Dragonfall

by L. R. Lam

Overall: If you’re looking for a fantasy book that is both highly entertaining and quite thought-provoking, look no further than Dragonfall. The first book of the new Dragon Scales series introduces the reader to Everen, a dragon prince suffering under the crushing weight of prophecy and his family’s expectations.  The first male dragon born in centuries, he’s supposed to be able to pierce the Veil separating the dragon’s Vere Celene from the human world.  On the human side, we meet Arcady, an orphan with a dark family history that is only gradually revealed.  Surviving only by their wits as a thief and pickpocket, Arcady hopes to make a big enough score on their next job to go to university in their homeland of Loc.  But when Arcady uses a forbidden spell, he draws Everen through the Veil and into human form.  Will Everen kill Arcady so the dragons can conquer humankind, as is foretold? Or will the growing bond between these two damaged and distrustful souls cause him to betray his own kind, condemning them to death?  And then there’s Sorin, an assassin whose motives and endgame are shrouded in darkness.

Likes: Both the human and dragon worlds are detailed, fascinating, and supported by plenty of excellent worldbuilding. Since Everen knows little about Loc and its neighbors, not to mention how humans use magic, the reader gets a handy introduction to human languages, food, customs, and religions in a way that doesn’t feel forced or awkward.  I loved the languages in particular; along with Lochian, a spoken/written language, many people in this world from different countries also speak Trade, a signed language. In Loc, people use also Trade to indicate gender (“he,” “she,” “they,” or “any”); the honorific “They” is used for religious and political leaders.  This is also a post-pandemic world (here it’s called a Strike), and the consequences of being “Struck” play out in ways that both echo and contrast with our post-Covid reality. And there are mini dragons called wyverns!

Dislikes: I wished we’d gotten more of Sorin’s perspective.  But that’s a pretty minor quibble!

FYI: death of a family member, violence, murder.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, DAW, for my advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.