Emma’s Dragon: London and Pemberley

Jane Austen Fantasy #2

by M. Verant

Emma Woodhouse needs a dragon. Her life depends on it. But Emma’s dragon is claimed… by Elizabeth Darcy.

When Emma Woodhouse meets newly wed Elizabeth, a brush of their gloved hands unmasks the Darcys’ fantastic secret. Emma has discovered Yuánchi, the deadly dragon coveted by both Emperor Napoleon and England’s Secretary of War.

Luckily, secrets are nothing new for Emma. She has her own: a deathbed promise, and a clever plan to achieve it. The Darcys’ power, forbidden to her, might even help.

But clever plans can go astray. As treason stalks a royal ball, an avenging queen rises to ravage England. Survival rests on a fabled alliance: Emma and her secrets, Elizabeth and her dragon, and the magical music of Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy.

Will Emma, Elizabeth, and Mary unravel the mystery of the great wyves in time to save England and themselves?

Emma’s Dragon is the second book in the award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. This boldly original story is filled with magical dragons, strong heroines, and a brilliantly reimagined Regency that challenges barriers of class, race, and love.

Don’t miss this thrilling, romantic fantasy!

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Historical, Magic, Regency, Suspense, Romance

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2023

About the author

I write fantasy, sci-fi, and an occasional thriller. My books celebrate empowering themes and always have a dash of romance, so they’re… noblebright, kind of?

My latest work is Dragons of the Great Wyves, which completes the award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy trilogy. My next project is likely Tiger Seed, a contemporary fantasy rooted in ancient Indus history, although a screenplay for Miss Bennet’s Dragon is tempting…

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and help out the writing community when I can. In what spare time remains, I collect Jane Austen paraphernalia and suitably two-legged dragons.

Reviews

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

October 7, 2025: Second Reading - Rating: 5+*

“The first two secrets are a dangerous pair. One senses truth but must be concealed. The other fills me with false terrors I must ignore or be declared a madwoman.”(quote from the book)

I am so glad I have re-read this book in preparation for Book 3 ‘Dragons of the Great Wyves’. There seemed more clarity and depth from this reading as opposed to the first. I had more empathy for Emma as she struggles.

“My third secret must be revealed.” (quote from the book)

********************************************************

"Offer respect, not rescue, and she will triumph." (quote from the book)

Right from the start, I was swept away and transported back into the world created by Mr. Verant in his first book, 'Miss Bennet's Dragon', a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice infused with draca, wyfe bindings and the Napoleonic war.

"I am Emma Woodhouse. I have three secrets." (quote from the book)

Emma Woodhouse (handsome, clever, and rich...'Emma' by Jane Austen) arrives in London with her good friend, Harriet Smith, where they attend Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy's 'Musical Salon and Social Discourse upon Feminine Power, the Right of All Women to Bind, and other Topics'. Emma is determined to find a way for Harriet to be allowed to bind, as 'no gentleman would marry a woman forbidden to bind draca.' Harriet Smith in this story is a black woman. With introductions to Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy and her husband, Emma is distracted by her response to them. But no sooner are introductions made when all hell breaks loose. The intensity of the story is set and we learn two of Emma's secrets and a revelation about the Darcy's. This is just the first chapter and so much is at stake.

"I do not want to vanish into the shadows. People vanish too easily." (quote from the book)

This story is told from two main perspectives, Emma Woodhouse and Elizabeth Darcy. However, Mary Bennet is given her due as well and it is powerful. I enjoyed each of their perspectives as the saga unfolds. A web of political intrigue, great losses in the war effort, treason, Royal artifacts and abduction of wyves makes our heroines search for answers much more dangerous and difficult. Throw the control of draca into the mix, and it becomes downright deadly.

"My wyfe of war is claimed by another. She is hidden. Drowned in your song." (quote from the book)

There is no way my review can do justice to all that this book encompasses. But I will say, that in my opinion, Emma Woodhouse was an excellent Jane Austen character choice. Although she is clever, she was indulged, naive and believes herself to be right in how she is helping Harriet. I felt the interactions between all the characters was well developed and realistic. And like Elizabeth in book one, Emma needs to find her place in the world outside of her little village of Highbury to grow and learn from her mistakes. Elizabeth's role was a tour de force and one that still leaves me in wonder. But Emma's journey, along with the others, is far from over...it is just beginning.

"To sound our claim,
the three wyves came:
of healing, wise
of song, who cries
of war, Arise."

I highly recommend 'Emma's Dragon (Jane Austen Fantasy #2)' but strongly suggest you read 'Miss Bennet's Dragon' first in order to fully appreciate and understand the full scope and complexity of this amazing saga!

