Reviews

The fourth in the [b: Temeraire|14069|Throne of Jade (Temeraire, #2)|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393810908s/14069.jpg|2213322] series, and the one I've enjoyed the most since the introductory book. Which is to say, a lot. This one felt more tightly structured than the last, with the disease plot as a brilliantly chosen and terrifying centerpiece. I've never had a dragon, obviously, but the idea of losing one made me ache almost as much as the thought of losing one's daemon in His Dark Materials. The African setting really came alive; I love how we're getting to see how different cultures around the world have responded and adapted to dragons. And the ending...damn. Like a slap, that was—and a higher compliment than that I have difficulty conceiving. ;-)

If you're not reading this series, you really should be; I can't wait for the next book. And if you haven't been reading it, just think how lucky you are: you now have four wonderful novels to tide you over until the next one comes out. I'm envious!

I also have to add that I really enjoy the fact that, due to the wonders of the alphabet and the particular books I happen to have in my collection, [a: Naomi Novik|8730|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1206646770p2/8730.jpg] ends up shelved right next to [a: Patrick O'Brian|5600|Patrick O'Brian|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1212630063p2/5600.jpg]. It was meant to be! Though I better be careful not to buy any, say, [a: Joyce Carol Oates|3524|Joyce Carol Oates|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1454307466p2/3524.jpg]. Don't you try anything, Joyce!

ninnicannotspell's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I love Temeraire's and Laurence's relationship. This book really challenges Laurence and I love to see how noble he is, the ending was such a cliffhanger.

merelmerijn1990's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tombennett72's review against another edition

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3.0

Hmm. The first book where I was conscious that it was written by a New Yorker. The until-now believable voice of the Temeraire books lapsed too easily into modern (American) syntax. A jolly jape for all that, but I was less than a third into the book before I felt that the shark had well & truly been jumped.

tyevans17's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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