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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
This is the second book in the series. You need to read the first to understand the relationships between all the characters. I enjoyed the first book better but this one was still good. I thought the ending was a little abrupt though.
In Throne of Jade, Lawrence and Temeraire, travel to China with a Chinese prince, their aviator team, an ambassador, and the crew of Captain Riley's ship. After discovering in the last book that Temeraire is a Celestial breed of dragon, China is determined to return him to the Forbidden City. The Chinese prince is trying to separate Lawrence and Temeraire for his own political gain, The ambassador is willing to sacrifice lawrence and Temeraire's relationship for trade agreements, and the sailors have become wary of the dragon and the aviators. All of this bodes for an unpleasant and dangerous journey to China.
In Throne of Jade, Lawrence and Temeraire, travel to China with a Chinese prince, their aviator team, an ambassador, and the crew of Captain Riley's ship. After discovering in the last book that Temeraire is a Celestial breed of dragon, China is determined to return him to the Forbidden City. The Chinese prince is trying to separate Lawrence and Temeraire for his own political gain, The ambassador is willing to sacrifice lawrence and Temeraire's relationship for trade agreements, and the sailors have become wary of the dragon and the aviators. All of this bodes for an unpleasant and dangerous journey to China.
I can understand why others found this more boring but I LOVED this one! This was such a fascinating cultural contact and I really enjoyed reading the characters interactions. Novik did her homework here and while many fantasy authors would use orientalism and dated research to flesh out the Chinese characters and culture, this is a very accurate take on British-Qing relations in the 19th century. This book builds out the alternate history world in great ways and was a lot of fun to read
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
Ripping through these books like a hungry dragon through a beef haunch.
I did not love the first book, but I enjoyed the relationship between Laurence and his dragon. In the second book, the conflict is that many forces are still trying to tear them apart. The book gets bogged down in that long ocean voyage, and I skipped most of it. There was plenty of xenophobia against the Chinese and their culture, which would be typical of the time period. But I didn't love it. Giving it two stars because I still love Laurence and Temeraire's relationship. I don't think I will continue with this series.
adventurous
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
While I enjoyed the first book, this one was better. Nice job going deeper into character development and the relationship between dragon and rider. Lots of action and interesting cultural dynamics. Good read!
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Yes