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hoffmann_fanatic's review
4.0
6/10. I think I am finally beginning to figure out this series. E.E. Knight's writing is so uniquely equipped to tell this story, but it's a slow-paced story and not one that you ever want to binge. I said this for the prequel, but it's hard to really see this as a young adult novel with how long it is, how difficult it is to get through, and how dark it ends up getting. But young readers who like Robin Hobb might like this too.
That said, this was better than the first book by miles. Knight just does a better job here focusing on characters other than Ileth and figuring out how to portray their growth through Ileth's perspective. The story still plods, but moved faster - and importantly, less consistently - than its predecessor. I still cannot figure out who this series is for, but I'll certainly read the next book!
That said, this was better than the first book by miles. Knight just does a better job here focusing on characters other than Ileth and figuring out how to portray their growth through Ileth's perspective. The story still plods, but moved faster - and importantly, less consistently - than its predecessor. I still cannot figure out who this series is for, but I'll certainly read the next book!
lostinagoodbook's review
4.0
Before we get started, in case you are interested, I also reviewed the first book in this series, Novice Dragoneer.
We start this new book where the last one left off. Ileth is now an Apprentice Dragoneer, which pretty much means having to do a LOT more work. But since her true love is dragons, she is more than willing to lose sleep and expend vast amounts of energy for their benefit. She really does have an admirable work ethic. I’m worn out just reading about it.
She is a great character, hard working, principled and sincere. She makes mistakes, but it’s easy to see why she has begun to really attract notice and respect from dragoneers and teachers alike. She’s not afraid … ok scratch that … she does have a healthy amount of fear, especially when thrust into battle, but she is ultimately valorous. There is also a certain young dragon who I REALLY hope ends up paired with her in the end. I really love him.
This book has all the same things I loved about the first one. Adventure, dragons with distinct personality, found family, a good cast of characters and enough intrigue to keep the plot moving forward in new and interesting ways.
I am looking forward to the next book. I think this is a trilogy?? Maybe more? I’ll be reading that’s for sure.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley
We start this new book where the last one left off. Ileth is now an Apprentice Dragoneer, which pretty much means having to do a LOT more work. But since her true love is dragons, she is more than willing to lose sleep and expend vast amounts of energy for their benefit. She really does have an admirable work ethic. I’m worn out just reading about it.
She is a great character, hard working, principled and sincere. She makes mistakes, but it’s easy to see why she has begun to really attract notice and respect from dragoneers and teachers alike. She’s not afraid … ok scratch that … she does have a healthy amount of fear, especially when thrust into battle, but she is ultimately valorous. There is also a certain young dragon who I REALLY hope ends up paired with her in the end. I really love him.
This book has all the same things I loved about the first one. Adventure, dragons with distinct personality, found family, a good cast of characters and enough intrigue to keep the plot moving forward in new and interesting ways.
I am looking forward to the next book. I think this is a trilogy?? Maybe more? I’ll be reading that’s for sure.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley
tinynavajo's review against another edition
4.0
A good sequel
To a good story about a girl and her dream to be a dragoneer. Ileth again learns that her life in the Serpentine won’t let her rest, but she continues to do her duty . But when war comes, she learns more about her family than bargained for.
To a good story about a girl and her dream to be a dragoneer. Ileth again learns that her life in the Serpentine won’t let her rest, but she continues to do her duty . But when war comes, she learns more about her family than bargained for.
jonie_rich's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Daughter of the Serpentine is the second Dragoneer Academy novel by E.E. Knight. Released 17th Nov 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 512 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've always loved epic character driven fantasy. This is an excellent and very well written addition to the genre. Despite being the second in a series, it worked very well as a standalone novel. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info dumping or spoon feeding his audience. Protagonist Ileth is loyal, intelligent, and brave and despite being patronless, previously uneducated, and from a poor background, she shows she's willing to work for advancement without sacrificing her moral code to achieve her goals.
Although ostensibly written mostly for the YA/NA audience, I found the narrative enjoyable and very readable and engaging (despite being neither young nor new myself). The technical detail of the writing itself is well controlled and exactingly constructed - the plot moves along at a very good pace and the plot never dragged or lost my interest. The author is clearly adept at his craft.
