by Naomi Novik
Overview: Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise to Britain's defense by taking to the skies... not aboard aircraft but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons.
When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Capt. Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future- and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarefied world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France's own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte's boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.
My Review 4.5 Stars, Slow Moving but Immensely Enjoyable
this book starts off at a snails pace, but once you're introduced to Temeraire, after Laurence and crew hatch the egg, the book becomes quite exciting.
It moves briskly as Laurence is forced to leave his occupation as a naval captain, and go to the aerial corps to be a dragon fighter.
All the moving to and fro from aerial headquarters, and talking about military strategry will get boring. But not long after the battle scenes come. And they are AWESOME. the detail is great, and very exciting. pacing is excellent, and even gruesome at times.
The climax of the book is really intense, and sets you up for future installments. i highly recommend it!
Also, Peter Jackson recently bought the rights to this book so he can produce it into a movie.
Throne of Jade (Book 2)
My Review: 5 Stars, Better Pacing makes all the Difference
Throne of Jade picks up where HMD left off. The Chinese find out about Temeraire's being a Celestial, and order him to be returned at once. So Laurence is forced to board a ship, and travel to China to plea his case to the Emperor that the English need Temeraire in the Aerial Corps.
You'd think the journey to China would be boring as it takes up over a hundred pages, but it's filled with plenty of excitement, and dangerous creatures to keep any fantasy/action enthusiast enthralled. Also, the descriptions of China are absolutely amazing, and gives it a real feel even though the streets are filled with dragons.
I loved how this story moved along, and have no problem with continuing to the 3rd installment.
Blackpowder War (Book 3)
My Review: 4 Stars, Good Installment, Endearing Characters
This book finds Temeraire, Will Laurence, and crew going off to hunt for 3 dragon eggs that were purchased by the English; which were not delivered. In their search they go to many different locales and even meet a rather amusing group of feral dragons.
The story is still within the events of the Napoleanic Wars, and the many battle scenes that take place towards the end are quite worth the read. And the images presented by the action really feel like war.
I found this a great read, though it can get dull during the periods of travelling, and in between battle sequences. It's definitely good enough to continue for a 4th installment.
Empire of Ivory (Book 4)
My Review: 4.5 Stars, Thrilling at Times, Scary at Others. Incredible the Whole Way Through.
Laurence and Temeraire find themselves as one of the only functioning aerial corps. teams since a disease has struck England. They then are off to Africa to find a cure for the sickness, which is crippling England's defenses.
When they reach Africa, they find a whole nation of dragons and people whom were never known to exist, and find themselves in multiple skirmishes with them. All the while they are trying to find a cure, as the French are preparing to take advantage of England's lackluster defenses.
A really good read, and worthwhile story that seems to get better with each installment.
Victory of Eagles (Book 5)
My Review: (Have yet to read) feel free to comment your own thoughs on it
