Author Guest Post and Giveaway: Marie Brennan and the Memoir of Lady Trent series

It would be an exaggeration to say that I can't imagine the Memoirs of Lady Trent without Todd Lockwood's sketches. I can imagine it; I just don't want to. Because the books simply would not be as cool.

When I decided to make Isabella an artist, I was thinking only of the effect it would have on the story, giving her a reason to participate in the Vystrani expedition. Getting Tor to include interior art was a long shot, since it increases the production costs; there's a reason you don't see that kind of thing in every book. But my editor not only agreed, he got behind the idea and ran with it. And the result, as readers can see, is absolutely awesome: it adds a layer of reality to the whole thing, and makes the books into beautiful objects in their own right.

Having the art has ultimately fed back into the story, too. Now when I write, I find myself considering what elements would make for good illustrations. I know I'll have to provide information for the artist, too, so I put much more effort into thinking about visual details than I usually would. How long is a particular kind of dragon? What is the precise layout of this scene? Even if I never specify those things in the text, I need to understand them so I can describe them to Todd. But at the same time, I don't want to dictate every last claw; he needs room to be creative, too. So my descriptions often say "do whatever you like with this aspect" -- and sometimes I end up revising the text to reflect what he's drawn.

I'm not an artist myself. I do a fair bit of amateur photography, but I'm not much good with a pencil or a paintbrush; I was never really taught to draw, and the gap between my ability and my critical eye is large enough that I wind up being very impatient with my failures. Having someone else bring my characters and world to life is a beautiful thing, and I'm more delighted than I can say to have it be such an integral part of this series.

Bio:

Marie Brennan is a former academic with a background in archaeology, anthropology, and folklore, which she now puts to rather cockeyed use in writing fantasy. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she spends her time practicing piano, studying karate, and playing a variety of role-playing games.

Bio from Marie's website: http://swantower.com/

The Tropic of Serpents
Series: Memoir of Lady Trent #2

The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan's The 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.

Some of Todd Lockwood's art from the previous book, A Natural History of Dragons (the first book and my review of that book is HERE) below:

Tor is allowing me to giveaway 3 HB cover books of The Tropic of Serpents... the newest in this series! It's open to anyone with a US/CAN snail mail addy. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below!

Good luck!!

In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan

Series: Memoir of Lady Trent #4
352 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 4/5/16
Source: From publisher for review

The thrilling new book in the acclaimed fantasy series from Marie Brennan, as the glamorous Lady Trent takes her adventurous explorations to the deserts of Akhia. 

Even those who take no interest in the field of dragon naturalism have heard of Lady Trent's expedition to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia. Her discoveries there are the stuff of romantic legend, catapulting her from scholarly obscurity to worldwide fame. The details of her personal life during that time are hardly less private, having provided fodder for gossips in several countries. 

As is so often the case in the career of this illustrious woman, the public story is far from complete. In this, the fourth volume of her memoirs, Lady Trent relates how she acquired her position with the Royal Scirling Army; how foreign saboteurs imperiled both her work and her well-being; and how her determined pursuit of knowledge took her into the deepest reaches of the Labyrinth of Drakes, where the chance action of a dragon set the stage for her greatest achievement yet.

My thoughts:

I have loved these alternate historical books about dragons from the first book. While these books are in audio format, this is one series I would suggest you do NOT go audio. Well, you can, but do make sure you have the illustrations to look at. It is the illustrations that have brought every book to life for me. This one was no exception.

I got involved with this one a bit quicker than the rest. Often it takes me a minute to really get into a memoir format. In the books she is recounting her life as a dragon naturalist (if you aren't familiar with the books) but this one is quite personal as well. I think it became more personal much quicker than the others so it was also easier for me to slip into the world.

We actually get a touch of romance in this one and I was thrilled. I have wanted this pairing for a while now but I don't want to reveal too much. If you have read the other books I am suspecting you have guessed at the couple I speak, if not, read them... you'll see. ;)

I give this book 4 stars. Check out the illustrator Todd Lockwood (you can see the reviews and artwork of his in earlier posts HERE) which I have no doubt will draw people in to this alternate universe where we share our world with dragons.

