Scales & Sensibility

Author: Stephanie Burgis

My rating: 3.3 out of 5

Dragons, magical wishes, and regency romance.

When Elinor stole her cousin’s pet dragon, she didn’t have any plans beyond running away from her selfish relatives. On the run from her uncle – who doesn’t care about Elinor, he only wants his daughter’s expensive dragon back, Elinor makes a desperate wish, and discovers that dragons can perform magic. Disguised as a famous woman, Elinor finds new doors opening up for her, even as her mounting lies dig her deeper into trouble. 

I enjoyed the magic and the story, which was somewhat predictable. The plot followed the standard regency romance drama of a poor girl meeting a handsome young man, both falling in love, but their relationship develops dramatic complications. The fantasy elements here added some nice touches.

I might’ve enjoyed this more if the handsome young lad in question had more than a mostly flat character, and if the happy young couple had spent more than like a week or two getting to know each other before declaring themselves in love and committing their futures together. Somehow, quick engagements always work out for eternal love and fidelity in these novels, so maybe I’m just being too critical.

The ending wrapped up all the various pieces very nicely. I’m not a fan of blackmail and situations where the characters need to lie, but then have the lie hanging over their heads like a doomsday cloud throughout the story. It just stresses me out, which is the last thing I’m looking for when trying to enjoy a good literary escape.

The book shares a title with Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, but other than the period social setting and romantic plot, there weren’t many similarities. Which is a good thing, because I prefer a fresh read. 

In all, the book had its good moments, particularly at the end where all the secrets came tumbling out. The women had good character arcs, even from some seemingly minor characters. This wasn’t my favorite cup of tea, but I’m sure it will find the right audience with others who appreciate or don’t mind the minor issues that I mentioned.