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Jane Austen's Dragons #13
Secrets of the Dragon Archives
Elizabeth was not running away from danger like prey when she left Pemberley for London, no matter what the Council dragons might be saying behind her back.No, protecting Little Anne and the baby she carried was the right, sensible and courageous thing to do. It was what any maternal dragon would do. And what place could be safer than Blue Order offices in London?
But where dragons were involved, safe was a relative term.
With threats to the Blue Order on every side, everyone is stepping lightly around the Council dragons. After all, with a huge, unpredictable sea drake off the coast, an ineffective dragon king, and an heir who is even worse, who can blame them for being crankier than usual?
Why, then, do they keep haranguing Elizabeth about the Historian’s assistant drake who has been digging up the Archives under the Order offices? Why is the Council so desperate to know what the Historian has found? What could awkward, annoying little Bede have found to warrant the Council's to threaten to eat her on sight?
What indeed?
A fresh new gas lamp fantasy adventure in the engrossingly intricate world of Jane Austen’s Dragons. Anne McCaffrey meets Jane Austen, a perfect mix for dragon lovers and regency-era fans alike.
Book 13 in the Jane Austen's Dragons series.
But where dragons were involved, safe was a relative term.
With threats to the Blue Order on every side, everyone is stepping lightly around the Council dragons. After all, with a huge, unpredictable sea drake off the coast, an ineffective dragon king, and an heir who is even worse, who can blame them for being crankier than usual?
Why, then, do they keep haranguing Elizabeth about the Historian’s assistant drake who has been digging up the Archives under the Order offices? Why is the Council so desperate to know what the Historian has found? What could awkward, annoying little Bede have found to warrant the Council's to threaten to eat her on sight?
What indeed?
A fresh new gas lamp fantasy adventure in the engrossingly intricate world of Jane Austen’s Dragons. Anne McCaffrey meets Jane Austen, a perfect mix for dragon lovers and regency-era fans alike.
Book 13 in the Jane Austen's Dragons series.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
84 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books321 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 40 reviews
March 27, 2025
What is hidden down in the archives that the dragons are desperately trying to discover? The latest in the series takes us away from the sea dragon turmoil to the heart of the Blue Order. Maria Grace has proven time and again that she has the golden pen when it comes to all things dragon.
Secrets of the Dragon Archives is the 13th in the Jane Austen’s Dragons Gaslamp fantasy series. This is a series that must be read in order for the most part.
Lately in the series, the books have been swinging between various threads: the Elizabeth and Darcy events, the Anne and Frederick events, and one took a jaunt with Georgiana Darcy. Now, Elizabeth has left Darcy and some complications at Pemberley to be in London at the Blue Order offices where it was thought to be safest since she is expecting their second child.
However, complications are even there and danger from dragons she once didn’t question as her allies is a possibility. Elizabeth is constantly on her guard. The Council is hiding things from her even while demanding she discover what secrets are being discovered in the Archives while, on the other end, her father as Archivist and the Scribe with their assistant dragons have discovered mind-blowing information that alters the very historical foundations of the Blue Order and peace in the Kingdom. These are secrets someone would kill for.
Meanwhile, matters are escalating with what is happening among the royal dragons and the Council and Elizabeth along with Sir Frederick have their paws full preventing another dragon war.
So much is coming to a head and big discoveries are coming out. It’s all so exciting. I will say that I found Elizabeth’s agitation and the focus on her weariness to be a bit much drama for me, but, it is also a level of realism needed to show how human she is while dealing with the great dragons of the kingdom. Can’t wait to snatch up the next book to see what comes next.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 3.4.25.
Secrets of the Dragon Archives is the 13th in the Jane Austen’s Dragons Gaslamp fantasy series. This is a series that must be read in order for the most part.
Lately in the series, the books have been swinging between various threads: the Elizabeth and Darcy events, the Anne and Frederick events, and one took a jaunt with Georgiana Darcy. Now, Elizabeth has left Darcy and some complications at Pemberley to be in London at the Blue Order offices where it was thought to be safest since she is expecting their second child.
However, complications are even there and danger from dragons she once didn’t question as her allies is a possibility. Elizabeth is constantly on her guard. The Council is hiding things from her even while demanding she discover what secrets are being discovered in the Archives while, on the other end, her father as Archivist and the Scribe with their assistant dragons have discovered mind-blowing information that alters the very historical foundations of the Blue Order and peace in the Kingdom. These are secrets someone would kill for.
