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The Dracosinum Tales #1
The Dragon Lady
Its 19th Century London, stablehand Wylie Petford has just suffered extreme tragedy. It is this tragedy that leads her to a magical device and her greater purpose.
The alluring Dracosinum holds a key to her hidden heritage and opens the door for a fantastic future while leaving her love Lord Adrian in the past.
The taking over of her hometown by the Villainous Lord Ukridge rips her from her closest friend and further destroys what little good is left in her life.
Now, with the odds against her, she has one chance to become whom she is meant to be, escape her shackles and defeat the evil lord Ukridge.
Get ready for steam-powered adventure in The Dragon Lady, an enchanting world full of corsets, mythical beasts, and dastardly villains.
The alluring Dracosinum holds a key to her hidden heritage and opens the door for a fantastic future while leaving her love Lord Adrian in the past.
The taking over of her hometown by the Villainous Lord Ukridge rips her from her closest friend and further destroys what little good is left in her life.
Now, with the odds against her, she has one chance to become whom she is meant to be, escape her shackles and defeat the evil lord Ukridge.
Get ready for steam-powered adventure in The Dragon Lady, an enchanting world full of corsets, mythical beasts, and dastardly villains.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2016
483 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Angelique S. Anderson
40 books221 followersAn award-winning author of sci-fi and fantasy, Angelique is an avid adventurer and chaser of dreams. Singer and songwriter in hobby, she is the mother to four precocious little ones and lover of all animals. She hopes to encourage others with her journey and passion for life. She is currently off adventuring in Stockton, Ca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 9, 2019
Steampunk and dragons… what’s not to like! This wonderful fantasy-based tale takes us back to the time of corsets and stable hands, of arranged marriages made in infancy and the sorrow that results when so many in society feel trapped with no recourse. I loved the vivid descriptions. Dragon battles in the sky. Wonderful steampunk inventions made by hand. I could taste and smell and feel being in author Angelique Anderson’s lovely imaginative world. I especially loved the world-building, full of steampunk inventions, dragon shifters and complex magical systems, and rules of good and evil magic. Wiley was a wonderful, fierce heroine who I loved spending time with.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
May 1, 2018
I like trying new things. While I have read books about dragons, they were always pure fantasy. This one was steam punk, a first for me so I was a little worried before I started the book. I shouldn't have. I sat and began reading telling myself I could always stop if I discovered it wasn't for me. The next thing I noticed I was one third in the book. I had to stop for the night but I finished it the next day. What can I say? It reads well so it makes up for a quick and entertaining read.
The characters were well fleshed and relatable, although sometimes Wylie perceived things entirely differently from the way I saw it. (By the way, I love her name. It's cute.)
I would recommend this book to people of all ages. People who love dragons and people like me who want to experience something different.
The characters were well fleshed and relatable, although sometimes Wylie perceived things entirely differently from the way I saw it. (By the way, I love her name. It's cute.)
I would recommend this book to people of all ages. People who love dragons and people like me who want to experience something different.
October 5, 2017
A Perfectly Charming Tale Where Steampunk Meets Dragons
'A dragon emblem took up the entirety of the front, and its wings opened to reveal the watch face.'
When Wylie’s father dies, little does she know what she has inherited from him. The pocket watch she finds turns out to hold more than sentimental value. Which is as well because her best friend’s father is trying to throw Wylie and her fellow residents out of their homes - oh and the man she loves is her best friend's fiance. This wonderfully tangled human triangle is set in a steampunk alternative version of 19th Century London - but a steampunk with dragons!
The cover of this book is one of the most eye-catching and attractive I have seen for a long time. I am normally not a fan of the ‘headless torso’ style, but that is because that torso is usually mostly naked. This cover seems to excel by throwing the emphasis onto the dress, style and atmosphere - and if captures it perfectly.
‘The great airship parade had all of lower London mafficking about like a herd of wild horses.’
The book is written in an odd, slightly naive, style with wonderful archaic dialect words like ‘lollygagging’ and places with names like Lugwallow sprinkled into the text to give it a kind of alien quaintness. The story progresses for most of the time at a sharp clip and has some unexpected twists along the way. The characters are all delightfully painted and I especially liked Quincy!
The story is a marvellous mix of adventure and love story, with a tale of friendship, trust and betrayal woven in. The world it is set in seems very real, even if the supernatural morality is a little confused - more on that in a bit. The tale told has a warmth and feel-good sense to it and is usually well-paced to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. I really wanted to know how it would end - and was gasping alongside Wylie at the twist...
“The whole essence of humanity is inherently evil as a matter of fact.”
On the downside though, there is a very dry journal section that gives an overlong chunk of exposition in the middle of the book, which I felt could have been shortened considerably as it really slows the whole of the story down and takes us away from the key events. My other major gripe is with the morality. Firstly the assertion made by Wylie’s mentor that humans are inherently evil - I beg to differ. In fact, having stated this, the book then gives it the lie by the warm-hearted and loving behaviour of so many of the characters - even one who should be the personification of evil!
