in the classic story (or so I heard). Same goes for the storyline.
I should probably mention that this as an audiobook. I would definitely not recommend this. The narrator didn't do a bad job, but the female voices just sounded wrong. Also the dragon voices, especially April's, is too high pitched and becomes annoying after a while. I think I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if I had the physical copy.
I do want to continue the series because it did peek my interest, but first I'm going to read the classic story of Pride & Prejudice. I think lovers of the classic, who like the fantasy genre, will definitely appreciate this book series (3,5 stars).
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet can hear and communicate with dragons. In a time where dragons of all shapes and sizes inhabit England this is a very useful gift. A special treaty keeps the peace between human and dragon kind, but a stolen firedrake egg threatens this peace. Darcy and Elizabeth have to team up to recover the egg that was stolen from Pemberley. If they don't find the egg before it hatches it can send England spiraling back into the Dark Ages of Dragon War.
The authors strong point is definitely worldbuilding. She invented a rich history and culture surrounding dragons. There are specific courtesies and rules for the different type of dragons. Each dragon has its own unique personality.
The characters, like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, are witty and interesting. They are described in the same manner as in the classic story (or so I heard). Same goes for the storyline.
I should probably mention that this as an audiobook. I would definitely not recommend this. The narrator didn't do a bad job, but the female voices just sounded wrong. Also the dragon voices, especially April's, is too high pitched and becomes annoying after a while. I think I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if I had the physical copy.
I do want to continue the series because it did peek my interest, but first I'm going to read the classic story of Pride & Prejudice. I think lovers of the classic, who like the fantasy genre, will definitely appreciate this book series (3,5 stars).
January 9, 2024
En riktig rolig twist att addera drakar i Pride and Prejudice värld! Jag ser sjukt hemst fram emot att få fortsätta denna serie och se vart den leder! Drakarna är nästan som stora katter och klagar jag? VERKLIGEN INTE!
// A really funny twist to add dragons in the world of Pride and Prejudice! I so extremely look forward to continuing this series and see where it leads! The dragons are almost like giant cats and do i complain? Absolutely not! //
// A really funny twist to add dragons in the world of Pride and Prejudice! I so extremely look forward to continuing this series and see where it leads! The dragons are almost like giant cats and do i complain? Absolutely not! //
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