What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragons of Mayfair #1
A Proper Dragon: Dragons of Mayfair, Book 1
If Phoebe's magic doesn't behave, her London Season will be a disaster.
Phoebe Hart is one of the dragon-linked, those chosen by a young dragon as a companion, who get magic in return. Her family and country neighbors have never been happy about her abilities, so she hopes to find her place in London. But neither her dragon nor her magic behaves as she would wish, and London is full of runaway girls in need of saving, anti-magic Luddites threatening the dragon-linked, and the handsome-but-chilly Viscount Westing, who continually catches Phoebe off guard. Can she navigate London's cut-throat ballrooms and drawing-rooms to have a triumphant Season—and unmask a dangerous enemy in the process?
A 2021 Whitney Awards finalist.
Phoebe Hart is one of the dragon-linked, those chosen by a young dragon as a companion, who get magic in return. Her family and country neighbors have never been happy about her abilities, so she hopes to find her place in London. But neither her dragon nor her magic behaves as she would wish, and London is full of runaway girls in need of saving, anti-magic Luddites threatening the dragon-linked, and the handsome-but-chilly Viscount Westing, who continually catches Phoebe off guard. Can she navigate London's cut-throat ballrooms and drawing-rooms to have a triumphant Season—and unmask a dangerous enemy in the process?
A 2021 Whitney Awards finalist.
Audible Audio
First published June 11, 2021
375 people are currently reading
1742 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Wheeler
37 books127 followersE.B. Wheeler attended BYU, majoring in history with an English minor, and earned graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She's the award-winning author of THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL, BORN TO TREASON, and NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN, as well as several short stories, magazine articles, and scripts for educational software programs. She was named the 2016 Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. In addition to writing, she consults about historic preservation and teaches history at USU. She lives in the mountains of Utah with her family, various pets, and as many antique roses as she can cram into her yard. If she had spare time, she would spend it playing harp and hammered dulcimer, gardening, hiking, shooting archery, knitting, and reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 13, 2021
Dragons in the Regency.
I've seen it done a few times. I generally like it. But with A Proper Dragon by E.B. Wheeler...I LOVE IT. She made this story SUCH fun. I handed it to my twelve year old daughter after finishing - a daughter obsessed with all things fantasy - and she couldn't put it down until she came to the end. Now we are BOTH eagerly awaiting more books in the series.
Imagine, during the Regency, that there are little baby dragons. Cute things. And when one decides to claim you? Well. That brings out the magic in your blood. So what's a country gentleman's daughter to do when a dragon claims her? Why, go to London for the Season, of course!
Mystery, Regency manners, romance, and dragons are all part of this story that is PERFECT for the Spooky Season. It's exactly how I like my October books - swoony and not-quite-spooky. I had zero hesitation handing this book to my twelve-year old (who is horribly bored with books written for her age as they are "too simple") - and she LOVED it. She had lots of question about the Regency in the real world afterward, too. ;-)
I've seen it done a few times. I generally like it. But with A Proper Dragon by E.B. Wheeler...I LOVE IT. She made this story SUCH fun. I handed it to my twelve year old daughter after finishing - a daughter obsessed with all things fantasy - and she couldn't put it down until she came to the end. Now we are BOTH eagerly awaiting more books in the series.
Imagine, during the Regency, that there are little baby dragons. Cute things. And when one decides to claim you? Well. That brings out the magic in your blood. So what's a country gentleman's daughter to do when a dragon claims her? Why, go to London for the Season, of course!
Mystery, Regency manners, romance, and dragons are all part of this story that is PERFECT for the Spooky Season. It's exactly how I like my October books - swoony and not-quite-spooky. I had zero hesitation handing this book to my twelve-year old (who is horribly bored with books written for her age as they are "too simple") - and she LOVED it. She had lots of question about the Regency in the real world afterward, too. ;-)
October 24, 2023
Honestly, a little too short which made the romance a little under developed… but its giving bridgerton with dragons and until they announce season 3 I will take what I can get
March 9, 2023
Found my new guilty pleasure 😁
August 6, 2022
What a fun book! You get regency England, romance, magic a mystery and Dragons! How awesome is that! It was so well done. It was so believable, I really wondered if it would just be silly! This author did a great job writing all of these elements together and writing a book I enjoyed so much I have already started the second. This is less of a romance and more of all the other elements going on. I would have loved more stolen moments between the two. If that had been added this would be a top book for sure;}
Proper Romance with a couple kisses. No Alcohol. A bit of violence. 13 and up
Proper Romance with a couple kisses. No Alcohol. A bit of violence. 13 and up
October 6, 2024
I'd die for this cover omg just LOOK AT IT!!!Dunno why there aren't more historical romances with actual magic in them... Especially the ones set in the Regency period, and with dragons! 😳✨️
"Which lady?”
