Published: March 2024
Pages: 331
Series: The Memoirs of Lady Trent #2
Summary
Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics.
Science is not separate from politics. As much as I would like it to be a pure thing, existing only in some intellectual realm unsullied by human struggle, it will always be entangled with the world we live in.”
The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell . . . where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before.
My thoughts
The second book in the Memoirs of Lady Trent series is another captivating blend of fantasy and adventure. Set out in the wilderness we get even more of Isabella, see more of her life after the ending of the first book, as well as the progress with the relationships in her life.
“Another thing to study,” Natalie said, amused. “Will you ever be done?”
Not going to lie, the start of this book was difficult for me personally, only because I have a very young son and I couldn’t imagine thinking of my child the way Isabella thinks of hers. She is not maternal, and that’s okay we all aren’t, but we get a strong sense that it is more than that. She sees her sons as more of a burden and it leans into regret. I find it hard to put myself into her shoes. It is only a small part of this book as we don’t see her son again until the end, but it just itched me the wrong way if that makes sense.. but that’s also the great things about books. We get opened to different thoughts, feelings and perspectives. I just felt so badly for this small child!
Isabella’s is back on another meticulous and peril-prone scientific expedition. Narrated in the same unique ‘memoir’ style that I loved from book one, we don’t only see the new adventure but hear Isabella’s reflections with her usual wisdom and comedy. This was a really engaging story and we also learn much more about dragons that builds on top of our knowledge from book one. We’re learning alongside Isabella which feels, as a reader, that we are the ones on the adventure making these discoveries together.
“There is no faster way to harden my determination than to assume I will fail at something.”
We are introduced to some new side characters that are very unique. I can tell that Brennan has put a lot of thought into her world’s and their culture. These are not 1-dimensional characters, they have their own language, customs, beliefs, way of life.. it felt very immersive and believable, especially from Isabella and her crew who have never experienced this culture before. All of this, as well as entering a country on the brink of war (not your best idea Isabella..) culminates in action, drama and many a near-death experience. Never a boring day for scientists!
“Would that I were a man,’” I said, quoting Sarpalyce’s legend. “Except that I do not wish I were a man. I only wish that being a woman did not limit me so.”
We also see more of the deeper societal constraints and expectations placed upon women in Isabella’s era. Her continued defiance of these norms, often with surprising support from unexpected allies, is a significant thematic thread. She is passionate about science and that always take precedence over propriety, leading to amusing and sometimes dangerous situations. I admire this of her, however I do also find her incredibly naïve. She is come a long way in just these first two books so I’m eager to keep reading and see who she is by the end on this series. The character development is subtle but impactful, especially by the end!
“Science is not separate from politics. As much as I would like it to be a pure thing, existing only in some intellectual realm unsullied by human struggle, it will always be entangled with the world we live in.”
I also have to make a small note of appreciated for Isabella’s friendship with her new assistant. These two are two peas in a pod, very similar at heart and have found solace in each other. She feels clearly to me as asexual although they never outright say that, perhaps not a term from back in the day but she speaks at length of her feelings and it’s a nice piece of added depth which completely fitted in with the rest of the story. I’m not a fan of representation when it feels forced to tick boxes. I enjoy it when the author is considerate of the characters and creates them with conscious thought. Representation matters but it also matters that its done right!
Would I recommend?
Yes, all the same things that I loved about book one. Drama, action and plenty of adventure and scientific discovery! Although I couldn’t relate to Isabella’s dynamic with her young son and the book was a bit slower paced that book one, I still enjoyed it and I am glad I picked it up. Book three is on the TBR!