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imds's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Moderate: Sexism
unintentionallyasymmetric's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I loved this book so much more than I expected. "Master and Commander with dragons" didn't really appeal to me, but there is so much softness and emotion in this story. The bond between Temeraire and Laurence develops so quickly but deeply that it adds emotional weight to every scene. My expectations were subverted in the best way in many places, such as the reason for the secrecy around the Aerial Corps' training. For me there was at least one truly heartbreaking scene, and Novik writes actions scenes so well that I was on the edge of my seat for many of the battles. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and War
jumpydragon's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, War, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexism, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny
clarabooksit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Misogyny, Death, and Animal death
mizu's review
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, and Violence
kathytwitch's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a new take - the Napoleonic Wars, with dragons. Enjoyable book!! Our dragon hero is a complex and wonderful character. I love how the human hero has to come to terms with his own prejudices, when a dragon turns his life upside down. There's a whole crew involved in flying a dragon into battle, which is a twist I haven't seen before.
For my own part, this series stirred an interest in the Napoleonic Wars. I had primarily been interested in this time period because of Admiral Lord Nelson and the activity of the British fleet. This first book in the series, though, diverted my attention to the land war in Europe, as Napoleon rolled over the continent much like Hitler did in the next century. I always appreciate when historical fiction draws me to research more history, even when that fiction is describing an alternate history.
This series seems slightly reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's dragon books. The storyline is distinctly different, no copycat here. Yet the way interactions with dragons reshape some of the fundamental rules of human society reminds me of Pern, and the differences between the land holds and the dragon weyrs.
For my own part, this series stirred an interest in the Napoleonic Wars. I had primarily been interested in this time period because of Admiral Lord Nelson and the activity of the British fleet. This first book in the series, though, diverted my attention to the land war in Europe, as Napoleon rolled over the continent much like Hitler did in the next century. I always appreciate when historical fiction draws me to research more history, even when that fiction is describing an alternate history.
This series seems slightly reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's dragon books. The storyline is distinctly different, no copycat here. Yet the way interactions with dragons reshape some of the fundamental rules of human society reminds me of Pern, and the differences between the land holds and the dragon weyrs.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
These are books about war. There are battles, and there is death, sometimes of young people. The conditions in the British Navy and on the battlefield are not glossed over. I wouldn't recommend this series for kids. There are bedroom scenes that mostly take place off camera.
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