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Jane Austen's Dragons #9
The Turnspit Dragon and other Tales of the Blue Order
Dive into the hidden-in-plain sight world of the Blue Order dragons.
A heart-warming collection of short stories peeking into the hidden lives of the dragons, their Friends and Keepers. Birth, death, love, loss, and the amazing relationships that underscore them all. Visit with familiar characters and learn their stories. Meet entirely new dragons and their Friends, while delving deeper into the mysterious world of Blue Order dragon.
Meryton meets Pern in a fantastical regency romp bound to delight readers of Jane Austen and Anne McCaffrey
alike.
A short story collection in the world of Jane Austen's Dragons
A heart-warming collection of short stories peeking into the hidden lives of the dragons, their Friends and Keepers. Birth, death, love, loss, and the amazing relationships that underscore them all. Visit with familiar characters and learn their stories. Meet entirely new dragons and their Friends, while delving deeper into the mysterious world of Blue Order dragon.
Meryton meets Pern in a fantastical regency romp bound to delight readers of Jane Austen and Anne McCaffrey
alike.
A short story collection in the world of Jane Austen's Dragons
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
135 people are currently reading
211 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 47 reviews
September 15, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars: having read the other stories in this series I felt compelled to read this edition. The vignettes are very short as you can see by the page numbers. The author does give dates and lists the stories each is related to in the series.
1.) Lost and Found: Easterly’s (the Blue Order Regional Liaison to His Majesty’s Royal Navy) Captain, a pewter grey cockatrice, dies and it is just after the pre-ordered celebration that Easterly meets Mina, a tatzelwurm, who adopts him and declares that they are friends.
2.) Page 15: A Friend in Need: Lydia’s in trouble…again…and has been assigned Auntie, a dragon drake, to watch her every move. So, When April’s eggs are hatching, we read as Lydia finds sympathy for the “runt” of the litter and gains a friend. “We little one must stick together.” (quote from the story)
3.) Page 29: Worth Her Salt: Thomas Bennet, keeper of Longbourn (both the estate and the dragon) both wanted and needed to marry. However, Edward Gardiner, brother, and guardian to Miss Frances Gardiner, would not give his permission. However, he does agree to give his consent…IF…the wyvern dragon gave his consent. So, we read of how he convinces Longbourn to do just that. He is finally convinced when promised a certain measure of salt would be added to his diet.
4.) Page 41: Invitations: Nandita Cooke is from India and having a difficult time fitting in. Kundam, her tatzelwurm friend, accompanies her to a tea given by Castordale, a Pa snake. This leads to an invitation to a dinner party to celebrate the appointing of Mr. Dressler, Castordale’s Keeper, as the new Assistant to the Lord Physician to Dragons. And so, the circle of friends widens.
5.) Page 53: Not Handsome Enough: Mrs. David Vaughn - Lady Astrid as she is now and also the Blue Order Scribe - her deceased husband had not wanted her to even apply for the job. She is now working under Sir Carew Arnold, Blue Order Minister of Keeps, “his short stature, slow, limping steps, and slightly hunched shoulders belied his quick mind”. As she considered whether she should get married again, her dragon friend, Bylock, has some thoughts on the matter.
6.) Page 67: The Turnspit Dragon: Jeb Clarke is a bricklayer who loses his job when he saves a nest of dragon eggs. He goes to pub named “Turnspit” and now finds a drake dragon (who resembles a dog to non-hearers) being used to turn the spit and pays to free him. His good deed turns into a reward for him.
7.) Page 85: The Butler’s Pantry: Hamish Burns aka James Burns to his employer, one Lady Catherine de Bourgh is now hearing voices and as he follows those sounds finds that Quincy, his green and black puck, has a new family.
8.) Page 93: In a Fit of Temper: Longbourn, the cranky estate wyvern, now has Mary Collins, nee: Bennet as his keeper and he makes sure she knows that he would prefer his old keeper, Elizabeth Darcy. As Mary does her duty, bringing oil and a brush for his scales, she finds him in pain and sends her fairy dragon, Heather, to bring a dragon-hearing tenant to help determine what is wrong. However, as she leaves his lair, she injures her ankle and now finds Longbourn having to aid her.