This is a wide ranging novel with a large cast of characters. The author has included a list of dramatis personae at the end of the book (though I didn't find myself needing to consult it).
I read this in the middle of a pandemic. As a healthcare worker, I have faced many long and unpleasant days trying to perform a challenging job under trying circumstances. Reading has been a sanity saver for me (and many of my colleagues). Epic fantasy in my particular case has been a lifeline and a relaxation from a very demanding daily routine. I devoured this book. It could partially be "right book at the right time" but I truly enjoyed this one and fully intend to go back and read the first book in the series as soon as possible.
Five stars. This would make a superlative selection for lovers of fantasy, dragons, strong female character driven coming-of-age fiction, etc. Looking forward to more from this very accomplished author.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Daughter of the Serpentine is the second Dragoneer Academy novel by E.E. Knight. Released 17th Nov 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 512 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've always loved epic character driven fantasy. This is an excellent and very well written addition to the genre. Despite being the second in a series, it worked very well as a standalone novel. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info dumping or spoon feeding his audience. Protagonist Ileth is loyal, intelligent, and brave and despite being patronless, previously uneducated, and from a poor background, she shows she's willing to work for advancement without sacrificing her moral code to achieve her goals.
Although ostensibly written mostly for the YA/NA audience, I found the narrative enjoyable and very readable and engaging (despite being neither young nor new myself). The technical detail of the writing itself is well controlled and exactingly constructed - the plot moves along at a very good pace and the plot never dragged or lost my interest. The author is clearly adept at his craft.
This is a wide ranging novel with a large cast of characters. The author has included a list of dramatis personae at the end of the book (though I didn't find myself needing to consult it).
I read this in the middle of a pandemic. As a healthcare worker, I have faced many long and unpleasant days trying to perform a challenging job under trying circumstances. Reading has been a sanity saver for me (and many of my colleagues). Epic fantasy in my particular case has been a lifeline and a relaxation from a very demanding daily routine. I devoured this book. It could partially be "right book at the right time" but I truly enjoyed this one and fully intend to go back and read the first book in the series as soon as possible.
Five stars. This would make a superlative selection for lovers of fantasy, dragons, strong female character driven coming-of-age fiction, etc. Looking forward to more from this very accomplished author.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
bookishly_laura9813's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hmierow's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book!
I know it won’t be for everyone, but this was a great slow burn, kind of political, character driven fantasy. Ileth is just a fantastic main character. E.E. Knight is such a detailed writer and I was so immersed in this world. The way he writes and builds up to big reveals is brilliant.
Like I said this is very character driven. This book is the second in the series and follows Ileth’s life as an apprentice at the Serpentine. It’s not big plot point after plot point and super action packed on every page (though the final battle is very action packed and so so good). We follow Ileth through the nitty gritty of her every day life with other characters from the serpentine.
I checked this out from the library, but I will MOST DEFINITELY be purchasing my own copies of both books because they are fantastic and I loved them.
I know it won’t be for everyone, but this was a great slow burn, kind of political, character driven fantasy. Ileth is just a fantastic main character. E.E. Knight is such a detailed writer and I was so immersed in this world. The way he writes and builds up to big reveals is brilliant.
Like I said this is very character driven. This book is the second in the series and follows Ileth’s life as an apprentice at the Serpentine. It’s not big plot point after plot point and super action packed on every page (though the final battle is very action packed and so so good). We follow Ileth through the nitty gritty of her every day life with other characters from the serpentine.
I checked this out from the library, but I will MOST DEFINITELY be purchasing my own copies of both books because they are fantastic and I loved them.
katleap's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
I received an e-ARC copy of Daughter of the Serpentine from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-ARC copy of Daughter of the Serpentine from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
technocracygirl's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
bloggingwithdragons's review
3.0
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
Daughter of the Serpentine is the follow-up to The Novice Dragoneer, one of my favorite books of this year. There is something uniquely comforting about this series—it wraps you in its magical atmosphere like a warm blanket. Even though I didn’t quite love Daughter of the Serpentine as much as its predecessor, I really love this series and ardently adore main character Ileth, her fight to overcome her station and stutter, and her journey to becoming a fully fledged Dragoneer.
