Scan barcode
asreadbykat's review
5.0
True Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Depictions of animal violence (dragon attacks), Offscreen character death, Depictions of grief, Discussions of using sentient creatures for breeding, Discussions and depictions of animal neglect, One non-graphic scene of animal death
My Thoughts
"No, my dear....I would rather have you than any ship in the navy."
After everyone exploded about a certain dragon romantasy last summer (2023), I really wanted to read some dragon books. But not romantasy. I wanted books that take their dragons seriously, and was focused more on the worldbuilding, lore, and non-romantic relationships. So when I went to the bookstore over Christmas and saw the new covers for this series by Naomi Novik (one of my favorite writers), her first work, I knew I had to give it a try.
And I absolutely loved this first book.
I truly didn't know what to expect going into this, but I definitely didn't expect the cozy, friendship-focused story I got. Rather than focus on the battles and facts that readers can easily look up in a history book or on Google, Novik instead chose to focus on really building this world and the new additions to the history: namely, the dragons. This whole first book almost solely dedicated to building and solidifying the friendship and partnership of Laurence and his new dragon, Temeraire.
If I had to describe this book in any way, I would almost say it's a platonic romance between a man and his dragon. The way Laurence and Temeraire bond, talk to each other, dedicate themselves to each other is so pure and beautiful. There are so many passages with dialogue between them that I had to highlight because they were so beautiful; the above quote is a great example. And while the novel does delve into how riders (Captains) usually feel similar about their dragons, there just seems to be something truly special between Laurence and Temeraire. It's a relationship that definitely reads as more of equals in a friendship than, say, a person and their pet or animal partner.
This book is perfectly for anyone who wants a book about dragons that's not scared to take it slow, and that puts away romance to focus on the relationship between the dragons and their riders. I absolutely loved it, and I can't wait to read the second book.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Depictions of animal violence (dragon attacks), Offscreen character death, Depictions of grief, Discussions of using sentient creatures for breeding, Discussions and depictions of animal neglect, One non-graphic scene of animal death
My Thoughts
"No, my dear....I would rather have you than any ship in the navy."
After everyone exploded about a certain dragon romantasy last summer (2023), I really wanted to read some dragon books. But not romantasy. I wanted books that take their dragons seriously, and was focused more on the worldbuilding, lore, and non-romantic relationships. So when I went to the bookstore over Christmas and saw the new covers for this series by Naomi Novik (one of my favorite writers), her first work, I knew I had to give it a try.
And I absolutely loved this first book.
I truly didn't know what to expect going into this, but I definitely didn't expect the cozy, friendship-focused story I got. Rather than focus on the battles and facts that readers can easily look up in a history book or on Google, Novik instead chose to focus on really building this world and the new additions to the history: namely, the dragons. This whole first book almost solely dedicated to building and solidifying the friendship and partnership of Laurence and his new dragon, Temeraire.
If I had to describe this book in any way, I would almost say it's a platonic romance between a man and his dragon. The way Laurence and Temeraire bond, talk to each other, dedicate themselves to each other is so pure and beautiful. There are so many passages with dialogue between them that I had to highlight because they were so beautiful; the above quote is a great example. And while the novel does delve into how riders (Captains) usually feel similar about their dragons, there just seems to be something truly special between Laurence and Temeraire. It's a relationship that definitely reads as more of equals in a friendship than, say, a person and their pet or animal partner.
This book is perfectly for anyone who wants a book about dragons that's not scared to take it slow, and that puts away romance to focus on the relationship between the dragons and their riders. I absolutely loved it, and I can't wait to read the second book.
peterkeep's review against another edition
4.0
I figured I'd like this book because of the flintlock era, but I really just loved Laurence and Temeraire.
What a great pairing of main characters, and Naomi Novik does a really great job of writing their growing relationship in an intimate way...I felt as if I were a part of their affections for each other. It was just so well done...better written than any romance plot arc I've read. It's a bit weird comparing their friendship to a romance but that is about as good as I can do. They're just so great a pairing.
