So the other day nothing made me happy. I started book after book and put them back down again, wondering if it was them or me. And then, over coffee with The Housemate, during which we agreed that sometimes you have to work to find the book that catches hold of you, she talked again about the Temeraire books and how much she was enjoying them. Since we had His Majesty's Dragon in our shared library, I gave it a try that night, and lo, it was good. It was very, very good.
The story engaged me right from the get-go. I'm a sucker for dragons, so I was predisposed to enjoy it, but I don't read just anything about them. I got lured in by action, good characterization, and an intriguing premise, that in the Napoleonic wars, England and France (among other countries) use dragons as aerial corps. A newly-hatched dragon may accept a harness from a human, and if s/he does, then the two of them are virtually tied together for the life of the human. In ideal circumstances, they become best friends, family even.
So when Captain Laurence finds himself in the position of having to harness a dragonet who has hatched aboard his ship, he is not happy. His life is the navy, and he knows how hard the life will be in the air corps, how much he'll have to give up. But he quickly learns how much more he gains when he and Temeraire are paired, and in fact the relationship between the two is the best part of the book. Temeraire is an absolute delight, and watching Laurence come to love him is soul satisfying.
There's a good deal of military detail, but it's not off-putting, and in fact the battle at the end of the book is quite exciting. There were moments of comedy, of heartbreak, and drama. It's an easy read, and a quick one, and it did what nothing else was doing for me this week, it captured my imagination and my interest, and kept me reading. I can't wait to start the second book in the series.

His Majesty's Dragon: Temeraire, Book 1
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Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise to Britain’s defense by taking to the skies . . . not aboard aircraft but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons.
When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Capt. Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future–and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.
From the Paperback edition.
When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Capt. Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future–and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.
From the Paperback edition.
©2006 Naomi Novik (P)2007 Books on Tape
- Listening Length9 hours and 57 minutes
- Audible release dateOctober 3, 2007
- LanguageEnglish
- ASINB000WS9ZIS
- VersionUnabridged
- Program TypeAudiobook
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Product details
Listening Length | 9 hours and 57 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Naomi Novik |
Narrator | Simon Vance |
Whispersync for Voice | Ready |
Audible.com Release Date | October 03, 2007 |
Publisher | Random House Audio |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B000WS9ZIS |
Best Sellers Rank | #4,280 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #11 in Alternate History Science Fiction (Audible Books & Originals) #26 in Alternate History Science Fiction (Books) #43 in Dragon & Mythical Creatures Fantasy |
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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,252 global ratings
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book, Great Character Development, Some Sticky Pages
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2016
After reading the first few pages, I wasn't sure that this book was for me. I am not much of a history buff, and I didn't know anything about the Napoleonic Era. However, as soon as the dragons were introduced I was sold. The characters evolve to be so brilliantly dynamic. I still have a few pages left, but I can't wait for the second book of the series to arrive in the mail.As a side note, for some reason a few of the pages had a sticky substance on them that glued the pages together, and when I pulled the pages apart, it darkened a few words. Not really a huge issue and probably a fluke, but I have attached a picture. Note, the picture contains a later portion of the book and may be considered a spoiler.
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2016
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Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2018
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48 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2017
Like some recent reviewers, I read "Uprooted" before eagerly seeking out more Naomi Novik books, and when reading the reviews, I decided to wait a while before starting this series. My decision ended up being wise, because I truly loved this series!
It is however written in a completely different style, and you can't in any way compare this to other books of Novik's, or other fantasy books in general.
The writing is beautifully crafted in classic English, but without the rambling boredom you'd associate with that linguistic style. The humor is dry and witty, and the action is everywhere. If you're like me and re-read the battles of Gondor and Helm's Deep over and over as a teenager, you should thoroughly enjoy these books. I was also a huge fan of the dragon Temeraire as a character; in a way, this series is a love story between him and his captain, Laurence. Their companionship through adventures at high seas, many continents, and of course the Napoleonic wars is at the center point of the whole series, and it's actually a lovely relationship you can really invest in as a reader (I know that's hard to believe, what with one half being a dragon). There's a reason Stephen King liked this book...
The only way the series can appear to a disadvantage is if you compare it to anything else in the fantasy fiction realm. It's just too different and individual, and you have to really embrace the style and story without trying to measure it up to other pre-existing standards.
Also, even though the two main characters are male, there are a few kick-ass female characters, Laurence's boss Jane Roland, and one young member of his crew -Jane's daughter- Emily Roland. They're not hugely developed characters, but still absolutely dominate in a male-ruled world of characters, and provide sufficient delight for female fantasy enthusiasts.
It is however written in a completely different style, and you can't in any way compare this to other books of Novik's, or other fantasy books in general.