My favorite parts of Daughter of the Serpentine are the parts where Ileth trains as an apprentice at the Serpentine. I love her relationship with her fellow trainees, and even those ranked above her. Something about her life in the Serpentine feels magical, akin to when I was a young girl reading The Song of the Lioness series. Author E.E. Knight makes it feel like anyone could train alongside Ileth, and with hard work, could also become a Dragoneer.
Especially interesting to me is that author E.E. Knight uses Ileth’s upbringing in a Lodge (basically a working orphanage) and her stutter to highlight the difference class, sex, and great Names make in actually achieving one’s goals. Ileth is discouraged by practically everyone with a mouth from her goal of becoming a Dragoneer due to her lack of a great Name, sex, and poor upbringing. She is encouraged to remain among the dragon dancers and to give up on her dreams. But she never lets this deter her, which I love. Poor Ileth doesn’t even have the money to buy herself an apprentice sash, and no one is going to give it to her. When her position as an apprentice dragoneer is threatened as a result, Ileth finds another—less legal—solution, and immediately owns up to it. This situation demonstrates everything I love about Ileth—she unabashedly makes the most out of what she has and makes no apologies for it—and her fierceness in a nutshell.
Ileth doesn’t shy away from working as dragon dancer and simultaneously training as an apprentice. She’s physically exhausted from the demands of this lifestyle, but works harder than all of her counterparts combined. I love when she got paired up with the most notorious teacher of the Serpentine, dubbed The Horse. This teacher really puts her and all of the trainees through the paces, but also comes to recognize Ileth’s unique strengths. Every time Ileth brings someone around to recognize her determination and character strength, my heart sings right along with hers.
To Ileth’s dismay and my own, she spends a good portion of Daughter of the Serpentine away from the Serpentine, which is probably the main reason I didn’t like this novel quite as much. As much as I love Ileth, I love her relationship and interactions with the dragons, fellow trainees, and instructors the most. Despite this lack of dragon time, Ileth’s time away further highlights the class disparities in a pretty hilarious way, reveals more about Ileth’s mysterious past, and even finds Ileth receiving the deserving attention of a young man. It is entertaining to see Ileth in such a different situation and gives me a bit of Jane Austen vibes. Plus, Santeel Dun Toot, Ileth’s high class friend with a great Name, gets involved and that girl is a veritable riot. To top it off, this sidequest, for lack of a better word, all leads up to an epic dragon battle with pirates, so I really can’t complain.
This battle with the pirates is Ileth’s first experience of war. Author E.E. Knight does a great job of depicting the harsh realities of battle without being overly gruesome or gory. Instead, the grim reality of death and destruction is dealt with in matter-of-fact way that is authentic. Daughter of the Serpentine skillfully and easily demonstrates how each person, and dragon, is affected by the war in different ways. Even unwavering Ileth is given pause by the the actual fight and the business-like approach to death and destruction, but of course, finds her mettle.
In the midst of this battle with pirates, particularly thrilling to me is Ileth’s relationship with Aurue. Aurue, a young scaleless dragon, is like Ileth, a bit of an oddball. I love their kindred spirits and I can't help but to hope that will one day be Ileth’s dragon. It is hard not to be impatient for Ileth to become a fully-fledged Dragoneer because I feel she deserves it so much, but I am enjoying every bit of her journey to her lifelong dream becoming true. Even more so, I love this adventure of Ileth overcoming all obstacles through sheer force of will and watching the people around her come to realize and to appreciate her strength of character and greatness.
If you enjoyed The Novice Dragoneer, love strong heroines or dragon riding stories, do not hesitate to pick up Daughter of the Serpentine. I can't wait to read future entries in the series.
*All quotes are taken from an ARC and are subject to change.
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Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
Daughter of the Serpentine is the follow-up to The Novice Dragoneer, one of my favorite books of this year. There is something uniquely comforting about this series—it wraps you in its magical atmosphere like a warm blanket. Even though I didn’t quite love Daughter of the Serpentine as much as its predecessor, I really love this series and ardently adore main character Ileth, her fight to overcome her station and stutter, and her journey to becoming a fully fledged Dragoneer.
My favorite parts of Daughter of the Serpentine are the parts where Ileth trains as an apprentice at the Serpentine. I love her relationship with her fellow trainees, and even those ranked above her. Something about her life in the Serpentine feels magical, akin to when I was a young girl reading The Song of the Lioness series. Author E.E. Knight makes it feel like anyone could train alongside Ileth, and with hard work, could also become a Dragoneer.
“There are two basic sorts of people. Those who try to change their situation for the better, and those who look around and seek out villains to explain life’s many, many disappointments and spend the rest of their life crying on the proverbial stump assigning blame. I believe very strongly you are the first type, rare in your sex and rarer still at your age.”*
Especially interesting to me is that author E.E. Knight uses Ileth’s upbringing in a Lodge (basically a working orphanage) and her stutter to highlight the difference class, sex, and great Names make in actually achieving one’s goals. Ileth is discouraged by practically everyone with a mouth from her goal of becoming a Dragoneer due to her lack of a great Name, sex, and poor upbringing. She is encouraged to remain among the dragon dancers and to give up on her dreams. But she never lets this deter her, which I love. Poor Ileth doesn’t even have the money to buy herself an apprentice sash, and no one is going to give it to her. When her position as an apprentice dragoneer is threatened as a result, Ileth finds another—less legal—solution, and immediately owns up to it. This situation demonstrates everything I love about Ileth—she unabashedly makes the most out of what she has and makes no apologies for it—and her fierceness in a nutshell.
Ileth doesn’t shy away from working as dragon dancer and simultaneously training as an apprentice. She’s physically exhausted from the demands of this lifestyle, but works harder than all of her counterparts combined. I love when she got paired up with the most notorious teacher of the Serpentine, dubbed The Horse. This teacher really puts her and all of the trainees through the paces, but also comes to recognize Ileth’s unique strengths. Every time Ileth brings someone around to recognize her determination and character strength, my heart sings right along with hers.
To Ileth’s dismay and my own, she spends a good portion of Daughter of the Serpentine away from the Serpentine, which is probably the main reason I didn’t like this novel quite as much. As much as I love Ileth, I love her relationship and interactions with the dragons, fellow trainees, and instructors the most. Despite this lack of dragon time, Ileth’s time away further highlights the class disparities in a pretty hilarious way, reveals more about Ileth’s mysterious past, and even finds Ileth receiving the deserving attention of a young man. It is entertaining to see Ileth in such a different situation and gives me a bit of Jane Austen vibes. Plus, Santeel Dun Toot, Ileth’s high class friend with a great Name, gets involved and that girl is a veritable riot. To top it off, this sidequest, for lack of a better word, all leads up to an epic dragon battle with pirates, so I really can’t complain.
“'From the Serpentine’s perspective, it could hardly have gone better,' Dun Huss said. ‘Not a single dragon lost or crippled.' Ileth didn’t know if it was usually to speak only in terms of the dragons. She’d seen, now, the Academy’s method ensuring that a lost dragoneer could be replaced quickly.”*
This battle with the pirates is Ileth’s first experience of war. Author E.E. Knight does a great job of depicting the harsh realities of battle without being overly gruesome or gory. Instead, the grim reality of death and destruction is dealt with in matter-of-fact way that is authentic. Daughter of the Serpentine skillfully and easily demonstrates how each person, and dragon, is affected by the war in different ways. Even unwavering Ileth is given pause by the the actual fight and the business-like approach to death and destruction, but of course, finds her mettle.
"You'll understand, some day. You're the future of the Serpentine. I'd like to leave it, as we all must, in the right hands. With the right ideals."*
In the midst of this battle with pirates, particularly thrilling to me is Ileth’s relationship with Aurue. Aurue, a young scaleless dragon, is like Ileth, a bit of an oddball. I love their kindred spirits and I can't help but to hope that will one day be Ileth’s dragon. It is hard not to be impatient for Ileth to become a fully-fledged Dragoneer because I feel she deserves it so much, but I am enjoying every bit of her journey to her lifelong dream becoming true. Even more so, I love this adventure of Ileth overcoming all obstacles through sheer force of will and watching the people around her come to realize and to appreciate her strength of character and greatness.
If you enjoyed The Novice Dragoneer, love strong heroines or dragon riding stories, do not hesitate to pick up Daughter of the Serpentine. I can't wait to read future entries in the series.
*All quotes are taken from an ARC and are subject to change.
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