9.) Page 111: Motherly Instincts: Lady Catherine is confronted by her tearful and angry daughter. She has lost Darcy but still needs a husband or Rosings will no longer be their family’s.
10.) Page 125: Less than a Keeper: Collins finds himself the Keeper of Longbourn when Bennet is called to London to work with the Blue Order. As he is dragon-deaf, Chatter, a cockatrix, is assigned as translator. With Mary now enceinte, Collins knows he must take over some of her duties as she can hear dragons and had taken on his duties with Longbourn.
11.) Page 137: A Little Sea-Bathing: Sophy Croft has promised her husband she will sea-bath while he is away at sea. She decides to do it on her own at an isolated beach area as she disdains the bathing machines. When she finds a strong and sudden current sweeping her away and under the water she is save by a horse-like creature, which disappears as soon as he places her back on shore.
Each of these stories gives us a new friendship as the story concludes. Lovely.
1.) Lost and Found: Easterly’s (the Blue Order Regional Liaison to His Majesty’s Royal Navy) Captain, a pewter grey cockatrice, dies and it is just after the pre-ordered celebration that Easterly meets Mina, a tatzelwurm, who adopts him and declares that they are friends.
2.) Page 15: A Friend in Need: Lydia’s in trouble…again…and has been assigned Auntie, a dragon drake, to watch her every move. So, When April’s eggs are hatching, we read as Lydia finds sympathy for the “runt” of the litter and gains a friend. “We little one must stick together.” (quote from the story)
3.) Page 29: Worth Her Salt: Thomas Bennet, keeper of Longbourn (both the estate and the dragon) both wanted and needed to marry. However, Edward Gardiner, brother, and guardian to Miss Frances Gardiner, would not give his permission. However, he does agree to give his consent…IF…the wyvern dragon gave his consent. So, we read of how he convinces Longbourn to do just that. He is finally convinced when promised a certain measure of salt would be added to his diet.
4.) Page 41: Invitations: Nandita Cooke is from India and having a difficult time fitting in. Kundam, her tatzelwurm friend, accompanies her to a tea given by Castordale, a Pa snake. This leads to an invitation to a dinner party to celebrate the appointing of Mr. Dressler, Castordale’s Keeper, as the new Assistant to the Lord Physician to Dragons. And so, the circle of friends widens.
5.) Page 53: Not Handsome Enough: Mrs. David Vaughn - Lady Astrid as she is now and also the Blue Order Scribe - her deceased husband had not wanted her to even apply for the job. She is now working under Sir Carew Arnold, Blue Order Minister of Keeps, “his short stature, slow, limping steps, and slightly hunched shoulders belied his quick mind”. As she considered whether she should get married again, her dragon friend, Bylock, has some thoughts on the matter.
6.) Page 67: The Turnspit Dragon: Jeb Clarke is a bricklayer who loses his job when he saves a nest of dragon eggs. He goes to pub named “Turnspit” and now finds a drake dragon (who resembles a dog to non-hearers) being used to turn the spit and pays to free him. His good deed turns into a reward for him.
7.) Page 85: The Butler’s Pantry: Hamish Burns aka James Burns to his employer, one Lady Catherine de Bourgh is now hearing voices and as he follows those sounds finds that Quincy, his green and black puck, has a new family.
8.) Page 93: In a Fit of Temper: Longbourn, the cranky estate wyvern, now has Mary Collins, nee: Bennet as his keeper and he makes sure she knows that he would prefer his old keeper, Elizabeth Darcy. As Mary does her duty, bringing oil and a brush for his scales, she finds him in pain and sends her fairy dragon, Heather, to bring a dragon-hearing tenant to help determine what is wrong. However, as she leaves his lair, she injures her ankle and now finds Longbourn having to aid her.
9.) Page 111: Motherly Instincts: Lady Catherine is confronted by her tearful and angry daughter. She has lost Darcy but still needs a husband or Rosings will no longer be their family’s.
