To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
by Moniquill Blackgoose
Fantasy
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Anequs, a fifteen-year-old indigenous girl, discovers a dragon’s egg on her people’s island, and brings it back to her village – as tradition dictates – where everyone gathers to dance and sing and tell stories to welcome the dragon within. When the egg hatches, the hatchling, Kasaqua, chooses Anequs to be her Nampeshiweisit (her person). Anequs’ brother who has lived among the Anglish (white settlers who have colonized the mainland and other former native holdings) warns that bad things will happen if they do not make an effort to follow Anglish customs/laws relating to dragons. Anequs will have to attend a dragon academy to learn how to control her dragon’s fiery breath, and fortunately, one has made an offer to provide her education for free. Anequs and her people are hardly grateful. They would prefer for her to stay on their island, but everyone acknowledges that there is no one to train Anequs or Kasaqua, no one who knows the old ways, so off she goes. Anequs has to take placement tests before she can start classes, and no one expects her to do as well as she does. There are a lot of misconceptions about what natives, or “nackies,” are able to do and what they are like – perpetuated by Anglish “scholars” who haven’t done their research. Anequs is constantly correcting the Anglish about her people and their culture, and some Anglish are crude, insulting, and insensitive, if not completely hostile toward her and the other nackie student at the academy. Still, she is determined to learn what she needs to so that she and Kasaqua can return home.
The dragon lore and legend, the classes and training, and Anequs’ culture are fascinating. Anequs’ bravery and outspokenness on behalf of herself and her people are notable – what a strong, and wonderful character! The Anglish are overwhelmingly overbearing and insufferable with very few good actors, but this is also a story of colonialism. It ends with potential for sequels – Anequs and Kasaqua still need training. Hopefully, there will be more information about dragons and their connections with their chosen forthcoming! For high school teens + adults.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