Meanwhile, matters are escalating with what is happening among the royal dragons and the Council and Elizabeth along with Sir Frederick have their paws full preventing another dragon war.
So much is coming to a head and big discoveries are coming out. It’s all so exciting. I will say that I found Elizabeth’s agitation and the focus on her weariness to be a bit much drama for me, but, it is also a level of realism needed to show how human she is while dealing with the great dragons of the kingdom. Can’t wait to snatch up the next book to see what comes next.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 3.4.25.
June 27, 2024
Whoa!
Whoa, at a bare minimum , adequately cover the way I felt. The ending-not cool!! I’m glad I didn’t read this earlier, before the next installment had been released.
Problem is my to do reading line-up didn’t take into account picking up another in this series. I just finished #12 right before this.
It also showed as 95% read in Kindle, page 216 out of 242, only to turn the page to PR material, not a continuation of the last scene played out on the previous page.
Huge letdown and disappointment. This couldn’t even be considered a teaser, but rather an abrupt ending, almost as if pages, chapters, were missing.
There’s a lot going on throughout the entire book, a complete page turner, merely in an effort to keep up.
Even though I read it in 2 days, I took quite a few breaks over that time period.
I’ll have no choice if I wish to see how this plays out, other than to read the next in the series. And by book 13, I’ve invested too much time to do otherwise.
Whoa, at a bare minimum , adequately cover the way I felt. The ending-not cool!! I’m glad I didn’t read this earlier, before the next installment had been released.
Problem is my to do reading line-up didn’t take into account picking up another in this series. I just finished #12 right before this.
It also showed as 95% read in Kindle, page 216 out of 242, only to turn the page to PR material, not a continuation of the last scene played out on the previous page.
Huge letdown and disappointment. This couldn’t even be considered a teaser, but rather an abrupt ending, almost as if pages, chapters, were missing.
There’s a lot going on throughout the entire book, a complete page turner, merely in an effort to keep up.
Even though I read it in 2 days, I took quite a few breaks over that time period.
I’ll have no choice if I wish to see how this plays out, other than to read the next in the series. And by book 13, I’ve invested too much time to do otherwise.
June 22, 2024
Intrigue at its best!
One of those books you have to read in one go and hate to leave for minor reasons like work or sustenance. Lots of things happening at the same time and even the reader gets tired of going up and down! The only thing I would like is to have a lot more of Darcy.
One of those books you have to read in one go and hate to leave for minor reasons like work or sustenance. Lots of things happening at the same time and even the reader gets tired of going up and down! The only thing I would like is to have a lot more of Darcy.
March 11, 2024
Jane Austen's Dragons are Back and Better than ever!
When a new Jane Austin's Dragons book appears in my Kindle recs, it always goes straight tothe top of my TBR. Despite the lengthy run of the series, I always manage to fall back into it much like a conversation with a close friend. I did feel this book started a little on the slow side, but it was necessary to remind us where the cast stood at the conclusion of the previous book.
As per usual with this series, Secrets of the Dragon Archives picks up shortly after the end of its predecessor, in which Lady Anne's sea faring husband Sir Fredrick narrowly survived a dragon battle at sea. In fact, his survival came down to the kindness and/or political machinations, of an absolutely monstrous sea dragon called Chesil. Chesil's massive size has caused quite a stir amongst land dragons, particularly the Draconic Council, who are meant to be the most dominant/respected dragons in England. But Chesil's enormity makes him dominant over even the largest land dragons, putting the Council (and all major dragons) on edge.
As if that weren't enough, Elizabeth's cantankerous father, Historian Bennet, along with the unique young dragon Bede— who is regarded as "odd" or even threatening by many of her kind, as a result of her complete lack of comprehension regarding even the most basic dragonic dominance interactions— have inadvertently stepped in a proverbial hornets nest after Bede (literally) digs up a secret chamber hidden deep in the ancient library archives. What they inadvertently uncovered has the power to change everything the Order knows about the Accords— the legendary treaty that established peace between dragonkin and "warm bloods" centuries ago— and some high ranking Order members will stop at nothing to keep this new information from ever seeing the light of day.
Dragon Sage Lady Elizabeth Darcy finds herself (as always)caught in the center of each debacle. In addition to her usual draconic duties and running her large found family household of mismatched humans and numerous minor dragons, Elizabeth is also ever increasing as she counts down the days to the birth of she & Darcy's second child. Secret archival history, threatening major dragons and an unusually cantankerous Dragon Council are typically business as usual for the Dragon Sage— but as the situation at the Blue Order offices grows increasingly volatile, is it possible that Elizabeth has at last met her match?
As usual I was fully immersed into Grace's well thought out regency era fantasy world in which humans who can hear dragons work to hide them from the dragon deaf. In each subsequent book the characters we've come to love— from Darcy & Elizabeth to adorable Baby Pemberly and all the other Dragon Friends— find themselves walking a fine line between success and disaster, & this book is no exception. The tension runs high, making it impossible not to feel invested in this expertly drawn world.
I have only two true complaints regarding this book; first of which is simply that many of my favorite draconic characters either did not appear, or showed up only briefly. I'm sure they'll be back in subsequent stories, but I did miss their presence here. The second issue I have is of a more serious nature, with regard to the book's ending. These books tend to be open ended, though usually the main storyline is completely wrapped up, leaving just a few threads to lead us into the next entry. In this particular book, however, I found the end a much greater cliffhanger than the series has me accustomed to. It feels like author Maria Grace used Secrets of the Dragon Archives primarily as set up for whatever major events she inevitably has planned for the following book. The result makes the ending feel rushed & somewhat incomplete— though I have no doubt I'll get my answers with the next one!
Bottom line, I am always delighted to return to this world. Despite a slow start, I was quickly sucked right back into the heart of the draconic maelstrom in which the Darcy's live (and thrive!). It is clear that many important plot points are finally coming to a head and I cannot wait to find out what's next! Fellow returning fans will likely find this book just as charming & entertaining as you've come to expect.
If you're new to the series, I warn you that there is tons of intricately detailed worldbuilding & a huge cast of characters that will inevitably leave you lost if you try to start anywhere but the beginning. I STRONGLY recommend book 1, Pemberly: Mr. Darcy's Dragon. I believe it's free to buy on Kindle— & all subsequent books are free on KU! Don't let the number of books intimidate/deter you, either, because they are all easy reads that simply fly by.
If you are a fan of classics (especially Pride and Prejudice!), who has always longed for a fantasy element to liven them up, then the Jane Austin's Dragons series is right up your alley. Honestly, I can't recommend it enough. The blend of history and fantasy is absolutely seamless.
When a new Jane Austin's Dragons book appears in my Kindle recs, it always goes straight tothe top of my TBR. Despite the lengthy run of the series, I always manage to fall back into it much like a conversation with a close friend. I did feel this book started a little on the slow side, but it was necessary to remind us where the cast stood at the conclusion of the previous book.
As per usual with this series, Secrets of the Dragon Archives picks up shortly after the end of its predecessor, in which Lady Anne's sea faring husband Sir Fredrick narrowly survived a dragon battle at sea. In fact, his survival came down to the kindness and/or political machinations, of an absolutely monstrous sea dragon called Chesil. Chesil's massive size has caused quite a stir amongst land dragons, particularly the Draconic Council, who are meant to be the most dominant/respected dragons in England. But Chesil's enormity makes him dominant over even the largest land dragons, putting the Council (and all major dragons) on edge.
As if that weren't enough, Elizabeth's cantankerous father, Historian Bennet, along with the unique young dragon Bede— who is regarded as "odd" or even threatening by many of her kind, as a result of her complete lack of comprehension regarding even the most basic dragonic dominance interactions— have inadvertently stepped in a proverbial hornets nest after Bede (literally) digs up a secret chamber hidden deep in the ancient library archives. What they inadvertently uncovered has the power to change everything the Order knows about the Accords— the legendary treaty that established peace between dragonkin and "warm bloods" centuries ago— and some high ranking Order members will stop at nothing to keep this new information from ever seeing the light of day.
Dragon Sage Lady Elizabeth Darcy finds herself (as always)caught in the center of each debacle. In addition to her usual draconic duties and running her large found family household of mismatched humans and numerous minor dragons, Elizabeth is also ever increasing as she counts down the days to the birth of she & Darcy's second child. Secret archival history, threatening major dragons and an unusually cantankerous Dragon Council are typically business as usual for the Dragon Sage— but as the situation at the Blue Order offices grows increasingly volatile, is it possible that Elizabeth has at last met her match?
As usual I was fully immersed into Grace's well thought out regency era fantasy world in which humans who can hear dragons work to hide them from the dragon deaf. In each subsequent book the characters we've come to love— from Darcy & Elizabeth to adorable Baby Pemberly and all the other Dragon Friends— find themselves walking a fine line between success and disaster, & this book is no exception. The tension runs high, making it impossible not to feel invested in this expertly drawn world.
I have only two true complaints regarding this book; first of which is simply that many of my favorite draconic characters either did not appear, or showed up only briefly. I'm sure they'll be back in subsequent stories, but I did miss their presence here. The second issue I have is of a more serious nature, with regard to the book's ending. These books tend to be open ended, though usually the main storyline is completely wrapped up, leaving just a few threads to lead us into the next entry. In this particular book, however, I found the end a much greater cliffhanger than the series has me accustomed to. It feels like author Maria Grace used Secrets of the Dragon Archives primarily as set up for whatever major events she inevitably has planned for the following book. The result makes the ending feel rushed & somewhat incomplete— though I have no doubt I'll get my answers with the next one!
Bottom line, I am always delighted to return to this world. Despite a slow start, I was quickly sucked right back into the heart of the draconic maelstrom in which the Darcy's live (and thrive!). It is clear that many important plot points are finally coming to a head and I cannot wait to find out what's next! Fellow returning fans will likely find this book just as charming & entertaining as you've come to expect.
If you're new to the series, I warn you that there is tons of intricately detailed worldbuilding & a huge cast of characters that will inevitably leave you lost if you try to start anywhere but the beginning. I STRONGLY recommend book 1, Pemberly: Mr. Darcy's Dragon. I believe it's free to buy on Kindle— & all subsequent books are free on KU! Don't let the number of books intimidate/deter you, either, because they are all easy reads that simply fly by.
If you are a fan of classics (especially Pride and Prejudice!), who has always longed for a fantasy element to liven them up, then the Jane Austin's Dragons series is right up your alley. Honestly, I can't recommend it enough. The blend of history and fantasy is absolutely seamless.
February 20, 2024
Avid Reader
Another fun read concerning the lives of the Blue Order. Elizabeth was bundled off to London for safety where she feels anything but safe. Bede's digging in the archives threatens the Counsel of Major dragons. Elizabeth's father is no picnic either, but he has become heavily dependent on Bede's abilities and her skill set. Elizabeth is caught in the middle of agitated dragons on all sides! Fortunately, she has a few dragons that she can trust as she is also pregnant with her second child. Elizabeth doesn't know how things will play out, but she manages to learn that her role as Dragon Sage has earned her some enemies. Now she has to protect her family, Bede, and Lady Astrid from the major dragons' ire, especially since Bede dug up history concerning major and minor dragons that goes back to the signing of the Accords. What does it all mean?
Another fun read concerning the lives of the Blue Order. Elizabeth was bundled off to London for safety where she feels anything but safe. Bede's digging in the archives threatens the Counsel of Major dragons. Elizabeth's father is no picnic either, but he has become heavily dependent on Bede's abilities and her skill set. Elizabeth is caught in the middle of agitated dragons on all sides! Fortunately, she has a few dragons that she can trust as she is also pregnant with her second child. Elizabeth doesn't know how things will play out, but she manages to learn that her role as Dragon Sage has earned her some enemies. Now she has to protect her family, Bede, and Lady Astrid from the major dragons' ire, especially since Bede dug up history concerning major and minor dragons that goes back to the signing of the Accords. What does it all mean?
March 27, 2024
The blurb here on GR nearly says it all regarding the plot. So, now I'm about to spoil the plot here so be forewarned. On one hand the story is one trip after the other for Elizabeth to the Council Dragons day after day to be harangued about the Archives and especially the role that the minor dragon Bede has in it, what she has found and how all new excavation in the Archives must stop. Every trip becoming more arduous. The story is kind of a slog in that regard. But along the way we get to discover with Elizabeth just what surprises there are in the Archives. Yet Elizabeth's daily routine becomes highly frustrating and arduous as she grows heavier with child, and cannot seem to get through to either the Council Dragons for clearer information, (they just want to threaten and demand) or through to her father the Historian regarding nearly everything involved, (who just whines and demands and belittles her attitude.) Everybody needs her, but every entity resents her. Frustration and danger from multiple sides. I really wanted to smack some heads around for her sake. Finally she realizes it's time to leave the Blue Order offices and thank goodness her security staff is well able to handle things secretly and efficiently. I was never so relieved when she made it back to Darcy House. But then she finds out she's being spied upon...by multiple organizations throughout the Blue Order. And she has the minor dragon Bede the scribe to deal with. Have you ever heard the the phrase 'so heavenly minded he was no earthly good?' That's Bede. She has no clue what trouble she could possibly be causing and is so rebellious against her confinement that it takes threats of a hideous manner to get her to back down. I just wanted to shake her. But apparently she's also an utter genius at what she does too. How do you deal with geniuses.
I stayed up reading this into the wee hours once I was about 60% of the way through, it was so tense. The political situation is ratcheting up to max tensions. What will Wentworth find when he finally gets back to the coast to negotiate with the King's Dragon. And will it be a suicide trip. Oh my gosh.
Now, this book is one I cannot possibly say is a stand alone. You've got to know what has lead up to this from the previous books in order to appreciate it. And this one was a hard one. There were a very few moments of joy in this when Elizabeth is spending time with her little daughter. And in the very end of the book when she is reunited with Darcy. Ahhhh. I'm so invested in this series and can't wait for the next installment (which I know I will just have to, that's life.) In the meantime I may go and relisten to the series from the beginning. It's so darned good.
I cannot wait for the audio book to come out. I have gotten to the point now that when I'm reading a new book in the series, I can almost hear Benjamin Fife's voice speaking the words to me. The tradition set up in this series is so strong that I can't think of anyone else as its narrator.
I stayed up reading this into the wee hours once I was about 60% of the way through, it was so tense. The political situation is ratcheting up to max tensions. What will Wentworth find when he finally gets back to the coast to negotiate with the King's Dragon. And will it be a suicide trip. Oh my gosh.
Now, this book is one I cannot possibly say is a stand alone. You've got to know what has lead up to this from the previous books in order to appreciate it. And this one was a hard one. There were a very few moments of joy in this when Elizabeth is spending time with her little daughter. And in the very end of the book when she is reunited with Darcy. Ahhhh. I'm so invested in this series and can't wait for the next installment (which I know I will just have to, that's life.) In the meantime I may go and relisten to the series from the beginning. It's so darned good.
I cannot wait for the audio book to come out. I have gotten to the point now that when I'm reading a new book in the series, I can almost hear Benjamin Fife's voice speaking the words to me. The tradition set up in this series is so strong that I can't think of anyone else as its narrator.
October 10, 2024
Although I have read other books in this series I found it difficult to keep straight just who everyone and/or dragon was. The author does give us pages of just what each estate, person, dragon, etc. is at the end of the story.
Briefly, we read little of Darcy in this story as Elizabeth is in London in her role as Dragon Sage. Her father is also there and working on organizing and/or translating some of the archives about the Dragon orders. He is helped by Bede. Trouble erupts when Bede begins to dig at a wall in those underground chambers and discovers more. However, the council is not at all happy with her.
Elizabeth has her first child, Anne, with her and is expecting another, who is now predicted to be a boy. This, however, does wear on her strength. The underground chambers often require her to travel through many tunnels and up or down various staircases.
Towards the end of this story, Elizabeth does return to Pemberley but there is much hanging in the air as this book ends.
Briefly, we read little of Darcy in this story as Elizabeth is in London in her role as Dragon Sage. Her father is also there and working on organizing and/or translating some of the archives about the Dragon orders. He is helped by Bede. Trouble erupts when Bede begins to dig at a wall in those underground chambers and discovers more. However, the council is not at all happy with her.
Elizabeth has her first child, Anne, with her and is expecting another, who is now predicted to be a boy. This, however, does wear on her strength. The underground chambers often require her to travel through many tunnels and up or down various staircases.
Towards the end of this story, Elizabeth does return to Pemberley but there is much hanging in the air as this book ends.
April 10, 2024
And other great story. The narrator brings the story to life with so many different voices. So much happens in this one. I absolutely love all the different dragons. Some are nice and some are quite grumpy.
Elizabeth was off to London where she was suppose to be safe but was she? Sometimes she didn't feel like it. There was some sort of disturbance amongst the minor dragons and Elizabeth was trying to get to the bottom of it. Elizabeth also had the issue with Bede. She had been digging in the archives and stirring things up with the Council Of Major Dragons. Now Elizabeth is starting to worry about the baby she is carrying. Her father is being very difficult due to the removal of Bede. Elizabeth also learned that even the dragon sage will have enemies and now she must do what she thinks will save Bede, Lady Astrid and her family from the wrath of the angry major dragons.
Elizabeth was off to London where she was suppose to be safe but was she? Sometimes she didn't feel like it. There was some sort of disturbance amongst the minor dragons and Elizabeth was trying to get to the bottom of it. Elizabeth also had the issue with Bede. She had been digging in the archives and stirring things up with the Council Of Major Dragons. Now Elizabeth is starting to worry about the baby she is carrying. Her father is being very difficult due to the removal of Bede. Elizabeth also learned that even the dragon sage will have enemies and now she must do what she thinks will save Bede, Lady Astrid and her family from the wrath of the angry major dragons.
February 8, 2025
Plot wise I can't really say much happens in this installment - a summary of events could probably be a few sentences. However, as a study of character interiority and world building, it is far stronger. We see Elizabeth grapple with the realization of she's been propaganda-pilled to the roles of minor and major dragons in England's great treaty, along with how human's role has been diminished. And also Elizabeth wrestle as she realizes how self-interested and short-sighted the dragons at the top can be, much like men of power in our own world can be (the current applicability of it all). I think I am slightly disappointed that for now the characters seem concerned with preserving the status quo, no matter how much it relegates minor dragons and humans to lesser roles, but I also know I can't really expect English regency nobility to be diehard revolutionary radicals.
July 12, 2025
I have loved this series since the first book, but this installment wasn't my favourite.
I love the reimagining of the world of Pride and Prejudice to add in dragons. You wouldn't thing that would work but - for me at least - it absolutely does. The concepts of station and manner and rules of behaviour and precedence are aspects of both worlds and make for a clever connection.
This particular book was a bit convoluted for my tastes. I like Elizabeth interacting with the dragons and "managing" them with her cleverness and savvy. In this book there was mainly a political war going on and it felt very much like "Mean Girls" with dragons. Some might enjoy that but I found it a bit tedious, particularly as it spanned the entire story.
This was fine, just not as much of a favourite as the early books in the series were.
I love the reimagining of the world of Pride and Prejudice to add in dragons. You wouldn't thing that would work but - for me at least - it absolutely does. The concepts of station and manner and rules of behaviour and precedence are aspects of both worlds and make for a clever connection.
This particular book was a bit convoluted for my tastes. I like Elizabeth interacting with the dragons and "managing" them with her cleverness and savvy. In this book there was mainly a political war going on and it felt very much like "Mean Girls" with dragons. Some might enjoy that but I found it a bit tedious, particularly as it spanned the entire story.
This was fine, just not as much of a favourite as the early books in the series were.
February 17, 2024
Trouble is afoot for he Blue Order.
Secrets Of The Dragon Archives, by Maria Grace, tells a story full of secrets.
Elizabeth has gone to the Blue Order house in London to escape the problems that have occurred around the Darcy Manor. Being with child, it was assumed she would have less stress in London.
Rumors abound about the works the Historians have found. Things have become very stressful for Elizabeth, and the baby has picked up the worry she has. The dragons say she will have a boy and he will also talk to dragons. Elizabeth feels so very clumsy and can hardly manage the tunnels and stairs.
Finally, she has to give into demands and goes home. She and Darcy could not be happier. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Secrets Of The Dragon Archives, by Maria Grace, tells a story full of secrets.
Elizabeth has gone to the Blue Order house in London to escape the problems that have occurred around the Darcy Manor. Being with child, it was assumed she would have less stress in London.
Rumors abound about the works the Historians have found. Things have become very stressful for Elizabeth, and the baby has picked up the worry she has. The dragons say she will have a boy and he will also talk to dragons. Elizabeth feels so very clumsy and can hardly manage the tunnels and stairs.
Finally, she has to give into demands and goes home. She and Darcy could not be happier. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 19, 2024
Interesting Material Stodgily Handled
So many things are happening now, and so much history is being unearthed and potentially rectified (or suppressed again) that everyone is hoarding secrets and studying patterns of gossip to find what others intend. At one point the major protagonists Elizabeth Darcy and Frederick Wentworth “in privacy” have a verbal covering conversation while communicating by chalkboard. We wade through their doubts and shifts, and creep towards a decision and what will be thrilling confrontation and resolution in the next book, or the one after that. I guess that you have to wade through such mud!
So many things are happening now, and so much history is being unearthed and potentially rectified (or suppressed again) that everyone is hoarding secrets and studying patterns of gossip to find what others intend. At one point the major protagonists Elizabeth Darcy and Frederick Wentworth “in privacy” have a verbal covering conversation while communicating by chalkboard. We wade through their doubts and shifts, and creep towards a decision and what will be thrilling confrontation and resolution in the next book, or the one after that. I guess that you have to wade through such mud!
February 26, 2024
what are the dragons up to now?
This 13th book did something I find difficult in most long series. It kept my attention. Too often there are books in series that are basically bonbons for fans. Just something to tide them over until the next book.
Not so with this one. There’s mischief and mayhem afoot. A very pregnant Elizabeth is confronted with a very angry Council plus a kerfuffle brewing amongst the minor dragons.
It’s difficult to figure out whom to trust.
Cornwall and Chesil are not the only thing stirring up. Let’s just say that sleeping dragons are rousing.
Very enjoyable.
This 13th book did something I find difficult in most long series. It kept my attention. Too often there are books in series that are basically bonbons for fans. Just something to tide them over until the next book.
Not so with this one. There’s mischief and mayhem afoot. A very pregnant Elizabeth is confronted with a very angry Council plus a kerfuffle brewing amongst the minor dragons.
It’s difficult to figure out whom to trust.
Cornwall and Chesil are not the only thing stirring up. Let’s just say that sleeping dragons are rousing.
Very enjoyable.
February 23, 2024
Another wonderful book in this series that is based in Jane Austen’s world but with dragons!
Elizabeth Darcy, now carrying her second child and still leading the way as the dragon sage, ran from Pemberley after the events in the previous book.
The council offices should have proven safe, her child and child-to-be and self should have been surrounded by loving dragons and humans.
Instead rumors abound, major dragons lack patience and several dragons and humans are in danger of being eaten!
A wonderful fantastical story, full of prejudice and a bit of pride! Also a bit of persuasion as Captain Wentworth features!
Elizabeth Darcy, now carrying her second child and still leading the way as the dragon sage, ran from Pemberley after the events in the previous book.
The council offices should have proven safe, her child and child-to-be and self should have been surrounded by loving dragons and humans.
Instead rumors abound, major dragons lack patience and several dragons and humans are in danger of being eaten!
A wonderful fantastical story, full of prejudice and a bit of pride! Also a bit of persuasion as Captain Wentworth features!
February 25, 2024
Trouble is afoot in the Blue Order, and the Dragon Sage is right in the middle of it. It was great to be back with the dragons and the warm-bloods in Maria Grace’s vividly drawn world of this reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion and beyond with dragons. But I definitely felt this book was preparing fans for some real barn-burning yet to come (quite possibly literally). This novel could easily be the book ‘in which much is revealed,’ but even more is concealed. Write faster, Ms Grace. Pleeeese!
February 15, 2024
As Always Exceedingly Excellent!!
All hail Maria Grace and her newest addition to her Austen Dragon Series!! The excitement and intrigue never end, and the cliff hangers are always well timed. I can't wait for the next book, there are so many questions waiting for answers. Not to mention the eager desire we all have to see young Pemberley again.
All hail Maria Grace and her newest addition to her Austen Dragon Series!! The excitement and intrigue never end, and the cliff hangers are always well timed. I can't wait for the next book, there are so many questions waiting for answers. Not to mention the eager desire we all have to see young Pemberley again.
February 18, 2024
Political intrigues, more intrigue, even more intrigue
and not much moving forward in the plot. Oh, except of course the political plotting.
If you enjoy keeping several dozens of characters, all with their own agenda, straight you'll love this book - and in typical political fashion nothing is resolved.
and not much moving forward in the plot. Oh, except of course the political plotting.
If you enjoy keeping several dozens of characters, all with their own agenda, straight you'll love this book - and in typical political fashion nothing is resolved.
February 25, 2024
Politics
This book was all build up and then ending far too soon. While it isn't a cliff hanger, little is resolved. Rather a great deal of info is uncovered and the dragon sage must decide who to trust and when to fight or flee. With a baby on the way, it's just more complicated.
This book was all build up and then ending far too soon. While it isn't a cliff hanger, little is resolved. Rather a great deal of info is uncovered and the dragon sage must decide who to trust and when to fight or flee. With a baby on the way, it's just more complicated.
March 30, 2024
This is probably my least favorite of the series. A mixture of different names referencing one being, a history that wasn’t fully laid out, and an urgency, which felt like it didn’t make it through the text, made this for a different difficult read and an inability to feel for the characters and what they were facing.
