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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
Naomi Novik sure does a good job of making a stiff, stuffy, touchy, and prudish British captain an enjoyable protagonist.
In this book, Temeraire and Laurence are sent to China to sort out what they are to do about the fact that Temeraire is an extremely valuable Chinese dragon (one of eight of his breed) sent as a gift to the French but captured, raised, and indoctrinated by the British and firmly attached to a British officer. The journey to China was enjoyable, but the strongest point of the books continues to be Temeraire himself. He's a very well drawn character, and his interactions with Laurence (and their frequent mutual confusion) make up the heart of the books as Aubrey and Maturin's interactions (and mutual puzzlement) made up the heart of the O'Brian books.
The story includes many fascinating details, specifically about the way dragons are treated in China versus how they are treated in Western Europe. However, some details, including insights into dragon courtship and mating, are left frustratingly vague.
As I've noted before, hearing a book read, especially by a British narrator, makes a story sound much stronger than it actually is. What this book is, at bottom, is an amusing historical adventure story about dragons, sailing ships, and foreign travel.
In this book, Temeraire and Laurence are sent to China to sort out what they are to do about the fact that Temeraire is an extremely valuable Chinese dragon (one of eight of his breed) sent as a gift to the French but captured, raised, and indoctrinated by the British and firmly attached to a British officer. The journey to China was enjoyable, but the strongest point of the books continues to be Temeraire himself. He's a very well drawn character, and his interactions with Laurence (and their frequent mutual confusion) make up the heart of the books as Aubrey and Maturin's interactions (and mutual puzzlement) made up the heart of the O'Brian books.
The story includes many fascinating details, specifically about the way dragons are treated in China versus how they are treated in Western Europe. However, some details, including insights into dragon courtship and mating, are left frustratingly vague.
As I've noted before, hearing a book read, especially by a British narrator, makes a story sound much stronger than it actually is. What this book is, at bottom, is an amusing historical adventure story about dragons, sailing ships, and foreign travel.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After a delightful opening novel the ending resolution of this book left much to be desired.
A long time coming, but I’m glad I finished this one! While the sea journey was definintely not my cup of tea, the story picked up when they reached mainland China. I look forward to their next adventure!
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
Will post a review later. This book has a lot more politics and diplomacy and a lot less action of book 1 - so just be aware of that.
adventurous
slow-paced