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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a solid second showing for laurence and temeraire; a throne of jade introduces another cast of characters with some unexpected returners from the first book. overall the story seems a little hastily constructed — i think some moments could have used more focus or fleshing out — but the book covers a large swath of time mostly without a dip in the action. temeraire plays a great role in fighting back against prejudices of the time; his perspective softens that of the characters and is a good tool for novik to criticize without being ahistorical. will keep reading!!
adventurous
emotional
fast-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:
Yes
adventurous
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
I am really enjoying this series! The one thing that I side-eyed about this installment was some of the characterization of China, it's culture and the Chinese characters. I definitely get that at that time period that is reflected in the book, the language was appropriate, the mistrust between the two cultures was relevant, etc. But it sounded somewhat wrong to my modern ear and I had a hard time shaking it. I do enjoy seeing Laurence's growth as a character through his experiences and loved the deepening of the world by adding in the contrast of how China has incorporated dragons. It continues to be engaging and well written but I continue to deeply miss female characters!
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
So let me complain a little. The travel to China took almost whole book and there were not much action and sometimes it was a little boring. It is too slow. When they get to China it is almost the end of the book, therefore the ending feels quite rushed comparing to the slow pace before. Don't get me wrong it was nice to read, but sometimes I just didn't need to know so many details about what to cook for the dragon.
There is kind of more political, social and moral questioning of several topics (as slavery etc) than action. The book focuses on the relationship and loaylty between Laurence and Temeraire, which was so cozy and warmthhearted (I love this duo).
When they arrive to China it gets interesting and it was nice to see different culture and their relationship with dragons. But it ended too soon. I am not sure what is the third book about but I hope we can get more of the story from China (well I think it must continue in China, right?).
I wasn't sure how to rate it, so I give 3,5/5. I enjoyed it but the really slow pace and long time on the sea took way some of the excitment from reading. But it was nice read and I think I know much worse books with 3,5/5 ratings I read. But still I can not rate it with 4 stars.
There is kind of more political, social and moral questioning of several topics (as slavery etc) than action. The book focuses on the relationship and loaylty between Laurence and Temeraire, which was so cozy and warmthhearted (I love this duo).
When they arrive to China it gets interesting and it was nice to see different culture and their relationship with dragons. But it ended too soon. I am not sure what is the third book about but I hope we can get more of the story from China (well I think it must continue in China, right?).
I wasn't sure how to rate it, so I give 3,5/5. I enjoyed it but the really slow pace and long time on the sea took way some of the excitment from reading. But it was nice read and I think I know much worse books with 3,5/5 ratings I read. But still I can not rate it with 4 stars.
adventurous
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
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This second novel in the Temeraire series suffers a little from second book sag, but not terribly much. The complete change of venue and shift to a more diplomatic mystery format indicates how widely Novik intends to cast her net of options in this series, and I'm on board for it. Plenty of fun.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced