by Jo Walton
First published 2003
When Bon Agornin dies, his dragon children gather to divide his wealth and settle old scores. His daughter Penn fights to secure her inheritance while managing a difficult marriage. His son Avan schemes to maximize his share through legal maneuvering. Their sister Selendra navigates the treacherous waters of dragon society, where eating the flesh of one's own kind remains both taboo and temptation. The siblings must balance family loyalty against personal ambition as inheritance laws and social expectations collide. Ancient grudges surface as each dragon pursues their own interests. Penn struggles with her husband's demands while protecting her children. Avan uses his knowledge of law to press every advantage. Selendra faces pressure to marry well while maintaining her independence. The family's disputes threaten to tear apart not just their relationships but the very structure of their civilization. Love and hunger drive each character as they discover that survival sometimes requires consuming those closest to them.
Genres: literary-fiction, fantasy, epic, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, power-struggle
332 pages · Paperback · Orb Books