10.) Page 125: Less than a Keeper: Collins finds himself the Keeper of Longbourn when Bennet is called to London to work with the Blue Order. As he is dragon-deaf, Chatter, a cockatrix, is assigned as translator. With Mary now enceinte, Collins knows he must take over some of her duties as she can hear dragons and had taken on his duties with Longbourn.
11.) Page 137: A Little Sea-Bathing: Sophy Croft has promised her husband she will sea-bath while he is away at sea. She decides to do it on her own at an isolated beach area as she disdains the bathing machines. When she finds a strong and sudden current sweeping her away and under the water she is save by a horse-like creature, which disappears as soon as he places her back on shore.
Each of these stories gives us a new friendship as the story concludes. Lovely.
Read
November 30, 2021And we're done! I'm so excited to get this one released. Telling the story of so many side characters, and meeting a few new ones along the way was really satisfying and helped me sort out some new directions for the series. I'm looking forward to the next in the series now!
August 1, 2023
As I continue to enjoy the Jane Austen's Dragon series, I've made note of many side characters and their dragon Friends. I appreciated that this collection of shorter pieces are about some of the side characters and their Friends as well as some of the dragons and Keeps away from the main series plot action.
I'll leave the list of stories in the collection here:
Lost and Found: Friend Origin story after Easterly looses Captain, his cockatrice Friend and Mina loses her warmblooded Fried- Easterly, Mina the tatzelwurm
A Friend in Need: Friend Origin story Lydia and Cosette
Worth Her Salt: Prequel Mr. Bennet and Longbourn make a deal about Bennet's marriage to dragon deaf Mrs. Bennet
Invitations: Prequel courtship story- Nandita, Kundam, Castordale and Sir Edward
Not Handsome Enough: Lady Astrid, Bylock, Sir Carew, and Langham, Lady Astrid reflects on her previous marriage and wonders if she's ready to take on another man, Sir Carew is supposed to have a temper
The Turnspit Dragon: Friend Origin story- Jeb Clarke of Derbyshire and Turnspit
The Butler’s Pantry: Hamish Burns and Quincy the Puck, Butler at Rosings when Burns thinks he's losing his mind and discovers Quincy's secret.
In a Fit of Temper: Mary and Longbourn, a surprising turn in relations between a reluctant dragon and his exasperated Keeper
Motherly Instincts: Lady Catherine, Cait, Rosings, and Anne, Lady C reflects on her past and her present then Rosings points her at her daughter's pain.
Less than a Keeper: Friend Origin Story -Mr. Collin's and Chatter, discovering his circumstances aren't as glum as he'd like to think with the dragons of Longbourn
The Benefits of Sea-Bathing: Friend Origin Story- Sophy Croft and White the hippocampus meet while the Captain is at sea.
I enjoyed this collection and spending a little extra time with side characters and learning something more of how they got their Friends or added to what I knew of their circumstances.
Most make better sense read at this point in the series and I like that each story is prefaced with where it falls in the timeline of events. Some might have bearing on events in the main series while others are just extra content that fans will appreciate. Definitely worth pausing to read.
Grace, Maria. The Turnspit Dragon: and other tales of the Blue Order (Jane Austen's Dragons: A Regency gaslamp dragon fantasy adventure Book 9) . White Soup Press. Kindle Edition.
I'll leave the list of stories in the collection here:
Lost and Found: Friend Origin story after Easterly looses Captain, his cockatrice Friend and Mina loses her warmblooded Fried- Easterly, Mina the tatzelwurm
A Friend in Need: Friend Origin story Lydia and Cosette
Worth Her Salt: Prequel Mr. Bennet and Longbourn make a deal about Bennet's marriage to dragon deaf Mrs. Bennet
Invitations: Prequel courtship story- Nandita, Kundam, Castordale and Sir Edward
Not Handsome Enough: Lady Astrid, Bylock, Sir Carew, and Langham, Lady Astrid reflects on her previous marriage and wonders if she's ready to take on another man, Sir Carew is supposed to have a temper
The Turnspit Dragon: Friend Origin story- Jeb Clarke of Derbyshire and Turnspit
The Butler’s Pantry: Hamish Burns and Quincy the Puck, Butler at Rosings when Burns thinks he's losing his mind and discovers Quincy's secret.
