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Temeraire #4
Empire of Ivory
Naomi Novik’s stunning series of novels follow the adventures of Cpt Laurence and his dragon Temeraire as they travel from the shores of Britain to China and Africa.
Laurence and Temeraire made a daring journey across vast and inhospitable continents to bring home a rare Turkish dragon from the treacherous Ottoman Empire.
Kazilik dragons are firebreathers, and Britain is in greater need of protection than ever, for while Laurence and Temeraire were away, an epidemic struck British shores and is killing off her greatest defence – her dragon air force is slowly dying.
The dreadful truth must be kept from Napoleon at all costs. Allied with the white Chinese dragon, Lien, he would not hesitate to take advantage of Britain's weakness and launch a devastating invasion.
Hope lies with the only remaining healthy dragon – Temeraire cannot stay at home, but must once again venture into the unknown to help his friends and seek out a cure in darkest Africa.
Laurence and Temeraire made a daring journey across vast and inhospitable continents to bring home a rare Turkish dragon from the treacherous Ottoman Empire.
Kazilik dragons are firebreathers, and Britain is in greater need of protection than ever, for while Laurence and Temeraire were away, an epidemic struck British shores and is killing off her greatest defence – her dragon air force is slowly dying.
The dreadful truth must be kept from Napoleon at all costs. Allied with the white Chinese dragon, Lien, he would not hesitate to take advantage of Britain's weakness and launch a devastating invasion.
Hope lies with the only remaining healthy dragon – Temeraire cannot stay at home, but must once again venture into the unknown to help his friends and seek out a cure in darkest Africa.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2007
1390 people are currently reading
14398 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Novik
71 books36.2k followersAn avid reader of fantasy literature since age six, when she first made her way through The Lord of the Rings, Naomi Novik is also a history buff with a particular interest in the Napoleonic era and a fondness for the work of Patrick O’Brian and Jane Austen. She studied English literature at Brown University, and did graduate work in computer science at Columbia University before leaving to participate in the design and development of the computer game Neverwinter Nights: Shadow of Undrentide. Over the course of a brief winter sojourn spent working on the game in Edmonton, Canada (accompanied by a truly alarming coat that now lives brooding in the depths of her closet), she realized she preferred writing to programming, and on returning to New York, decided to try her hand at novels.
Naomi lives in New York City with her husband and six computers. Her website is at naominovik.com
Naomi lives in New York City with her husband and six computers. Her website is at naominovik.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,787 reviews
December 3, 2017
That ending though 👀
July 27, 2021
This is the fourth book in the series but the first real review I’ve done for the series as I read the previous three last year when my reviews were one or two sentences long. The premise of these novels are simply: what would have happened if the Napoleonic Wars were fought with dragons?
I’ve enjoyed all four of the Temeraire novels so far. However I have seen lots of people mention that they haven’t found the second, third or fourth one as good as the first. Maybe I am biased because of my small *but really very large* dragon obsession but I have liked them all. The novels are worth reading for Temeraire and Laurence’s relationship alone in my opinion.
Temeraire, the main dragon in the novel has such a distinctive character. He is stubborn, loyal and has a strong but unique outlook on morality. He also brings out the best in his rider/companion Laurence, who thanks to Temeraire’s black and white outlook on issues starts to see that even things he has spent his whole life accepting as ‘just the way things are’ actually need to be changed. Temeraire and Laurence’s affection and loyalty for each other never fails to make me smile. In fact I love all dragons and their riders, they each have their own personalities and relationships. This is the first novel since the first where we really see them all again and added a lot to my enjoyment of the novel.
Each sequel has taken us to a different exotic place so far. This time it was Africa and this was my favourite portion of the novel. This is where the loyalty of all the dragons is really showcased and as well beautiful descriptions of Africa itself. The reader also experiences the impact of slavery there and the author really hits you hard with the brutality of it but creates a fascinating idea for how African people could have tried to fight back if dragons really did exist. It really had me hooked.
Finally the cliffhanger at the end of this novel slayed me. I need to finds out what happens next!!!!
I really recommend giving this series a try, especially if you like fantasy, historical fiction and especially, if like me, you love dragons.
I’ve enjoyed all four of the Temeraire novels so far. However I have seen lots of people mention that they haven’t found the second, third or fourth one as good as the first. Maybe I am biased because of my small *but really very large* dragon obsession but I have liked them all. The novels are worth reading for Temeraire and Laurence’s relationship alone in my opinion.
Temeraire, the main dragon in the novel has such a distinctive character. He is stubborn, loyal and has a strong but unique outlook on morality. He also brings out the best in his rider/companion Laurence, who thanks to Temeraire’s black and white outlook on issues starts to see that even things he has spent his whole life accepting as ‘just the way things are’ actually need to be changed. Temeraire and Laurence’s affection and loyalty for each other never fails to make me smile. In fact I love all dragons and their riders, they each have their own personalities and relationships. This is the first novel since the first where we really see them all again and added a lot to my enjoyment of the novel.
Each sequel has taken us to a different exotic place so far. This time it was Africa and this was my favourite portion of the novel. This is where the loyalty of all the dragons is really showcased and as well beautiful descriptions of Africa itself. The reader also experiences the impact of slavery there and the author really hits you hard with the brutality of it but creates a fascinating idea for how African people could have tried to fight back if dragons really did exist. It really had me hooked.
Finally the cliffhanger at the end of this novel slayed me. I need to finds out what happens next!!!!