The writing is beautifully crafted in classic English, but without the rambling boredom you'd associate with that linguistic style. The humor is dry and witty, and the action is everywhere. If you're like me and re-read the battles of Gondor and Helm's Deep over and over as a teenager, you should thoroughly enjoy these books. I was also a huge fan of the dragon Temeraire as a character; in a way, this series is a love story between him and his captain, Laurence. Their companionship through adventures at high seas, many continents, and of course the Napoleonic wars is at the center point of the whole series, and it's actually a lovely relationship you can really invest in as a reader (I know that's hard to believe, what with one half being a dragon). There's a reason Stephen King liked this book...
The only way the series can appear to a disadvantage is if you compare it to anything else in the fantasy fiction realm. It's just too different and individual, and you have to really embrace the style and story without trying to measure it up to other pre-existing standards.
Also, even though the two main characters are male, there are a few kick-ass female characters, Laurence's boss Jane Roland, and one young member of his crew -Jane's daughter- Emily Roland. They're not hugely developed characters, but still absolutely dominate in a male-ruled world of characters, and provide sufficient delight for female fantasy enthusiasts.
27 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous language and an exciting, fast-paced and believable story line are the hallmarks of this excellent series
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2017
This review really applies to the entire series. This is an outstanding read, with rich language that effectively evokes the Napoleonic era, characters that are sympathetic and three-dimensional, and a fast-paced plot that sweeps from the British Isles to China and South America as the dragons are woven seamlessly into the history of the Napoleonic wars.
Lovers of Pern's Dragons or the tree-cats of Sphinx will be entertained by Novik's twist on the "everyone wants to be a dragon-rider/adopted by a tree-cat" theme. Unlike most fantasy or science fiction featuring intelligent animals or aliens, where the bond with them is highly coveted, Novik's England is a place where being an "aviator" is considered sort of a necessary evil. Certainly they are valuable to the nation's defense and all, but it certainly isn't a profession for a gentleman! Even a Navy career is disappointing to the protagonist's well-born Lord of a father, but when Laurence is thrust into his relationship with Temeraire his father refuses to even have him in the front door! He has to break off his engagement, because he couldn't ask a well-born lady to marry him now...it is a wonderful change of pace.
Novik also offers something else that fans of McCaffrey's Pern and Weber's Honorverse will appreciate--strong female warriors.
Between the gorgeous language, the expertly researched and presented historical backdrop and the delightfully charming main character Temeraire, this is a series you will want to read, listen to on Audible, then re-read and re-listen.
Lovers of Pern's Dragons or the tree-cats of Sphinx will be entertained by Novik's twist on the "everyone wants to be a dragon-rider/adopted by a tree-cat" theme. Unlike most fantasy or science fiction featuring intelligent animals or aliens, where the bond with them is highly coveted, Novik's England is a place where being an "aviator" is considered sort of a necessary evil. Certainly they are valuable to the nation's defense and all, but it certainly isn't a profession for a gentleman! Even a Navy career is disappointing to the protagonist's well-born Lord of a father, but when Laurence is thrust into his relationship with Temeraire his father refuses to even have him in the front door! He has to break off his engagement, because he couldn't ask a well-born lady to marry him now...it is a wonderful change of pace.
Novik also offers something else that fans of McCaffrey's Pern and Weber's Honorverse will appreciate--strong female warriors.
Between the gorgeous language, the expertly researched and presented historical backdrop and the delightfully charming main character Temeraire, this is a series you will want to read, listen to on Audible, then re-read and re-listen.
11 people found this helpful
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DJM
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Quite There
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2021
I really liked the authors books like Uprooted and Spinning Silver, so I was looking forward to this series. Having read Book 1, I won't be buying the others.
Although the premise is really interesting (unlike some, I though putting Dragons in a known historical context was really interesting ), I found the characters over-simplified to the point of being almost cliches/caricatures, and the Dragons almost seemed like emotional simpletons.
For me, the intrigue and interest in the universe was more than offset by the annoyance at the key plot figures. To be fair, I've been tired of the whole period drama genre for a while, and found this story-telling too much like it was written by an author of that time but without any of the charm that counter-balances the Victorian style hypocrisy, airs and graces.
Although the premise is really interesting (unlike some, I though putting Dragons in a known historical context was really interesting ), I found the characters over-simplified to the point of being almost cliches/caricatures, and the Dragons almost seemed like emotional simpletons.
For me, the intrigue and interest in the universe was more than offset by the annoyance at the key plot figures. To be fair, I've been tired of the whole period drama genre for a while, and found this story-telling too much like it was written by an author of that time but without any of the charm that counter-balances the Victorian style hypocrisy, airs and graces.
4 people found this helpful
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northsylvania
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like authors like Ursula K
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2017
I binge read the entire series in two weeks, which was a satisfying approach as there is a definite sociopolitical edge as the series progresses and the difference that dragons can make to a society's progression becomes more apparent. I like authors like Ursula K. LeGuin who examine cultural influences, as well as alternative history series like the early Alvin Maker books. Novik has done a very good job here of fusing the two genres to the betterment of both. The first book can be read purely as a ripping yarn, but the later books add complexity and meaning.
This is one of the few works that I will be turning around and rereading immediately to examine the craft of how they were written instead of just how the plot develops.
This is one of the few works that I will be turning around and rereading immediately to examine the craft of how they were written instead of just how the plot develops.
12 people found this helpful
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BookWorm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2018
Temeraire is a swashbuckling fantasy action adventure set during the Napoleonic wars. Everything seems much the same as in reality with the large, critical difference that dragons exist and are employed by both sides in the fighting. There doesn't seem to be any other magic or wizardry, just the dragons. Laurence, the hero, is a naval captain who has an unplanned change of career when a baby dragon takes a liking to him. He calls it Temeraire after a famous ship, and soon the two are inseparable and headed off to become an airborne fighting unit.
Both Laurence and Temeraire are great characters, really likeable, and I was invested in them from early on in the book. There's plenty of adventure and excitement as they join a squadron of dragons and fight in battles. The supporting characters are also well described. The challenges of Laurence's transition from the very formal Navy to the much more daredevil, relaxed world of the flying corps are well described and provide a layer to the story beyond the inevitable peril from the French forces.
I've only given four stars because I think the plot is quite standard - there weren't really any surprises here and I guessed all the twists. It follows a pretty well trodden path for this type of fantasy story. However it's really well done and very enjoyable to read. It's also only the first of a nine book series so I'm sure there is room for more complex plots to develop in later novels. I'll definitely be reading more of them - this is perfect escapism. I don't think I'm going to remember much about it in a month other than it had a dragon in and I enjoyed it, which is another reason for not giving a fifth star, but in the moment it was great fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of fantasy adventure.
Both Laurence and Temeraire are great characters, really likeable, and I was invested in them from early on in the book. There's plenty of adventure and excitement as they join a squadron of dragons and fight in battles. The supporting characters are also well described. The challenges of Laurence's transition from the very formal Navy to the much more daredevil, relaxed world of the flying corps are well described and provide a layer to the story beyond the inevitable peril from the French forces.
I've only given four stars because I think the plot is quite standard - there weren't really any surprises here and I guessed all the twists. It follows a pretty well trodden path for this type of fantasy story. However it's really well done and very enjoyable to read. It's also only the first of a nine book series so I'm sure there is room for more complex plots to develop in later novels. I'll definitely be reading more of them - this is perfect escapism. I don't think I'm going to remember much about it in a month other than it had a dragon in and I enjoyed it, which is another reason for not giving a fifth star, but in the moment it was great fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of fantasy adventure.
One person found this helpful
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Clive Butterfield
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Surprisingly good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2016
What a nice surprise this book turned out to be. I had just read a remarkable novel "Uprooted" by a new author to me Naomi Novak. I was anxious after finishing it to see if there was a sequel. Instead I discovered a large number of books in the Temeraire Series, which I had never heard of. The jacket notes (yes I know it’s an ebook, but you know what I mean), did not make me want to read this story, Napoleonic wars and Dragons, I just thought it was a "jumping the shark" concept.
However, Uprooted had been so good I thought it worth a shot. Wow, it’s a very, very good read, suspend the grating concept of the 1800's military techniques and what having an air corps made up of dragons would do to that style of warfare, and Ms Novik delivers a well-crafted and yes well researched novel.
I read that no less than Peter Jackson the Director of LOTR amongst other things has bought the rights to this being made into a movie and I can well see why. Sadly from all I can read Mr Jackson only has this as a potential project, nowhere near being a film any time soon. (How frustrating must that be for the author?)
Anyway, its great escapist fantasy and well worth the read.
However, Uprooted had been so good I thought it worth a shot. Wow, it’s a very, very good read, suspend the grating concept of the 1800's military techniques and what having an air corps made up of dragons would do to that style of warfare, and Ms Novik delivers a well-crafted and yes well researched novel.
I read that no less than Peter Jackson the Director of LOTR amongst other things has bought the rights to this being made into a movie and I can well see why. Sadly from all I can read Mr Jackson only has this as a potential project, nowhere near being a film any time soon. (How frustrating must that be for the author?)
Anyway, its great escapist fantasy and well worth the read.
4 people found this helpful
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Steve Culshaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant series ... Hornblower meets Game of Thrones
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2021
Brilliant series ... Hornblower meets Game of Thrones
Naomi Novik has put together an excellent series of books. It's got a great set of characters, especially Lawrence and Temeraire, it moves around the globe to lots of interesting locations.
I usually read a series of books interleaved with my other books ... not so with Temeraire. It's that good I read all nine of them back to back
Naomi Novik has put together an excellent series of books. It's got a great set of characters, especially Lawrence and Temeraire, it moves around the globe to lots of interesting locations.
I usually read a series of books interleaved with my other books ... not so with Temeraire. It's that good I read all nine of them back to back