Worth her salt

This book is a delightful prequel to Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series. I laughed (and cried) along with the lovable characters in this story. Some parts made more sense to me having previously listened to books 1–3, but I think this prequel could be enjoyed either before or after. The narration by Benjamin Fife was excellent, as always.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

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Superb, enchanting backstory to P&P dragon trilogy

’A Proper Introduction to Dragons’ is the fourth book in the Jane Austen’s Dragons series. Although it is effectively a prequel to books 1-3, it can be read either before or after. Having said that, you may want to read it first since Maria Grace uses the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ framework loosely in her trilogy and, in creating her world in an alternate dragon universe, certain characters not only take on larger roles but we see more of a ‘personality’ that differs a bit from Jane Austen’s original. Take Mr Bennet as a case in point. His flaws, which are implied in Austen’s book, are magnified and developed by Grace as an integral part of her storyline. All by himself, he is overflowing with pride and prejudice. Elizabeth and Mr Bennett still have a ‘special relationship’, but it is bound up with dragon keeping and there is no real sympathy for or attempt at understanding of his daughter’s feelings so we don’t see any tenderness. The prequel elaborates on this by showing us those early years and explaining some of the things that are hinted at in the trilogy.

In ’A Proper Introduction to Dragons’ we are introduced to Elizabeth Bennet as a precocious eleven-year-old who is fascinated with all-things dragon-related, having been able to hear and converse with dragons from the tender age of four and being in possession of a logical thinking and enquiring mind. Her father sees that as odd rather than normal which just goes to show how stupid a man who is supposed to be intelligent can be with regard to understanding children.

The young Elizabeth is possessed of innate intelligence so that she is easily able to interact with dragons and is eager to learn more about how they interact with each other, how she may follow dragon etiquette and ‘think like a dragon’. Book learning is not at all helpful when the writer has either misunderstood, misrepresented, over-simplified or used poetic licence to embellish and not included a warning to that effect. Mr Bennet attaches more importance to what is written in books than learning from one’s own real-life experience so his prejudices rule his behaviour towards his daughter and she is not even allowed to voice a question over the accuracy (or not) of the content of the books written on dragon lore by ‘warm bloods’ (humans). Where Elizabeth is able to interact with dragons, not only does she learn from them, but they also learn from her and they consider her fascinating, intelligent, extremely refreshing and worthy to be included as a member of the Blue Order.

As with all the other books, the descriptions of the dragons’ characters, their individual quirks and their behaviour towards each other as well as towards the various humans are so delightfully vivid. Maria Grace’s writing is absolutely spell-binding and I highly recommend this prequel and the three books comprising her dragon variation on ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Moreover, these wonderful books are made even more enjoyable with Benjamin Fife’s superb narration for the Audible books, which is consistent throughout. His extensive vocal repertoire gives each dragon and human their own unique voice. I love them all, but am particularly fond of the voice of April, the fairy dragon.

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Really great twist on pride and prejudice

Love this book, defiantly listen to this one first even though it comes up as book 4 it's actually book one.
I love how the dragon's are woven in this story like they would naturally be in real life. Stunning book, well written and well read

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A Lovely and Proper Introduction to Dragons ;)

I loved A Proper Introduction to Dragons. It was the best, and the perfect combination for anyone who loves both Jane Austen/Pride and Prejudice, and Fantasy (but especially dragons!) Yes, Lizzie Bennett is pretty much a child here, but the adventures she has, her passion for knowledge and understanding the world of dragons, and her fascination with them and seeing them as equals were both endearing and enthralling. I loved every minute of it, and now I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

The narrator was great as always in bringing this book to life. Not only based on the vast array of voices (from Lizzie's childlike to Mr. Bennett's old one) he plays but especially so for the dragon ones. I must admit April's was a bit hard to understand/get used to in the beginning, since it's very high pitched, but eventually I did, and she proved to be quite the (endearing) character. Seriously, he nailed all the nuances of all the characters (from amusement to inquiring and angry, to name a few), and I can't wait to listen to more from him.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all Fantasy and/or Regency lovers, as well as fans of the author and/or narrator. Onto the next one! ~ 5 stars!

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A charming gem for lovers of this great series!!