Thank you to Acerbic Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty Gaslamp fantasy adventure set in Jane Austen’s England introduces new players, a darker plot, and, of course, more fiery dragon action. M Verant’s colorful worldbuilding, nuanced characters, and suspenseful plot made for another enthralling read right to the very last tantalizing page.

Emma’s Dragon is the second installment in a read in order series.

While the first book, Miss Bennet’s Dragon, stuck closer to the original Pride & Prejudice storyline, Emma’s Dragon introduces an Emma Woodhouse much like the original, but the few other Emma characters are little like their original counterparts. Not a bad thing, just something to keep in mind.

Emma’s Dragon divides the focus between three main lead women characters- Emma Woodhouse, the newest on the scene, Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, and Mary Bennet.
Emma Woodhouse is a vastly different character from Elizabeth Darcy and her sister Mary. Both the Bennet sisters are forces of nature in their own way. Elizabeth has a powerful connection with draca and is paired along with her husband to a dragon because she is a great wyve. Emma is also a great wyve, they learn quickly, like Darcy’s sister Georgiana who has an affinity for song magic, but Emma’s great wyve dragon magic takes a bit to tease out. She exudes confidence on the outside while trembles with fear and insecurity on the inside. I found her both likeable and insufferable in turn. The insufferable part was her determination to ‘fix’ Harriet and her life (just like my reaction to the original for doing the same thing) and pretend that the racial bigotry Harriet and Mr. Knighley, also of African descent, is not important as simply marrying well to attain social standing. Her strength of heart is also tested in the final scenes when the conflict rising through the book finally explodes with danger and tragedy for our intrepid band of good people and their draca.

I focused on Emma in this review, but there are strong story threads that follow the Darcy family and Mary Bennet, too. A lot of moving parts in this book that were never rushed nor confusing, but paced out well. This is a middle book so it finishes off some of the plot threads and leaves others there to pull readers forward into the next book which I think will be the grand finale.

All in all, the plot is in a dark, desperate place right now and I liked how the story got there. This is Gaslamp fantasy at its best and I can heartily recommend it to Austen lovers, dragon fantasy fans, or those who like an exciting historical with fantasy elements.

I rec’d an eARC through Acerbic Press to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 30th.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAARRGH! The only problem with this excellent story is that I had the erroneous impression that it's the second of a two-book series, but it turns out that there's a third book to come. I want to read it NOW!

There's lots to admire about this complex and way-outside-canon plot, which introduces Emma as having OCD, which she developed as a way of coping with crippling visions of sickness and death. Old Mr. Woodhouse has died, and she overcame her aversion enough to nurse him faithfully to the end. Her dedication to establish Harriet Smith as a gentlewoman has led the two to London, where she makes the acquaintance of Mr, Mrs, and Miss Darcy, Mary Bennet, and Mr. Knightley.

Lord Wellington (not yet a duke) and other British leaders planning the country's war strategies are stymied by an apparently unbeatable weapon the French have recently acquired: a dragon. Some are urging use of the Darcys' dragon to level the playing field.

There are other significant story elements. Harriet and Mr. Kingsley are mulotto characters who encounter overt racism from Londoners unhappy with Britain's recent anti-slavery laws. One of the romantic pairings is homosexual.

The fantasy universe-building is impressive. Elizabeth Darcy is one of three "great wyves." Her abilities expand and become increasingly helpful as the threat to the British Crown grows. The loving connection between her and Darcy is evident, but her sister Mary is wary of Emma, who often finds excuses to touch Mr. Darcy. Emma, meanwhile, only seeks contact with him because it instantly calms the "miasma" she battles in her mind, and the soothing effect lingers.

The last 10% of this book is on-the-edge-of-your-seat, you've-gotta-be-KIDDING-me storytelling at its best. I dare you to read it without wanting to grab the next book immediately, as I do!

Although this ends at an appropriate point - the immediate threat to England from Napoleon is gone - a larger storyline is left hanging.

Mr. Verant writes beautifully, and the book is well-edited. He presents the story from Emma's, Lizzy's, Mary's, and occasionally Georgiana's perspectives, helpfully identifying the character at the beginning of each chapter.

I don't advise reading this as a stand-alone. The previous book, Miss Bennet's Dragon, establishes many of the rules of this fantasy Regency world. It also covers the courtship between Elizabeth and Darcy, sets them off on their first adventure together, and generally sets the stage for everything that happens here. Both books are compelling reads.

Content is clean.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did a re-read of Miss Bennett’s dragon before starting this. And I was so glad I did, if anything I enjoyed it more the second time round.

Emma originally seemed to be an odd choice (to me anyway).