April 28, 2024
Intrigue in London
Book 13 of this cozy series finds Elizabeth in London, uncomfortably pregnant, and dealing with angry dragons and her difficult father. New discoveries could upend the precarious balance of the Blue Order.
This volume has less action and more discussion than the last few, advancing the big picture arc of the series. I expect serious trouble in book 14.
Book 13 of this cozy series finds Elizabeth in London, uncomfortably pregnant, and dealing with angry dragons and her difficult father. New discoveries could upend the precarious balance of the Blue Order.
This volume has less action and more discussion than the last few, advancing the big picture arc of the series. I expect serious trouble in book 14.
May 12, 2024
Waaaaaaa!
Now I have to wait! Argh! Dash it! Seeing how there is so much story left, surely there are several books left....? Bummer. Now I'll have to decide what world I want to visit while I wait... sigh.
Awesome series of you like period fantasy. Wasn't sure if I would like it but instead I love it. Enjoy fellow readers.
Now I have to wait! Argh! Dash it! Seeing how there is so much story left, surely there are several books left....? Bummer. Now I'll have to decide what world I want to visit while I wait... sigh.
Awesome series of you like period fantasy. Wasn't sure if I would like it but instead I love it. Enjoy fellow readers.
May 16, 2024
So much intrigue!
The Dragon Archives have many secrets that I will not reveal - suffice it to say they’re startling! I will admit that some of the dragon politics and intrigue confused me in this book, but it seems our Dragon Sage was also baffled, so I will allow it.
As with all the others in this series, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
The Dragon Archives have many secrets that I will not reveal - suffice it to say they’re startling! I will admit that some of the dragon politics and intrigue confused me in this book, but it seems our Dragon Sage was also baffled, so I will allow it.
As with all the others in this series, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
July 23, 2025
I was extremely intrigued throughout, very curious about what was coming next. Really enjoying being back with Lizzie for the majority of the book.
However, the story ends really abruptly and nothing is really resolved. It was a lot shorter than I was expecting, and just kind of... ends. Not on a cliff-hanger, just sort of in the middle of the story.
However, the story ends really abruptly and nothing is really resolved. It was a lot shorter than I was expecting, and just kind of... ends. Not on a cliff-hanger, just sort of in the middle of the story.
October 23, 2025
Cliffhanger
The tension in this series has been building with the conflict between dragons. Elizabeth has pressure from dragons and humans regarding the history of the Blue Order and interpretation of archived materials. And this book ends with a cliffhanger. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
The tension in this series has been building with the conflict between dragons. Elizabeth has pressure from dragons and humans regarding the history of the Blue Order and interpretation of archived materials. And this book ends with a cliffhanger. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
February 26, 2024
Not my favorite…I prefer when Darcy and Elizabeth are together. It really did seem like a set up for the next couple of books which I don’t mind reading, just that i would have preferred more of my favorite characters together.
March 1, 2024
Still a fun series! Would be more fun if I could remember all the names. A cheat sheet would have helped a lot!
I would recommend to anyone wanting a fantasy historical fiction “candy” book! It’s not a full meal but it’s definitely satisfying!
I would recommend to anyone wanting a fantasy historical fiction “candy” book! It’s not a full meal but it’s definitely satisfying!
May 19, 2024
dragon series with cliffhanger
The first books were good and gained depth and interest as the series continued. The cliffhangers in a couple are a disappointing tactic in any series in my opinion.
The first books were good and gained depth and interest as the series continued. The cliffhangers in a couple are a disappointing tactic in any series in my opinion.
June 14, 2024
History
It is always important to not forget history, because one is bound to repeat it.
Looks like it maybe dangerous to delve into the past...
I think this a very welcome addition to the series!
Keep on writing.
It is always important to not forget history, because one is bound to repeat it.
Looks like it maybe dangerous to delve into the past...
I think this a very welcome addition to the series!
Keep on writing.
January 5, 2025
The plot really…
Really thickens. This series actually gets even more interesting as it goes! The world she created is detailed and has every emotion in play. Can’t wait to see how all elements com together. On to next one!
Really thickens. This series actually gets even more interesting as it goes! The world she created is detailed and has every emotion in play. Can’t wait to see how all elements com together. On to next one!
February 8, 2024
A tale centered on dragon history and politics, but imbued with a sense of looming peril.
Magnificent!
Magnificent!
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