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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audiobook narrated by Simon Vance
Book number three in the marvelous series featuring Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire. Following their exploits in China (book two), they’ve received special orders to escort three precious dragon eggs purchased from the Ottoman Empire from Istanbul back to England. It is important that the eggs arrive in England before they hatch. But they are waylaid several times, due in part to the schemes employed by the Chinese dragon Lien. Capt. Laurence and Temeraire have little choice but to launch an offensive against Bonaparte’s forces.
I love this series and this episode has more of the aerial “dog fights” that first entranced me in book one. I love that Novik used the Napoleonic War as the background to this story, while building on the legends of dragons and their varied traits. Temeraire is a marvel; intelligent, fluent in multiple languages, an astute observer and a skilled warrior. He is also devoted to Will and their relationship is an important part of the series.
I listened to the audio, masterfully performed by Simon Vance. I love the voice he gives Temeraire. And especially enjoyed the way he interpreted.
Book number three in the marvelous series featuring Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire. Following their exploits in China (book two), they’ve received special orders to escort three precious dragon eggs purchased from the Ottoman Empire from Istanbul back to England. It is important that the eggs arrive in England before they hatch. But they are waylaid several times, due in part to the schemes employed by the Chinese dragon Lien. Capt. Laurence and Temeraire have little choice but to launch an offensive against Bonaparte’s forces.
I love this series and this episode has more of the aerial “dog fights” that first entranced me in book one. I love that Novik used the Napoleonic War as the background to this story, while building on the legends of dragons and their varied traits. Temeraire is a marvel; intelligent, fluent in multiple languages, an astute observer and a skilled warrior. He is also devoted to Will and their relationship is an important part of the series.
I listened to the audio, masterfully performed by Simon Vance. I love the voice he gives Temeraire. And especially enjoyed the way he interpreted
Spoiler
the latest dragon to join their adventures, the hatchling Iskierkahippahop's review against another edition
2.0
decided not to keep reading after the umpteenth time a person was referred to as "Oriental." Maybe I just can't read historical fiction if that kind of accuracy is to be expected? I don't see the need to keep derogatory descriptions when we're already in a fantasy world though
beetleducks's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
4.0
Sometimes the author turns the characters 10 degrees to the left or right and I say, okay Naomi that's a little convenient, but then she gets right back to thoroughly examining what she actually wanted to talk about and I forget about the obvious steering.
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
5.0
Very enjoyable historical tosh...
Did Napoleon have a very proud white Chinese dragon? Check
Do dragons learn to speak multiple languages whilst listening to their surroundings still in the shell? Check
Are feral dragons basically like a lovable criminal gang? Check
It's nonsense but very clever and beautifully written nonsense..
"The Sun was coming up over the eastern ramparts, the night breaking up into long narrow ranked clouds like rolled cigars, blue and touched all along their sides with orange fire; there was no more time."
Loved it. Want to read the next one.
Did Napoleon have a very proud white Chinese dragon? Check
Do dragons learn to speak multiple languages whilst listening to their surroundings still in the shell? Check
Are feral dragons basically like a lovable criminal gang? Check
It's nonsense but very clever and beautifully written nonsense..
"The Sun was coming up over the eastern ramparts, the night breaking up into long narrow ranked clouds like rolled cigars, blue and touched all along their sides with orange fire; there was no more time."
Loved it. Want to read the next one.
eliasfallon's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
evan_aruba's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
hey_jemma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
sleepypandaa's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love this series, but this has been the low point of it for me. There were so many monotonous, military/war bits, maybe as much as a third of the book, and I got bogged down in it and had to work really hard to get through. There also wasn't as much of the interpersonal stuff or character growth that makes me so attatched to this series. It does get good again after this book!