I really recommend giving this series a try, especially if you like fantasy, historical fiction and especially, if like me, you love dragons.
February 28, 2021
Devouring these on audiobook. So good. And wouldn't you know it: right when I decide to take a break there's a MASSIVE cliffhanger. Can't wait to get back to these. Absolutely phenomenal series.
June 5, 2019
Deal Breaker..!! This book is a complete deal breaker.
The 4th installment in the Temeraire series, comes as a shockingly hollow book. Devoid of any story line, this book left me thoroughly disappointed. I am quite literally sad.
When I picked this series initially, I was ecstatic. Such brilliant writing style with such flow and a very charming Dragon. What else could I ask for? But since then this series has been on the decline in terms of story line and this book in particular brings it to a grinding halt. There is no story at all. It reads like a filler. Something to plug in the space between the story that might later develop.
The writing style that was so engrossing when there was a story becomes a complete nuisance when there is no story. It hinders a superficial read for the heck of it and thus annoys the reader.
I’ll be putting this series down for the time being. I do not have the final book in the series which is just a minor reason. But I guess, I need a break from this series to lower my expectations and then maybe I’ll come back to it. I really want it to turn out into something i'd cherish.
I really like Naomi Novik for her writing and I really do hope that the next part will revive the magic and will make for an interesting comeback to the story line.
Fingers Crossed.
The 4th installment in the Temeraire series, comes as a shockingly hollow book. Devoid of any story line, this book left me thoroughly disappointed. I am quite literally sad.
When I picked this series initially, I was ecstatic. Such brilliant writing style with such flow and a very charming Dragon. What else could I ask for? But since then this series has been on the decline in terms of story line and this book in particular brings it to a grinding halt. There is no story at all. It reads like a filler. Something to plug in the space between the story that might later develop.
The writing style that was so engrossing when there was a story becomes a complete nuisance when there is no story. It hinders a superficial read for the heck of it and thus annoys the reader.
I’ll be putting this series down for the time being. I do not have the final book in the series which is just a minor reason. But I guess, I need a break from this series to lower my expectations and then maybe I’ll come back to it. I really want it to turn out into something i'd cherish.
I really like Naomi Novik for her writing and I really do hope that the next part will revive the magic and will make for an interesting comeback to the story line.
Fingers Crossed.
May 9, 2021
2011 September 21
Yeah, she managed to slip penguins in there with the colonialism and the slavery and the dragon plague. It feels quite a bit as if she can read my mind and anticipate everything I might want to see and give it to me. I'd give her a whole extra star just for the 19th century epidemiology alone. And another star for Mrs. Erasmus. It's hard for me to think of another book, let alone a series, which deals so well with very weighty issues and is such insane pleasure to read.
Library copy.
Yeah, she managed to slip penguins in there with the colonialism and the slavery and the dragon plague. It feels quite a bit as if she can read my mind and anticipate everything I might want to see and give it to me. I'd give her a whole extra star just for the 19th century epidemiology alone. And another star for Mrs. Erasmus. It's hard for me to think of another book, let alone a series, which deals so well with very weighty issues and is such insane pleasure to read.
Library copy.
March 7, 2017
“The very young hold up best, and the old ones linger; it is the ones between who have been dying. Dying first, anyway; I suppose they will all go in the end.”
In “Empire of Ivory” we are transported to Africa as we follow Laurence and Temeraire in their quest to find a cure for the epidemic that has spread to his fellow dragons.
I love the fact that with each book we explore a different place instead of just staying in the same setting every time. Since this book is set in Africa we have the chance to stop focusing on the endless war between England and France and explore other themes as well such as slavery.
Not only we see the struggles many people were having in their battle to abolish slavery, but we also see the tragic results for those who were stolen from their home countries and thrown into slavery.
It was really interesting to see the dragons become the biggest advocate of the slaves and completely understandable, given the fact that very often they were given the same treatment even though they were serving and protecting the country.
“It was no conscious malice, only the common unthinking assumption by which men treated dragons as inconvenient if elevated livestock, to be managed and herded without consideration for their own sentiments”
Despite all the bad treatment the dragons receive daily there are still people who care about them. We might not see their captains express their feelings regularly but after the epidemic broke out their love for their dragons really shows, it was so sweet seeing Laurence worry about Temeraire despite all his military training to handle difficult situations.
“Laurence? Laurence, pray do not worry; it does not hurt so much, and look, it has already stopped bleeding.”
You would think that with all those themes of war, slavery and disease this book would end up being dark, but the dragons, having their own ideas about manners and politeness, often refused to follow the human social rituals and provided this way comic relief.
Lily heaved a disgruntled sigh, and turning her lurid orange eye on Riley said, “Very well, then; but if you are unpleasant to Catherine, I will throw you in the ocean.”
August 22, 2015
Well, I finished book 4 with a bit of trepidation for future entries. Despite my love for the series, and the solid foundation that this alternate history tale was built on, THIS was the Temeraire book I didn’t even know I wanted. While the previous books in the series have all been good, Empire of Ivory definitely stands taller than the rest. My concern is that this is the pinnacle of the series, and that everything else that follows might not quite live up to the newly established standard. Like the 4th season of Dexter, The Wall by Pink Floyd, The Empire Strikes Back, and Nemesis Games by James S.A. Corey, this is THE tale, the one that really brings it all together. The struggles here really resonated with me, and the events within changed the whole damn game going forward. Now don’t get me wrong, I am sure the rest of the books will be great, and I am excited to get through them, but I don’t think that they’ll reach the lofty heights established here.
Compared to the previous 3 stories, this book is just dense. Not so much in number of pages, but rather in content. So much happens here. The Abolitionist movement (and the similarity between the treatment of black slaves and dragons by the English), the sickness of the dragons and the ensuing rush for the cure, the discoveries that take place on the African continent, and the big game changer at the end (and obligatory cliffhanger), all ensure that this particular book never has a dull moment.
Laurence's family ties to the Abolition movement play a big role here, and the parallels between slave ownership and dragon "ownership" is a great, albeit none-too-subtle, way to take the narrative beyond just the war. Temeraire is growing more and more as a character, and with his growing awareness of the world around him, he is truly beginning to question the rules of society and his place within the world of men.
I can say that while I miss Tharkay, I am glad for the new characters that enter the mix. Reverend Josiah Erasmus and his wife, Lethabo, are very welcome additions to the story, as are the native boys Sipho and Demane. This diversity is most welcome, as it helps expand the narrative beyond that of dragons and their aviators. And Iskierka…how I want more and more of her going forward. The Yin to Temeraire’s Yang, I chuckle everytime she makes an appearance. She really needs a moment to show just how dangerous she can be.
The action is this entry is pretty minimal, as the focus is more on the cure, the clash of cultures, and the difference between doing one’s duty and doing what is right. All the different shades that we’ve seen of Laurence through the first 3 books finally come into play here, and we feel for him as he makes a decision that, while morally correct, may still be his ruin. While the war, and the various battles that are part of the greater conflict, are definitely a great danger, the stakes are the highest they’ve been so far.
And really, that’s about all I can say here. The less spoilers the better for this particular novel. If you are a fan of the series, and haven’t read this one yet, then I say get on it! Empire of Ivory was just the thing to follow the (relatively) slow read that was Black Powder War. Now I get to see if my theory is correct…bring on Victory of Eagles.
Compared to the previous 3 stories, this book is just dense. Not so much in number of pages, but rather in content. So much happens here. The Abolitionist movement (and the similarity between the treatment of black slaves and dragons by the English), the sickness of the dragons and the ensuing rush for the cure, the discoveries that take place on the African continent, and the big game changer at the end (and obligatory cliffhanger), all ensure that this particular book never has a dull moment.
Laurence's family ties to the Abolition movement play a big role here, and the parallels between slave ownership and dragon "ownership" is a great, albeit none-too-subtle, way to take the narrative beyond just the war. Temeraire is growing more and more as a character, and with his growing awareness of the world around him, he is truly beginning to question the rules of society and his place within the world of men.
I can say that while I miss Tharkay, I am glad for the new characters that enter the mix. Reverend Josiah Erasmus and his wife, Lethabo, are very welcome additions to the story, as are the native boys Sipho and Demane. This diversity is most welcome, as it helps expand the narrative beyond that of dragons and their aviators. And Iskierka…how I want more and more of her going forward. The Yin to Temeraire’s Yang, I chuckle everytime she makes an appearance. She really needs a moment to show just how dangerous she can be.
The action is this entry is pretty minimal, as the focus is more on the cure, the clash of cultures, and the difference between doing one’s duty and doing what is right. All the different shades that we’ve seen of Laurence through the first 3 books finally come into play here, and we feel for him as he makes a decision that, while morally correct, may still be his ruin. While the war, and the various battles that are part of the greater conflict, are definitely a great danger, the stakes are the highest they’ve been so far.
And really, that’s about all I can say here. The less spoilers the better for this particular novel. If you are a fan of the series, and haven’t read this one yet, then I say get on it! Empire of Ivory was just the thing to follow the (relatively) slow read that was Black Powder War. Now I get to see if my theory is correct…bring on Victory of Eagles.
September 21, 2021
A cliffhanger ending to another stellar edition of what is proving to be a consistently enjoyable series. Again the heart of the book is the relationship between Temeraire and Laurence. To make the reader believe in the friendship between a dragon and a human is no mean feat by the author. Excellent use of location is another strength of the book. A compelling read.
December 24, 2016
LAURENCE! *sigh*
August 30, 2015
The best yet in this series. Empire of Ivory delivers several gut-punches. I am so happy I started this series after it is mostly done, because after the cliffhanger ending in this book I would have been fit to be tied. As it is, I'm already listening to Book V, Victory of Eagles.
September 27, 2024
Este me gustó bastante más que el anterior. Todo lo de la pandemia de dragones fue bastante intenso y el país exótico de este libro (cada libro parece ir a uno distinto) es África, donde se da de lleno con el tema de la esclavitud y qué hubiera pasado con ésta si los pueblos donde iban a por esclavos... hubieran tenido dragones.
Me divertí mucho con todo el asunto de lo asombrosísimamente mal que olían las setas curativas esas (que ya habíamos vislumbrado por encima en un libro anterior) y sus consecuencias😂😂😂. También me gustó la resolución con la dragona rencorosa del libro anterior.
Me dio una pena del copón de los elefantes, por riquísimos que estuvieran.
Y me sorprendió un poco el final que pinta terrible. Ahora sí que tendré que leer el siguiente. GL (Restos de serie)
Me divertí mucho con todo el asunto de lo asombrosísimamente mal que olían las setas curativas esas (que ya habíamos vislumbrado por encima en un libro anterior) y sus consecuencias😂😂😂. También me gustó la resolución con la dragona rencorosa del libro anterior.
Me dio una pena del copón de los elefantes, por riquísimos que estuvieran.
Y me sorprendió un poco el final que pinta terrible. Ahora sí que tendré que leer el siguiente. GL (Restos de serie)
July 5, 2019
What an ending!!!
Reread 07/19 - still felt every emotion just as strongly this time round!!
Reread 07/19 - still felt every emotion just as strongly this time round!!
December 14, 2021
This series is so good and the audiobooks, read by Simon Vance, are amazing.
November 11, 2019
Müthişti, soluksuz okudum coook güzeldi 😍öyle bir yerde bitti ki devamı nasıl beklenir bilmem, pegasus kesinlikle seriye devam etmeli bir an önce 5.kitabı çıkartmalı bence...
Not:kitabın tarihi kurgu kısmıyla hiç ilgilenmiyorum, ben ejderhalar ve başlarından geçenlerle ilgilenip seriyi buna göre değerlendiriyorum.
Not:kitabın tarihi kurgu kısmıyla hiç ilgilenmiyorum, ben ejderhalar ve başlarından geçenlerle ilgilenip seriyi buna göre değerlendiriyorum.
June 4, 2025
That’s a pretty drastic cliffhanger. RTC
January 4, 2023
Probably my favorite so far. Seeing some big societal changes finally with having dragons and just multiple interesting plots and character journeys. Plus probably the biggest call out of English society so far by not shying away from how terrible slavery is.
Temeraire and Laurence are in Africa this time. After returning home to find a plague has swept through the English dragons, Temeraire and Laurence return to Africa in hopes of finding a cure.
I was of course, very interested in the plot of a disease taking down dragons and was super curious about it. Considering how quickly it spread though I have to suspend my disbelief that they were able to isolate it in England. Temeraire caught it from a messenger outside of Africa, did that messenger not stop anywhere else? Anyways....belief suspended it was really interesting and lead to an interesting moral decision at the end of the book.
The time in Africa though was probably the most interesting and we can slowly see Laurence becoming more and more influenced by Temeraire. Laurence has never supported slavery but now we see him reaching his limits against those that do and questioning his own loyalty to a country that won't stop it. Temeraire asking why and Laurence realizing he has no good answers has lead him to tougher positions and grinding against his own orders and government. It's completely believable development.
It's just so interesting to be reading and while supporting the two main characters, knowing that they aren't actually serving the good guys. It's more so evident here than in any of the other books.
We see another differing way that dragons are incorporated into society. Even more ingrained seemingly than China, which is super interesting. And I loved how the Africa plot lined concluded.
I enjoyed our new introduced characters and look forward to seeing a few of them in future books. I think Harcourt deserves better though and I hope that situation doesn't work out.
Looking forward to the next one but may need more breaks soon.
Temeraire and Laurence are in Africa this time. After returning home to find a plague has swept through the English dragons, Temeraire and Laurence return to Africa in hopes of finding a cure.
I was of course, very interested in the plot of a disease taking down dragons and was super curious about it. Considering how quickly it spread though I have to suspend my disbelief that they were able to isolate it in England. Temeraire caught it from a messenger outside of Africa, did that messenger not stop anywhere else? Anyways....belief suspended it was really interesting and lead to an interesting moral decision at the end of the book.
The time in Africa though was probably the most interesting and we can slowly see Laurence becoming more and more influenced by Temeraire. Laurence has never supported slavery but now we see him reaching his limits against those that do and questioning his own loyalty to a country that won't stop it. Temeraire asking why and Laurence realizing he has no good answers has lead him to tougher positions and grinding against his own orders and government. It's completely believable development.
It's just so interesting to be reading and while supporting the two main characters, knowing that they aren't actually serving the good guys. It's more so evident here than in any of the other books.
We see another differing way that dragons are incorporated into society. Even more ingrained seemingly than China, which is super interesting. And I loved how the Africa plot lined concluded.
I enjoyed our new introduced characters and look forward to seeing a few of them in future books. I think Harcourt deserves better though and I hope that situation doesn't work out.
Looking forward to the next one but may need more breaks soon.
August 3, 2017
3 stars, maaaaaaybe 3.5
It seemed like a lot of people were disappointed by Black Powder War and enjoyed this one much more. I'm the opposite. Loved Black Powder War and in comparison, Empire of Ivory... it just feels like not a lot happened. Yes, the dragons were sick. Laurence and Temeraire went to Africa to find a cure. Found a cure, brought it home, and voila! Dragons all better. The ending with Napoleon was mildly interesting, and I enjoyed their time spent in Africa thanks to Laurence's entertaining descriptions of elephants and rhinoceroses (rhinoceri? hmm). Otherwise I was rather bored, unfortunately.
I'm not giving up on the series because of one disappointing installment though. Hopefully the next one picks up in a better vein, and I will always always always recommend Simon Vance on audio for this series. He's fantastic.
It seemed like a lot of people were disappointed by Black Powder War and enjoyed this one much more. I'm the opposite. Loved Black Powder War and in comparison, Empire of Ivory... it just feels like not a lot happened. Yes, the dragons were sick. Laurence and Temeraire went to Africa to find a cure. Found a cure, brought it home, and voila! Dragons all better. The ending with Napoleon was mildly interesting, and I enjoyed their time spent in Africa thanks to Laurence's entertaining descriptions of elephants and rhinoceroses (rhinoceri? hmm). Otherwise I was rather bored, unfortunately.
I'm not giving up on the series because of one disappointing installment though. Hopefully the next one picks up in a better vein, and I will always always always recommend Simon Vance on audio for this series. He's fantastic.
March 6, 2008
Laurence and Temeraire's most recent adventure is a bit of a departure from their usual military and diplomatic adventures. This time, they're out searching for a cure for a draconic ailment that is lingering and eventual fatal. The entire Aerial Corps is at risk, and Temeraire is one of the only healthy dragons left. So, it's off to Africa, where they think the cure might be found.
I have always loved the different ways that cultures integrate dragons into themselves. We got to see the Chinese practices in the second novel, and in this one, we get to see how tribes in Central Africa do it. They believe that dragons are reincarnated spirits of people who have recently died, and when a dragon is still in the egg, it has its entire human life "told" to it in ceremonial chanting. So, the dragon hatches already having a history and a connection to the community it is born into. (This, I think, has the same effect as "harnessing" does for the Westerners. As long as the dragon is immediately somehow given a place in human society, it won't "go feral.")
At any event, things move slowly as Laurence and his crew search for a rare mushroom that proves to cure the illness, but pick up when they discover that the tribes in Central Africa have banded together with their dragons to stop the incursion of slavers into their lands. This is a point where the history of Temeraire's world suddenly went very differently than the history of our own. (Though it was quite cool that Temeraire made a friend and ally for his cause in William Wilberforce when Laurence's father convinces both of them to meet with a bunch of British abolitionists.)
A great many other things happened that deserve some comment... the issue of women in the Corps continues to give poor Will Laurence fits. There's Catherine Harcourt's complete ignorance of the rules of inheritance and her dalliance with Riley (who was quite insufferable for most of the novel) and the quick wedding (can't wait to see where that goes... a navy captain married to a longwing captain who is very sure of herself and used to being in command...), but then there's also Jane Roland, and the unfortunate misunderstanding that led to Will's father believing Emily to be his "natural child." I felt bad for him when Jane refused his proposal so matter-of-factly, but I think that it was for the best, seeing as how Will was asking for reasons of appearances rather than affection. Not to say that the tow of them don't care for each other... I'm even hoping that they're going to get closer as the books progress. Right now, they're mostly convenient friends with benefits (dear friends, even...). Besides, I don't think Will's quite ready for the kind of equality being in love-relationship with Jane would entail.
All of that aside... HOLY CRAP THE CLIFFHANGER. I couldn't believe it when I read that the Admiralty had basically, for lack of a better word, engaged in biological warfare by sending the sick French dragon back home without thought for the countless innocent dragons from enemy and ally countries alike that would fall ill and die because of it. With the shock of that still very fresh in my mind, within pages, Laurence and Temeraire are off committing (in my mind quite justifiable) treason by taking the French the cure. And Will, being the noble-minded Englishman that he is, is going back to England now that he's done what he felt was right. Though I have never been more proud of Laurence and Temeraire, the government is NOT going to be happy with Will, and how he's going to escape without a noose around his neck is anyone's guess.
Next book now, please?
I have always loved the different ways that cultures integrate dragons into themselves. We got to see the Chinese practices in the second novel, and in this one, we get to see how tribes in Central Africa do it. They believe that dragons are reincarnated spirits of people who have recently died, and when a dragon is still in the egg, it has its entire human life "told" to it in ceremonial chanting. So, the dragon hatches already having a history and a connection to the community it is born into. (This, I think, has the same effect as "harnessing" does for the Westerners. As long as the dragon is immediately somehow given a place in human society, it won't "go feral.")
At any event, things move slowly as Laurence and his crew search for a rare mushroom that proves to cure the illness, but pick up when they discover that the tribes in Central Africa have banded together with their dragons to stop the incursion of slavers into their lands. This is a point where the history of Temeraire's world suddenly went very differently than the history of our own. (Though it was quite cool that Temeraire made a friend and ally for his cause in William Wilberforce when Laurence's father convinces both of them to meet with a bunch of British abolitionists.)
A great many other things happened that deserve some comment... the issue of women in the Corps continues to give poor Will Laurence fits. There's Catherine Harcourt's complete ignorance of the rules of inheritance and her dalliance with Riley (who was quite insufferable for most of the novel) and the quick wedding (can't wait to see where that goes... a navy captain married to a longwing captain who is very sure of herself and used to being in command...), but then there's also Jane Roland, and the unfortunate misunderstanding that led to Will's father believing Emily to be his "natural child." I felt bad for him when Jane refused his proposal so matter-of-factly, but I think that it was for the best, seeing as how Will was asking for reasons of appearances rather than affection. Not to say that the tow of them don't care for each other... I'm even hoping that they're going to get closer as the books progress. Right now, they're mostly convenient friends with benefits (dear friends, even...). Besides, I don't think Will's quite ready for the kind of equality being in love-relationship with Jane would entail.
All of that aside... HOLY CRAP THE CLIFFHANGER. I couldn't believe it when I read that the Admiralty had basically, for lack of a better word, engaged in biological warfare by sending the sick French dragon back home without thought for the countless innocent dragons from enemy and ally countries alike that would fall ill and die because of it. With the shock of that still very fresh in my mind, within pages, Laurence and Temeraire are off committing (in my mind quite justifiable) treason by taking the French the cure. And Will, being the noble-minded Englishman that he is, is going back to England now that he's done what he felt was right. Though I have never been more proud of Laurence and Temeraire, the government is NOT going to be happy with Will, and how he's going to escape without a noose around his neck is anyone's guess.
Next book now, please?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2014
Whaaaaat now that is a cliffhanger! Man.
This was once again a very nice little book. This one takes place in Africa for much of the time, which is fun. And it has a lady admiral! I know I've bemoaned in the past the lack of female characters in this series. But I have to admit that Novik is pretty good at having our hero be a product of his times, without being a huge dick. He seems more bewildered by women being able to, like, DO and THINK things, than really objecting to it. Which works for me because you're not whitewashing the past too much, nor are you giving us an unrealistic character for the times. (It's like what my brother said the other day about how people in period movies still sort of have the hair and makeup of whatever year in which the movie was actually made. And how that's not very noticeable at the time, but twenty years later you're like, "dude.")
And I like how lady airmen are like "I can't get married because then I'd have to obey you, and I can't be down with that." Like, not trying to change the institution of marriage really, just saying "my life won't fit in with that" and then not doing it.
It ends on a hell of a cliffhanger, but I don't want to rush through these so I might read another audiobook or two before getting back to it.
This was once again a very nice little book. This one takes place in Africa for much of the time, which is fun. And it has a lady admiral! I know I've bemoaned in the past the lack of female characters in this series. But I have to admit that Novik is pretty good at having our hero be a product of his times, without being a huge dick. He seems more bewildered by women being able to, like, DO and THINK things, than really objecting to it. Which works for me because you're not whitewashing the past too much, nor are you giving us an unrealistic character for the times. (It's like what my brother said the other day about how people in period movies still sort of have the hair and makeup of whatever year in which the movie was actually made. And how that's not very noticeable at the time, but twenty years later you're like, "dude.")
And I like how lady airmen are like "I can't get married because then I'd have to obey you, and I can't be down with that." Like, not trying to change the institution of marriage really, just saying "my life won't fit in with that" and then not doing it.
It ends on a hell of a cliffhanger, but I don't want to rush through these so I might read another audiobook or two before getting back to it.
August 18, 2020
The fastest paced of the novels yet, and I really enjoyed it. It's nice that we're not solely focused on the events of the Napoleonic Wars and get to move around the world. In this one, we get to see Africa and the evils of slave trafficking and colonialism.
It's really neat how each culture has their own thing going with dragons and how they're treated. The interactions between Temeraire and Laurence were particularly good in this one, especially at the end.
Laurence fighting with his own patriarchal upbringing, and the more modern views of the Air Core is well done. It's nice that he's slowly adjusting to it, instead of being all "Damn, I was wrong all along! I'm just going to completely alter my views after decades of life."
I must admit, I'm pleasantly surprised how naturally the social commentary works in this series. I imagine it's very difficult to work modern feminist views into a story set in the early 19th century and have it not feel forced or silly.
I'm excited about the next installment, particularly after the ending. This series is not what I expected, but that's a good thing for me. I've read enough about the battles of the Napoleonic Wars, so the fact that we're only touching on them occasionally and focusing on a more global perspective makes the series much more entertaining.
It's really neat how each culture has their own thing going with dragons and how they're treated. The interactions between Temeraire and Laurence were particularly good in this one, especially at the end.
Laurence fighting with his own patriarchal upbringing, and the more modern views of the Air Core is well done. It's nice that he's slowly adjusting to it, instead of being all "Damn, I was wrong all along! I'm just going to completely alter my views after decades of life."
I must admit, I'm pleasantly surprised how naturally the social commentary works in this series. I imagine it's very difficult to work modern feminist views into a story set in the early 19th century and have it not feel forced or silly.
I'm excited about the next installment, particularly after the ending. This series is not what I expected, but that's a good thing for me. I've read enough about the battles of the Napoleonic Wars, so the fact that we're only touching on them occasionally and focusing on a more global perspective makes the series much more entertaining.
November 4, 2007
The fourth in the Temeraire series, and the one I've enjoyed the most since the introductory book. Which is to say, a lot. This one felt more tightly structured than the last, with the disease plot as a brilliantly chosen and terrifying centerpiece. I've never had a dragon, obviously, but the idea of losing one made me ache almost as much as the thought of losing one's daemon in His Dark Materials. The African setting really came alive; I love how we're getting to see how different cultures around the world have responded and adapted to dragons. And the ending...damn. Like a slap, that was—and a higher compliment than that I have difficulty conceiving. ;-)
If you're not reading this series, you really should be; I can't wait for the next book. And if you haven't been reading it, just think how lucky you are: you now have four wonderful novels to tide you over until the next one comes out. I'm envious!
I also have to add that I really enjoy the fact that, due to the wonders of the alphabet and the particular books I happen to have in my collection, Naomi Novik ends up shelved right next to Patrick O'Brian. It was meant to be! Though I better be careful not to buy any, say, Joyce Carol Oates. Don't you try anything, Joyce!
If you're not reading this series, you really should be; I can't wait for the next book. And if you haven't been reading it, just think how lucky you are: you now have four wonderful novels to tide you over until the next one comes out. I'm envious!
I also have to add that I really enjoy the fact that, due to the wonders of the alphabet and the particular books I happen to have in my collection, Naomi Novik ends up shelved right next to Patrick O'Brian. It was meant to be! Though I better be careful not to buy any, say, Joyce Carol Oates. Don't you try anything, Joyce!
June 16, 2016
So.. I'm moving out of state in a few days and have been listening to a lot of books while I pack and clean. Since I was listening, I had no idea how far into a book I was. I felt like it was getting close to the end because a BIG THING was about to happen when....
the book ended.
I seriously thought there was something wrong with the file. But no. Fucking big cliffhanger ending.
It's been a year or more since I read a Temeraire book. I forgot how much I adore Temeraire and also the new baby dragon that spits fire (no idea how her name is spelled) - she was hilarious, especially when she started acting like a dragon pirate.
I'm giving this one a 4.5 I don't have any complaints really except that the narrator made Lawrence sound like an old man. I've rekindled my interest in finishing this series - especially with the last book coming out soon (or maybe it's already out).
But for now - back to packing.
the book ended.
I seriously thought there was something wrong with the file. But no. Fucking big cliffhanger ending.
It's been a year or more since I read a Temeraire book. I forgot how much I adore Temeraire and also the new baby dragon that spits fire (no idea how her name is spelled) - she was hilarious, especially when she started acting like a dragon pirate.
I'm giving this one a 4.5 I don't have any complaints really except that the narrator made Lawrence sound like an old man. I've rekindled my interest in finishing this series - especially with the last book coming out soon (or maybe it's already out).
But for now - back to packing.
May 27, 2021
The fourth novel in the Temeraire series was a significant step up from the previous installment.
What I enjoyed were, among others:
- the structure of the plot that was clearly much better thought through
- the return of my favourite human characters, Jane Roland and Catherine Harcourt
- a much heavier focus on the dragons, who are probably the main reason why most people reach for this series in the first place
- a more realistic approach to the situations of international conflict, where there are rarely just "good guys" and "bad guys", as it was at the very least believed by Laurence until now
- exciting ending of the book that I'm sure will take the series in more interesting directions.
What I appreciated the most was Laurence finally waking up from his blind conformity and passivity to injustice demonstrated in the previous novel, whether it was about the discriminatory treatment of women, dismissiveness of dragons' rights or oppression of Poland by Prussians.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story.
What I enjoyed were, among others:
- the structure of the plot that was clearly much better thought through
- the return of my favourite human characters, Jane Roland and Catherine Harcourt
- a much heavier focus on the dragons, who are probably the main reason why most people reach for this series in the first place
- a more realistic approach to the situations of international conflict, where there are rarely just "good guys" and "bad guys", as it was at the very least believed by Laurence until now
- exciting ending of the book that I'm sure will take the series in more interesting directions.
What I appreciated the most was Laurence finally waking up from his blind conformity and passivity to injustice demonstrated in the previous novel, whether it was about the discriminatory treatment of women, dismissiveness of dragons' rights or oppression of Poland by Prussians.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story.
February 3, 2025
Delighted that there are so many more dragon adventure books left in this series. Laurence is such a refreshing protagonist. I adore an affronted gentleman.
The first few books had us adventuring through "fun" history, but with this book we see the unavoidable ugly bits we have been working towards for some time.
The first few books had us adventuring through "fun" history, but with this book we see the unavoidable ugly bits we have been working towards for some time.
January 14, 2008
This was really good -- perhaps the best of the Temeraire books so far, though I may just feel this way 'cos every time I read a new Temeraire book I find I'd forgotten how great they are. But I wish Harper Collins hadn't done such a damned shoddy job of proofreading. I kept getting tripped up by typos, grammatical errors, dangling sentence fragments, and once, the same word being used twice in the same sentence in a way that made me have to reread the sentence twice before I understood it.
Also there is just one line -- it's just a niggling thing, but I am very very doubtful about the wisdom or necessity of comparing a black man to a dog. UM.
Cool things about this book:
- the African dragon-human relationship structure. SO COOL!
- Die slave towns die -- not that it is great for large numbers of people to die, but c'mon, it's not like the Tswana had a choice. It's not like the slavers would've stopped if asked nicely.
- Cliffhanger AAAAH. But it is awesome that this got to happen. It is so -- can't-go-back-from-able.
- I love Napoleon kissing Laurence on both cheeks.
- The way Catherine approaches her pregnancy. And Lily calling it "the egg". SO CUTE.
- Iskierka! <3
- Mrs. Erasmus was totes cool, and I am going to go to Yuletide right now to look for fic about her. (Whether there will be fic or not, well.)
Things that recalled O'Brian strongly:
- Admiral Lenton's decrepitude -- I don't remember the name of the Admiral in O'Brian who is decrepit, but he's the dude on the endless blockade, who keeps hanging onto his post despite his obvious illness in hope of a French encounter
- the shockingly unfair lawsuit against Laurence. He should get introduced to Jack; they could commiserate with each other's legal woes.
Conclusion: I want a dragon. The copy editors/proofreaders who worked on this ought to have their pay docked. DRAGONS.
ETA: Oh, I really like all the alternate history stuff. And now I'm wondering what the South-east Asian dragons were like ...
Also there is just one line -- it's just a niggling thing, but I am very very doubtful about the wisdom or necessity of comparing a black man to a dog. UM.
Cool things about this book:
- the African dragon-human relationship structure. SO COOL!
- Die slave towns die -- not that it is great for large numbers of people to die, but c'mon, it's not like the Tswana had a choice. It's not like the slavers would've stopped if asked nicely.
- Cliffhanger AAAAH. But it is awesome that this got to happen. It is so -- can't-go-back-from-able.
- I love Napoleon kissing Laurence on both cheeks.
- The way Catherine approaches her pregnancy. And Lily calling it "the egg". SO CUTE.
- Iskierka! <3
- Mrs. Erasmus was totes cool, and I am going to go to Yuletide right now to look for fic about her. (Whether there will be fic or not, well.)
Things that recalled O'Brian strongly:
- Admiral Lenton's decrepitude -- I don't remember the name of the Admiral in O'Brian who is decrepit, but he's the dude on the endless blockade, who keeps hanging onto his post despite his obvious illness in hope of a French encounter
- the shockingly unfair lawsuit against Laurence. He should get introduced to Jack; they could commiserate with each other's legal woes.
Conclusion: I want a dragon. The copy editors/proofreaders who worked on this ought to have their pay docked. DRAGONS.
ETA: Oh, I really like all the alternate history stuff. And now I'm wondering what the South-east Asian dragons were like ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
This volume is again one of my favourite from the series. I found the beginning really emotional and stressful in a very positive way, how can you not care for all the characters at this point? The pace is as fast as these books generally can be. Finally, I also got what I wanted for a long time – more of the rest of British captains and their dragons. This is one of the very few things that frustrates me about Novik’s writing – she introduces lots of characters that either make me curious or I start to care about them, and then I get close to nothing regarding them. I know these books are not necessarily character-driven and despite a small number of main characters the rest are really in the background but… I would like to have more of them (Catherine! And so many more!)
The pace of the book slows down and we get a kind of a twist in the plotline (not really a surprise but a change of theme, I would say), I couldn’t complain as more worldbuilding was introduced and for the first time we could really experience that Novik knew very well that the world with dragons couldn’t have exactly the same history as our own. I find the reality in Temeraire series really fascinating and putting these puzzle pieces together to create the whole world (we already had Europe and part of Asia described in the previous volumes.)
There are also some new characters who I started to like very quickly, but my biggest love stays with Laurence and Temeraire. I love watching them grow and develop their personalities. So much love.
Also, the very ending is a killer. And I loved it to pieces.
The pace of the book slows down and we get a kind of a twist in the plotline (not really a surprise but a change of theme, I would say), I couldn’t complain as more worldbuilding was introduced and for the first time we could really experience that Novik knew very well that the world with dragons couldn’t have exactly the same history as our own. I find the reality in Temeraire series really fascinating and putting these puzzle pieces together to create the whole world (we already had Europe and part of Asia described in the previous volumes.)
There are also some new characters who I started to like very quickly, but my biggest love stays with Laurence and Temeraire. I love watching them grow and develop their personalities. So much love.
Also, the very ending is a killer. And I loved it to pieces.
October 24, 2007
In terms of both theme and action, this book seems more like a direct sequel, and a worthier follow-up, to Throne of Jade than the rather pointless Black Powder War. Back in England, Laurence and Temeraire discover the fighting dragons have been devastated by an unknown plague. Since Temeraire seems to have survived it, he and others of his consort are dispatched back to Africa to try and find the cure. There they encounter several African tribes and yet another societal relationship between humans and dragons. This book is particularly strong in the parallels it draws between human slavery and the English treatment of dragons. As usual, it is weakest in Novik's attempt to extrapolate the effects of the Aerial Corps' sexual equality on the rest of Regency society. It also suffers from undercharacterization, particularly of the Rev. and Mrs. Erasmus, who turn out to be pivotal figures in the book's middle section. However, the ending, wherein Laurence is forced to make several hard choices, is extremely powerful and affecting.
July 3, 2015
Much more interesting and exciting than the preceding couple of books, with a mission into Africa to boot. I've always liked how this series takes the reader to faraway places and this time Lawrence and Temeraire are off to find a cure for a dragon disease that's ravaging across the country and crippling the forces of the Aerial Corps.
I'm reading these books now more for the adventures rather than for the dragon battle scenes or the growing friendship between Lawrence and Temeraire, though those factors continue to feature strongly in the stories. I also like how the aviators have a different culture than the rest of the military, especially in how they view women in the service and in how they throw a lot of social norms to the wind. As a relative newcomer to that world, Lawrence is still in the process of learning all of this and it's often funny to read about his awkwardness and confusion.
The book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. The bond between Lawrence and Temeraire has not been tested like this before, and I'm looking forward to see how all that pans out in the next book.
I'm reading these books now more for the adventures rather than for the dragon battle scenes or the growing friendship between Lawrence and Temeraire, though those factors continue to feature strongly in the stories. I also like how the aviators have a different culture than the rest of the military, especially in how they view women in the service and in how they throw a lot of social norms to the wind. As a relative newcomer to that world, Lawrence is still in the process of learning all of this and it's often funny to read about his awkwardness and confusion.
The book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. The bond between Lawrence and Temeraire has not been tested like this before, and I'm looking forward to see how all that pans out in the next book.
September 27, 2007
I think this is the best in the series since the first one. The plot of this one was much more involving--more personal and less political, you could say.
I loved the dragons in Africa. I want to know more about them.
Also, the ending had a really great cliffhanger. I thought what Laurence did was completely in character, and it sets up an interesting conflict for the next volume.
I loved the dragons in Africa. I want to know more about them.
Also, the ending had a really great cliffhanger. I thought what Laurence did was completely in character, and it sets up an interesting conflict for the next volume.
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