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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I don't always anticipate a deep foray into slavery, colonialism, and the ethics of weaponizing a pandemic in the fourth of a long book series about dragons, but wow, this was a fascinating read.
Naomi Novik, Empire of Ivory (Del Rey, 2007)
Novik's fourth Temeraire book slips a bit in comparison to the first three, but that doesn't mean it's not still better than 90% of the books you're going to read in any of the genres it bends. She knows that she's doing, and she does it well.
Laurence and Temeraire get back from China, with the ferals in tow, to find England's dragons in the grip of a horrible plague. A number of dragons have already died, and many more are on the brink. The only healthy dragons in all of England, in fact, are Temeraire, his new crew of miscreants, and a handful of couriers. Laurence and Temeraire could go look for a cure, but who's going to defend England, especially with the new reports that Napoleon seems to have a lot more dragons down there than he has any way to feed, all of whom are ready for invasion?
The answer to that question begins the main storyline here, and while it's the same kind of alternate-history fantasy that's marked the first three books, a number of reviewers have marked that this one seems a little off, but most can't put their finger on why. I'm not entirely sure myself, but something rubbed me the wrong way about the whole thing; I don't know whether it seemed to read a bit closer to stereotypes than was comfortable, or whether the questions Novik brings up in here were treated more facilely than they should have, or whether some of the things that happened about halfway through the book were just a tad too convenient. Any of these, alone or in combination, may be it, or it may be something that didn't catch my eye, and of course it may be different for everyone who reads this. One way or the other though, the original conceit is still awesome, and Novik's writing brings quality to the table no matter what she's doing. If you've gotten involved with the series so far, then you should definitely read this one. If you haven't, you should. *** ½
Novik's fourth Temeraire book slips a bit in comparison to the first three, but that doesn't mean it's not still better than 90% of the books you're going to read in any of the genres it bends. She knows that she's doing, and she does it well.
Laurence and Temeraire get back from China, with the ferals in tow, to find England's dragons in the grip of a horrible plague. A number of dragons have already died, and many more are on the brink. The only healthy dragons in all of England, in fact, are Temeraire, his new crew of miscreants, and a handful of couriers. Laurence and Temeraire could go look for a cure, but who's going to defend England, especially with the new reports that Napoleon seems to have a lot more dragons down there than he has any way to feed, all of whom are ready for invasion?
The answer to that question begins the main storyline here, and while it's the same kind of alternate-history fantasy that's marked the first three books, a number of reviewers have marked that this one seems a little off, but most can't put their finger on why. I'm not entirely sure myself, but something rubbed me the wrong way about the whole thing; I don't know whether it seemed to read a bit closer to stereotypes than was comfortable, or whether the questions Novik brings up in here were treated more facilely than they should have, or whether some of the things that happened about halfway through the book were just a tad too convenient. Any of these, alone or in combination, may be it, or it may be something that didn't catch my eye, and of course it may be different for everyone who reads this. One way or the other though, the original conceit is still awesome, and Novik's writing brings quality to the table no matter what she's doing. If you've gotten involved with the series so far, then you should definitely read this one. If you haven't, you should. *** ½
One of my favorites so far in the series, the Temeraire books are finally dealing directly with the historical crimes inherent in the setting. I’m not an Africa specialist, but I like the attitude the Tswana have toward the main characters - no “oh let’s be friends, you guys are different than other white people.” They are outraged at the system of slavery the British are perpetuating and uninterested in giving the main characters a pass because of their personal opposition to that system. I also like how clearly the higher ups in the British government, including the beloved historical figure Admiral Nelson, are depicted as completely willing to support both slavery and chemical warfare when it advantages them.
The fun adventures of Temeraire have always had an uneasy relationship with the evils of the British empire, but this is the first book to make those moral problems central to the plot.
Although the through-line could use a bit of work and the start is characteristically slow paced, the other elements more than made up for them.
The fun adventures of Temeraire have always had an uneasy relationship with the evils of the British empire, but this is the first book to make those moral problems central to the plot.
Although the through-line could use a bit of work and the start is characteristically slow paced, the other elements more than made up for them.
Like her others, these are all engaging and easy to read. I polished this one off in one evening.
*Don't* pick up this book unless you have the next one in the series sitting at your fingertips. It ends with a cliffhanger that made me cry even though I *knew* our heroes had to survive (given the length of the series.)
I think this is the best book in the series so far. Yes, it does succumb to some of the same world-building preoccupation that slows down the previous two books, but that world is fascinating, the characters are wonderful, and we get to explore yet another continent!
I think this is the best book in the series so far. Yes, it does succumb to some of the same world-building preoccupation that slows down the previous two books, but that world is fascinating, the characters are wonderful, and we get to explore yet another continent!
This one a a bit off the deep end into improbability during their adventures in the depths of Africa. Sadly, elephants are treated as any other cattle to eat, apparently notably tasty in fact, without a nod to their unusual intelligence vis a vis the ordinary run of cows and sheep. That's part and parcel of the times, but still, oh, sad. And then it ends with a cliffhanger.
However, there were some good bits that made it all worthwhile, in particular a moment when the heroes come upon some starving slaves being held in the jungle, and then the epilogue in London, false wooden teeth and all.
However, there were some good bits that made it all worthwhile, in particular a moment when the heroes come upon some starving slaves being held in the jungle, and then the epilogue in London, false wooden teeth and all.
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
i guess i missed marking this one as read when i did my read-thru of this series? anyway it was fantastic.