Tooth and Claw
Tooth and Claw
Book Brief
Beta304
Novel • Fiction
Victorian-era fantasy world
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton, Victorian society is reimagined through the lives of dragons facing familial challenges, societal hierarchies, and moral dilemmas. The narrative explores themes like inheritance, class struggle, and tradition through a lens of dragon customs and ethics, providing a unique perspective on social dynamics and cultural expectations.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
7,780 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton is praised for its inventive setting and unique blend of Victorian manners with dragon characters. Readers appreciate the clever social commentary and rich world-building. Some, however, find the narrative pacing uneven and the plot predictable at times. Overall, it's a distinct and imaginative read that offers both charm and wit.
Who Should Read Tooth and Claw?
A fan of Victorian literature and fantasy, a reader of Pride and Prejudice and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell would relish Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton for its unique blend of societal manners and dragon lore set in a fantastical yet familiar world.
7,780 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton is a tribute to Anthony Trollope's novels, set in a world where dragons live with a detailed Victorian-like society.
The book won the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, highlighting its unique blend of fantasy elements and social commentary.
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Jo Walton has mentioned in interviews that the story was inspired by her desire to explore traditional Victorian themes, like inheritance and family obligation, using dragons as the central characters.
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304
Novel • Fiction
Victorian-era fantasy world
2004
Adult
18+ years
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