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Del Rey (2009), Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML:Naomi Novik�s triumphant debut, His Majesty�s Dragon, introduced a dynamic new pair of heroes to the annals of fantasy fiction: the noble fighting dragon Temeraire and his master and commander, Capt. Will Laurence. Now in the latest novel, they soar to new heights of breathtaking action and brilliant imagination. It is a grim time for the dragon Temeraire. On the heels of his mission to Africa, seeking the cure for a deadly contagion, he has been removed from military service�and his captain, Will Laurence, has been condemned to death for treason. For Britain, conditions are grimmer still: Napoleon�s resurgent forces have breached the Channel and successfully invaded English soil. Napoleon�s prime objective: the occupation of London. Separated by their own government and threatened at every turn by Napoleon�s forces, Laurence and Temeraire must struggle to find each other amid the turmoil of war and to aid the resistance against the invasion before Napoleon�s foothold on England�s shores can become a stranglehold. If only they can be reunited, master and dragon might rally Britain�s scattered forces and take the fight to the enemy as never before�for king and country, and for their own liberty. But can the French aggressors be well and truly routed, or will a treacherous alliance deliver Britain into the hands of her would- be conquerors?… (more)
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Original language
English
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
Victory of Eagles, fifth in Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series, finds both England and William Laurence in dire straits. Laurence has been condemned to death for treason (supplying the French with the cure to the fatal dragon epidemic deliberately spread to them by the British). But it isn’t so
All of this changes when Napoleon lands in Britain and takes London. Laurence is recalled to duty under the press of necessity, and he and Temeraire are given an assignment so distasteful, it isn’t even officially stated. They are to lead a company of dragons in killing the unprotected French forces raiding the countryside to feed their dragons. No prisoners.
It’s a bleak tale, matched by the bleakness of Laurence’s soul as he comes to grips with what his heroic treason has cost him. Temeraire, too, finally begins to understand and to regret that he insisted on the treasonous act. Several characters from earlier books resurface—Tharkay, Edith, and Edith’s husband Woolvey—and play important parts in the story. We even get a quick glimpse of mad King George.
There are also some important strides made in the struggle for dragons’ rights, as Temeraire organizes and takes command of the dragons of the breeding grounds, leading them into battle of his own volition with no human officers whatever present. Laurence is able to negotiate wages for the dragons with the new British commander, Wellesley (later known as Wellington). But it’s wartime; who can say how things will really pan out when peace comes?
Though not my favorite of the series, this is a solid addition and I am looking forward to the sixth book. Highly recommended!
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simple to execute a traitor when that traitor is an aviator whose dragon will wreak havoc upon his captain’s demise. And so Laurence is a sort of limbo prison, while Temeraire is exiled to the breeding grounds, his good behavior surety for Laurence’s life. All of this changes when Napoleon lands in Britain and takes London. Laurence is recalled to duty under the press of necessity, and he and Temeraire are given an assignment so distasteful, it isn’t even officially stated. They are to lead a company of dragons in killing the unprotected French forces raiding the countryside to feed their dragons. No prisoners.
It’s a bleak tale, matched by the bleakness of Laurence’s soul as he comes to grips with what his heroic treason has cost him. Temeraire, too, finally begins to understand and to regret that he insisted on the treasonous act. Several characters from earlier books resurface—Tharkay, Edith, and Edith’s husband Woolvey—and play important parts in the story. We even get a quick glimpse of mad King George.
There are also some important strides made in the struggle for dragons’ rights, as Temeraire organizes and takes command of the dragons of the breeding grounds, leading them into battle of his own volition with no human officers whatever present. Laurence is able to negotiate wages for the dragons with the new British commander, Wellesley (later known as Wellington). But it’s wartime; who can say how things will really pan out when peace comes?
Though not my favorite of the series, this is a solid addition and I am looking forward to the sixth book. Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member cyderry
Victory of Eagles is the fifth installment of Naomi Novik's Temeraire series which finds him despondent in the Wales as the story opens. Laurence has been condemned to death for his treason and Temeraire is confined to the breeding grounds each held as surety for the other's good behavior.