Then it says that good and evil have to be ‘balanced’. This is often used in YA fiction and never makes any sense to me. The argument goes that good and evil must both happen equally and one must not be allowed to happen more than the other. So, if I torture this innocent puppy to death you can then help those ten little old ladies across the road. If I didn’t torture that puppy, you couldn’t help them, as that would be unbalanced good. The book offers no reason for why unbridled good would be a bad thing - probably because it clearly would not be.
But I can forgive this book all that. Because this is a book that is wonderfully sweet without any saccharine, has lashings of charm, a story that draws you in and a heroine who you care about passionately before you have finished the first chapter. Oh - and it has dragons! I loved it!
'A dragon emblem took up the entirety of the front, and its wings opened to reveal the watch face.'
When Wylie’s father dies, little does she know what she has inherited from him. The pocket watch she finds turns out to hold more than sentimental value. Which is as well because her best friend’s father is trying to throw Wylie and her fellow residents out of their homes - oh and the man she loves is her best friend's fiance. This wonderfully tangled human triangle is set in a steampunk alternative version of 19th Century London - but a steampunk with dragons!
The cover of this book is one of the most eye-catching and attractive I have seen for a long time. I am normally not a fan of the ‘headless torso’ style, but that is because that torso is usually mostly naked. This cover seems to excel by throwing the emphasis onto the dress, style and atmosphere - and if captures it perfectly.
‘The great airship parade had all of lower London mafficking about like a herd of wild horses.’
The book is written in an odd, slightly naive, style with wonderful archaic dialect words like ‘lollygagging’ and places with names like Lugwallow sprinkled into the text to give it a kind of alien quaintness. The story progresses for most of the time at a sharp clip and has some unexpected twists along the way. The characters are all delightfully painted and I especially liked Quincy!
The story is a marvellous mix of adventure and love story, with a tale of friendship, trust and betrayal woven in. The world it is set in seems very real, even if the supernatural morality is a little confused - more on that in a bit. The tale told has a warmth and feel-good sense to it and is usually well-paced to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. I really wanted to know how it would end - and was gasping alongside Wylie at the twist...
“The whole essence of humanity is inherently evil as a matter of fact.”
On the downside though, there is a very dry journal section that gives an overlong chunk of exposition in the middle of the book, which I felt could have been shortened considerably as it really slows the whole of the story down and takes us away from the key events. My other major gripe is with the morality. Firstly the assertion made by Wylie’s mentor that humans are inherently evil - I beg to differ. In fact, having stated this, the book then gives it the lie by the warm-hearted and loving behaviour of so many of the characters - even one who should be the personification of evil!
Then it says that good and evil have to be ‘balanced’. This is often used in YA fiction and never makes any sense to me. The argument goes that good and evil must both happen equally and one must not be allowed to happen more than the other. So, if I torture this innocent puppy to death you can then help those ten little old ladies across the road. If I didn’t torture that puppy, you couldn’t help them, as that would be unbalanced good. The book offers no reason for why unbridled good would be a bad thing - probably because it clearly would not be.
But I can forgive this book all that. Because this is a book that is wonderfully sweet without any saccharine, has lashings of charm, a story that draws you in and a heroine who you care about passionately before you have finished the first chapter. Oh - and it has dragons! I loved it!
October 16, 2017
This romantic dragon story has a touch of steampunk and a cast of Victorian characters, including lords and ladies, along with characters from the lower working class. That’s where the heroine hails from – a poor neighborhood called Lugwallow that she’s determined to save from a ruthless lord who intends to boot the residents out. But Wylie’s path is filled with obstacles, one of which has everything to do with a good dragon and an evil dragon. Another is her love for Lord Adrian who is, unfortunately, engaged to her best friend, Lady Judith.
There is an interesting rationale behind the existence of a good dragon and an evil dragon, which is to balance good and evil among Earth’s inhabitants. Personally, I don’t buy into that, but this is a novel that seems written for middle grade or YA readers, so perhaps I’m just not the target audience.
While the book gets off to a bit of a slow start, it picks up steam (pun intended,) as the story progresses. Without revealing any spoilers, suffice it to say Wylie is burdened with magical abilities that come as a great surprise to her. And there are other surprises as well, which I enjoyed.
The love story is sweet romance, (although I was concerned at first that Lord Adrian might be a cad,) and the action scenes are not overly gory.
There is an interesting rationale behind the existence of a good dragon and an evil dragon, which is to balance good and evil among Earth’s inhabitants. Personally, I don’t buy into that, but this is a novel that seems written for middle grade or YA readers, so perhaps I’m just not the target audience.
While the book gets off to a bit of a slow start, it picks up steam (pun intended,) as the story progresses. Without revealing any spoilers, suffice it to say Wylie is burdened with magical abilities that come as a great surprise to her. And there are other surprises as well, which I enjoyed.
The love story is sweet romance, (although I was concerned at first that Lord Adrian might be a cad,) and the action scenes are not overly gory.
November 16, 2017
Dragons, steampunk, and 1900's London combine together in this fantastic story of good vs. evil and fated destiny. Wylie thinks she's an ordinary girl but soon comes to realize there's much more in her future. Daring to stand up against the villainous Lord Jameston and his sinister and selfish agenda, she proves she's one heroine who won't back down. Determined to save those who are in dire need of help, Wylie teams up with a surprising cast of side characters. Her love interest Lord Adrian was sweet and devoted but I did wonder if he was playing her false for quite some time.
