by Naomi Novik
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Published in 2006 as Temeraire in the UK, the US title changed to His Majesty’s Dragon. An alternate history set during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), intelligent and sapient dragons (like many portrayals of dragons) are used in aerial warfare. This first book of 9 describes how Captain William Laurence of the Royal Navy acquires a dragon egg when taking a French ship and accidentally becomes the handler of the dragon that hatches within the day. The dragon is named Temeraire by Laurence. They go on to train for the war in Scotland.
What I liked most was the relationship between Laurence and Temeraire. Laurence is portrayed as a English gentleman who doesn’t show a lot of emotions, loves rules and following his duty no matter what. He is, at first, reluctant to leave his ship to become an aviator. Slowly, the relationship between them grows and his fondness for Temeraire is clear. It’s adorable! Temeraire is so smart and kind, caring so much about Laurence more than his duty as a dragon in the war.
on DeviantArt
The story is slow, which was totally fine. It’s more of an origin story, so to speak. The main points are Temeraire’s hatching and training to his first real battles. They both have to deal with heirarchy and finding their place among the aviators.
This might be a spoiler so keep reading if you dare. Parts I didn’t like had to do with Rankin and his dragon, Levitas. It’s written well and the characters seem accurate, but it’s heartbreaking to read of someone mistreating such a well spirited creature. I was just waiting for someone to punch this man. It just goes from bad to worse to worse to worse. I don’t think the book would be better without it, but it was the hardest parts to listen too.
Overall, it was a fun read/listen. I’ll continue the series at some point. I have so many other things to read first.
Rachels Books 