British
Not being someone particularly into military strategy, this book still held the reader's interest as the placement of this type of information flowed easily with the story informing the reader of necessary tactics while pushing the story forward with Temeraire's advancement with a military commission. Temeraire's POV as to the tedium of troop movements successfully conveyed the circumstances while increasing character development. Temeraire really comes to life in this book showing how he now understands the consequences of his choice and how it influenced Laurence and his career and life. Realizing the impact, Temeraire attempts to assume some of the responsibility while trying to make restitution.
I believe what I like most about this series is the devotion between Laurence and Temeraire and how each "loves" the other while being such vastly different creatures. Their attempt to understand and support each other is a wonderful example for anyone.
British
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forces are scattered throughout the countryside due to Napoleon's successful invasion and his occupation of London. Neither Laurence nor Temeraire are ready to give up the fight because they realize that the stakes are much too high - their country, their home, their liberty, their lives.Not being someone particularly into military strategy, this book still held the reader's interest as the placement of this type of information flowed easily with the story informing the reader of necessary tactics while pushing the story forward with Temeraire's advancement with a military commission. Temeraire's POV as to the tedium of troop movements successfully conveyed the circumstances while increasing character development. Temeraire really comes to life in this book showing how he now understands the consequences of his choice and how it influenced Laurence and his career and life. Realizing the impact, Temeraire attempts to assume some of the responsibility while trying to make restitution.
I believe what I like most about this series is the devotion between Laurence and Temeraire and how each "loves" the other while being such vastly different creatures. Their attempt to understand and support each other is a wonderful example for anyone.
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LibraryThing member lauranav
For anyone just chiming in, this series really should be read in order. She doesn't do any catch-up at the beginning to remind you of what all has happened in the prior volumes. I like this because it just jumps into the story. As mentioned in other reviews, this is not really historical fiction
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since things are different in this series than they actually happened. It is a great alternate history with dragons. This entry felt a little untidy, which reflected the status of Laurence and Temeraire as a result of their actions in the prior volume. I think this worked really well and I look forward to volume 6. Show Less
LibraryThing member silentq
Temeraire is confined to the breeding ground in Wales and Cpt Laurence is imprisoned for treason, his life spared only to control his dragon. Temeraire in his inimitable style convinces the retired and feral dragons at the breeding grounds to unite and work against Napoleon's invasion. I liked how
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Wellesley got to be Wellington in this alernate time line, though to be honest I'm not that thrilled that the fire breathing dragon is joining them on their next journey around the world (she's willful and impatient). Show Less
LibraryThing member beserene
The fifth book in the Temeraire series finds Laurence and Temeraire back in England, but separated (for the first section of the novel) and in trouble as a result of the events of the previous installment. Napoleon is at the door and the British Navy and dragon Air Force are suffering from his
In many ways, this is most similar to the first book, but with much heavier content and context. The initial separation of our two main characters also adds a different dynamic, as we get to see how Temeraire develops his own individuality without a captain and crew. His decisions in this mode add a dose of levity and earnestness to the novel that balances out some of Laurence's more internal struggles.
The descriptions of both dragons and battle are, as always, vivid and engaging. The restoration of our focus to England and the war at hand helps the book feel comfortably familiar, but the challenges and the rise and fall of emotion do not leave the reader too comfortable at any point. Overall, a great addition to the series.
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assaults. As is the norm in this series, we have a strong sense of place that supports the center of the novel -- that relationship between Temeraire and his captain -- which here is challenged more than usual. The emotional tone of this volume, in fact, is significantly darker than in the previous books. Laurence has, essentially, lost who he is and must find his feet in a shifted world. In many ways, this is most similar to the first book, but with much heavier content and context. The initial separation of our two main characters also adds a different dynamic, as we get to see how Temeraire develops his own individuality without a captain and crew. His decisions in this mode add a dose of levity and earnestness to the novel that balances out some of Laurence's more internal struggles.
The descriptions of both dragons and battle are, as always, vivid and engaging. The restoration of our focus to England and the war at hand helps the book feel comfortably familiar, but the challenges and the rise and fall of emotion do not leave the reader too comfortable at any point. Overall, a great addition to the series.
