Although I started this series with book three, that was no obstacle to my enjoyment. While I might have been briefly confused as to plot, the main character, Captain Will Laurence, is quickly caught up in one predicament after another, and my interest in his fortunes never waned. Naomi Novik has created an alternate history fantasy series, which is set in the time of Napoleon. The actual flavor of that era and its military details felt authentic to me, due to Novik’s special interest in that era. The only difference is that dragons are present and utilized by different countries in different roles. The Captain is British and acquired his dragon, Temeraire, by chance as chronicled in the first book of the series, His Majesty’s Dragon. England does not afford its dragons the respect and rights as China does, and one of Temeraire’s main concerns is to rectify that situation. But first the Captain receives orders to leave China, where the book opens, and to travel to Istanbul to pick up three dragon eggs and transport them to England. Temeraire’s character and his close relationship with Laurence are some of the most delightful aspects of the book. All the dragons and companions are well-sketched, with surprises at every turn throughout their journey. With the first two books to be read, as well as two more now following in the series (Empire of Ivory and Victory of Eagles), I look forward to spending many more entertaining hours in her characters’ company.
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