![Temeraire (Temeraire 1) [a.k.a. His Majesty's Dragon]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mtTc8OE9L._AC_UL160_SR105,160_.jpg)
Having come to Naomi Novik through her standalone novels 'Spinning Silver' and 'Uprooted', I find the 'Temeraire' series less strong. It's a good concept - a retelling of the Napoleonic Wars in a world where dragons exist and are used in combat. Her upstanding hero, William Laurence, was initially an unwilling 'aviator' in the first novel, when he was paired by chance with the newly hatched dragon Temeraire. Now the pair must travel to China, where Temeraire's egg originated, as the Chinese Emperor has demanded the return of the rare celestial dragon.
The relationship between Laurence and Temeraire - and the character of Temeraire, who is still lovable and gets all the best lines - is the strongest element of the novel. It's quite readable, and moves away from the battles of the first novel to a more political theme. The cultural contrasts around how dragons are treated in Europe and in China is interesting, as Laurence's preconception that the British way must naturally be the best is challenged as his horizons broaden. However, readers who enjoyed the action of the first novel might miss it - and the climactic battle feels rather pointless.
Overall, it's a second novel that has floundered a bit - it's still readable, although as a standalone it might not have made the publisher's cut. I know that Novik is a good writer, so will continue on to read the next in the series - second novels in a series are often less strong as the writer has to build on the original concept and start setting up bigger story arcs. Hopefully in the third and fourth she will find her stride again.
![]({"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rXsK9URvL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg":[228,346],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rXsK9URvL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg":[328,499]})
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Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
eliotropos
un po' lento e noioso
Reviewed in Italy on 18 November 2019Verified Purchase
DM121
Not as good as the first novel
Reviewed in Australia on 5 August 2019Verified Purchase
Angie
Another well written, fun adventure with Temeraire and Laurence
Reviewed in Australia on 24 May 2018Verified Purchase
Nola
A highly enjoyable read
Reviewed in Australia on 16 August 2014Verified Purchase
javelinx
Inspired
Reviewed in Germany on 7 August 2007Verified Purchase