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LibraryThing member salimbol
Commendably solid for a fifth book in an ongoing series. This one shows us a slightly fractured relationship between lead dragon and lead man, as Laurence mulls over the repercussions of his conscience-based actions at the end of Book 4, and Temeraire has to think about some consequences of his
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own. We also some meet some fairly awesome new dragons (I loved the clever and persnickety Perscitia), there's an interesting focus on the logistics of war (particularly dragon-supported war!), and a fantastic land/sea/air battle against Napoleon's forces to cap it all off. (Pity that my edition was marred by so man typos, but oh well). Show Less
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: As this book opens, Temeraire is an unhappy resident of the breeding grounds, and his captain Will Laurence is in prison, awaiting death for treason, each of them held hostage as surety for the other's good behavior. Unfortunately for Britain, it is a bad time to have taken their most
Review: Action-wise, a lot less happens in this installment of the Temeraire series than in the previous few books. There's a lot more talking, a lot more military maneuvering, and a lot more tiny skirmishes (plus one blow-out of a book-ending battle) in this one, and less of the constant (if episodic) adventure that characterized Black Powder War, for instance. Given my general dislike for military strategy and big battle scenes, you might think that this would cause me to dock the book some serious points. Novik, however, has cleverly figured out a way to keep even me interested in military strategy and troop movements: make one of those troops entirely out of captain-less dragons... and put Temeraire in charge of it.
Temeraire's so charming and intelligent that I think we tend to forget he's only a few years old, and watching him grow up and mature piece by piece is one of the pleasures of this series. In this case, watching him have to simultaneously accept the consequences of his and Laurence's choices at the end of Empire of Ivory and accept the responsibility that comes with a leadership position was fascinating, and further cemented Temeraire's place as one of the best dragons out there.
This book also kept up Novik's amazing trick of writing in period style while keeping it easy to read, and even though it wasn't all-action-all-the-time, it was still very absorbing, and pulled me through the book at a good clip. Overall, while Victory of Eagles does mark a change in tone and plotting style from previous books, it's not an unwelcome change, and once again, the book ends promising interesting adventures to come. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: I can't imagine anyone getting to the end of Empire of Ivory and not immediately wanting to read the next one, so of course this book is recommended. The series as a whole is also obviously recommended to fantasy fans, and suggested to historical fiction fans who are willing to dabble a little outside of their comfort zone.
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powerful dragon out of active service: Napoleon has successfully invaded England, and British forces are scattered, and forced to beat a hasty retreat. However, neither Laurence nor Temeraire are the sort to sit inactive while there's a war to be fought, and this time the stakes are higher than ever before... for they're fighting not only for their country and their homes, but also for their lives and their freedom.Review: Action-wise, a lot less happens in this installment of the Temeraire series than in the previous few books. There's a lot more talking, a lot more military maneuvering, and a lot more tiny skirmishes (plus one blow-out of a book-ending battle) in this one, and less of the constant (if episodic) adventure that characterized Black Powder War, for instance. Given my general dislike for military strategy and big battle scenes, you might think that this would cause me to dock the book some serious points. Novik, however, has cleverly figured out a way to keep even me interested in military strategy and troop movements: make one of those troops entirely out of captain-less dragons... and put Temeraire in charge of it.
Temeraire's so charming and intelligent that I think we tend to forget he's only a few years old, and watching him grow up and mature piece by piece is one of the pleasures of this series. In this case, watching him have to simultaneously accept the consequences of his and Laurence's choices at the end of Empire of Ivory and accept the responsibility that comes with a leadership position was fascinating, and further cemented Temeraire's place as one of the best dragons out there.
This book also kept up Novik's amazing trick of writing in period style while keeping it easy to read, and even though it wasn't all-action-all-the-time, it was still very absorbing, and pulled me through the book at a good clip. Overall, while Victory of Eagles does mark a change in tone and plotting style from previous books, it's not an unwelcome change, and once again, the book ends promising interesting adventures to come. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: I can't imagine anyone getting to the end of Empire of Ivory and not immediately wanting to read the next one, so of course this book is recommended. The series as a whole is also obviously recommended to fantasy fans, and suggested to historical fiction fans who are willing to dabble a little outside of their comfort zone.