She’s so different to Elizabeth. Manipulative, naive, privileged, overconfident etc. so while I loved the original book Emma it took me a while (a long while) to accept Emma in this.

But once I’d stopped sulking I found I really enjoyed it. And towards the end I was glued to my kindle.

There’s a lot going on here. Apart from the obvious there’s the war, social injustice and slavery. I’m really hoping there isn’t a long wait until the next book.

I voluntarily read a review copy thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, another ride in the series and still one to go.

Narrator performance is outstanding!

Emma was a bit annoying, but Mary's blossoming was cool.

The weaving between P&P, fantasy, womens rights, and even more so, slavery and abolition is very well done.

Sigh, can't believe we have to wait a year (at the least?) for the next one.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's Dragon is the followup to Miss Bennet's Dragon, the second in the Jane Austen Fantasy series by M. Verant. The first book was a faithful retelling of Pride and Prejudice (with dragons) up until Darcy's proposal, when it diverged to include the deaths of two Bennets, treason, and dragon mind control. The series has well-established and maintained fantasy world building, which extends itself to this book. Emma's Dragon feels like the second book in a fantasy series, introducing new characters and conflicts and ending with an ambiguous victory based on tragic circumstances.

The book is not "Emma with dragons," nor is it a lighthearted gaslamp fantasy. It feels more like Naomi Novik's Temeraire series than anything else, as the draca are enlisted in the Napoleonic War. We appreciated the serious fantasy take on P&P in the first book, but above anything else it was still a romance between Lizzy and Darcy. This book is definitively a fantasy, with the romance taking a back seat. (We do realize that in Emma, Knightly was not an avowed suitor, but they were close friends and interacted frequently. Here, Emma meets Knightly for the first time in London, and their romance has very little ground to grow from.)

We recommend this book if you enjoy more serious gaslamp fantasy. A familiarity with Jane Austen's works will help, but it's not enough to read the book as a standalone - you definitely need to have read Miss Bennet's Dragon to get into Emma's Dragon.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[wrenling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation to the first book, Emma's Dragon builds in complexity and drama, and veers much more deeply into an Austen-inspired Britain filled with fire-breathing draca. With the Darcys and their dragon, we're now well beyond the Austen canon, and when this book begins we know immediately that Emma, Harriet, and Mr Knightley will be very different in this world. The natural and mystical history of the draca, and their relationship to England's society and particularly the "wyves," becomes central to the story.

I enjoyed all of the characters and their arcs, and it's hard to pick a favorite! Emma and Mr Knightley both shine, and Mary Bennet comes to the fore in unexpected ways. Without giving spoilers it's hard to say much more, but I enjoyed the first book, enjoyed this one even more, and am definitely looking forward to Book 3.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series, a Pride and Prejudice AU fanfic with OOC Mary Bennet (as the author says in his afterword to this book, she's basically Mary Shelley, although I don't think Mary Shelley was a lesbian). This one doesn't attempt to base itself at all closely on Emma (the book), though Emma (the character) is the same kind of sometimes-oblivious meddler. Both her friend Harriet and her eventual love interest Mr. Knightley are of African descent in this version, which allows the introduction of an overt political note that was much subtler in Austen's novels.

The politics, in fact, are not at all subtle. When you've said that the main antagonist is a right-wing populist, you've conveyed essentially everything the author conveys about him, his followers, his agenda and his attitudes - they don't deviate a millimeter from the expected; and all of the main characters on the "good" side, even real people (like Lord Wellington) who were notoriously conservative, have some degree of modern liberal sensibility. Early on in my reading, in fact, I was composing a rant to include in this review about how, these days, the only virtue is orthodoxy and the only sin is heresy, so regardless of when and where your book is set, you have to give your characters the exact views that Western progressives hold this week if you want them to seem like good people... but as I read on, and got caught up in what is actually a well-written, well-told story with some characters that take only some of their depth from their models in Austen, I calmed down a bit, and when I read the author's afterword (which mentions the progressive views held by some historical people in 1812) I calmed down a bit more. I still think the politics tend to the anachronistic side, and less would have been more, but I no longer feel that they spoil the book for me.

The spec-fic element is the presence of "draca" (dragons and related creatures), apparently now only in Britain for some reason yet to be revealed - or maybe I misunderstood, and it's just that it's only in Britain that women (of a certain social status and degree of virtue, and of course that's a plot point) "bind" to draca when they marry. Some of the history of draca comes out in the course of the book, and it's fascinating stuff and makes me want to know more.

Similarly to another dragon-featuring series set in the Napoleonic Wars (I'm referring to Naomi Novik's Temeraire), despite the fact that dragons exist in this world, everything up to the point the story started follows exactly our history, including the existence of Napoleon and Lord Wellington and Mad King George and the Prince Regent; and then almost as soon as the story begins it starts to diverge. It's not fatal to my suspension of disbelief, but it does put a strain on it.