In a Fit of Temper: Mary and Longbourn, a surprising turn in relations between a reluctant dragon and his exasperated Keeper
Motherly Instincts: Lady Catherine, Cait, Rosings, and Anne, Lady C reflects on her past and her present then Rosings points her at her daughter's pain.
Less than a Keeper: Friend Origin Story -Mr. Collin's and Chatter, discovering his circumstances aren't as glum as he'd like to think with the dragons of Longbourn
The Benefits of Sea-Bathing: Friend Origin Story- Sophy Croft and White the hippocampus meet while the Captain is at sea.
I enjoyed this collection and spending a little extra time with side characters and learning something more of how they got their Friends or added to what I knew of their circumstances.
Most make better sense read at this point in the series and I like that each story is prefaced with where it falls in the timeline of events. Some might have bearing on events in the main series while others are just extra content that fans will appreciate. Definitely worth pausing to read.
Grace, Maria. The Turnspit Dragon: and other tales of the Blue Order (Jane Austen's Dragons: A Regency gaslamp dragon fantasy adventure Book 9) . White Soup Press. Kindle Edition.
November 24, 2021
A collection of short stories, centering around the less well-known characters (and some completely original ones) from Ms. Grace's 'Jane Austen's Dragons' series.
** VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
** VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
June 10, 2022
another great book about dragons
I will own that this is my favorite series. The stories in this book help the other books in this series as we get insight to how the characters find their dragon friends and a bit more background. Read them all! I await the next book in the series and hope the author never stops writing them.
I will also add that the audiobooks are marvelous. The narrator brings all the characters and dragons to life. You will be entertained.
I will own that this is my favorite series. The stories in this book help the other books in this series as we get insight to how the characters find their dragon friends and a bit more background. Read them all! I await the next book in the series and hope the author never stops writing them.
I will also add that the audiobooks are marvelous. The narrator brings all the characters and dragons to life. You will be entertained.
December 14, 2021
3.5 stars. A very good set of short stories, each of which building on minor characters in this series.
It's not really a stand-alone, but for fans of the series. I don't think you have to wait until you're 9 books in to read it though--I think I'd have been better off reading it earlier.
I noticed that I really appreciated the intricate and well thought out world-building exhibited--in fact, I think I actually noticed it more here because I hadn't picked up on it so much with the full-length book. That world-building really showed to distinct advantage here. Usually for short stories, I don't expect much--they are low investment, and so if low (reading) reward, then no problem. But I really enjoyed these little glimpses into the world Maria Grace as built, and in almost all of the individual entries, I was sorry to see the story end.
I was glad I read this, and recommend it to all fans of the series. I think it will add to the depth of your enjoyment in reading the full length novels, if you've read this too and have the many characters more fleshed-out and with some idea of their back stories.
It's not really a stand-alone, but for fans of the series. I don't think you have to wait until you're 9 books in to read it though--I think I'd have been better off reading it earlier.
I noticed that I really appreciated the intricate and well thought out world-building exhibited--in fact, I think I actually noticed it more here because I hadn't picked up on it so much with the full-length book. That world-building really showed to distinct advantage here. Usually for short stories, I don't expect much--they are low investment, and so if low (reading) reward, then no problem. But I really enjoyed these little glimpses into the world Maria Grace as built, and in almost all of the individual entries, I was sorry to see the story end.
I was glad I read this, and recommend it to all fans of the series. I think it will add to the depth of your enjoyment in reading the full length novels, if you've read this too and have the many characters more fleshed-out and with some idea of their back stories.
December 4, 2021
Lovely short stories!
My only complaint is that I wish these stories had been in chronological order. Each one does have a note on where in the series the story takes place, but we jump forward and back, and I'd have liked to read them in order.