The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan

Series: Memoir by Lady Trent #2
331p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Available Now
Source: From publisher for review

The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan's The 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.

My thoughts:
 I reviewed the first book, A Natural History of Dragons and was surprised at the story within. I totally admit I was drawn to that first volume primarily because of the illustrations in the book. This book also has illustrations from the same artist, Todd Lockwood. Even though they are fewer in number, they are no less spectacular in this volume as well.

In this story again the fascination is with dragons and how to properly study them. The preservation of dragon bone is not only of scientific importance but one that may decimate the dragon population. This was discussed a lot within the group, but still they went ahead with the expedition and preservation. I was curious as to why it wasn't abandoned (other than scientific curiosity) because none of them wanted the dragons to become extinct. Still, this reason did give their group background and financial backing to go in search of dragons and learn more about them.

The story also has a decidedly fantasy flair to it and some people might be a bit confused as to where these things are in the world. If you realize that her world isn't ours and that the names to the countries and groups of people don't belong us... you sort of get used to who is who and where things are in relation to another. In a way, learning a new language set in this world. It does not take long to get used to things. It does seem somewhat familiar, however, since there are similarities to those in Victorian times and sensibilities.

I give this book 4 stars. It's a interesting venture into lands unknown and learning about dragons as if they were real. I really enjoyed her adventure, but didn't really enjoy the political aspects to the story at the beginning. However, that aspect grew on me and I think the political parts help to make parts of her adventure make sense and why she was accepted into various cultures. It also gave a great background to the ending. You also could read this book as a standalone, but I would suggest you get the first volume to find out where her fascination started as well as the great illustrations in the first book.

Bloggy note:

If you missed it, you can win one of 3 HB books of The Tropic of Serpents! Just go HERE to go to that post to enter. US/CAN only.

The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan

Series: Memoir by Lady Trent #3
352 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 3/31/15
Source: From publisher for review

Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal. 

Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.

My thoughts:
I did think that this series was a trilogy but it looks like it is a full series if the ending is any indication. While it isn't really a cliffie, it does dangle more adventure to come. More dragons to be discovered.

This book is also like the other 2. We get sort of an alternate history lesson as if dragons walked amongst us and how we would have treated him. Lady Trent is an adventuress who studies dragons and dragon lore. And as with the other 2 books we get wonderful drawings by Todd Lockwood interspersed into the story. These drawings really make the story come alive IMHO. The biggest adventure is saved to the end as with the last story so it ends with a bang and a new discovery. What that leads to we will have to find out in the next book.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars and I'm curious as to where her discovery takes her and I'm quite curious as to how some of the secondary characters fit into the storyline. There is a young man who is taken with Lady Trent and I suspect we will see more of him as his mysterious background comes to light. I want to know more about that! I recommend it to those that like alternate history fantasy books.

Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan

Series: The Memoirs of Lady Trent #5 (last in the series)
352 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 4/25/17
Source: From publisher for review

The conclusion to the thrilling memoirs of Lady Isabella Trent and her legacy of dragon evolutionary research and anthropological adventures. 

After nearly five decades (and, indeed, the same number of volumes), one might think they were well-acquainted with the Lady Isabella Trent--dragon naturalist, scandalous explorer, and perhaps as infamous for her company and feats of daring as she is famous for her discoveries and additions to the scientific field. 

And yet--after her initial adventure in the mountains of Vystrana, and her exploits in the depths of war-torn Eriga, to the high seas aboard The Basilisk, and then to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia--the Lady Trent has captivated hearts along with fierce minds. This concluding volume will finally reveal the truths behind her most notorious adventure--scaling the tallest peak in the world, buried behind the territory of Scirland's enemies--and what she discovered there, within the Sanctuary of Wings.

My thoughts:

Last book. I was excited to see how this one concludes since I have been enjoying this series. I have to say, this is my favorite book out of all of them. That is unusual for me as the last book often tends to be the weakest for me, but this one held my full attention.

It builds on the other books so I would suggest to read all of these in order. It shows the timeline of how she became a dragon naturalist/scientist, the barriers she eroded as a woman in the field, and the historical findings she made while being an adventurist. It is all well told together and you can see this alternate reality happening. Oh and there is a love story in the midst that also finds its way into this last story. This book becomes the most mythic out of all of the books and really comes to a complete conclusion. It is the most surprising of all of them and it feels like this is the book all the rest were building toward. I don't want to say too much or I'll spoil it, but this one captured me in scope and imagination. I wouldn't mind if there were more, especially with the artwork all the books include. I really feel that the artwork brings the stories to life.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars and highly recommend it to those that enjoy a fantastical history with dragons. Need I say more? 😊 I also recommend this series to those that would like to jump into fantasy but might have been reluctant in the past.

Bloggy Note:

For reviews of the other books in the series and a couple of author guest posts by Marie Brennan go HERE. There are also some artwork to enjoy on the author posts. 

🐉

Author Blog Post: Marie Brennan and Dragon Art

Words cannot express how delighted I was when Paul Stevens, my editor at Tor, told me that he had gotten Todd Lockwood to do the cover and interior art for A Natural History of Dragons.

 Todd’s an amazing artist, but that isn’t even the reason. (At least, it isn’t all of the reason.) Having him do the art, both inside and out, brings this book full circle. You see, his work was part of the inspiration for it in the first place.

 It comes, of all places, from a role-playing game book. The third edition D&D supplement Draconomicon is a nifty piece of work, full of tasty information about dragons, but it also contains images that are not like the usual art found in those books. They’re line drawings of dragons: full-body sketches, detail shots of heads or claws, skeletal and muscular studies, and more. In other words, the sort of thing a natural historian would produce, if they happened to be studying dragons.

 That, in combination with the Dragonology series (or more specifically, the Dragonology calendar), was the jumping-off point for Isabella and her story. So when it was decided that the book would have interior sketches -- examples of Isabella’s own artwork, from her field notes -- I immediately thought of Draconomicon, and went to see who was responsible for the images that had inspired me to write about her in the first place.

 I was not at all surprised to see that it was Todd Lockwood. He’s one of the powerhouses of fantasy art, especially for Dungeons & Dragons, the Forgotten Realms, and so on. I was, however, a bit sad. If it had been someone else, I might have stood a chance; it being Todd Lockwood, the odds of me getting him on board seemed vanishingly small.

 So it seemed nothing short of a miracle when I heard that it was really going to happen. And then I saw the cover, which is an utterly perfect melding of my idea and my editor’s, as well as being eye-catching and a perfect advertisement for what the book is about. (I bought the first of the limited edition of prints, and once it’s framed it will be going up on my wall.) Then I started getting the interior art (and I’m thinking of buying one or more of those images, too). It is, in short, everything I visualized when I started writing this series, now made into reality.

 And it makes the world of the story so much more solid. Not just by showing readers what my words describe, but by mimicking the Victorian style of publishing, where such figures were common. I’m always thrilled to get the first copies of one of my books, but this one is especially exciting, because it’s such a beautiful object.

Some of Todd Lockwood's artwork below:

Would you like a wallpaper of slide 10 (the full cover of the book)? Well, guess what? There are downloads for your comp and other electronics HERE. All free from Tor.com.

Excerpt from the book:

A Natural History of Dragons

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon’s presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one’s life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world’s preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day. 

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

A Tor Hard Cover

ISBN: 978-0-7653-3196-0

On Sale: February 5, 2013

Available here:

Indiebound, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion,

Powells, Walmart, Overstock

Marie Brennan is a former academic with a background in archaeology, anthropology, and folklore, which she now puts to rather cockeyed use in writing fantasy. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to many short stories and novellas, she is also the author of A Star Shall Fall and With Fate Conspire (both from Tor Books), as well as Warrior, Witch, Midnight Never Come, In Ashes Lie, and Lies and Prophecy. You can find her online at SwanTower.com.
(Website, Twitter, Goodreads)

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