More rip snorting Napoleonic dragon action from Naomi Novik. This time a delegation of wily Chinese diplomats petitions the British government for the return of the dragon Temeraire to his rightful home arguing that a Celestial dragon should not be expected to fight in battles under the command of a common soldier. Captain Laurence and Temeraire are dispatched on the proverbial slow boat to China, facing numerous fiendish perils on the way including a rather wonderfully described naval boarding action before unpicking the diplomatic tangle that awaits them in the mysterious orient.

There's not a huge amount to say other than if you enjoyed the first book, then you will certainly enjoy this one.