Apart from that, which is just my personal preference, the stories were very interesting and gave a lot of backstory on characters we know and introduce us to new characters. I especially liked that the dialect changed in the titular story - the protagonist is a working man, and he sounds it.I
I hope there will be more books in this series - full books or collections of short stories. I love these dragons!
My only complaint is that I wish these stories had been in chronological order. Each one does have a note on where in the series the story takes place, but we jump forward and back, and I'd have liked to read them in order.
Apart from that, which is just my personal preference, the stories were very interesting and gave a lot of backstory on characters we know and introduce us to new characters. I especially liked that the dialect changed in the titular story - the protagonist is a working man, and he sounds it.I
I hope there will be more books in this series - full books or collections of short stories. I love these dragons!
December 7, 2021
I have completely enjoyed all the books in this series. Jane Austen with dragons who knew it goes together perfectly! This collections of short stories give good insight on some of our favs Laird Longbourn ,Sophy & White... Introduces a few new dragons and friends that we can watch for in new books. Glad to say I own this book.
December 8, 2021
More dragons
I enjoy this series with its natural mix of dragons and regency England. Although I prefer the full length novels to short stories, this is a nice addition to the series with that bit of extra background.
I enjoy this series with its natural mix of dragons and regency England. Although I prefer the full length novels to short stories, this is a nice addition to the series with that bit of extra background.
March 1, 2023
I could live in this world forever!
January 11, 2025
Very quick, easy read. Quite sweet stories.
April 3, 2023
Confusing At Best, Below Par At Least
I'm assuming this is to be some sort of compilation from all the previous books.
There are so many characters and events, that have taken place throughout the past 8 books, this does nothing more than to unequivocally portray the fact of such.
It's been befuddling and disorienting to read those 8, and than to add this one into the mix, solidifies this belief.
It's almost as if the author herself wasn't quite sure what direction to head after number 8, and in previous reviews of some of the other books, I felt they were out of order and added to the confusion than.
This one shouldn't have been put in the order it was either. I could see writing this at the end of a completed series, as a compendium drawn from all the others, as short stories, for those wanting more from Maria Grace's Dragon series, but not here.
I love a good dragon and fantasy novel, but with a few main characters to focus on, in an effort to keep things packaged and sorted into a workable framework. . Not to the point it becomes difficult to remember who's related to who, who's married to who, etc.
I'm assuming this is to be some sort of compilation from all the previous books.
There are so many characters and events, that have taken place throughout the past 8 books, this does nothing more than to unequivocally portray the fact of such.
It's been befuddling and disorienting to read those 8, and than to add this one into the mix, solidifies this belief.
It's almost as if the author herself wasn't quite sure what direction to head after number 8, and in previous reviews of some of the other books, I felt they were out of order and added to the confusion than.
This one shouldn't have been put in the order it was either. I could see writing this at the end of a completed series, as a compendium drawn from all the others, as short stories, for those wanting more from Maria Grace's Dragon series, but not here.
I love a good dragon and fantasy novel, but with a few main characters to focus on, in an effort to keep things packaged and sorted into a workable framework. . Not to the point it becomes difficult to remember who's related to who, who's married to who, etc.
December 14, 2021
Enjoyable Short Stories of Jane Austen's Dragons
As with all of Maria Grace's Jane Austen Dragons series, I greatly enjoyed this book. Unlike the others, this book is a compilation of short stories. Most of them can be read in 10 to 15 minutes or less, so it is a perfect read during a break at work or while waiting in line at a drive thru, etc. Many of the stories have to do with characters that have already been introduced in the series, with the story filling in a bit of information such as how they met their Dragon Friend, or ended up in a certain situation that we read about in the other books. In addition there are several stories that involve all new characters, giving some insight into other aspects of life in the Blue Order. One deals with the death of a dragon Friend, while another tells of a working class man who helps out a drake stuck in a turnspit. All in all, it was a fun little collection that should be a must read for anyone who is a fan of this series. I can't wait to see what's next!