But this is quibbling. Overall, the story worked for me, there's plenty of suspense and drama, it's Austeny but also an adventure story with dragons, and as Regency fantasies go, this went well. The issues I've laid out above keep it out of the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list, but not by a lot; it's solid, enjoyable work.

[Sarah]

I didn't like this one as much. I enjoyed the idea of dragons or draca mixed with Austen's books, and have read a couple of series where they did just that. But this one didn't appeal to me as much. I think it's because of how a couple of the key side characters were portrayed that just rubbed me wrong. It's well written, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

This is the sequel to Miss Bennet’s Dragon, which is half-Pride and Prejudice retelling with dragons (something I’m discovering to be a surprisingly common sub-genre?), half-full-on Napoleonic War fantasy. Emma’s Dragon mostly follows on from the latter of those, but now incorporating a few characters and elements from Emma. This book is trying to do a lot. There’s the Austen retelling part, the dragons, and the war aspect, as well as dealing with issues including racism, populism, and mental illness (OCD) – and sometimes it feels like a little bit too much.

In terms of the Austen elements: this book is mainly dual-POV from Elizabeth Darcy (née Bennet) and Emma Woodhouse, with the occasional chapter from Mary Bennet. One of my favourite parts of the first book was Lizzy and Mary’s relationship, which is much closer than in Pride and Prejudice, so I was glad to see that continue here. I also loved getting to see Lizzy and Mr Darcy supporting each other and working as a team.

Pretty much the only things that are taken from Emma are Emma and Harriet’s relationship, and the presence of a character named George Knightley who is critical of how Emma treats Harriet (but otherwise entirely different from his original). (There’s also John Knightley, but that aspect is even more drastically changed, such that it might as well be entirely new.) Making both Harriet and Mr Knightley Black was an interesting choice, and I liked the way Emma’s treatment of Harriet is adapted into a commentary on white saviourism, but Emma’s stubbornness and lack of wisdom with regard to Harriet is one of the things about Austen’s original story that most frustrates me, so the fact that that was the main part of the story that’s adapted here didn’t really endear me to this version of Emma.

Giving Emma OCD was also a Choice. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation, or whether the techniques suggested to Emma for managing it are actually effective, but I will say that I felt a little weird about it being (sort of) caused by Emma’s magic – especially when the author’s note outright says that it includes ‘unrealistic aspects’, and seems to imply that it’s not an ownvoices portrayal from the author.

As far as the fantasy elements, I found the draca lore a bit difficult to follow in this one. The blend of Chinese and Egyptian references felt a little confused, and I had a bit of a hard time following the significance and implications of all the magic visions that Lizzy and Emma kept having. The main villain was a fairly one-dimensional too: he was essentially just a racist and bigoted far-right populist – which I suppose isn’t unrealistic, but felt a little unsatisfying, especially when the plot started off so focussed on invasion from Napoleon and the French, and then abruptly pivoted to be dealing with a right-wing insurrection within England that was almost entirely separate.

Overall it wasn’t a bad book, and there were definitely some elements that I appreciated, but in totality I didn’t have quite as good a time with it as the first book, and I don’t know if I’ll be interested in reading the finale.

CW: racism, chronic illness, debilitating OCD, grief

[Charlotte Pawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete retelling of Jane Austin books from Pride and Prejudice to Emma. Dragons are front and centre in this retelling. A roller coaster of emotions is rung from you with a complete surprise ending. I would recommend following in order to get the full experience.
You will wait impatiently for the next retelling.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Graisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Acerbic Press, M. Verant, and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for a review.

A worthy addition to the series. I also couldn't put this one down. Can't wait for the conclusion in book three.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues in this Pride and Prejudice sequel where Emma, as usual is quite annoying finds her dragon has been taken already. How will this affect the war and disruption within Britain. Will Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy (horrible pairing) music help.
Ignoring the unliked pairing it is an enjoyable story but I only reading the book because of part three to come.

[Philip Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed Emma’s Dragon as part of a critique group. I found the story engaging and compelling, like the first book. Verant manages to keep all the fun of the Austen characters and seamlessly blends in draca and dragons. In the first book Lizzy is the main character. In Emma, Lizzy and Emma alternate perspectives so we get to enjoy the wonderful Lizzy and her dragon while we learn about Emma and her relations with Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith, among others. This story has all the ambiance and style of Austen’s world while giving us exciting fights between dragons and insidious forces corrupting draca-bound wyves. There are some great plot twists and reveals that make this story great fun. It’s a must read for Austen and dragon lovers!