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Loved the book but a little less than the previous books in the series. In part, I think because the circumstances were so dire for the hero so unremittingly through the whole book. Unsurprisingly, he feels depressed and guilty, which is totally understandable given what is happening to him and to
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his country. Show Less
LibraryThing member DNWilliams
I wanted to wait until this volume came out in paperback for several reasons that don't really matter, but believe me it was really difficult to wait as long as I did. The Temeraire novels are completely captivating. It is so hard to put this book down and it was very difficult waiting to see what
I'm not certain I like the direction that Novik is going with the resolution to Laurence's and Temeraire's difficulties, but I don't see any logical way around the situation. I very much like the way Temeraire is growing, still a relatively young dragon but quickly growing into his own and his intelligence shines through in spades. I also like the addition of the 'Breeding Ground' dragons, as well as seeing what happens to dragons who don't wish to fight. Temeraire's fight to gain equal rights for dragons is at the same time humurous and worrisome, but so well written from Temeraire's point of view that I see his point of view as well and desperately want him to succeed. If I had one complaint about Novik it would be that she doesn't write fast enough. But the delay between books does give me an opportunity to reread her earlier novels and I am struck each time by how deeply I fall into Temeraire's world.
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happened to Laurence and Temeraire. So many times series fall apart as the author and the world they have created evolve; this has not been the case in this series of novels. Novik has created a world I want to live in and I dream of being companion to a dragon. If only dragons were a reality. I'm not certain I like the direction that Novik is going with the resolution to Laurence's and Temeraire's difficulties, but I don't see any logical way around the situation. I very much like the way Temeraire is growing, still a relatively young dragon but quickly growing into his own and his intelligence shines through in spades. I also like the addition of the 'Breeding Ground' dragons, as well as seeing what happens to dragons who don't wish to fight. Temeraire's fight to gain equal rights for dragons is at the same time humurous and worrisome, but so well written from Temeraire's point of view that I see his point of view as well and desperately want him to succeed. If I had one complaint about Novik it would be that she doesn't write fast enough. But the delay between books does give me an opportunity to reread her earlier novels and I am struck each time by how deeply I fall into Temeraire's world.
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LibraryThing member Shrike58
In which Temeraire has to learn to think for himself, Laurence comes to understand more deeply the damage he has wrought in the name of principle and, oh yes, Napoleon invades England. I also might note that General Wellesley cuts through this novel like a force of nature. A good addition to the
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continuing series. Show Less
LibraryThing member aprillee
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” --Arthur Ashe
EMPIRE OF IVORY was a grand exploration adventure to a strange civilization on a mysterious continent. I missed seeing
We last saw our heroes finding a cure for the dragon plague, but then having to choose to do what should be the right thing over Lawrence's oath to his service and his country. Lawrence insists on returning to face dishonor and death --or a postponed death while he's held hostage for Temeraire's good behavior, since the country still wishes to keep the rare Celestial dragon.
Temeraire is relegated to the very boring, for him, breeding grounds in Wales. Lawrence is kept prisoner aboard ship, where he is able to see when Napoleon launches his invasion of England. This disaster overshadows, at least a bit, the crime of Lawrence and Temeraire. He is still a condemned traitor (at a time when hanging, drawing and quartering was still technically in effect for that capital crime), a disgrace to his family and friends and all he served with, and drummed from the service, but now there is some more immediate need for Temeraire. Lawrence is ordered to go and retrieve Temeraire for active service.
This is not a happy time for Lawrence. He's for all intents and purposes a broken man, save for his desire to keep Temeraire alive and, if not happy, at least not grieving for him before it becomes impossible to avoid. Lawrence has to deal with the fact that doing the right thing can have dark consequences. For Temeraire, it is all so much simpler (or relatively so. Temeraire is complex for a dragon, as most just want to be kept fed. Temeraire wants rights for dragons. And he wants Lawrence back, no matter what. Lawrence, however glad he is to be back with Temeraire, carries a load of guilt for what he has done, right or not. Napoleon would not have been able to invade but for his actions.
And in the meantime, Napoleon is heading for London, his troops and his dragons strong and organized. The British government and its military are in shock and disarray, the countryside is raided for the supply of the French: very dark and desperate times, indeed.
The action is intense and fast-paced, between small skirmishes and full-scale battles. The suspense and tension is unrelenting, with physical danger threatening as well as the uncertain fate of Lawrence and Temeraire. The focus is concentrated on Lawrence and Temeraire and the invasion of England. The quiet despair of Lawrence, who keeps fighting because of his love of country and Temeraire, is poignant and evocative. His struggle with his conscious and the consequences of his action is deeply moving and thought-provoking.
I was touched by Lawrence's sacrifices in the very first book in this series, in order to be with Temeraire and do his duty to his country; and also caught up in Temeraire's unconditional love for Lawrence. These characters and their relationship and Lawrence's sense of honor and duty, are the essence of this series. All these things and more are brought back to the forefront once more in this book, and I adored it. I am more a fan of this series than ever.
EMPIRE OF IVORY was a grand exploration adventure to a strange civilization on a mysterious continent. I missed seeing
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Lawrence and Temeraire within the milieu of the armed services battling against Napoleon, however. This book returns them to all that with a vengeance. We last saw our heroes finding a cure for the dragon plague, but then having to choose to do what should be the right thing over Lawrence's oath to his service and his country. Lawrence insists on returning to face dishonor and death --or a postponed death while he's held hostage for Temeraire's good behavior, since the country still wishes to keep the rare Celestial dragon.
Temeraire is relegated to the very boring, for him, breeding grounds in Wales. Lawrence is kept prisoner aboard ship, where he is able to see when Napoleon launches his invasion of England. This disaster overshadows, at least a bit, the crime of Lawrence and Temeraire. He is still a condemned traitor (at a time when hanging, drawing and quartering was still technically in effect for that capital crime), a disgrace to his family and friends and all he served with, and drummed from the service, but now there is some more immediate need for Temeraire. Lawrence is ordered to go and retrieve Temeraire for active service.
This is not a happy time for Lawrence. He's for all intents and purposes a broken man, save for his desire to keep Temeraire alive and, if not happy, at least not grieving for him before it becomes impossible to avoid. Lawrence has to deal with the fact that doing the right thing can have dark consequences. For Temeraire, it is all so much simpler (or relatively so. Temeraire is complex for a dragon, as most just want to be kept fed. Temeraire wants rights for dragons. And he wants Lawrence back, no matter what. Lawrence, however glad he is to be back with Temeraire, carries a load of guilt for what he has done, right or not. Napoleon would not have been able to invade but for his actions.
And in the meantime, Napoleon is heading for London, his troops and his dragons strong and organized. The British government and its military are in shock and disarray, the countryside is raided for the supply of the French: very dark and desperate times, indeed.
The action is intense and fast-paced, between small skirmishes and full-scale battles. The suspense and tension is unrelenting, with physical danger threatening as well as the uncertain fate of Lawrence and Temeraire. The focus is concentrated on Lawrence and Temeraire and the invasion of England. The quiet despair of Lawrence, who keeps fighting because of his love of country and Temeraire, is poignant and evocative. His struggle with his conscious and the consequences of his action is deeply moving and thought-provoking.
I was touched by Lawrence's sacrifices in the very first book in this series, in order to be with Temeraire and do his duty to his country; and also caught up in Temeraire's unconditional love for Lawrence. These characters and their relationship and Lawrence's sense of honor and duty, are the essence of this series. All these things and more are brought back to the forefront once more in this book, and I adored it. I am more a fan of this series than ever.
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LibraryThing member dragonb
Well-written and fascinating. Almost exclusively dragon interaction this book and less human interaction. Disappointing ending. Temeraire rang a little false this book being smart about math, but extremely clueless about following orders, organizing, etc. Seemed a bit forced.
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Yeah! This one is great. I like that it starts with Temeraire all by himself, dealing with strange dragons and without Laurence around to mitigate his ideas. And he really does very well. Unharnessed dragons actually fighting and making major differences...and it all ends up pretty much the same at
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the end. I will be interested to see how they get along in Australia. No dragons? Really? It's not all _that_ far from Asia...and there's plenty of dragons there... Show Less
LibraryThing member Unreachableshelf
A gripping addition to the series, and an extremely dark one. I am rather surprised however that what one would expect to be the climax of the series has already been resolved. Unless the contract has been extended, there is only one book left, and I would have expected the climax of this book to
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happen in the next one, instead of just the "villains still on the loose" loose threads remaining as Laurence and Temeraire set off for a new stage of adventures. That's the kind of ending that you'd expect for the last book (with a possibility for an extended contract), not the penultimate one. Show Less
LibraryThing member WintersRose
Novik writes her protagonists, Laurence and Temeraire, into such a corner here that I was sure her only recourse was to kill them off. She offers great insight to facing the negative consequences of moral choices. In Laurence's and Temeraire's case the choice was between treason and genocide. The
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consequences of their choice was painful in every facet of their lives. Since Novik ends the book by tying up loose ends rather than introducing another cliffhanger, this may be the last of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member rotheche
One of the best of the series. So often in fiction, the consequences of actions are glossed over; not here, and it makes for some thought-provoking reading. Though I'm no expert in Napoleonic-era history, it felt true to me; the characters are grounded in a real world, with consistent rules, and
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really do have to live in that world. Show Less
LibraryThing member flourishing
So, so, so fun.This was the book I've been waiting for throughout the series. The dragons do their thing; the women finally get to "come out," as it were.Rad.
LibraryThing member jedimarri
"Victory of Eagles" is book 5 in the Temeraire novels by Naomi Novik, and once again your joining me in progress as I read a series! I read the first four books while I was living in Ellensburg last year, and fell in love with the series!
Will Laurance and Temeraire are the heroes of this series.
The series is set during the Napoleonic wars, but it doesn't just take place in Europe. Our two companions also travel to China, Africa, and all over the place! The first four books in the series are; "His Majesty's Dragon," "Throne of Jade," "Black Powder War," and "Empire of Ivory."
I really enjoyed this series because it looks at dragons from a different angle. Well that and I've always loved dragons! This series looks at what the world would look like if dragons were a normal part of life, if they fought by our sides, and formed partnerships with us. Temeraire never looks at things quite the same as a human would, and I love his spin that he puts on things! I highly recommend the series to any dragon lover out there.
Will Laurance and Temeraire are the heroes of this series.
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Will finds himself bonding with and raising Temeraire when his egg hatches unexpectedly on an over seas voyage. Will was a mariner, and he never thought he'd be a dragon captain, but that's what he becomes as Temeraire grows.The series is set during the Napoleonic wars, but it doesn't just take place in Europe. Our two companions also travel to China, Africa, and all over the place! The first four books in the series are; "His Majesty's Dragon," "Throne of Jade," "Black Powder War," and "Empire of Ivory."
I really enjoyed this series because it looks at dragons from a different angle. Well that and I've always loved dragons! This series looks at what the world would look like if dragons were a normal part of life, if they fought by our sides, and formed partnerships with us. Temeraire never looks at things quite the same as a human would, and I love his spin that he puts on things! I highly recommend the series to any dragon lover out there.
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LibraryThing member richardderus
Series books always run a big risk: They can feel "phoned in" or less than exciting to the writer; or they can feel place-holder-y, like the book is a bridge to the next one in the series, without an obvious and unique place in the series's created universe. A little of both happens here.
I wasn't
Because the trip to Africa, from the previous book, feels contrived; the characters who join Tewmeraire's family there are virtually ignored here. Because the actions of the British government are presented as faits accomplis and then the action starts, in what feels to me like a very unrooted in the series's reality fashion. Because the entire book is a search-in-progress; half the book, grudgingly okay, but the WHOLE THING?! Asking too much of my patience, Ms. Novik.
So three stars based on your excellent world-building, exciting writing, and a hope for the future.
I wasn't
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in any way doubting that Novik would take me back into Temeraire's alternative Earth with dispatch; she certainly did that. This is a writer who knows what mood she wants to create and how to create it. She also knows her history, and brings characters to life who fit into that history, whether based on fact or wholly imagined. So why complain?Because the trip to Africa, from the previous book, feels contrived; the characters who join Tewmeraire's family there are virtually ignored here. Because the actions of the British government are presented as faits accomplis and then the action starts, in what feels to me like a very unrooted in the series's reality fashion. Because the entire book is a search-in-progress; half the book, grudgingly okay, but the WHOLE THING?! Asking too much of my patience, Ms. Novik.
So three stars based on your excellent world-building, exciting writing, and a hope for the future.