As with all of Maria Grace's Jane Austen Dragons series, I greatly enjoyed this book. Unlike the others, this book is a compilation of short stories. Most of them can be read in 10 to 15 minutes or less, so it is a perfect read during a break at work or while waiting in line at a drive thru, etc. Many of the stories have to do with characters that have already been introduced in the series, with the story filling in a bit of information such as how they met their Dragon Friend, or ended up in a certain situation that we read about in the other books. In addition there are several stories that involve all new characters, giving some insight into other aspects of life in the Blue Order. One deals with the death of a dragon Friend, while another tells of a working class man who helps out a drake stuck in a turnspit. All in all, it was a fun little collection that should be a must read for anyone who is a fan of this series. I can't wait to see what's next!
January 27, 2023
ALL TIME FAVOURITE SERIES, RELISTENED MANY TIMES
The imagination Maria Grace must have, to have invented this world of Dragons. I am in awe and have listened to this series many times over and they never get old. Of course the narrator Benjamin Fife has the perfect voices for dragons of all sizes, men, women, petulant young girls, crusty old historians and the meetings at the blue order, which I might say get mighty testy when Dragons and their keepers fail to agree. This particular book is a collection of happenings from different occasions during many books. You know, when a subject has concluded but your mind says poor girl or wonder what happened to that dragon or someones dreams are unfulfilled and you feel sad? these are some of these endings told. You should read/listen to all the previous books for the best result for this book but alone it is also interesting. RECOMMENDED
The imagination Maria Grace must have, to have invented this world of Dragons. I am in awe and have listened to this series many times over and they never get old. Of course the narrator Benjamin Fife has the perfect voices for dragons of all sizes, men, women, petulant young girls, crusty old historians and the meetings at the blue order, which I might say get mighty testy when Dragons and their keepers fail to agree. This particular book is a collection of happenings from different occasions during many books. You know, when a subject has concluded but your mind says poor girl or wonder what happened to that dragon or someones dreams are unfulfilled and you feel sad? these are some of these endings told. You should read/listen to all the previous books for the best result for this book but alone it is also interesting. RECOMMENDED
January 28, 2023
I like the simple side stories of this installment, each around 20 to 30 minutes. The bite-sized, fluffy content was great for errands or walks when I wanted to think about something nice and simple - dragons being friends with humans!
I think my favorites were the ones that focused on those connected to the Bennet family (Lydia, Mary, and surprisingly Mr. Collins) though it was definitely nice overall to see how many of the friendships we see in the text got their start.
As I listened to the audiobook, I must note that Fife's narration continues to imbue the text with extra warmth, and I love the accents he puts on for different characters. I appreciate being given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I think my favorites were the ones that focused on those connected to the Bennet family (Lydia, Mary, and surprisingly Mr. Collins) though it was definitely nice overall to see how many of the friendships we see in the text got their start.
As I listened to the audiobook, I must note that Fife's narration continues to imbue the text with extra warmth, and I love the accents he puts on for different characters. I appreciate being given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
Love This Series! Fun Collection of Short Stories.
This is a fun collection of dragony short stories. These are perfect for short trips and times when you can't get sucked into a longer story. Some of these stories were really eye opening to former books. Definitely recommend if you have been reading this series.
Benjamin Fife's narration (5 stars) is fantastic as always! I love his range in all the accents, dragon voices, character differentiation, and overall acting.
Parents- PG- middle grade and up read
Language: mild very little language, no f-bombs
Violence: none
Sexual Content- nothing to warn of- clean read
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is a fun collection of dragony short stories. These are perfect for short trips and times when you can't get sucked into a longer story. Some of these stories were really eye opening to former books. Definitely recommend if you have been reading this series.
Benjamin Fife's narration (5 stars) is fantastic as always! I love his range in all the accents, dragon voices, character differentiation, and overall acting.
Parents- PG- middle grade and up read
Language: mild very little language, no f-bombs
Violence: none
Sexual Content- nothing to warn of- clean read
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 13, 2023
A wonderful collection of stories from the world of Jane Austen's Dragons. Many of the stories answer questions that the novels deliciously hint at but leave to the reader's imagination. It's a delight to see what's going on in Mary's head, in Collins' head, in Lidia's head, and it's wonderful to learn more about Lady Astrid and the Blue order. But it's also good just to get a deeper look at the world of the Blue Order. The Turnspit Dragon is a particularly endearing story about an ordinary person and his life-changing encounter with a little drake. It's nice to see not all the dragon speakers are landed gentry, some are just normal folks getting on with their lives. I loved the collection, and I hope there will be more.
December 17, 2021
Always Exceptional Reading!
I wish it was possible to give more than 5 Stars! Maria Grace is an author that always gives us exceptionally fine reading to those who are wise enough to follow her. I normally avoid short stories and collections of them because I prefer to get lost in long tales. I took a chance because I truly enjoy all of her work and her Jane Austen inspired Dragon Books have all been fantastic. I must say that I am thrilled that I did. Every single story in this collection Immerses you immediately, there's nothing disjointed or abrupt about them. Read them all!
I wish it was possible to give more than 5 Stars! Maria Grace is an author that always gives us exceptionally fine reading to those who are wise enough to follow her. I normally avoid short stories and collections of them because I prefer to get lost in long tales. I took a chance because I truly enjoy all of her work and her Jane Austen inspired Dragon Books have all been fantastic. I must say that I am thrilled that I did. Every single story in this collection Immerses you immediately, there's nothing disjointed or abrupt about them. Read them all!
March 16, 2023
I loved this collection of short stories. Especially the second one, where the fairy dragons hatch. Who can resist baby dragons? It was my introduction to the entire series, and I'm looking forward to the full-length novels.
I liked getting a glimpse into this hidden world, and the Blue Order.
Benjamin Fife does an excellent job with the entire cast of characters, dragons and humans! All the voices, tones, accents, and cadences he uses — I don't know how he keeps track of them all.
I probably did things backwards since this book fills in gaps in the prior stories, but reading it out of order didn't diminish my enjoyment. I know which dragons I want to know more about.
I liked getting a glimpse into this hidden world, and the Blue Order.
Benjamin Fife does an excellent job with the entire cast of characters, dragons and humans! All the voices, tones, accents, and cadences he uses — I don't know how he keeps track of them all.
I probably did things backwards since this book fills in gaps in the prior stories, but reading it out of order didn't diminish my enjoyment. I know which dragons I want to know more about.
October 24, 2023
A refreshing group of stories involving people and dragons in the series.
I enjoyed this interesting anthology involving characters I have met in the series. Each little vignette revealed hidden aspects of our characters, or actions behind the scenes—almost like outtakes of the books didn’t make the Final Cut, but still had something of value to share.
This fantasy adventure series is wonderful for all ages! For adults, great storylines, interesting, believable characters even among the dragons! The stories are clean and appropriate for young people to enjoy. This book in particular would be a great one to read to your children and/or grandchildren.
I enjoyed this interesting anthology involving characters I have met in the series. Each little vignette revealed hidden aspects of our characters, or actions behind the scenes—almost like outtakes of the books didn’t make the Final Cut, but still had something of value to share.
This fantasy adventure series is wonderful for all ages! For adults, great storylines, interesting, believable characters even among the dragons! The stories are clean and appropriate for young people to enjoy. This book in particular would be a great one to read to your children and/or grandchildren.
March 4, 2023
A lovely collection of short stories.
This collection of short stories are from characters we already know, with the exception of the books title story being from someone we haven't met before. It was pleasant to see things from their perspective.
It only took nine books, but little Lydia Bennet finally clarifies whether or not a Fairy Dragon has two or four legs. Not being certain has vexed me slightly. One of my favourite scenes is told from her point of view, so we even learn something new that wasn't known before.
This collection of short stories are from characters we already know, with the exception of the books title story being from someone we haven't met before. It was pleasant to see things from their perspective.