[Gill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...


Emma’s Dragon is the second book in M.Verant’s award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. It is a sequel to Miss Bennet’s Dragon.

At the end of the first book, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy marry and bind with the formidable dragon, Yuánchi, thus thwarting Napoleon’s plans for England.

In Emma’s Dragon, we are introduced to Emma Woodhouse, a woman burdened by many secrets. Her own father’s indiscretions, the machinations of her brother in law to steal her inheritance and most of all her mental afflictions.

Her gift should be healing but without being bound to a dragon, she lacks sufficient power. Instead her “gift” curses her with, what we would know as obsessive compulsive disorder.

Emma meets the Darcys and discovers that she should have been the one to bind with Yuánchi, the deadly dragon coveted by both Emperor Napoleon and England’s Secretary of War.

The story unfolds in London, with dark forces kidnapping wyves and dosing them with Night Crawler venom. Those who survive become a weapon for a racist, misogynistic and ultimately traitorous group called Britain Awake.

That weapon is turned upon Elizabeth Darcy and then used to summon a terrifying behemoth with a fractured mind.

The cast of characters runs from Royalty to orphans, with a mix of races as befits a story which addresses both racial and class prejudice.

The most prominent characters are the Great Wyves, women of strength and courage, Elizabeth, Emma, Mary and Georgiana.

The survival of all will depend upon them.

Emma’s Dragon is a fast-paced and exciting read, and it is sure to please fans of both Jane Austen and fantasy fiction.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book!

To people who know me it will be no surprise that I love both epic fantasy worlds inhabited by fearsome dragons, and the classic novels where the most fearsome creature to behold must surely be an accomplished woman. The Jane Austen fantasy series combines the two admirably. After reading the first book, Miss Bennet's Dragon, I couldn't wait to dive right into book 2!

In Emma's Dragon we meet Emma, as you would expect from reading the title. It is not a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma with dragons, but instead her story interweaves with that of the Darcy family. We do see some familiar faces, like Harriet and Mr. Knightley. Besides them, we also get to see a little more of Mary and Georgiana. All of them together must figure out what it means to be a great wyfe, to save both the dragons, themselves and the whole of England.

Is this book a classic like the novels by Jane Austen? Well, not really. Is it highly entertaining and does it keep you on the edge of your seat? Yes! I enjoyed reading this book a lot and I for one cannot wait to find out how the story concludes in book 3!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up the tale with Emma and Harriet arriving in London to attend Mary Bennett's salon about the rights of every woman to bind Draca, when Lizzy meets Emma she immediately knows that she's another of the great wyves but then the meeting and specifically Lizzy are attacked by armed men.
Lizzie, Mary, Georgiana, Darcy, Knightley, Harriet and Emma all wind up in the Darcy's home where we find out that Lizzie is bound to the wrong dragon. Yuanchi should have been bound to Emma as she is the great wyfe of healing while Lizzy is the great wyfe of war. However bindings are for life so there is no way to fix this and that's just the beginning of this story.
I'm so happy to be back in this world of what if Austen was set during the Napoleonic wars and there were dragons, though Emma is my least favorite Austin character/story the author makes some changes to the characters, Emma has severe OCD, while Harriet and Mr. Knightley are both black, Mr. Knightley is also a musician giving all three characters far more depth and interest. There's more as well but I don't want to spoil anything in my excitement :)

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Acerbic Press

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read October 2025

The third and final book is out so I did a re-read. I’m so glad I’d forgotten so much.

Original review

I did a re-read of Miss Bennett’s dragon before starting this. And I was so glad I did, if anything I enjoyed it more the second time round.

Emma originally seemed to be an odd choice (to me anyway).

She’s so different to Elizabeth. Manipulative, naive, privileged, overconfident etc. so while I loved the original book Emma it took me a while (a long while) to accept Emma in this.

But once I’d stopped sulking I found I really enjoyed it. And towards the end I was glued to my kindle.

There’s a lot going on here. Apart from the obvious there’s the war, social injustice and slavery. I’m really hoping there isn’t a long wait until the next book.

I voluntarily read a review copy thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

[Claudia Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started fun and has emerged from the lake as a fantasy of note

I'm a sucker for P&P retelling, and for anything involving dragons, so I picked this series up because it combined the two. The first book was great, but this second one went way beyond the cozy P&P retelling into being an alternate earth fantasy worth reading in its own right. I'm waiting eagerly for the third book!

