Note: This copy of Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame was provided by NetGalley.
Looking at this cover it’s obvious why I picked this up. Seeing it’s also from an author who’s other book has been on my TBR for a while had me even more excited, and this novella did not disappoint.
Set in the backdrop of a world of dragons, Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Wind is a story primarily of love and duty, but set in a backdrop of a world built with so much mystery and intrigue, the main plot took a backseat during my read-through. We follow Yeva, a dragon slayer, sent as an emissary to a neighboring kingdom where dragons are not feared but instead revered. Clad in her suit of armour with no inch of her skin visible, in a place that so resembles her home from her past, and having to deal with a Queen that breaks all the walls Yeva had built up over the years, this is a test the infamous dragon slayer was not prepared for.
The plot is fairly straighforward and, while the ending is one we can all see coming, the real strength of the story lies in how the author has seemlessly tossed us in this world where even the small glimpse we see in this novella has me craving for so much more. The main characters are nuanced and likable, the story well paced, and the writing very easy to read.
A very pleasant novella for anyone to pick up to get a taste of fantasy, and an author who’s works I eagerly plan on diving into soon. I really hope we get more books set in this world, if there aren’t already some. Definitely recommended.
Rating: 4/5
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