“You know, the dragon lady. She never did tell me what she’s attuned to. She’s very mysterious.”
“You likely didn’t give her a chance to tell you what she was attuned to. And unless she’s made her debut, it’s not polite to ask.”
“Has she made her debut, West? You must know who she is.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before, and it’s unlikely we’ll hear much of her again.”
“Don’t say that! I bet she takes the ton by storm.”
The greatest strength of this novel is the worldbuilding; it's intriguing and detailed enough to let the reader feel it as realistic and bound by certain rules, but leaving just enough of it unknown and in the realm of soft magic to satisfy the mystery and wonder of it all. I really love how well the dragons and the dragon-linked were incorporeted within the strict rules of high society, how even having magic (and a living dragon!) did not free ladies from the marriage mart and other oppresive norms put on due to their sex - leave it to humans to make being magical just another item on "why you must get married" list. And I really liked the visible difference between those of low birth coming into their powers unexpectedly and those of noble blood who have learned to expect and posess them. The historical backdrop of revolution and civil unrest was blended in splendidly 👌
Now for the romance... It was alright. It could've been great if it was given more time and space to grow, more scenes between West and Phoebe by themselves instead of always being surrounded by other people and the impending doom of plot drama 😅
They were very sweet all in all, though I must admit that the emotional resolution and the final confession felt a bit rushed and forced... More of an afterthought than a genuine love story climax 🤷🏻♀️
side note: jenkins the valet and his constant battle against his master's fashion crimes kept me laughing like an idiot.
another side note: it shall come as no surprise that i'm mlst intrigued by the earl of blackerby and hope he gets his own book 👀💘
"Which lady?”
“You know, the dragon lady. She never did tell me what she’s attuned to. She’s very mysterious.”
“You likely didn’t give her a chance to tell you what she was attuned to. And unless she’s made her debut, it’s not polite to ask.”
“Has she made her debut, West? You must know who she is.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before, and it’s unlikely we’ll hear much of her again.”
“Don’t say that! I bet she takes the ton by storm.”
The greatest strength of this novel is the worldbuilding; it's intriguing and detailed enough to let the reader feel it as realistic and bound by certain rules, but leaving just enough of it unknown and in the realm of soft magic to satisfy the mystery and wonder of it all. I really love how well the dragons and the dragon-linked were incorporeted within the strict rules of high society, how even having magic (and a living dragon!) did not free ladies from the marriage mart and other oppresive norms put on due to their sex - leave it to humans to make being magical just another item on "why you must get married" list. And I really liked the visible difference between those of low birth coming into their powers unexpectedly and those of noble blood who have learned to expect and posess them. The historical backdrop of revolution and civil unrest was blended in splendidly 👌
Now for the romance... It was alright. It could've been great if it was given more time and space to grow, more scenes between West and Phoebe by themselves instead of always being surrounded by other people and the impending doom of plot drama 😅
They were very sweet all in all, though I must admit that the emotional resolution and the final confession felt a bit rushed and forced... More of an afterthought than a genuine love story climax 🤷🏻♀️
side note: jenkins the valet and his constant battle against his master's fashion crimes kept me laughing like an idiot.
another side note: it shall come as no surprise that i'm mlst intrigued by the earl of blackerby and hope he gets his own book 👀💘
May 23, 2023
A fun historical fantasy with dragons. What more could you ask for? New favorite author alert! 5 ⭐!
January 16, 2024
I knew I was going to enjoy A Proper Dragon based off the dedication.
"For everyone who knows that history needs more dragons."
I really enjoyed the world/society created in A Proper Dragon. It was a unique way of viewing dragon-human relations. I particularly liked how people bonded dragons when young, and the dragons took a long time to reach maturity, which makes sense, considering how long dragons can live.
There was nothing groundbreaking about the plot, but the writing was good and the characters likable. A Proper Dragon was a simple enjoyable read, with a believable setting. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
"For everyone who knows that history needs more dragons."