[Mari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though it was sometimes captivating there were times I almost quit and didn’t finished… I wanted to read this sequel for a while and was disappointed, it was too woke for me. Just like watching a Netflix movie adaptation for teens
I don’t think I will read next book

[Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ — This book claimed that could be read as a standalone but truth be told I was confused all the damn time. Which one is which, whose is whose, and what the hell is going on, throughout the book probably? However, the writing is good enough for Jane Austen's Fantasy novel.

The Writing and storyline for fantasy inspired Jane Austen kind of book, this author did its job well. It was beautiful in the context of literature in their own style. However, I just do not understand when this book claimed can be read as a standalone which I think was quite a rubbish. OK, I get a glimpse of it in some of the storylines but for a complete whole-full of the story of this book, truth be told you guys truly need to read the first book and continued the story from that part. Also, because of the confusing era while I read this book, it makes me bored all the damn time and it was a pretty tough job to finish it as well. Nevertheless, the Main Story of this book focusing is “the strength is within you, the other outside factor is just the helper”.

Other than that, this book's main story is focusing on three characters; Emma, Lizzy, and Mary I do hate character povs and this book have three of them. Not only does it makes me confused because whose POV is this supposed to be, but sometimes, while in one of those characters' pov, it feels like I read another person's storyline which is annoying. In addition, the main point of the storyline is about Yuanchi is supposed to be Emma’s dragon but got bounded by Lizzy, meanwhile, Lizzy is supposed to be bounded by Fenu. Even so, the war between England, French, and America was also the main focus of the storyline in that era with a spice of fantasy on Jane Austen.

The Issues I Gathered:
➊ Providing charity is a virtue
➋ Chinese heritage, somehow the draca and the knowledge about them especially is focusing on the Chinese heritage and culture imo. It was good and has a good knowledge of that part.
➌ Women's Issue – probably patriarchy all over because of how this book represents. For example, when Lizzy was seen as someone not able to vote for her own voice, she need wait for Mr. Darcy's voice before speaking in the meetings. Also, marriage is the main focus of how women would be respected.
➍ People of color seem to address their friends by their surname to show respect rather than on the first name basis because they see themselves as their slaves. People of color here represent Black people's treatment of the white supremacist environment. It was heartbreaking and the truth is told, I feel like I want to stab white people's (in this story) brains but then I remembered which era this book held.
➎ People's dresses. It wasn’t uncommon for how people dressed in this certain era can show people which class they are in. It also can be categorized as classism in its own way.
➏ The strength is within you, the outside factor is just presumptions. In this specific part, Emma is the wyfe of healing, she needs to believe in herself. Her journey to be the wyfe of healing is not an easy path but it was because she cannot accept the truth about her own power. Also, the eternal factor of needing to be bounded with Yuanchi is just an assumption because once Emma accepts her own power, she is unbeatable.
➐ What you desire and others are different, do not ask them to gain your own desire and you denied that it isn’t yours. In this part, Emma always pursued her (I forgot the name already. Sorry!) to get married to the gentleman Emma’s perspective but this lady always refused because it wasn’t her main intention to do in her life.
➑ Coping mechanism; music
➒ White supremacy, should I write more???

Things I approved for this book:
➊ Knowledge about Dragons or Draca and how they work in this certain eras. It gives me internal goosebumps until all of my vision disappears (ok that’s hyperbole). But, dragons always have a way with my heart, and when it was Fenu or Yuanchi's presence in the book mentioned, I just… dead… inside…
➋ The writing is pretty good enough for Jane Austen's Fantasy
➌ The emotions between the binding of Draca and the wyfe. I feel the attachment between the binding between Lizzy and Yuanchi even though well, they weren’t supposed to be bonded. But, this makes me want to read about how the first book goes and how they meet or anything else related to those 2!! Nothing breaks me other than the love and connection between Lizzy and Yuanchi in this part and the longing of Fenu to be bonded with his wyfe!
➍ The world-building is just amazing!

The only thing I Disapproved: Claimed can be read as standalone? → dude, I was confused all the damn time

To conclude, I was confused all the damn time throughout the book but this book holds its own way to my heart when it comes to the relationship between Yuanchi, Lizzy, Emma, and Fenu. The writing and the storyline actually went well with the flow if I do understand what’s happening in the first book. I also dislike these three characters' povs which makes me annoyed even more. However, this book has its flaws and good things for the first book I read from this author. Thank you netgalley for giving me privilege to read this before the publication date. Even though I gave the review way long after pub date lmao

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐉 Emma’s Dragon 🥁
London and Pemberley
Jane Austen Fantasy Book 2
✒️ M. Verant
https://www.mverant.com/
Release Date 03/26/2023
Publisher Acerbic Press
➪ https://a.co/d/c0mkVS5

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

The award-winning Regency fantasy continues.

