In the Labyrinth of Drakes

A Memoir by Lady Trent

By: Marie Brennan

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Labyrinth of Drakes: the thrilling new audiobook 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.

©2016 Bryn Neuenschwander (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Can’t stop listening

I am hooked. I just finished In the Labyrinth of Drakes after I had also gone quickly and anxiously through the previous books in this series. I am entertained am thoroughly impressed with the intellect and planning and craftiness by which Ms. Brennan has created these stories. I cannot wait to start Book 5.
Ms. Reading is amazing in her performance and ability to voice the characters with such distinct individuality. Bravo!

worth it to finish the series only

The last book in the series is PHENOMENAL, and this book is well worth reading to get to it, but this is by a long shot my least favorite of the series.

Slight spoilers ahead. Nothing specific, just on the direction of the story.
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No animal lover can read through this without severe discomfort. The fact is, once a government finds an animal to be a resource, that animal will be mistreated to the max. Not Lady Trent's fault, but hard to choke through in parts.

At least Lady Trent had some nice personal moments in the story to balance the horror to the dragons.

dorky series

I was skeptical when I first found this series at a bar es and nobles years ago but after an hour of down time over some coffee I've come to appreciate the power of a good story. little drawn out here and there at times but ultimately...i love the series! 🙂

Fascinating take on Archeology & Dragons!

I'm loving this series; both in story, and performance. I'm looking forward to the next (and concluding) novel eagerly!

Exciting

It was intriguing and exciting from the start to the end. I loved listening to it.

Might be my favorite in the series

I love this series. I've listened to it 3 times? 4? I'll listen again. The narrator is brilliant, perfect for the character.

if you've read this far you'll love the whole series. if you're starting here, well, you'll still love the whole series.

Another gem

Marie Brennan spins another dragon tale in a most engaging fashion. She engages the reader early, and the story unwinds smoothly and urbanely, full of wry humour, with a plot that makes sense.

Ms. Brennan's equal in talent, Kate Reading delivers another peerless performance. She does justice to the genteel humour in the tale, and is really just perfect as the voice of the heroine.

Best one yet!

I enjoyed this one even more than the first 3. The author seems to be really hitting her stride. And developments in the major story arcs were great, moving the series along nicely!

Another great story for the series

It has been several months since I finished book 3, but I finallly listened to book 4, and I was not disappointed. Isabel Camherst and Tom Wilkers are still working on their studies of dragons, and they are now working for the military to create a breeding program for dragons. Every attempt thus far has been unsuccessful; will Isabel and Tom be successful?

Of course, if all they had to do was start a successful breeding program, things might be simple. But their progress is complicated by politics, previous acquaintances reappearing, attempted murders, kidnappings, and the ever-consistent underestimation of Lady Camherst due to her sex.

But none of that will stop Camherst and Wilkers.

I have loved this series since I listened to the first one, and book 4 does not disappoint. I loved going back into this world, aided by Kate Reading's narration - there could not be a better voice for Lady Camherst. I cannot wait until I have a chance to listen to book 5, though I also know i will be sad at finishing the series and leavig the world. As such, this will absolutely be a serues that I listen to more than once.

Please May I Have Some More

Would you listen to In the Labyrinth of Drakes again? Why?

I would listen to In the Labyrinth again. Kate Reading is the perfect narrator for the voice of Lady Trent. Marie Brennan has a style of writing that infuses adventure with humor and just touch of romantic interest. Her characters are well rounded, interesting to get to know. Putting the book in memoir style with the first person makes the listener connect with the characters and their surroundings and makes the plot more involved.

What other book might you compare In the Labyrinth of Drakes to and why?

This book, and indeed the series, stands apart, but I think the Dragon Keeper series by Robin Hobb has one or two similarities. In both books there are past civilizations, with close connections to dragons, who had been wiped out. There were also people trying to discover more about those connections.

Which scene was your favorite?

In the Labyrinth of Drakes has quite a few really good scenes so it is hard to pick a favorite, but when she finds the covered staircase and the group decide to stay to investigate, you can feel their excitement and can't wait to find out what is at the bottom of them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I normally only get to listen to audiobooks on my drive to and from work, but for this series I found myself sitting in my vehicle when I got home, telling myself I would listen to just a little bit more.

Any additional comments?

This series is the first from Marie Brennan that I have read or listened to, but probably won't be the last. I sincerely hope that we have not heard the last of Lady Trent and company because there are a lot of unanswered questions about her life and their discoveries. Kate Reading gave a wonderful narration, as usual. It was actually a search of her works that led me to this series and I am very glad it did.