It only took nine books, but little Lydia Bennet finally clarifies whether or not a Fairy Dragon has two or four legs. Not being certain has vexed me slightly. One of my favourite scenes is told from her point of view, so we even learn something new that wasn't known before.
March 2, 2025
This is another interstitial book, this time in the form of a series of short stories told from the perspective of several different secondary characters. As I said in my review of "A Proper Introduction to Dragons", I quite enjoy this type of interstitial, but not everybody will.
This is another great example of getting to dice in to bits of side story that are referenced in the "main" books of the series, and are very satisfying to flesh out. It just adds another layer of depth to an already vibrant and living world that Ms. Grace has created from the framework of Jane Austen's novels.
This is another great example of getting to dice in to bits of side story that are referenced in the "main" books of the series, and are very satisfying to flesh out. It just adds another layer of depth to an already vibrant and living world that Ms. Grace has created from the framework of Jane Austen's novels.
July 24, 2022
A lovely collection of short and proper stories of dragons
The characters we have met throughout the previous 8 books have left us with questions and stories untold.
This collection tells some, but only some, of those stories.
More stories are needful, like a dragon who is hoard hungry, this whetted my appetite for more of any kind.
Well worth reading as another installment in this lovely world.
The characters we have met throughout the previous 8 books have left us with questions and stories untold.
This collection tells some, but only some, of those stories.
More stories are needful, like a dragon who is hoard hungry, this whetted my appetite for more of any kind.
Well worth reading as another installment in this lovely world.
December 17, 2021
Good
Some were shorter than I liked. No chance to sink my teeth into the story. Probably because I *wanted* White’s tale I was most let down there.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s an excellent collection. You will meet some very interesting new Friends as well as learn the backstory on others.
Some were shorter than I liked. No chance to sink my teeth into the story. Probably because I *wanted* White’s tale I was most let down there.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s an excellent collection. You will meet some very interesting new Friends as well as learn the backstory on others.
August 20, 2023
I honestly didn't except the next book to be a collection of short stories with the ending of the previous book but the stories range across cute and adorable to interesting additions to the world.
I didn't write up reviews for each bc I'm reading this series while exercising but all in all, a good addition
I didn't write up reviews for each bc I'm reading this series while exercising but all in all, a good addition
October 10, 2023
While it was interesting to see the backstory of how some of the characters we’ve met came to know their dragon Friends, the stories here didn’t do anything to further the overall plot—to my knowledge—and felt more like something a fan who really loved the series and wanted more backstory would write. There’s definitely an audience for this, just not me.
October 15, 2023
A pleasant set of short stories
This charming series of short stories fills in some of the less well-known Friend relationships between dragons and humans. My particular favourite was Mary Bennet Collins and Longbourn dragon.
This is definitely not a standalone book and needs to be enjoyed as part of the whole series.
This charming series of short stories fills in some of the less well-known Friend relationships between dragons and humans. My particular favourite was Mary Bennet Collins and Longbourn dragon.
This is definitely not a standalone book and needs to be enjoyed as part of the whole series.
July 18, 2024
I loved catching up with old warm and cold blooded friends.
I loved hearing stories about what happened outside of what is written in the full length books, like how some friends met. I would also like to hear the rest of some of the stories, like what happened with Turnspit and his friend or when White met Captain Croft.
I loved hearing stories about what happened outside of what is written in the full length books, like how some friends met. I would also like to hear the rest of some of the stories, like what happened with Turnspit and his friend or when White met Captain Croft.
April 1, 2022
Fun short stories
Backstories of some characters, including Papa Bennett. I wish some were a little longer. And it would be nice if they were in chronological order. I am sad that the series has finished, I think I read all 9 books in about a week.
Backstories of some characters, including Papa Bennett. I wish some were a little longer. And it would be nice if they were in chronological order. I am sad that the series has finished, I think I read all 9 books in about a week.
April 24, 2022
Fun, but I’m a non-expert and I spotted two glaring errors (as an earl’s daughter, Lady Catherine has always been Lady Catherine, not “just plain Catherine”; and Mr. Collins can’t just get rid of the entail any more than Mr. Bennet could).
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