Emma Woodhouse needs a dragon. Her life depends on it. But Emma’s dragon is claimed… by Elizabeth Darcy.

When Emma Woodhouse meets newly wed Elizabeth, a brush of their gloved hands unmasks the Darcys’ fantastic secret. Emma has discovered Yuánchi, the deadly dragon coveted by both Emperor Napoleon and England’s Secretary of War.

Secrets are nothing new for Emma. She has her own: a deathbed promise, and a clever plan to achieve it. The Darcys’ power, forbidden to her, might even help.

But clever plans go astray. As treason stalks a royal ball, an avenging queen rises to ravage England. Survival rests on a fabled alliance: Emma and her secrets, Elizabeth and her dragon, and the magical music of Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy.

Will Emma, Elizabeth, and Mary unravel the mystery of the great wyves in time to save England and themselves?

Emma’s Dragon is the second book in the award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. This boldly original story is filled with magical dragons, strong heroines, and a brilliantly reimagined Regency that challenges barriers of class, race, and love.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

My first absolute recommendation is to read the first book before this one or you will lost with the politics and laws ruling this world.
After while Miss Bennet’s Dragon follows in some way the canon story, this one is purely a fantasy with Jane Austen’s characters.

It takes place after the ending of the first book, and put on the spotlight Emma, the author’s version of the Austen’s character.
But the story is not only told from her point of view, as it continues with Lizzy and it also offers Mary ( with Georgiana) some time under the spotlight.

And while I read the first book as a variation of Pride and Prejudice, this book is much different despite the presence of Austen’s characters.
The romances are mostly relegated to the background as the action and politic take precedence.
Nonetheless this series is a must read for for any fantasy lover.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Hope Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and beautiful sequel

While Miss Bennet’s Dragon was a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Emma’s Dragon continues that story but with additional characters. With a still flawed but actually sympathetic Emma, a Harriet who has a backbone, a Mr.Knightly who is a character in his own right, and a fully realized Georgina Darcy and Mary Bennet, this volume deals with racism, homophobia, the restricted role of women, class struggle, the Napoleonic Wars, and dragons. Like the first book—and for heaven’s sake read that book first—it is at times very very dark, but shot through with hope and wonder.

Fans of Maria Grace’s series may ask how they compare. Grace’s books are cozy and warm. There are trials and tribulations, but we can expect that good will triumph eventually. Redemption is frequent, tragedy is rare, and there are currently 13 books to enjoy, only one of which ended in a cliff hanger. Pacing is slower, and the cast of Persuasion plays a significant role in later books.

Verant’s two novels are not cozy. You may be tempted to throw each across the room at least once. Good people make bad decisions, and innocent people die. Bad things happen to beloved characters, and bad people sometimes get away with their crimes. Scenes of beauty, grace, and kindness are interspersed with despair and cruelty. These books are profound and consuming.

Which you prefer might depend as much on the state of your psyche as your tastes. If you are bruised or fragile, Grace’s world will comfort you. If you are yearning to stretch your own limits, Verant’s world will push you forward and redefine your sense of courage. I will continue to savor both, grateful that I do not have to choose.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I'll be honest and say that I couldn't remember much of the previous book, and given that the second installment of the series features povs of three different characters, it took a while for everything to come back to me. It's a personal preference that dislikes stories told from more than two povs since I find that I lose traction that I've gained from one character's perspective when switching often to that of another.

That being said, I did enjoy Lizzy's portions. She was a delight and it's always easy to like her. Mary, on the other hand, I didn't enjoy so much. And it wasn't because she was a lesbian but the fact that her angst and general railing against humanity and the machine made her read so joyless. And I didn't like Emma in Jane Austen's version, and I liked her just as little in this book. So unfortunately I found myself just trying to get through two-thirds of this book until Lizzy's part showed up again.

I will read the third book just because this one ended on such a cliffhanger. It was heartbreaking and I should've waited until the third book was out to read this one. That might've made this one more manageable for me. Overall, while I only liked Lizzy and Darcy in this book, it was a solid and interesting read. I did continue to enjoy the world or draca that this author has created and will wait to see how he resolves the different story lines.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Woodhouse is no Elizabeth Bennett.

But Emma is an interesting character in her own right. She is doing the best she can, even if she fails often. (She is determined that her Black friend Harriet Smith will be accepted as not only a lady but a gentry lady.) I particularly liked both Harriet and also the Black gentleman Mr. Knightley.

Not just women but only married women are able to magically bind with draca (which come in all sizes & colors), as we found out in Book One.