This is an action packed story with some fun elements including dragon lore, mechanical gears and devices, airships, leather corsets, and more. Lord and ladies mingle in a society where social class determines your prospects. Wylie is an independent woman for the time and I loved her character. This is a clean read for those who enjoy those types of books. I see that the next book is out and can't wait to read more about this steampunk world! A pleasurable read you won't want to miss.
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
March 8, 2018
Wylie’s world is collapsing. First, her beloved father dies, then she learns that she and her neighbors are being evicted from her small parish of Lugwallow and she realizes that she may be falling in love with her employer, Lord Adrian, who happens to be her best friends betrothed. While packing up some of her father’s belongings, Wylie finds a beautifully worked pocket watch. When she examines the piece she believes it really isn’t a watch but some sort of constellation guide. Believing it may be worth some money, which the parish is in desperate need of if they want to save it, she brings it into town to see what it’s worth.
The story is a simple tale of good vs. evil, light vs. dark but the storytelling was magnificent and the world Ms Anderson created is thoroughly enchanting. The dialogue is reminiscent of a classic Victorian era and descriptions of the London area vivid and rich in detail. Plenty of twists and turns making this a true page-turner. Highly recommended.
The story is a simple tale of good vs. evil, light vs. dark but the storytelling was magnificent and the world Ms Anderson created is thoroughly enchanting. The dialogue is reminiscent of a classic Victorian era and descriptions of the London area vivid and rich in detail. Plenty of twists and turns making this a true page-turner. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2017
"Not a flame exactly but certainly very like one. That is your soul, your spirit, your essence. It stays the same, your human form is just a shell. Your dragon form is just the potential you have, neither of these things is actually who you are. So the floating flame, as you call it, is your inner being. It’s you.”
I loved this novel. The plot was well thought out and the pacing, a perfect combination of heart pumping action, intrigue and wonder.
As a lover of Steampunk I found the elements interwove beautifully to compliment the era of the story. Words like dapper, ephemeral and idioms such as faster than a fleet of airships enhanced the escapism and what an amazing place to get lost in.
I recommend this book!
I loved this novel. The plot was well thought out and the pacing, a perfect combination of heart pumping action, intrigue and wonder.
As a lover of Steampunk I found the elements interwove beautifully to compliment the era of the story. Words like dapper, ephemeral and idioms such as faster than a fleet of airships enhanced the escapism and what an amazing place to get lost in.
I recommend this book!
March 8, 2018
This should have been perfect for me, it’s got dragons!
On the whole it is OK. A passive style, which doesn’t make you feel what happens to the characters.
Some people love this style. I am not so keen. For me, it could have been so much stronger with a more active abd dynamic style.
On the whole it is OK. A passive style, which doesn’t make you feel what happens to the characters.
Some people love this style. I am not so keen. For me, it could have been so much stronger with a more active abd dynamic style.
December 11, 2021
DNF @ Chapter 10
Sadly this wasn`t for me, boring and bland.
Sadly this wasn`t for me, boring and bland.
January 1, 2018
I'm often intrigued by what authors choose to write. For those of us who write fiction, our words, our stories, our possibilities are limitless. We can write anything we can imagine.
That be said, never, in a million years, could I have dreamt up a story like Angelique S. Anderson's The Dragon Lady.
A steampunk fantasy tale set in Victorian England, The Dragon Lady follows the story of young stable girl Wylie Petford who, upon her father's death, discovers that she is a Dragaleth, one of two magical dragons created to maintain a balance of good and evil in the world. One dragon protects, one brings destruction and sadness.
Steampunk AND dragons? Sign me up!
Whenever I read a new book, I try my best to turn off the writer part of my brain and simply enjoy being a reader. But reading The Dragon Lady, the writer in me kept imagining what it must be like to craft a story so magical and intricate. What was her inspiration? How did dreamy Lord Adrian come to be? What must it be like to exist in this world, even if it is only inside her mind?
I look forward to reading Ms. Anderson's other works. In the meantime, I will be searching for my own pocket steampunk dragon.
That be said, never, in a million years, could I have dreamt up a story like Angelique S. Anderson's The Dragon Lady.
A steampunk fantasy tale set in Victorian England, The Dragon Lady follows the story of young stable girl Wylie Petford who, upon her father's death, discovers that she is a Dragaleth, one of two magical dragons created to maintain a balance of good and evil in the world. One dragon protects, one brings destruction and sadness.
Steampunk AND dragons? Sign me up!
Whenever I read a new book, I try my best to turn off the writer part of my brain and simply enjoy being a reader. But reading The Dragon Lady, the writer in me kept imagining what it must be like to craft a story so magical and intricate. What was her inspiration? How did dreamy Lord Adrian come to be? What must it be like to exist in this world, even if it is only inside her mind?
I look forward to reading Ms. Anderson's other works. In the meantime, I will be searching for my own pocket steampunk dragon.
January 19, 2018
Review to follow
August 14, 2017
The Dragon Lady is a well-written tale that very much suits a YA audience.
The world Anderson has built is not only well-researched, but also touched with an interesting brand of magic. The steampunk nature of the setting is nice and subtle, and not overdone or crammed down the throat of the reader - which I very much appreciated.
I had a few small gripes, however. Personally, I had a bit of trouble connecting with the characters. Even the main character Wylie felt a bit like a caricature to me, rather than a character in her own right. It felt as though Wylie dealt with a large event later in the book much better than I was expecting, as well (however, I do understand the possibility that this is because of her magical nature). There was also a lot of tell instead of show and some info-dumping at the start which could have been placed throughout the book, instead. As it stood, Wylie seemed to know everything and be in control of the situation rather quickly.
Having said that, I don't think these problems are as big for the intended audience. Given how quickly I finished the book, it's clear that I enjoyed it despite my little gripes. There were certainly a few twists that I thought were interesting, I just wished they'd lead to more character development.
The world Anderson has built is not only well-researched, but also touched with an interesting brand of magic. The steampunk nature of the setting is nice and subtle, and not overdone or crammed down the throat of the reader - which I very much appreciated.
I had a few small gripes, however. Personally, I had a bit of trouble connecting with the characters. Even the main character Wylie felt a bit like a caricature to me, rather than a character in her own right. It felt as though Wylie dealt with a large event later in the book much better than I was expecting, as well (however, I do understand the possibility that this is because of her magical nature). There was also a lot of tell instead of show and some info-dumping at the start which could have been placed throughout the book, instead. As it stood, Wylie seemed to know everything and be in control of the situation rather quickly.
Having said that, I don't think these problems are as big for the intended audience. Given how quickly I finished the book, it's clear that I enjoyed it despite my little gripes. There were certainly a few twists that I thought were interesting, I just wished they'd lead to more character development.
May 14, 2017
A wonderful dragon story...
I loved this young adult, steampunk Dragon adventure with its amazing, humorous, and dashing characters. It was a one-sitting read for me, because once I started it, I had to find out the rest of the tale.
Wylie inherits magical abilities when her father dies and his magic is transferred to her. The poor township in which she abides is in danger of being destroyed by the evil Lord Ukridge and Wylie must try to save it.
She is secretly in love with Lord Adrian, for whom she works in the estate stables, but, alas he is betrothed to her best friend.
Without giving away the ending, just let me say that this book is a must read for the young adult, steampunk fans. You won't regret it.
I highly recommend this delightful story!
Gaston D Sanders, author
I loved this young adult, steampunk Dragon adventure with its amazing, humorous, and dashing characters. It was a one-sitting read for me, because once I started it, I had to find out the rest of the tale.
Wylie inherits magical abilities when her father dies and his magic is transferred to her. The poor township in which she abides is in danger of being destroyed by the evil Lord Ukridge and Wylie must try to save it.
She is secretly in love with Lord Adrian, for whom she works in the estate stables, but, alas he is betrothed to her best friend.
Without giving away the ending, just let me say that this book is a must read for the young adult, steampunk fans. You won't regret it.
I highly recommend this delightful story!
Gaston D Sanders, author
October 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this steampunk fantasy, where the mystery of dragons is unfolded into a battle of good v evil in an unusual way.
It has a Victorian feel with dramatic license, the descriptions fitting well alongside action and adventure. The story has themes such as friendship, loyalty, conscience and love, as well as greed, selfishness and power.
Nicely done, entertaining and well-written.
Recommended.
It has a Victorian feel with dramatic license, the descriptions fitting well alongside action and adventure. The story has themes such as friendship, loyalty, conscience and love, as well as greed, selfishness and power.
Nicely done, entertaining and well-written.
Recommended.
January 6, 2018
You are going to love this steampunk dragon-shifter story about loving someone on the other side of the tracks and a killer dragon confounding our heroine! I did. It was cool. For a couple years now the primary thing I’ve wished I could shape shift into is a dragon. I’m I realist, I know it’s far likelier I’ll end out life as a cymech dragon than a flesh and blood dragon that can shift back into human form for social events, but someone once told me, “Shoot for the moon, you’ll end up in the stars.”
Wiley is a bit of a tomboy. She loves wearing big old scuffed up boots and hanging out in the horse stables. Her boss, Lord Adrien is a total heart-throb, but he’s betrothed to her bestie Judith. When Wiley’s dad dies and Judith’s dad tries to gentrify her hood, life gets pretty crazy for Wiley. Not to mention the killer black dragon!
The Victorian era is a cool place to set a story. I’m a fan old antiquated English, in high school I starred in Shakespear’s Tempest. I’m a lousy actor, to be sure, but I grew up reading the King James Version of the Bible, so I could talk the talk. I like to keep up on the old tongue by corner my wife, putting on a husky voice and saying things like: ”Jennifer! My beloved. Would her ladyship care for walk past the mongers’ stalls downtown?” It would go over so much better if I could do impressions.
Anderson knows how to pace a story. We meet characters as Wiley crosses their path while actually having a day. People do stuff. It takes the form of activities. I have to pass on books that lead a character someplace, then put the activity on pause to read from an encyclopedia of their private world. We are not told about Dragon Lady, we get running along on an adventure and in the doing, we discover the Dragon Lady.
I love when I run across great books! As a writer, I feel that the more books I can encounter and reflect upon, the better my own writing becomes. I read and reviewed eighty books last year, yay! Check out my other reviews at LARC-scifi(dot)com.
Wiley has her own Jiminy Cricket, except that he’s a little clockwork dragon! This little fella has catapulted its way right onto my top five mechanical sidekicks to wish for at the dawn of the age of artificial intelligence. He’s in good company with R2D2, the lady from Weird Science, Tick Tock from Baum’s Oz books, and Hey You from Wrong Unit by Rob Dircks.
Wiley is a bit of a tomboy. She loves wearing big old scuffed up boots and hanging out in the horse stables. Her boss, Lord Adrien is a total heart-throb, but he’s betrothed to her bestie Judith. When Wiley’s dad dies and Judith’s dad tries to gentrify her hood, life gets pretty crazy for Wiley. Not to mention the killer black dragon!
The Victorian era is a cool place to set a story. I’m a fan old antiquated English, in high school I starred in Shakespear’s Tempest. I’m a lousy actor, to be sure, but I grew up reading the King James Version of the Bible, so I could talk the talk. I like to keep up on the old tongue by corner my wife, putting on a husky voice and saying things like: ”Jennifer! My beloved. Would her ladyship care for walk past the mongers’ stalls downtown?” It would go over so much better if I could do impressions.
Anderson knows how to pace a story. We meet characters as Wiley crosses their path while actually having a day. People do stuff. It takes the form of activities. I have to pass on books that lead a character someplace, then put the activity on pause to read from an encyclopedia of their private world. We are not told about Dragon Lady, we get running along on an adventure and in the doing, we discover the Dragon Lady.
I love when I run across great books! As a writer, I feel that the more books I can encounter and reflect upon, the better my own writing becomes. I read and reviewed eighty books last year, yay! Check out my other reviews at LARC-scifi(dot)com.
Wiley has her own Jiminy Cricket, except that he’s a little clockwork dragon! This little fella has catapulted its way right onto my top five mechanical sidekicks to wish for at the dawn of the age of artificial intelligence. He’s in good company with R2D2, the lady from Weird Science, Tick Tock from Baum’s Oz books, and Hey You from Wrong Unit by Rob Dircks.
May 21, 2018
Action, adventure, and dragons collide in a steampunk-themed version of London. Top hats, corsets, goggles, and gadgets add a unique flair to this fantastic tale of a young woman discovering she has a unique place in history. As it turns out, being the "chosen one" isn't always as straightforward and beneficial as one might think.
Fortunately, our heroine, Wylie, has Quincy, a clockwork dragon, to keep her on the straight and narrow and explain as much as he's allowed to her. But as she delves into a literal battle of good and evil, Wylie will find that she must sacrifice things she normally wouldn't to see to her goals. Just how far and how deep will the trials and responsibilities go? We'll just have to tune in to Books 2 and 3 to find out!
If you like urban fantasy and/or steampunk, this is a great combination of the two that will draw you in with its compassionate characters who are easy to identify with.
Fortunately, our heroine, Wylie, has Quincy, a clockwork dragon, to keep her on the straight and narrow and explain as much as he's allowed to her. But as she delves into a literal battle of good and evil, Wylie will find that she must sacrifice things she normally wouldn't to see to her goals. Just how far and how deep will the trials and responsibilities go? We'll just have to tune in to Books 2 and 3 to find out!
If you like urban fantasy and/or steampunk, this is a great combination of the two that will draw you in with its compassionate characters who are easy to identify with.
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March 4, 2023
I forgot I had this on my Kindle app and, if I didn't need it for a reading prompt, I may not have read it otherwise.
Again, this is a new author to me and I was here for the #Steampunk & #Dragons vibe; I also enjoy some #HistoricalFiction, this is set in the 1800s, and I was hoping for a good time. In this regard, The Dragon Lady does not disappoint, however, and I don't know whether this is the author's first work or not, but I was reading a 2017 version of this and it felt like I was reading an uncorrected proof; this may have been corrected in a later edition.
For me, even though this book is only okay, it is nevertheless a solid opening to a series; not sure whether I'll continue with this or not, though
Again, this is a new author to me and I was here for the #Steampunk & #Dragons vibe; I also enjoy some #HistoricalFiction, this is set in the 1800s, and I was hoping for a good time. In this regard, The Dragon Lady does not disappoint, however, and I don't know whether this is the author's first work or not, but I was reading a 2017 version of this and it felt like I was reading an uncorrected proof; this may have been corrected in a later edition.
For me, even though this book is only okay, it is nevertheless a solid opening to a series; not sure whether I'll continue with this or not, though
June 30, 2017
I have spent the better part of the day reading this fantastic book, I couldn’t put it down! Angelique S. Anderson’s The Dragon Lady is a great mixture of intrigue, magic, technology and Victorian Era.
Like all my reviews I will try and not spoil the story.
The main character is Wylie, a stable-girl, honest and hardworking. I love this character, the perfect mix of drive and vulnerability. She is no Mary Sue, she is brilliant! Just can’t spoil the story, I so want to. It was a perfect mix of drama and action. The lore that Miss Anderson created, wow. So ingenious! Not only is the lore fantastic (you have to read it to find out), the moral undertone is even better. Right and wrong exist in a form, but you have to look at the big picture not the instant gratification of events.
Another praise for this book is the setting, now most might not understand the class system in England. It not as prominent today but during this time period, oh my golly gosh it was. The feel of this scheme sings in the book, made me think that did happen!
The last thing I would like to talk about is the steampunk and dragons, neither was used to browbeat you. They were a part of the story, not the shiny object. I will again commend Miss Anderson for this balance of ideas.
This book isn’t perfect, but the imperfection does not detract from the readability of the story. I would highly suggest this book! FIVE STARS!!!
Like all my reviews I will try and not spoil the story.
The main character is Wylie, a stable-girl, honest and hardworking. I love this character, the perfect mix of drive and vulnerability. She is no Mary Sue, she is brilliant! Just can’t spoil the story, I so want to. It was a perfect mix of drama and action. The lore that Miss Anderson created, wow. So ingenious! Not only is the lore fantastic (you have to read it to find out), the moral undertone is even better. Right and wrong exist in a form, but you have to look at the big picture not the instant gratification of events.
Another praise for this book is the setting, now most might not understand the class system in England. It not as prominent today but during this time period, oh my golly gosh it was. The feel of this scheme sings in the book, made me think that did happen!
The last thing I would like to talk about is the steampunk and dragons, neither was used to browbeat you. They were a part of the story, not the shiny object. I will again commend Miss Anderson for this balance of ideas.
This book isn’t perfect, but the imperfection does not detract from the readability of the story. I would highly suggest this book! FIVE STARS!!!
April 21, 2018
Wylie has just lost her father and is about to lose her home as well when she happens upon a curious device stowed away in a hidden compartment of her father's dresser. The device looks much like a clock, except the intricate workings are shaped like a dragon and they open to reveal not a clock face, but something far more curious.
In no time, Wylie is caught up in the battle for good and evil, but righting the balance will cost her dearly.
This is a sweet story of loss and love and friendship and magic. I found Wylie a bit flighty, and the tone a bit stiff (though that's probably because of the era being emulated, being that's it's a London-based steampunk novel), but overall I enjoyed the journey of discovery and dragons, and dang blammit, it was a fun romp.
This is only my second foray into steampunk (my first being Beyond the Gate: Stories from the World of The Dream Engine), and I found it rather enjoyable.
In no time, Wylie is caught up in the battle for good and evil, but righting the balance will cost her dearly.
This is a sweet story of loss and love and friendship and magic. I found Wylie a bit flighty, and the tone a bit stiff (though that's probably because of the era being emulated, being that's it's a London-based steampunk novel), but overall I enjoyed the journey of discovery and dragons, and dang blammit, it was a fun romp.
This is only my second foray into steampunk (my first being Beyond the Gate: Stories from the World of The Dream Engine), and I found it rather enjoyable.
May 1, 2017
Wylie Petford lives in a poor section of London and works in the stables of the man she adores, Lord Adrian, but who is far above her station. He is also engaged to her best friend, Lady Judith.
When her father dies, Wylie inherits his magical powers which both complicate and ease her life. She must save her neighborhood from the evil Lord Ukridge, use her powers for good, and try to find true love - a lot of tasks for one young woman.
Wylie is a plucky heroine and it's fun to follow her adventures. Lord Adrian does his bit, too, and Lord Ukridge is a wicked villain. The interplay of good and evil allows the reader some reflection on morality, but the story moves right along with a lot of amusing moments too. This clean story has a bit of magic, some steampunk, and a little romance - oh, and don't forget the dragons. I recommend this enjoyable read for YA and even some MG readers.
When her father dies, Wylie inherits his magical powers which both complicate and ease her life. She must save her neighborhood from the evil Lord Ukridge, use her powers for good, and try to find true love - a lot of tasks for one young woman.
Wylie is a plucky heroine and it's fun to follow her adventures. Lord Adrian does his bit, too, and Lord Ukridge is a wicked villain. The interplay of good and evil allows the reader some reflection on morality, but the story moves right along with a lot of amusing moments too. This clean story has a bit of magic, some steampunk, and a little romance - oh, and don't forget the dragons. I recommend this enjoyable read for YA and even some MG readers.
July 7, 2025
DNF at about 30%
The grammar was atrocious and Wylie, the FMC, was so fucking annoying I wanted to claw my eyes out. She was literally described as being small and petite, she has no personality, and shes just foolish and naive and acts like an edgy 13 year old all the time. I wish I could just throttle her and maybe knock some common sense into her
The grammar was atrocious and Wylie, the FMC, was so fucking annoying I wanted to claw my eyes out. She was literally described as being small and petite, she has no personality, and shes just foolish and naive and acts like an edgy 13 year old all the time. I wish I could just throttle her and maybe knock some common sense into her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2017
First, I am not normally a fan of steampunk, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book. I was pleasantly surprised! Her details are great. A certain scene stands out especially when she describes the jail.. without giving too much away, I could smell the dankness and feel the grime...
I also woke up dreaming of certain scenes in this story! That is always a good sign when your subconscious has decided to suck it in. ;)
I would say if you are a fan of steampunk to give this a try!
I also woke up dreaming of certain scenes in this story! That is always a good sign when your subconscious has decided to suck it in. ;)
I would say if you are a fan of steampunk to give this a try!
May 1, 2018
Couldn’t get through this book
Plot was very ridiculous and the characters were dull. I didn’t like the way the characters interacted with each other, way too unbelievable and stupid
Plot was very ridiculous and the characters were dull. I didn’t like the way the characters interacted with each other, way too unbelievable and stupid
September 20, 2020
Interesting premise, poorly executed. Wouldn’t consider it Victorian in the slightest nor would I say it qualifies as steampunk.
February 21, 2018
I picked up The Dragon Lady as I was interested in reading some steampunk fiction and whilst this has some steampunk elements to it, I would be more likely to say that it's a historical fantasy. Wylie is a very feisty heroine and is very much a product of the time where grief and loss is overshadowed by the need to keep going to survive. She won't let anything get in her way, even her forbidden love for Lord Adrian, who is betrothed to her best friend. The discovery of her destiny must fall in line with her work and need to keep up appearances. But what a destiny it is! Passed down from her father, Wylie finds herself caught up in a time honoured battle to balance good and evil, but which side does she fall on? With her mind reeling with new information the realisation that she will have a counterpart somewhere sets her on a whole new path. The delightful Quincy (the steampunk element) is her guide although he isn't always as helpful as he could be and Wylie is often left with cryptic clues! He is wonderfully snarky and brings some light relief to some of the heavier topics covered.
The Dragon Lady is an easy read and I would say that whilst not openly advertised as such, it would be more suitable to the YA market. There is a very sweet romantic element to it and who doesn't love dragons! The story is well researched and the author has scoured a lot of sources to get things right for the time, the only jarring thing is the use of language. For me it didn't flow particularly as historical, there were paragraphs and phrasing that were very olde world yet it often felt liked it jumped in and out of that a lot. As a Brit, I did feel that terminology and accents were sometimes a little off as well, specifically the first clock maker that Wylie visits.
I read this over a couple of devices and the formatting isn't great, indents aren't regulated, paragraph sizing is out and the images often don't fit where they should be. This is a real shame is it was really distracting from the story.
Overall though, I enjoyed The Dragon Lady, it is a wonderful tale filled with history and mythology and whilst I would have loved there to be more focus on Wylie's battles between good and evil, I'm hopeful that there will be more of this to come in the next book!
The Dragon Lady is an easy read and I would say that whilst not openly advertised as such, it would be more suitable to the YA market. There is a very sweet romantic element to it and who doesn't love dragons! The story is well researched and the author has scoured a lot of sources to get things right for the time, the only jarring thing is the use of language. For me it didn't flow particularly as historical, there were paragraphs and phrasing that were very olde world yet it often felt liked it jumped in and out of that a lot. As a Brit, I did feel that terminology and accents were sometimes a little off as well, specifically the first clock maker that Wylie visits.
I read this over a couple of devices and the formatting isn't great, indents aren't regulated, paragraph sizing is out and the images often don't fit where they should be. This is a real shame is it was really distracting from the story.
Overall though, I enjoyed The Dragon Lady, it is a wonderful tale filled with history and mythology and whilst I would have loved there to be more focus on Wylie's battles between good and evil, I'm hopeful that there will be more of this to come in the next book!
December 22, 2017
Angelique S. Anderson's The Dragon Lady is a cross between classic Steam Punk and Regency (or rather Victorian) romance with dragons thrown in.
When Wylie Petford's father dies, she faces a surprising legacy and a complicated personal situation. A mere stable-hand, she is in love with her best-friend's fiance (both from the upper classes) while her best-friends father is planning on evicting her and her neighbours from their homes. Yet Wylie has bigger worries as she discovers her true nature.
The story is fast-paced (except for a rather long journal entry towards the beginning) and full of action, with an almost breathless, naive style. The twists and turns could have been more subtle - as possibilities were often flagged (rather than hinted at) beforehand. Wylie is a spunky, no-nonsense, bighearted, and rather pugilistic hero & Quincy is a great character with a dry, dragonish sense of humour. The use of the slang of the period as well as the steam punk elements added to the enjoyment of the story.
A few quibbles - such as a pages long journal narration to tell backstory, maybe more subtlety in characterisation, and while for the most part a good depiction of time and setting, some fudging of facts ( e.g. the motivation for crusades - which was, initially at least, to defend Constantinople from attack and the pilgrimage routes - & a tea ship to London centuries before tea was introduced to Europe or the knowledge that the plague was carried by fleas - not known in 13th or 14th centuries) - okay I did say I was quibbling - - in such an alternative fictional world with dragons, gods' tears, who knows what differences there might be from our own.
The Dragon Lady was a fun and entertaining read.
When Wylie Petford's father dies, she faces a surprising legacy and a complicated personal situation. A mere stable-hand, she is in love with her best-friend's fiance (both from the upper classes) while her best-friends father is planning on evicting her and her neighbours from their homes. Yet Wylie has bigger worries as she discovers her true nature.
The story is fast-paced (except for a rather long journal entry towards the beginning) and full of action, with an almost breathless, naive style. The twists and turns could have been more subtle - as possibilities were often flagged (rather than hinted at) beforehand. Wylie is a spunky, no-nonsense, bighearted, and rather pugilistic hero & Quincy is a great character with a dry, dragonish sense of humour. The use of the slang of the period as well as the steam punk elements added to the enjoyment of the story.
A few quibbles - such as a pages long journal narration to tell backstory, maybe more subtlety in characterisation, and while for the most part a good depiction of time and setting, some fudging of facts ( e.g. the motivation for crusades - which was, initially at least, to defend Constantinople from attack and the pilgrimage routes - & a tea ship to London centuries before tea was introduced to Europe or the knowledge that the plague was carried by fleas - not known in 13th or 14th centuries) - okay I did say I was quibbling - - in such an alternative fictional world with dragons, gods' tears, who knows what differences there might be from our own.
The Dragon Lady was a fun and entertaining read.
November 7, 2017
The Dragon Lady is a book that crosses genres, combining Victorian steampunk with a fantasy tale of dragons. It is basically good versus evil in a story that combines drama with poignancy and romance as the main character, Wylie, wrestles with the notion of who she is, what direction she wishes to take and her feelings for someone far above her station in a society where class defines how people live. She has difficult choices to make.
I rather like the idea of dragons flying over a London that is a fantasy alternative to historical reality. The steampunk outfits add a dash of quirkiness and the tale is charming in its innocence. The plot incorporates some twists to keep the reader’s interest and is well thought out. The dragon elements are conveyed well and keep the reader intrigued, and the whole atmosphere of darkness and shadows stays in the reader’s mind because it is described so well.
I would suggest that the book is aimed more specifically at the Young Adult readership, as it would fit that genre perfectly, in my opinion. I could see the age group of between 11- 15 picking this up and enjoying it tremendously.
I rather like the idea of dragons flying over a London that is a fantasy alternative to historical reality. The steampunk outfits add a dash of quirkiness and the tale is charming in its innocence. The plot incorporates some twists to keep the reader’s interest and is well thought out. The dragon elements are conveyed well and keep the reader intrigued, and the whole atmosphere of darkness and shadows stays in the reader’s mind because it is described so well.
I would suggest that the book is aimed more specifically at the Young Adult readership, as it would fit that genre perfectly, in my opinion. I could see the age group of between 11- 15 picking this up and enjoying it tremendously.
January 17, 2018
The Dragon Lady is a fun Steampunk/fantasy adventure set in Victorian England, and IT HAS DRAGONS! This book combines some of my favorite things and I couldn't be happier that I stumbled upon it! Wylie sets out to save her small town from an asshat who wants to basically bulldoze the whole thing for his own profit. In the process she finds out she has a whole new destiny she needs to fulfill which leads her down a path of danger, love and friendship.
Wylie is everything I want in a main character. Unlike most women of the time period, she's a kick ass protagonist who doesn't take shit from anyone. The story is unique and is an easy read. It does have a bit of a slow start but honestly I'm a fan of a good set up so it didn't bother me. All of the characters are well written and believable and I found myself needing to know how it ended. The quick and abrupt way that Lord Adrian proclaims his love for Wylie was a little strange and I wondered if there was something behind that, but I couldn't help but to swoon a little too.
I greatly recommend this book to anyone who likes, strong female protagonists, Victorian steampunk, and dragons.
Wylie is everything I want in a main character. Unlike most women of the time period, she's a kick ass protagonist who doesn't take shit from anyone. The story is unique and is an easy read. It does have a bit of a slow start but honestly I'm a fan of a good set up so it didn't bother me. All of the characters are well written and believable and I found myself needing to know how it ended. The quick and abrupt way that Lord Adrian proclaims his love for Wylie was a little strange and I wondered if there was something behind that, but I couldn't help but to swoon a little too.
I greatly recommend this book to anyone who likes, strong female protagonists, Victorian steampunk, and dragons.
November 24, 2017
The story of our female lead character named Wylie Petford, a talented and friendly girl, who has been in love with her friend Lord Adrian, who is also her best friend’s fiancé - Lady Judith, who happens to be a persnickety, but gloriously wonderful, nearest and dearest friend.
After the sad death of Wylies father, she soon discovers what she first thought to be a pocket watch. After some investigating, Wylie soon discovers what it really is and how it is tied to her family history. An item known as a Dracosinum, a magical device.
Wylie must learn how to use the Dracosinum and help balance the good in the world from all the evil. And learn to fight the evil black dragon and prevent another human death in her town.
I enjoyed reading The Dragon Lady and would recommend it. Make sure to grab and copy and follow the story of Wylie, Lady Judith and Lord Adrian. Who will win the good white Dragon or the evil black one?
After the sad death of Wylies father, she soon discovers what she first thought to be a pocket watch. After some investigating, Wylie soon discovers what it really is and how it is tied to her family history. An item known as a Dracosinum, a magical device.
Wylie must learn how to use the Dracosinum and help balance the good in the world from all the evil. And learn to fight the evil black dragon and prevent another human death in her town.
I enjoyed reading The Dragon Lady and would recommend it. Make sure to grab and copy and follow the story of Wylie, Lady Judith and Lord Adrian. Who will win the good white Dragon or the evil black one?
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