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LibraryThing member bell7
I put aside other books to read this one right away. I absolutely love the Temeraire series, and this one did not disappoint in the least. After Laurence is convicted of treason, Temeraire is sent to the breeding grounds where his good behavior is ensured by Laurence's life. Meanwhile, Will
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Laurence is sent back to a ship that becomes entangled in battle while Napoleon makes his way to England. Continually thrilling plot and great writing -- I can't wait for the next one! Show Less
LibraryThing member flourishing
So, so, so fun.This was the book I've been waiting for throughout the series. The dragons do their thing; the women finally get to "come out," as it were.Rad.
LibraryThing member MuseofIre
A great entry in the Temeraire series -- the best, I think, since [His Majesty's Dragon]. The choices made by Will and Temeraire in the last book have devastating consequences for both them and England, and although the book ends with a victory, those consequences are not thereby wiped out. Will
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continues to be a thoroughly decent and likeable hero, while Temeraire is thankfully losing some of his childish naivete. Portraits of historical figures, particularly the Duke of Wellington, some interesting interaction among the dragons, and kickass battle scenes complete the pleasures of this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member EvaElisabeth
I'm still reading this and having a really hard time getting through, gonna set it down and pick it up again later to see if I have better luck. Right now I'm finding the pacing glacial and the modd quite depressing, hopefully it will live up to the previous books in the series.
LibraryThing member seekingflight
A little disappointing for me. This is the fifth book in a new series I was excited to discover earlier in the year, and described to friends as the Napoleonic wars with dragons.
I was intrigued by the end of the last book, and thought that those developments might rekindle my interest. But I still
I was intrigued by the end of the last book, and thought that those developments might rekindle my interest. But I still
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can’t get into the story or the characters to the same extent as I could in earlier books - it's still a pleasant read, and seeing Temeraire learn about what it's like being a leader of 'men' (or dragons) is enjoyable, but it's not quite living up to the high hopes I had ... Show Less
LibraryThing member DWWilkin
Things that are good about this book is that it is better than the last in the series. Things that are bad is I just don't think Novik gets the period. There are a great deal about the attention to detail of Napoleonic England, which of course if Georgian England that Novik doesn't understand.
She
You wouldn't even know it was going on, even in Persuasion. So we go to the world of Temeraire and the entire war is turned upside down. Just not believable.
I could understand if all the battles that happened in the war, happened in her alternate universe with just the addition of dragons, but if dragons have been used for years, the course of the history of the planet would have changed prior to this war. There should not even have been a mad king George and Napoleon. And why do we need to see each? Wow.
Our hero is certainly someone who sees both of these, even with a sentence of death over his head. So what we are saying is that the story suffers from an absurdity in the plot. It also suffers from the use of language, where Novik tries hard to force her thoughts on how WWJD, or rather what would Jane write instead of do.
There are other great fallacies in the series, such as China being satisfied with its lot in life. China has never been satisfied with its lot in life. How nobles of the period respond to each other. There are a great many research pieces on the period, rather than thinking again WWJD.
Stay with this book to complete your reading of the series, but if you have not started the series, there are much better pictures of the Napoleonic Wars, even if they don't have a sentient sometimes 2 year old, and sometimes teenage dragon.
She
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seems to have an Austenian wish, or to make her series more Austen then the fantasy world based on the wars. Austen, despite having brothers who served in the Navy and became admirals there, kept the war far from her books.You wouldn't even know it was going on, even in Persuasion. So we go to the world of Temeraire and the entire war is turned upside down. Just not believable.
I could understand if all the battles that happened in the war, happened in her alternate universe with just the addition of dragons, but if dragons have been used for years, the course of the history of the planet would have changed prior to this war. There should not even have been a mad king George and Napoleon. And why do we need to see each? Wow.
Our hero is certainly someone who sees both of these, even with a sentence of death over his head. So what we are saying is that the story suffers from an absurdity in the plot. It also suffers from the use of language, where Novik tries hard to force her thoughts on how WWJD, or rather what would Jane write instead of do.
There are other great fallacies in the series, such as China being satisfied with its lot in life. China has never been satisfied with its lot in life. How nobles of the period respond to each other. There are a great many research pieces on the period, rather than thinking again WWJD.
Stay with this book to complete your reading of the series, but if you have not started the series, there are much better pictures of the Napoleonic Wars, even if they don't have a sentient sometimes 2 year old, and sometimes teenage dragon.
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