The Tropic of Serpents (#2)
The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan’s Tropic of Serpents . . .
Attentive readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoir, A Natural History of Dragons, are already familiar with how a bookish and determined young woman named Isabella first set out on the historic course that would one day lead her to becoming the world’s premier dragon naturalist. Now, in this remarkably candid second volume, Lady Trent looks back at the next stage of her illustrious (and occasionally scandalous) career.
Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics.
The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell . . . where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before.
Reviews
“A rollicking adventure in which women wearing unnerving amounts of underwear tromp through jungles on dragon-hunting safaris. Really, that should be more than enough for just about everyone.”The New York Times
“THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS: A Memoir By Lady Trent brings dragons into the Victorian world, and flawlessly so…[it] gives fantasy readers another good reason to enter Brennan’s fantastical world.”
“Uncompromisingly honest and forthright as the first, narrated in Brennan’s usual crisp, vivid style, with a heroine at once admirable, formidable and captivating. Reader, lose no time in making Isabella’s acquaintance.”
“THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS is in part a fantasy travelogue, a guided tour of a world aslant from our own. It is also, in its way, a very science-fictional fantasy novel: it is in love with the idea of discovery, of knowing the world, of knowledge for the sake of knowledge […] a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it without hesitation.”
“Brennan’s follow up to A Natural History of Dragons is every bit as exciting and engrossing as the first part of Lady Trent’s memoir […] Isabella’s strength and bravery in the name of scientific advancement is beyond admirable–she’s a model protagonist.”RT Book Reviews
“THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS is one of those books that just really worked for me. It was a lot of fun, and reminded me of all the reasons why Marie Brennan is an author to watch. Her writing is smooth, flowing, and easy to absorb. She manages to really make me feel like I am there, living in Lady Trent’s world, experiencing her life […] This is a very strong installment that will make you fall in love with Lady Trent and Marie Brennan all over again.”
“It’s always nice to see someone do something a little different, particularly when they do it this well.”
“Those who have read the first volume of these memoirs will be delighted with the continuation of Lady Trent’s stories. Written in a wry and to-the-point voice, the memoir has the gritty feel of reality.”
“These ‘memoirs’ are such a joy to read […] If you like fun, witty storytelling that’s quick to read and thoughtful about representing diversity, then pick this up.”
“I very much enjoyed reading THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS. Lady Trent is a fascinating character […] Marie Brennan’s execution of the faux memoir format is once again flawless. The Memoirs of Lady Trent are a pleasure to read, and I eagerly look forward to the next installment in the series.”
“I can’t rave about the Memoir by Lady Trent series enough! I haven’t read anything quite like it, and when I’m not reading this series a part of my brain is always wishing I had the next book in my hands. I can’t wait to follow Isabella on her next adventure […] I got so completely sucked into TROPIC OF SERPENTS that it felt like I was living and breathing the experiences right next to Isabella.”
“This is a wonderful book with a never tiring or boring story. It has thrilling adventure, light comedy, quick wit, and everything you could hope for in a romance story.”
"Attention to detail and musing convinces you that this really is a Natural Historian writing"