I really enjoyed the world/society created in A Proper Dragon. It was a unique way of viewing dragon-human relations. I particularly liked how people bonded dragons when young, and the dragons took a long time to reach maturity, which makes sense, considering how long dragons can live.
There was nothing groundbreaking about the plot, but the writing was good and the characters likable. A Proper Dragon was a simple enjoyable read, with a believable setting. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
January 4, 2025
concept could be soooo fun but its neither good as a book abt dragons nor as a regency romance. the dragons play disappointingly small roles and the worldbuilding has some good ideas lying underneath somewhere but it all gets lost in the execution. and the romance is just insanely rushed, the main characters barely have any moments together and zero chemistry, aside from the fact that they have veryy little personality as individual characters which makes it hard to care abt them at all
plus, maybe im spoiled after reading half a soul (that had characters that genuinely cared abt social issues and genuinely tried to help people), but the attempt to portray the main character here as a good and kind-hearted person annoyed me deeply in comparison. couldnt help but laugh when which also had no relevance to the plot and its the third time something similar happens to prove yet again how charitable our main character is. idk that and the thin layer of political drama happening in the book just didnt do it for me
plus, maybe im spoiled after reading half a soul (that had characters that genuinely cared abt social issues and genuinely tried to help people), but the attempt to portray the main character here as a good and kind-hearted person annoyed me deeply in comparison. couldnt help but laugh when which also had no relevance to the plot and its the third time something similar happens to prove yet again how charitable our main character is. idk that and the thin layer of political drama happening in the book just didnt do it for me
January 8, 2022
Sweet wholesome romance with dragons!
I'm rather hooked on the sub genre of regency or Victorian tales with magic critters, but often the heroines are fairly one dimensional whereas I really liked that empathy and compassion were her heroic traits and that she was smart enough to use them in ways that made sense.
The gentleman interest had enough reasons to be cold (literally) but his thawing made for a sweet romance that was wholesome enough to cause a toothache. Yet underlying all that is a fun multi national plot and twists that I'm looking forward to following through to the next book.
I'm rather hooked on the sub genre of regency or Victorian tales with magic critters, but often the heroines are fairly one dimensional whereas I really liked that empathy and compassion were her heroic traits and that she was smart enough to use them in ways that made sense.
The gentleman interest had enough reasons to be cold (literally) but his thawing made for a sweet romance that was wholesome enough to cause a toothache. Yet underlying all that is a fun multi national plot and twists that I'm looking forward to following through to the next book.
April 29, 2022
Cool premise. But I don’t really see how or why they each fell in love with each other. Or…I can see why he fell for her, but why did she fall for him? How much time did they actually spend together? Could not figure that out. But I liked the alternate universe quite a lot! More curious about some of the supporting characters, though….
September 8, 2023
Regency romance with dragons!!!
Perfect.
A magical combination that flows in a wonderful way.
Entertaining, fun, romantic and with a good dose of emotion.
I highly recommend it.
Perfect.
A magical combination that flows in a wonderful way.
Entertaining, fun, romantic and with a good dose of emotion.
I highly recommend it.
September 21, 2022
I like the premise, Regency and dragons, but I did not enjoy the execution very much. I wasn't convinced by the romance for one and the story felt rushed. The influence of Georgette Heyer in most of the plot elements -- a vicar's daughter with numerous siblings and no fortune foists a stray animal and waifs on a seemingly unflappable gentleman of the ton who then falls in love with her (Arabella) -- is rather evident and means a comparison is inevitable. Unfortunately, Proper Dragon does not fare well in that comparison, at least not for me.
August 23, 2025
I love the concept of blending Regency society with dragons and magic, it feels like Austen with a fantastical twist. Phoebe’s struggle to balance her magic, her dragon, and the expectations of London’s high society is such a fun setup. If you enjoy witty regency settings, ballroom drama, and magical intrigue, this book is definitely worth picking up.
March 31, 2023
Imaginative
I love Dragon stories, and this one is entertaining and well written. An interesting concept with engaging characters. I plan to read the whole series!
I love Dragon stories, and this one is entertaining and well written. An interesting concept with engaging characters. I plan to read the whole series!
April 2, 2023
Cute!!
July 7, 2023
A very cute regency mystery with a touch of fantasy.
September 1, 2024
TEAM WESTING + PHOEBE FOREVER
January 22, 2025
short and sweet, it was fine - I don't think really liked any character except mushroom tho
wish the romance was more developed I want more longing / courting
wish the romance was more developed I want more longing / courting
September 30, 2022
Couldn’t really get into it
October 30, 2022
Regency England with dragons! I love the concept and enjoyed the book.
