Name: Vanessa 's review of Temeraire by Naomi Novik
Item: Temeraire
Rating: 5
Author: Vanessa

Naomi Novik

Naomi Novikâe(tm)s stunning series of novels follow the global adventures of Captain William Laurence and his fighting dragon Temeraire as they are thrown together to fight for Britain during the turbulent time of the Napoleonic Wars. Captain Will Laurence has been at sea since he was just twelve years old; finding a warmer berth in Nelson's navy than any he enjoyed as the youngest, least important son of Lord Allendale. Rising on merit to captain his own vessel, Laurence has earned himself a beautiful fiancÃ©e, society's esteem and a golden future. But the war is not going well. It seems Britain can only wait as Napoleon plans to overrun her shores. After a skirmish with a French ship, Laurence finds himself in charge of a rare cargo: a dragon egg bound for the Emperor himself. Dragons are much prized: properly trained, they can mount a fearsome attack from the skies. One of Laurence's men must take the beast in hand and join the aviators' cause, thus relinquishing all hope of a normal life. But when the newly-hatched dragon ignores the young midshipman Laurence chose as its keeper and decides to imprint itself on the horrified captain instead, Laurence's world falls apart. Gone is his golden future: gone his social standing, and soon his beautiful fiancÃ©e, as he is consigned to be the constant companion and trainer of the fighting dragon Temeraireâe¦

Temeraire

Vanessa 

When the HMS Reliant captures a French ship and its priceless cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, Captain Will Laurence is swept into an unexpected kinship with an extraordinary creature and joins the elite Aerial Corps as a master of the dragon Temaraire, in which role he must match wits with the powerful dragon-borne forces of Napoleon Bonaparte. Original.

His Majesty's Dragon

Vicky  Nuñez 

I love Fantasy novels, you know the kind, the ones who get you so into their world of adventures & magic & enthrallment and all kinds of impossible things that once the book is down you look around and the world returns to its black & white self and you remember the cold reality of the falsehood of dream you were living inside those words. But nevertheless, every single word, every single page were worth it. 
And that's how I felt about His Majesty's Dragon. i felt transported to the time of the Napoleonic Wars & to a time of dragons. 
I loved His majesty's Dragon & it probably deserves 5 stars, but it felt inconclusive and it's because there are more books to conclude the tale.
If you love fantasy, this is a definitely must-read.

Betty

Cloudface

I read this series when I was a kid and I saw the audiobooks were available at my library so I gave them a listen. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it stood up! I think the combination of Laurence, a bootlicking naval soldier with a blind love for his country, and Temeraire, a dragon who was born 2 days ago and already hates capitalism, is what makes these books so great to me. Watching Laurence slowly start to question the rules he was raised with over the course of this series is very interesting, although there are definitely some things in later books that didn’t age the best. Still, this was a fun trip down memory lane, and the audiobook narrator’s voice was great.

Prashanth Srivatsa

Temeraire is pleasant, never aiming for the high, complex pedestals of fantasy literature, but achieves the rare, oft underappreciated, art of creating excellent characters without losing them to the burden of the plot. Novik is honest in her portrayal of disciplined men and women, the aristocratic, the flamboyant, the brusque and the blunt, and in the midst of them, allows her dragons to weave in their flavors of wonder to the image. Set in the heart of the 16th century Napoleonic wars, Temeraire is best when it stays away from the gritty, brooding episodes of longswords and sorcery that abounds fantasy these days, and instead revels in its simple offering of swashbuckling adventure.

Napoleon when he found Temeraire bonded with a British Royal Navy Captain “YOU IMPRINTED ON MY DAUGHTER!??” 

Only Novik would come up with dragons fighting in the Napoleonic wars.

All I could think of when Temeraire got his armor was the “look at this distinguished gentleman” meme.

I’m a huge Master & Commander fan so Laurence has sorta morphed into a Jack Aubrey-esque character (Russel Crowe). Sir Edward = Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). I’m here for Dilf Captain Laurence. 

One of the best historical fiction and fantasy novels I’ve read as of late. Found the formal language a little dull at first but now it’s undeniably endearing. Proper little Temeraire is so damn cute. I am quite pleased by how Novik depicts 19th century language & customs. Queen did her research!

PLUS there’s next to no romance which is refreshing just dragons & their bestie aviators fighting bad guys and kicking butt! Can’t wait to see what adventures occur the next 8 BOOKS!!!!!

Kelsey 

Napoleon when he found Temeraire bonded with a British Royal Navy Captain “YOU IMPRINTED ON MY DAUGHTER!??” 

Only Novik would come up with dragons fighting in the Napoleonic wars.

All I could think of when Temeraire got his armor was the “look at this distinguished gentleman” meme.

I’m a huge Master & Commander fan so Laurence has sorta morphed into a Jack Aubrey-esque character (Russel Crowe). Sir Edward = Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). I’m here for Dilf Captain Laurence. 

One of the best historical fiction and fantasy novels I’ve read as of late. Found the formal language a little dull at first but now it’s undeniably endearing. Proper little Temeraire is so damn cute. I am quite pleased by how Novik depicts 19th century language & customs. Queen did her research!

PLUS there’s next to no romance which is refreshing just dragons & their bestie aviators fighting bad guys and kicking butt! Can’t wait to see what adventures occur the next 8 BOOKS!!!!!

Oliver Merryweather

This was a gorgeous novel - I have always adored dragon books and this was definitely something different to read. Rather than being a typical dragon rider story, His Majesty's Dragon puts an enjoyable spin on the norm: rather than having simply one rider, there are several, enabling airborne attacks to be much more effective in the heat of battle. I also liked the variety of skills that dragons could possess, some could breathe fire, whilst others alternatively spit acid, which as you can imagine is rather vicious! (There are others but I will not spoil them for you!)

Now, the characters - Will Laurence is a simple character, but his attitude and sentiments towards Temeraire was what really made me fond of him, although becoming a dragon captain was not what he initially wanted it turned out to be the best thing in the end. Temeraire is lovely and makes me want a dragon of my own! There are also a great many dragons that you get to know throughout the novel (Levitas being a favourite of mine).

The book is written wonderfully (much like Tolkien's style) and it isn't a difficult read. With only around 344 pages it isn't too lengthy either. 

I'm definitely going to be reading the rest in the series, and I would recommend to fans of fantasy and dragon novels!

Rachel Kanyid

Ok, but why is Naomi Novik so good. This was soooo good. I can't wait to read the rest!

Ryan LaFerney

Naomi Novik is now one of my all time favorite authors (alongside of the likes of Tolkien, Susanna Clarke, George MacDonald, Madeline L'Engle). She combines the style of the nautical historical novel (made famous by English author Patrick O'Brian) with the fantasy styles of Susanna Clarke and Anne McCaffrey into something highly enjoyable. The story is set during an alternate-history version of the Napoleonic Wars, in which dragons not only exist but are used as a staple of aerial warfare in Asia and Europe. The dragons of the story are portrayed as sapient and intelligent, capable of logical thought and human speech (which is amazing!). The series centers primarily on events involving Temeraire and his handler, Will Laurence. The first book of the series tells how Laurence, formerly a Captain in the Royal Navy, becomes Temeraire's handler, and of their early training in preparation for battles against Napoleon's aerial fleet. As Laurence and Temeraire bond, you too will grow with affection for this wonderful work of alternative-history/fantasy.

Pavonini

Got me crying over a dragon, so good job. I also want to know what happens next, and genuinely enjoyed the whole thing. (Not much of a review, but I don't have much time.)

Magnus Dahl

Laurence och Temeraire är så fina mot varandra.

Kirsten Simkiss

** spoiler alert **
           The book is slow at first and a lot of it, while necessary, is about bringing the main characters into the fold of the dragon-riding community and learning necessary tactics to provide air support in times of war. I have to say, this is honestly the first time I've seen dragons paired with the Napoleonic times. I cannot imagine, if dragons were to be used in reality in times of war, how different history might have turned out. Needless to say, the battles and action scenes, when they come, are well written and it's always fun to watch Laurence lose his cool, either turning into a puddle of embarrassment or blowing his top and having to walk away.

This book is very much like Master and Commander crossed with an Anne McCaffrey novel, though with mildly better character development and a much more logical system of managing dragon riding. But I do really want one thing from it: GIVE ME MORE LADIES. ACTIVE IN THE STORY LADIES. I mean, Edith and mom are all well and good, but they mostly serve more as a reminder of the world he left behind than active roles in his life. Captain Harcourt seems great, but she really doesn't get to talk all that much in book one, which is regrettable. She seemed like a really great person who I'd like to know more about. And Jane Roland can stay forever. She's awesome.

I was sad to see Choiseul's ending and I wonder if we'll ever have the chance to see his dragon again. It is truly unfortunate that he had to be a traitor, but it did lend a sort of urgency and intrigue to the plot. I'm just sorry because he was so much more likable than most of the other side characters.

It will be interesting to see where the next book takes the series.

Solenne Smith

I love dragons, which is why I picked up this book in the first place. However, I found myself skimming through most of it. I think if you’re big in historical fiction you’ll appreciate this book. Just not for me, personally. 

Marsh Wu

Sarah Escorsa

This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Yes it did. Oh, I know exactly what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Sarah doesn't do warm and fuzzy, Sarah only does cold-hearted cynicism." Ha. Fooled you right there. I'll have you know I do have a heart (sometimes) and actually enjoy feeling all warm and fuzzy (occasionally). Besides, it's not like this is me cooing and getting the fuzzies over a bunch of cute babies. We're talking about dragons here, people!



Wanna know why I'm all smitten and stuff? Mostly because this book reminded me of Pete's Dragon ← I think I just lost half of the people reading this review. Don't worry kids, this is too ancient for you to know about. Besides, it's not your fault you were born two decades too late (view spoiler)[It does explain why you're all so screwed up, though (hide spoiler)].

So this is a story about a boy man and his dragon. And this isn't typically the kind of book I enjoy reading because, let's be honest, there isn't much of a plot here. But the relationship between Laurence and his dragon Temeraire? It's everything. It's cute beyond measure. I know, I know, I just used the word cute *shudders* to describe the relationship between a grown man and a dragon. You can snicker all you want, I don't care. Because these two? They make me all tingly inside. Yes they do. I LOVE their conversations (yes, dragons do talk). I LOVE their interactions. I LOVE how much they care for each other. And I pretty much melt every time Laurence reads to Temeraire at night ← Damn. Either I'm getting really soft in my old age or Naomi Novik is a miracle worker. Anyhow, Laurence and Temeraire are so perfect for each other I think they should get married. Or something.


 
Okay, I have to admit Laurence could have been a bit more dashing. Strike that, he could have been a lot more dashing. But I still like him. He is nice, reliable, honourable and fair *shudders* But I still like him. I can't believe I'm actually admitting my utter fondness for a non-assholish male lead *gasps* Prepare to die everyone, the end of the world is near. Chaos, doom and destruction await.

Now for the other half of our perfect couple: Temeraire. Sigh. I think I just fell in love with a dragon. I love his ever-innovative ideas about politics, his very fresh point of view and his insightful comments. His lines just crack me up. Besides, he loves being read French books on mathematics and physics, how can anyone resist that?! There are some very cool dragons in this book, but Temeraire here is definitely my kind of monster. 



Now some people find that this book is slow paced. It is in a sense because there isn't that much action. Novik dedicates a large chunk of the book to the training of Laurence and Temeraire in the Dragon Corps. I (very uncharacteristically) enjoyed every minute of it but I understand that other might find it a bit boring. There is some pretty great naval action in the opening chapters though, and the aerial fight sequences in the second half of the book were simply amazing. Aerial fights, people! That means crazy aerial maneuvers! That means dragons being used as ships, with a full crew riding them! Napoleonic wars, people! That means strategy! That means Admiral Nelson! That means war with the Filthy, Cunning French! Woo hoo!

I used to binge-read historical fiction but stopped after OD'ing on the genre a few years ago. I'm finding it surprisingly refreshing now that I'm on the verge of OD'ing on Urban Fantasy, haha. I really enjoyed the Regency setting here and love the way Novik mixes history, fantasy and comedy of manners. This improbable mix of dragons, Napoleonic wars and light social satire works because Novik is a fantastic writer. Her style is flawless and everything blends in together effortlessly. And the characters! I love the way she writes her characters! Actually, I was so impressed with Novik's writing and enjoyed it so much that I added Uprooted to my tbr. And you know what? Uprooted is YA. Yes, His Majesty's Dragon is SO AWESOME that it made me want to read a Freaking YA Book. Now what do you think about that?!



► Now for the moral of this review: His Majesty's Dragon is fun. His Majesty's Dragon is entertaining. His Majesty's Dragon is great. His Majesty's Dragon is OMG-I can't-stop-reading. His Majesty's Dragon might not make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside like it did me but it will definitely make you forget about the outside world for a while. What more do you want?! 


P.S. There might not be many female characters in this story but they're all very cool, as in unconventional for the time period and acting quite inappropriately. YES! I can't wait to read more about them in the next instalments.

P.P.S. Kudos to Novik for writing whole sentences in French without a single spelling or grammar mistake. Phoenix Rising this is not.

· Book 2: Throne Of Jade ★★★★
· Book 3: Black Powder War ★★★★

Kelsi Proulx

After my last experience with this author, I was a bit unsure about reading this book. But with all the good reviews I had to at least give it a chance. I am so glad I did! I will definitely be continuing with the series.

This first novel in the Temeraire series is a lot of buildup, it starts off pretty slow but the last hundred pages or so are action-packed. I personally was glad for the slow start as it gave me the chance to get to know Temeraire and Laurence. Their close relationship, similar to the love between parent and child (except that they are equally protective of each other), was beautiful and made me feel a strong attachment to them and concern over their well-being. 

Laurence grows a lot throughout the story, gaining more warmth and maturity because of the new worldview he has accessed after Temeraire comes into his life. I also appreciated that although Temeraire is a wise dragon, there are also moments when he is like a child, which he is, being less than a year old at the end of the book. All of the dragons had their own personality which made the book much more enjoyable.

My only complaint is that I wish the backdrop of the Napoleonic war had been a little bit more developed. This was definitely more of a fantasy than a historical fiction novel. However, the historical setting allowed for a more classical writing style, which I really liked.

Laura Kehoe

What an imaginative and fascinating book! Naomi Novik has created a fascinating world that truly feels real. I loved all of the history and world building that went into His Majesty's Dragon. 
In addition to the intriguing world, the characters themselves are equally enjoyable. I never thought I'd describe a giant black dragon as adorable, but Temeraire is honestly one of the sweetest, most endearing creatures I have ever read about. And his relationship with Laurence, his rider, is just heartwarming. There were times while I was reading that my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. 
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is that at times the pace was a little slow and there were a few massive info dumps that bogged the story down in places.

Hannah Derzanovich

I loved it! I'm really glad I impulsively bought it (I loved Uprooted) and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!

Liam Byrne 

‘His Majesty’s Dragon’ (seemingly republished as ‘Temeraire’ at a later date) takes the Napoleonic Wars and throws a myriad of dragons at the conflict. Unsurprisingly, as is the case with things that involve dragons of some sort, the result is well worth checking out, even if the interactions with the winged creatures are far more interesting than the aerial combat.

Having captured a close to hatching dragon egg from a French ship, Captain Will Laurence becomes the man who takes control of Temeraire, a rare Chinese breed of dragon. With the harnessing of a dragon comes a life of kinship that rips Laurence away from his naval career and forces him into the Napoleonic War on the back of his new companion. The French aren’t the only enemy though as Laurence and Temeraire both find transition into a brave new world is never quite as straightforward as one would like. 

Naturally, the relationship between Temeraire and Laurence forms the crux of the narrative and is needed to be one that engaged the audience, which it does. Where Novik should be commended is how natural it feels for dragons to exist within this historically accurate representation of 19th Century Britain, whilst also creating a relationship between the two main protagonists that feels realistic and strong. That both characters go through similar moments of self-doubt and self-discovery helps in this as they turn to each other for mutual support at times of difficulty.

Temeraire’s dialogue in particular works well to create a character that feels unique in a cast of dragons, whilst also giving voice to the queries and concerns of a newcomer to the world. At times, it even creates some small pockets of humour as Laurence has to explain the unwritten (and sometimes written) rules of society that underpin social interactions. The dragon feels at once wise but child-like; not an easy combination but pulled off with aplomb.

The intimate relationship between Laurence and Temeraire is interesting to see being developed; the same cannot be said for the combat. That is not to suggest it is all bad – there is a real sense of the all-out action that you might expect in battles between dragons and the crews that ‘pilot’ them. However, in the frenzy, some clarity was lost for me and it all too often felt like it became a raft of names and actions more than anything else. Your mileage may vary though as I’m sure there are many who will admire the dramatic set pieces created by Novik’s descriptions.

Being the first book of a series of nine, the issue can be that the stakes are never really high enough to build tension. However, Novik skilfully sidesteps that pitfall by focusing more on the growth of Temeraire and the friendship between rider and dragon. The ending, whilst presenting an important battle between the two armies, also fulfils somewhat of a narrative arch though still leaving the author many places to go over the next eight books. Books that, given the time, I’m sure I’ll find myself checking out in due course.

Sophia De La Garza

4.5 stars! I adored this novel about a navy sea captain turned dragon trainer! This was a perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy. If you want to know my full spoiler FREE thoughts, then click the link below: 
https://youtu.be/H7yxaJG1lS0

Nickie Mohler

During the Napoleonic Wars, the HMS Reliant captured a French ship. Captain Laurence was stunned to find a dragon egg on the ship. Dragons have been used to aid aerial combat in the war, and are very important. Captain Laurence has limited dragon knowledge being a Naval Captain and is not quite sure what to do. He will just have to get the egg to the Aerial Forces before it hatches. Unfortunately or fortunately, the dragon has other ideas.

I really enjoyed this one. I have read so many back list books this year and wondered why I waited so long to read them. This is one of those gems. I love Will and Temeraire. I love all the dragons, and the crews. It's definitely a series I will continue.

Ben Nathan

An absolute blast! The characters were so much fun, especially Temeraire who gave me everything I've ever wanted from a dragon in a book. The idea of how the insertion of dragons would alter Napoleonic era warfare was well thought out and a whole lot of fun. I highly highly recommend this book.

Les Reynolds

Light and fun. Not as good as her more recent work.

Vanessa &
Temeraire by Naomi Novik

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