An insightful way to see how it all started for Elizabeth - whose tenacious curiosity and instantaneous and intuitive bond with dragons, opens her eyes (and ours) to a world enlivened by all things gloriously dragonic.
The plot centres around her fascinating backstory, her first experiences with talking to dragons and her magnetic abilities to charm and draw them near. I must say being introduced to dragons through her innocent eyes and from the point of view of Elizabeth as a child is enlightening. Her insights are thought-provoking and touchingly raw yet surprisingly perceptive for someone so young.
As a result this book is a wonderful way to learn more about the inner workings of the Blue Order, can be used to shed more light onto a captivating world that so seemlessly and spectacularly binds Austen and dragons so engagingly well together, as well as - and most enjoyably for me - as a means to fill you in on all the details about past events and memories that have been touched upon throughout the previous 3 books but only now provides you with an opportunity to experience first hand.
A fabulous series and great introduction piece, that can be read as either book 1 or book 4 in the series, is well written by Grace and further enhanced and splendidly brought to life by Fife.
I highly recommend this prequel and more to the point this entire series wholeheartenedly - enjoyed every minute of it!!!

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Dragons are everywhere!

Meet the young Elizabeth Bennet and enter her world of Dragons

This is book four of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series. Although released fourth, as a flashback to events occurring in the first three books, it would be ideal to read first. It combines a Pride and Prejudice variation, with fantasy about dragons. It will appeal to both JAFF readers and fans of fantasy.

The series starts in Georgian England, where dragons and people live side by side. However, most people are entirely unaware. Only those with preternatural hearing can perceive them.
All others are "dragon deaf". To them, dragons appear as cats, birds or other creatures, their perception influenced by the dragons, to allow them to blend in and hide in plain sight.
The ability to hear dragons, usually manifests at around fifteen, at which point induction into the Blue Order is mandatory. The Blue Order controls the world of Dragons and those who interact with them.

Elizabeth Bennet is very special. She started to hear and talk to dragons from the age of four. When we meet her, she is eleven and being introduced to working with dragons, by her grumpy, traditionalist father, Thomas Bennet. He is the Keeper of Longbourn, the dragon. This means he is somewhat like a steward, to the dragon that owns the Longbourn estate.
Elizabeth is drawn to dragons and they to her. Her easy relationships and instinctive knowledge of how best to interact with dragons, vexes her father. He does not think her behaviour proper or as expected by the Blue Order. He will not admit it, but he is jealous of her skills.

We follow the story from Elizabeth's POV, seeing her delight in her new dragon friends and her unhappiness at some of her father's action and attitudes. Will she be prepared for what is to come?

The story focusses on Elizabeth, Mr Bennet and the many dragons. Although the rest of the Bennets are included, they are rather peripheral. Mr Bennet is very much the traditionist curmudgeon. In Elizabeth, we can see the feisty, fearless woman we know Elizabeth Bennet will become. The dragon characters are well drawn and engaging.

This whole series is narrated by Benjamin Fife. His narration is very good, his voice warm and pleasing to listen to. His female voices are convincing and his dragon voices are excellent.

This is a delightful story. It is well paced and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy, including younger readers.

I look forward to more stories by Maria Grace.

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

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Delightful !

What a delightful book!
The storyline is intriguing. The world-building is incredibly vivid. The characters are very lifelike and Elizabeth is a gem, totally delightful. The dragons are lovable and little snarky, fiercely loyal April is adorable. The book is perfectly narrated by Benjamin Fife.
Very highly recommended!

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Great Story

This was another great story from Maria. She really puts details into the story to help you visualize what is going on in the story.

Now while this is book 4 of the series but it can be read first or fourth, whichever you decide will still have this book make sense since it is kind of like a prequel to the first 3 books. It follows Elizabeth through her ups and downs, showing her views on what is going on around her.

The narrator Benjamin as always, does an excellent job on voicing the characters and giving them life. From the dragon voices, to different male and female voices, they are all done well and never wavers.

I got this audio-book for free and am voluntarily writing this review of my honest thoughts.

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Outstanding prequel to the dragon trilogy

Benjamin Fife hit it out of the park again bringing Maria Grace's dragons to life. Outstanding narration for a fantastic fantasy prequel. Highly recommended!

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The perfect prequel

If you’re interested in finding out how Elizabeth first forged her relationships with many of the dragons in her life, or more insight into the Blue Order, than this is the book for you. You’ll also find out more about some of the Bennett family relationships.

Maria Grace has given us so much background information and many details about the world she has created. I love how it was presented.

The narration, by Benjamin Fife, was exactly as I expected... wonderful!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

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