January 10, 2023
Who doesn't like dragons? Quick read with dragons, magic, Luddites, a romance and a mystery. Fun frolic.
March 13, 2025
3.5/5✨
January 22, 2024
Pretty cool to read regency romance that has dragons.
The dragons were so small, though....which threw me off a bit.
But cute. Definitely cute.
I would have like to see Miss Hart's magic develop more into something useful - that one end scene was about the only way that her magic manifested in a properly useful way.
The ending was rushed and didn't really seal the romance for me.
All in all a lovely read.
The dragons were so small, though....which threw me off a bit.
But cute. Definitely cute.
I would have like to see Miss Hart's magic develop more into something useful - that one end scene was about the only way that her magic manifested in a properly useful way.
The ending was rushed and didn't really seal the romance for me.
All in all a lovely read.
November 1, 2022
A Regency Romance with Dragons
This is a romance set in an alternative universe in which some individuals are able to bond with dragons and gain the ability to use magic in return.
In the midst of the glitter of her first London Season, Phoebe, a minister's daughter was raised in the country where dragons like hers caused fear. She is sent to her fashionable aunt in London where dragons are a status symbol for the Ton.
Phoebe is worried that the sporadic control of her powers will embarrass her cabinet minister uncle and cause social ruin for her family. But she cannot ignore her need to show charity to those in need, whether it's a boy stuck up a tree, a young girl fleeing in terror on a dark night, or street urchins forced to steal to survive.
She meetsf Viscount Westing, a proud and reserved man.. As Phoebe embroils him in her rescue efforts, he questions the need
This is a romance set in an alternative universe in which some individuals are able to bond with dragons and gain the ability to use magic in return.
In the midst of the glitter of her first London Season, Phoebe, a minister's daughter was raised in the country where dragons like hers caused fear. She is sent to her fashionable aunt in London where dragons are a status symbol for the Ton.
Phoebe is worried that the sporadic control of her powers will embarrass her cabinet minister uncle and cause social ruin for her family. But she cannot ignore her need to show charity to those in need, whether it's a boy stuck up a tree, a young girl fleeing in terror on a dark night, or street urchins forced to steal to survive.
She meetsf Viscount Westing, a proud and reserved man.. As Phoebe embroils him in her rescue efforts, he questions the need
January 8, 2024
charming regency fantasy with an intriguing alternate history
I usually find Regency fantasy a tad predictable. I guess there are only so many times I want to read about the ton and Almack’s and husband-hunting etc. The thing that elevated this for me was the alternate history element, with many references to English history. I really enjoyed the way Wheeler incorporated dragons and the dragon-linked into real historical events like the French Revolution and the English aristocracy’s fear of a similar doom. This is still a light and charming read with a dash of mystery and romance that will appeal to lovers of Regency fiction, but with a bit of welcome historical depth and complexity.
I usually find Regency fantasy a tad predictable. I guess there are only so many times I want to read about the ton and Almack’s and husband-hunting etc. The thing that elevated this for me was the alternate history element, with many references to English history. I really enjoyed the way Wheeler incorporated dragons and the dragon-linked into real historical events like the French Revolution and the English aristocracy’s fear of a similar doom. This is still a light and charming read with a dash of mystery and romance that will appeal to lovers of Regency fiction, but with a bit of welcome historical depth and complexity.
February 19, 2023
Like Bridgerton except for much better in every single way-better characters (not insipid), better works building, better storyline, better plot, dragons, better depiction of the perils of regency matchmaking, dragons, better depiction of a member of the aristocracy satirising their fellows (eat your heart out Lady Whistledown), and, oh yes, DRAGONS!
March 14, 2023
1,5*
Everything is lacking in a story that seems to lift major elements from Georgette Heyer's Arabella & Frederica. The plot is barely there, the romance is barely there, the chemistry between the leads is missing. What we do have, though, is a main character that veers dangerously close to being a Mary Sue, being saved only by the fact that the character is so weakly drawn that she's nearly not present. If asked, I could't describe her apart from brown hair and being shy, but good. Same with the same lead. What's in his past? We're never shown. Nothing is fleshed out, everything feels like a pencil sketch.
A pity, I really liked the premise of 'regency novel with dragons'.
Everything is lacking in a story that seems to lift major elements from Georgette Heyer's Arabella & Frederica. The plot is barely there, the romance is barely there, the chemistry between the leads is missing. What we do have, though, is a main character that veers dangerously close to being a Mary Sue, being saved only by the fact that the character is so weakly drawn that she's nearly not present. If asked, I could't describe her apart from brown hair and being shy, but good. Same with the same lead. What's in his past? We're never shown. Nothing is fleshed out, everything feels like a pencil sketch.
A pity, I really liked the premise of 'regency novel with dragons'.
July 9, 2022
This was delightful! I really loved the world and the characters and their relationships to one another. My one critique is that it ended far too abruptly. I think a more natural conclusion--to Phoebe's story, at least--could have been drawn out, but it just... sort of slaps you in the face with the ending? Like, not in a bad way, though. Just... it didn't end where I expected it to and I sort of expected maybe a short epilogue, but it just... ended. Still, that wasn't enough to deter my enjoyment and I'm definitely planning on binging the rest of the series!
March 2, 2022
A proper dragon is your typical, paint by numbers regency romance. It has all the classic trappings: the brooding second son who has unexpectedly become the first son, the helpful brother to the heroine, the generic child who adores said heroine, the damsel in distress who is ruined by a singular carriage ride unchaperoned where the villain ruins her reputation with just his villainous presence alone. It’s an overdone template, but still so good. There were also dragons I guess.
May 26, 2023
― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
A Proper Dragon is a dash of Regency romance, gaslamp / historical fantasy, plus a bit of mystery (and DRAGONS of course!) making for a cozy fantasy of sorts with an intriguing world and imaginative story that leaves you wanting to know more! 🐲✨
Phoebe Hart, having grown up in the countryside, is headed to London for her debut season into society alongside her brother ― she also happens to be linked with a dragon (with the most silly & adorable name...Mushroom!) and as they find their way to their aunt & uncle's house for the season, they run into a mysterious girl named Deborah who'd rather stay concealed, with her only goal of finding her aunt (who she can't seem to remember the name of).
Set in an alternate era Regency London I loved how the historical threads balanced perfectly with the magic & dragon-linked piece of the magic system! Little by little I was left wanting to know more about how it worked, alongside the historical 1800's London setting.
I believe this book is best enjoyed without knowing too much of the plot so I'll keep it vague as I can- Phoebe is a confident, bold and wise lead who isn't afraid to speak her mind or help others even if society sees her as a misfit, that's an integral piece of her character that lingered throughout the book and I loved that about her! Its a constant to her from her kindness, devotion to helping others that was a resonant piece of her story that stayed with me across all the chapters. This is also pitched as a regency-era fantasy which of course means - a romance! Told from dual POV's there's also the chilly viscout Westing who also has a dragon of his own (lol I loved how Phoebe's dragon has a cute name & Westing aptly named his ..Dragon...just Dragon!)--seeing his growth and backstory was so well done and I was hesitant about the dual points of view but the more history that's revealed about Westing and his family added so much to the story, to where both of the leads were fleshed out wonderfully!
I'd been reading this throughout the last 2-3 months and I loved the cozy vibes of the story, no matter where I left off the story instantly immersed me from Phoebe's dazzling persona to the mystery, dragon lore and charming cast of characters. One of the strengths of this novel was how everything came together from the worldbuilding to the way the magic system unfolded, the plot threads, character arcs, the thread of questions your left with as dragon-linked seem to be in danger, as well as the moments of humor throughout! The pacing (while a bit slow in some portions, was balanced where it never felt like a chore to get through)
Writing-wise the prose balances the setting, character and builds solid atmosphere but it can be a bit plain for the most part which at times had me begging for additional lyricism or details to build the unique world that Wheeler presented. While at points some characters feel one note, they were still enjoyable to read about--yet the more villainous / antagonistic characters feel a bit hollow that they clash poorly with the more developed main characters. Though I still enjoyed it despite that gripe! That being said, the character dynamics were fantastic and I felt thoroughly drawn into this alternate historical setting (which has me so eager to pick up the future books at some point), there's also an emphasis on sibling dynamics (between Phoebe & her brother Max + Westing & his half-brother Joshua) which was one of my favorites.
Sometimes I find that the reference of historical time periods (societal rules, etc) in fantasy to be a nuisance on the potential of the imaginative fantasy element, but here I thoroughly enjoyed it but that's partly because the author did a great job at incorporating the historical piece into the fabric of the story as well as the fantastical elements in a way that works for me in historical fantasy books, which made me want to dive deeper into the setting, lore and overall world of the novel!
A Proper Dragon is a delightful blend of regency-era and historical fantasy, atmospheric, mysterious and so immersive with the unique story it tells! From the characters, worldbuilding, and
delightful lead Phoebe Hart, this is a perfect entry into regency or victorian-era fantasy full of adventure, mystery and of course dragons!!
🌷✨ [disclaimer: I've been reading lots of cozier fantasy's recently and while this originally showed up under a suggested search for "cozy" books isn't necessarily "cozy" imo but it had some of those vibes i guess?! This is more just historical fantasy though upon finishing]
- more thoughts tk!
A Proper Dragon is a dash of Regency romance, gaslamp / historical fantasy, plus a bit of mystery (and DRAGONS of course!) making for a cozy fantasy of sorts with an intriguing world and imaginative story that leaves you wanting to know more! 🐲✨
Phoebe Hart, having grown up in the countryside, is headed to London for her debut season into society alongside her brother ― she also happens to be linked with a dragon (with the most silly & adorable name...Mushroom!) and as they find their way to their aunt & uncle's house for the season, they run into a mysterious girl named Deborah who'd rather stay concealed, with her only goal of finding her aunt (who she can't seem to remember the name of).
Set in an alternate era Regency London I loved how the historical threads balanced perfectly with the magic & dragon-linked piece of the magic system! Little by little I was left wanting to know more about how it worked, alongside the historical 1800's London setting.
I believe this book is best enjoyed without knowing too much of the plot so I'll keep it vague as I can- Phoebe is a confident, bold and wise lead who isn't afraid to speak her mind or help others even if society sees her as a misfit, that's an integral piece of her character that lingered throughout the book and I loved that about her! Its a constant to her from her kindness, devotion to helping others that was a resonant piece of her story that stayed with me across all the chapters. This is also pitched as a regency-era fantasy which of course means - a romance! Told from dual POV's there's also the chilly viscout Westing who also has a dragon of his own (lol I loved how Phoebe's dragon has a cute name & Westing aptly named his ..Dragon...just Dragon!)--seeing his growth and backstory was so well done and I was hesitant about the dual points of view but the more history that's revealed about Westing and his family added so much to the story, to where both of the leads were fleshed out wonderfully!
I'd been reading this throughout the last 2-3 months and I loved the cozy vibes of the story, no matter where I left off the story instantly immersed me from Phoebe's dazzling persona to the mystery, dragon lore and charming cast of characters. One of the strengths of this novel was how everything came together from the worldbuilding to the way the magic system unfolded, the plot threads, character arcs, the thread of questions your left with as dragon-linked seem to be in danger, as well as the moments of humor throughout! The pacing (while a bit slow in some portions, was balanced where it never felt like a chore to get through)
Writing-wise the prose balances the setting, character and builds solid atmosphere but it can be a bit plain for the most part which at times had me begging for additional lyricism or details to build the unique world that Wheeler presented. While at points some characters feel one note, they were still enjoyable to read about--yet the more villainous / antagonistic characters feel a bit hollow that they clash poorly with the more developed main characters. Though I still enjoyed it despite that gripe! That being said, the character dynamics were fantastic and I felt thoroughly drawn into this alternate historical setting (which has me so eager to pick up the future books at some point), there's also an emphasis on sibling dynamics (between Phoebe & her brother Max + Westing & his half-brother Joshua) which was one of my favorites.
Sometimes I find that the reference of historical time periods (societal rules, etc) in fantasy to be a nuisance on the potential of the imaginative fantasy element, but here I thoroughly enjoyed it but that's partly because the author did a great job at incorporating the historical piece into the fabric of the story as well as the fantastical elements in a way that works for me in historical fantasy books, which made me want to dive deeper into the setting, lore and overall world of the novel!
A Proper Dragon is a delightful blend of regency-era and historical fantasy, atmospheric, mysterious and so immersive with the unique story it tells! From the characters, worldbuilding, and
delightful lead Phoebe Hart, this is a perfect entry into regency or victorian-era fantasy full of adventure, mystery and of course dragons!!
🌷✨ [disclaimer: I've been reading lots of cozier fantasy's recently and while this originally showed up under a suggested search for "cozy" books isn't necessarily "cozy" imo but it had some of those vibes i guess?! This is more just historical fantasy though upon finishing]
- more thoughts tk!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews