From the Bookshelf of The Sword and Laser…

His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire, #1)

Naomi Novik

Start date: December 1, 2013

Finish date: December 31, 2013

Discussion: 2013 Reads

Why we're reading this: The ALT pick for December.
[close] The ALT pick for December.

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2013 Reads

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What Members Thought

Jul 31, 2012 Ashley rated it liked it

"With pockets large enough to conceal a multitude of sins"

Tis quite amusing. Well, the quote above (which is from Empire of Eagles) as well as how it as infected my language. I'm currently hooked upon Naomi Novik's books, they take place in England during the Napoleonic Wars, and the language is extraordinarily consistent. Whether or not it is entirely accurate as to how one naturally spoke in that era, no one can say. (After all, few wandered about speaking in iambic pentameter in 1600, yet the "With pockets large enough to conceal a multitude of sins"

Tis quite amusing. Well, the quote above (which is from Empire of Eagles) as well as how it as infected my language. I'm currently hooked upon Naomi Novik's books, they take place in England during the Napoleonic Wars, and the language is extraordinarily consistent. Whether or not it is entirely accurate as to how one naturally spoke in that era, no one can say. (After all, few wandered about speaking in iambic pentameter in 1600, yet there are many who think that must be so thanks to Shakespeare's legacy) But, I am having difficulty reclaiming my natural state of speech at this point.

The first book, His Majesty's Dragon, seriously pleased me. Possibly the best book I have ever read featuring dragons. At the very least I feel comfortable saying best since my fifteen year old self discovered Anne McCaffery. The dragons are real people, and incredibly delightful. They make me laugh out loud when I am overcome with pleasure. Additionally, I'm learning a lot about the wars. I didn't realize prior what an overlooked period of history that is for me really. But, I've recently done some reading because I wanted to know how far she strayed from our past, and so far the answer is ... not at all.

Essentially Novik has written an elseworlds, instead of an alternate history. Our world is truly exactly the same ... except with the inclusion of dragons. How it changes warfare and development.... or rather, how it doesn't. After all, everyone, has dragons. Now it all simply depends on how they're used. She's really done a fantastic job. She uses the idea of dragon's to explain how battles were won or lost (exactly how they were), strategies employed by specific commanders, and even peculiar geographical features that might exist in the same location today. One small non plot revealing bit I will share, the reason Napoleon remodeled Paris and made the large avenues ... was inspired by the desire to accommodate dragons and allow them to stroll through the city streets. Throughout the books, (I'm on the last one published now) we explore the different cultures the British Empire is in contact with.

Also, stupid England. I didn't realize that they bloody MADE Napoleon. If they just kept their nose out of France's business, Napoleon wouldn't ever have likely been important.

And well, huh. As I've been reading I've mulled over the idea of it as a cinematic epic, but couldn't quite conceptualize it being done properly. I've just discovered that Peter Jackson has optioned the rights for it. So, I now banish those previously harbored doubts. If anyone would be able to realize the vision, twould be Jackson, and I look forward to seeing what he makes of it. ...more

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May 03, 2013 Catarina Fêo e Torres rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

You can't go wrong with this one.
Ms. Novik does not disappoint (again)!

If you like Dragons, Ships, Napoleonic Wars (or just enjoy a good story) I would suggest you read this book.
Amazing characters, great world building and a fresh account of historic events.

The only issue I can point to where will I find the time to read the next 8 books in this series? ...more

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