Dragons at Bletchley Park! That definitely appeals to my interests. The book turns out to be an Orwellian fantasy in which the government can’t be trusted unless, of course, you are in the government. A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS is the key to controlling or fighting the massive, savage dragons that exist in this world.   London, 1923, and the Great War was fought between humans and dragons. The largest and most vicious dragons live in Bulgaria, and they have overrun that country, so refugees, such as the parents of Vivian Featherswallow, fled to England. Aged seventeen, the girl is hoping to gain acceptance to college, to study dragon languages. But we learn that the government observes anyone with this inclination. The Fitzrovia life of Vivian’s family in Second Class contrasts with the deprivation of Third Class. Riots are a new occurrence, the poor are getting restive.   When her family is targeted, Vivian pretty much starts a civil war. I consider this to be the best part of the book. Afterward, she is taken off to be a trainee Codebreaker at the secret establishment in Bletchley Park. A fragile Peace Agreement was signed between the Dragon Queen and the government. Learning if the dragons have a secret way of communicating is being given top priority.   The students are a recalcitrant mix, unable to trust one another and closely guarded. They are all here under threat, and can’t leave. At this point, the tale reminds me of Divergent with the factions, resentments and striving to be first. There is still time for attraction, these are teenagers after all. But much time is spent arguing about state propaganda and how people should treat dragons. Suffragettes don’t seem part of the picture.   There is a considerable amount of violence and some strong language in the novel, so it’s hard to assign an age group. I recommend calling it a New Adult story which would suit older YA readers too.   A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS is the first book by S.F. Williamson, which combines academia with dystopia and more than a hint of Jurassic Park. The author has worked as a literary translator and has clearly enjoyed bringing her creations to life. These are extremely vivid dragons, with a range of natural behaviours and no great wish to be polite. They are hungry. People are edible. Given this, we understand why the state wishes for tight control. Read it if you dare.