Upon finishing Empire of Ivory, the fascinating novel that preceded Victory of Eagles, I was skeptical that Naomi Novik could possibly handle all the ramifications of what she had done. Presenting her protagonist with an ethical dilemma so delicious that I use it as a finals question (modified slightly and put in the context of a "game" or "film" instead of totally plagiarizing the full background and rich context of the Temeraire narrative. Today, I am totally amazed with the comprehensive and satisfying way she handled the social ostracism faced by Lawrence and the way Temeraire only belatedly discovers the cost of "radicalism" or "Whig"-like notions.

The only reason I've given this book (4 stars) rather than (5 stars) is because I doubt everyone will relish this book as much as I do. I'm biased. Novik's attention to political detail is faultless. Her awareness of the repercussions to arise from Temeraire's desire for reform is absolutely spot-on. The tension between military accomplishment and the political aftermath couldn't be written more perfectly in its minor key if it was accompanied by Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony (known for its clever non-apology taking as much risk toward Stalin as Temeraire takes toward General Wellesley (whom we know better as Lord Wellington)).

Yet, I suspect that the average reader is more interested in action and intrigue than political/philosophical dialogue. So, the portions that I find most interesting may not be for every taste. I love the way Temeraire usually begins with ingenuous and idealistic attitudes and then discovers the high cost of change. It resonates perfectly, the dialogues dancing from well-drawn character to well-drawn character as elegantly as a dance from the era.

On a personal level, Victory of Eagles interweaves the best of both plausible history and alternative history. Cameos (or, in some cases, more substantive appearances) by Murat, Nelson, Talleyrand, and Wellesley offer a solid historical texture--even in the midst of the preposterous fantasy conceit. And, I love the way the book weaves together authentic Napoleonic maneuvers and strategies with the new wrinkles necessitated by adding aerial tactics.

Anyone who enjoyed Empire of Ivory should not fear that Victory of Eagles will offer less. Indeed, it offers more and leaves the reader with another set-up for another installment. One wonders if it can possibly be as interesting as the first five volumes, but since Novik has more than answered my reservations in this work, I look forward to reading the next one, too.