Harry V. Keefe '39 Library Media Center, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose - 4/5 stars

Published: 2023, Penguin Random House

Genre: Fantasy

Colonialism 0, Girlboss 1

Reviewer: Audrey K., Class III

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    An incredibly diverse novel with a compelling plot and fantastic world-building, To Shape a Dragon’s Breath tells the story of Anequs, a young indigenous queer woman, navigating a traditionally white and male academy for dragon-handlers. After she spots the first dragon her island has seen in centuries, Anequs is forced into attending a school on the mainland despite having her own ideas on how her dragon should be raised, ultimately resulting in her involvement in nefarious plots against her and her people. 

    Something I enjoyed about this book was the world-building. The fantasy elements are so well thought out and creative that it’s hard to truly give it justice unless you read it. The elements of a “magical dragon academy” are very nostalgic, but they are written in such a way that it doesn’t seem like a children’s book, and they are mixed with steampunk to create a wonderfully whimsical setting. Additionally, the plot somehow makes for both a cozy rainy day story and yet also a high-stakes, take-your-breath-away tale. The diversity and messages about societal expectations and tradition are what seals the deal on this book as a must-read, to complete the trifecta. 

    Despite my raving, I give this book four stars rather than five because I found that the dialogue seemed too unnatural at times and some parts were quite repetitive. Otherwise, however, I definitely recommend Moniquill Blackgoose’s To Shape a Dragon’s Breath to any fans of high fantasy and, of course, dismantling colonialism one girlboss at a time.