In particular, there are Great Wyves of legend. Darcy's mother had been one. We also found out in Book One that Elizabeth (Lizzy) is the Great Wyfe of War, even though she has zero intention of joining the current fight against Napoleon Bonaparte. Darcy's sister is the Great Wyfe of Song (but not married yet). Emma appears to be the Great Wyfe of Healing but she has not yet come into her powers since she has not yet married. So, I definitely enjoyed the magic system.

Emma's Dragon is the middle book of the Jane Austen Fantasy trilogy. I am most assuredly looking forward to seeing how this series concludes in Book Three!

Amazon's blurb rightly called Emma's Dragon "brilliantly reimagined Regency that challenges barriers of class, race, and love."

Recommended for Jane Austen fans, romance fans, Regency fans, and fans of dragons large & small!

[Llynnya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma’s Dragon: London and Pemberley / Jane Austen Fantasy, Book 2
by M. Verant

Dragons and Regency - need more be said? Ok, fine. I truly enjoyed this story.

In 'Emma’s Dragon: London and Pemberley' M. Verant's storytelling is richly detailed - filled with Regency manners, romance, mystery, intrigue and dragons. He takes the world that Ms. Austen built in her original 'Emma' and expands beyond with a story that draws the reader in right from the beginning. Did I mention dragons and Regency?


Set during the Napoleonic war the characters have plausible flaws, they can and do error and face high stakes consequences for their actions. Did I mention dragons and Regency?


I did not read M. Verant's first book in the Jane Austen Fantasy series 'Miss Bennett’s Dragon' before starting this book. While I think it isn't strictly necessary to read 'Miss Bennet's Dragon' before 'Emma’s Dragon: London and Pemberley' it would enhance the experience. Did I mention dragons and Regency?

Thank-you to author M. Verant and Acerbic Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#EmmasDragon #JaneAustenFantasy #MissBennetsDragon

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed book one and its take on P&P with draca and it was one of my favourite Regency Fantasy novels, capturing the spirit of the book but also being very much its own thing.

Book two, Emma’s Dragon, is even better incredible though that seems. I’ll try and avoid spoilers but it really ups the stakes by changing the course of the Napoleonic Wars, and also put me through the emotional ringer. In addition I adore what the author has done with Mary and Georgiana. Mary in particular is magnificent and inspirational.

Emma is a new pov in addition to Lizzy, and again she is true to her novel whilst also bringing a new dimension to the storyline. Emma and Harriet are not only interesting new characters but by making Harriet mixed race Verant is able to look at the issue of slavery and black lives in an England paying lip service to abolition but still entangled in the business of slave based commerce without being heavy handed. Knightley is black and a reminder that the historical Regency was not solely white but had many people of colour as shown in numerous portraits that survive from the period.


I’m eagerly looking forward to book three.

[Bookology · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really don't like giving negative feedback, but this book is touted as being an expansion on Jane Austen's world....all the characters from Pride and Prejudice are there, along with Emma, Harriet, and Mr. Knightley. But don't read this if you are hoping to encounter the traditional characters you know and love. The names and many relationships are preserved, but somehow John Knightley is a villain. Confident and beautiful Emma Woodhouse is now insecure and plagued with visions of doom (reminiscent of Mr. Woodhouse in Austen's original.) Mary Bennet is an outspoken feminist who actually shows up to a party in a beautiful dress and is renowned for her music.

Essentially, the author just lifted the names of Austen's characters, and then plunked everyone down in London amongst wyverns and dragons (which WAS fun, I agree.) The story was slow moving and did not hold my attention. I was really disappointed in this book!

The perks: creative story idea (though why not just write your story and give your characters their own names?) and no foul language..

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to Netgalley and Acerbic Press for my ARC.

I enjoyed the first book and continued to search for the next book in the series, so was delighted to be invited to review it. Emma’s Dragon did not disappoint! The writing was detailed, lush with description and drew the reader into the tale.

The continuation of Lizzy and Darcy’s story is seamlessly woven into Emma Woodhouse’s. Containing brilliant world building and compelling characters (you either love or loathe the main characters) the second title in the ‘Jane Austen Fantasy’ series scintillates as it entrances the reader.

Warning: do not start reading late at night or when you don’t have time to finish this book because it will weave its spell and ensorcel you until you do.

Tip: for maximum enjoyment read Miss Bennett’s Dragon first!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

At once I love and am furious with this book. M. Verant sweeps the reader into an alternate version of regency England that contains dragons and draca. The addition of Emma to the world of Pride & Prejudice is skillful. I enjoyed reading the book but the ending… It leaves the reader hanging and the afterword does not offer relief in the form of reassurance that the next piece of story is coming.
Reader you will love this book but be warned, the ending will leave you wanting to throw the book across the room. Don’t do it you’ll damage your ereader.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to enjoy a brilliant world of story.