The plot was exciting, the action sequences fast paced, and the "slow" parts filled with tension and happiness and loneliness. But still Laurence and Temeraire are the best parts of this book.
The alternate history is fascinating as well. There is a well thought out version of the French Revolution and early Napoleonic Wars, including dragons in a logical and interesting way. The breeding and training and war tactics all feel natural and realistic. Even the writing itself captures a bit of the formal British feel, whether it's dialogue or the rest of the prose. It's really well written.
I also like that it's pretty light for what it is. It's fun and funny and tender. Just a really well put together book.
So Yah, this book does a lot of things really well. Even so, Laurence and Temeraire forever.
What a great pairing of main characters, and Naomi Novik does a really great job of writing their growing relationship in an intimate way...I felt as if I were a part of their affections for each other. It was just so well done...better written than any romance plot arc I've read. It's a bit weird comparing their friendship to a romance but that is about as good as I can do. They're just so great a pairing.
The plot was exciting, the action sequences fast paced, and the "slow" parts filled with tension and happiness and loneliness. But still Laurence and Temeraire are the best parts of this book.
The alternate history is fascinating as well. There is a well thought out version of the French Revolution and early Napoleonic Wars, including dragons in a logical and interesting way. The breeding and training and war tactics all feel natural and realistic. Even the writing itself captures a bit of the formal British feel, whether it's dialogue or the rest of the prose. It's really well written.
I also like that it's pretty light for what it is. It's fun and funny and tender. Just a really well put together book.
So Yah, this book does a lot of things really well. Even so, Laurence and Temeraire forever.
justcallmecarol's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
queerkidreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I listened to the audiobook while reading along in a physical copy, and my god Simon Vance is a genius. This fact might've made me enjoy it slightly more than I would, had I read it without the audiobook to accompany it, but oh my god. I expected to enjoy it because I love dragons and historical fiction, so a combination of the two sounded right up my alley, but I never expected to enjoy it THIS much. Laurens and Temeraire's bond is so special to me, and I adored how quickly they came to care for one another. Laurens calling Temeraire "my dear"??? Stop?? "I would rather have you than any ship in the navy"?? STOP?? I love them so much. The way Laurens showed compassion towards all the dragons in general was so sweet, and it was really nice seeing how quickly he gained his sense of
belonging around the other aviators.
Characters and banter aside, it was so interesting reading about the aviator system, their ranking, training, their place in society and how the dragons are used in war. Historical fiction can be heavy, especially is based on real events, but this wasn't. I ate it up. Please, sir edward, infodump about the different dragon breads and their abilities some more. Speaking of, I loved how the dragons were fully fledged characters themselves instead of just war machines. Urgh beloveds, BUT ESPECIALLY YOU LEVITAS, YOU WILL FOREVER LIVE IN MY HEART. Him and Temeraire>>>>
Everyone go read this book NOW, thank you
Characters and banter aside, it was so interesting reading about the aviator system, their ranking, training, their place in society and how the dragons are used in war. Historical fiction can be heavy, especially is based on real events, but this wasn't. I ate it up. Please, sir edward, infodump about the different dragon breads and their abilities some more. Speaking of, I loved how the dragons were fully fledged characters themselves instead of just war machines. Urgh beloveds, BUT ESPECIALLY YOU LEVITAS, YOU WILL FOREVER LIVE IN MY HEART. Him and Temeraire>>>>
Everyone go read this book NOW, thank you
keishbby's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kay10's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Impressive first novel. Great storytelling.
lfsalden's review
4.0
Delicious!
Horatio Hornblower.... Master and Commander...
Ahhhh, this is what I was looking for.
Horatio Hornblower.... Master and Commander...
Ahhhh, this is what I was looking for.
maloki's review against another edition
Distracted with other books atm will return when I'm not focusing on another series about another dragon.