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subparcupcake's review
1.0
This was so so so boring. Not worth a read at all, in my opinion. Do yourself a favor and stop after book one!
beetleducks's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Books for people who say things like, "Okay but realistically what would happen next?" while reading, but with dragons
ocelotto's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hey_jemma's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
vdspreads's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is really a 4.75. I never thought I would be so intrigued by the Napoleonic Wars. Well, add fiction and dragons, and here I am. Intrigued, interested, and wanting more.
My only really issue with this audiobook, was that while the narrator is skilled, their accent appears to be Western in origin. This made listening to the dictation of the Chinese characters was not fun.
Novick's storytelling had me listening and relistening. There were complexities in the clash of cultures (Chinese and British, and human and dragon) in this book that can only be written with experience and skill. I can't wait to complete the series.
wifflywaffles's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
songwind's review
4.0
Novik's follow up to [b:His Majesty's Dragon|28876|His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire, #1)|Naomi Novik|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1283215938s/28876.jpg|726205] was an interesting read from the beginning. Our heroes, Laurence and Temeraire, are thrown into situation that not even an 18-ton dragon can face head on - politics.
The Chinese have learned of Temeraire's diversion from his journey to Napoleon's court, and have come to England to demand his return. Eager to form an alliance (or at least to prevent one between China and France) the government agrees, but Temeraire refuses to be separated from Laurence, and Laurence won't lie to Temeraire about what's going on.
Finally, the Chinese embassy and the English Admiralty are forced to admit the pair can't be separated in the current circumstances, and order Laurence to accompany the dragon to the East. The two must face the dangers of the ocean, rivalry with the naval crew and the blandishments of the Chinese diplomats as they make the months-long voyage.
Novik makes clear use of her interest in the Age of Sail during the ocean voyage, and keeps the narrative interesting despite the limited scope of the dragon transport. She also does a good job of representing a wide range of attitudes and motivations among the Chinese and English characters. The contrast between the lives of Chinese dragons and that of Temeraire and his comrades is well done.
A strong continuation of an interesting story.
The Chinese have learned of Temeraire's diversion from his journey to Napoleon's court, and have come to England to demand his return. Eager to form an alliance (or at least to prevent one between China and France) the government agrees, but Temeraire refuses to be separated from Laurence, and Laurence won't lie to Temeraire about what's going on.
Finally, the Chinese embassy and the English Admiralty are forced to admit the pair can't be separated in the current circumstances, and order Laurence to accompany the dragon to the East. The two must face the dangers of the ocean, rivalry with the naval crew and the blandishments of the Chinese diplomats as they make the months-long voyage.
Novik makes clear use of her interest in the Age of Sail during the ocean voyage, and keeps the narrative interesting despite the limited scope of the dragon transport. She also does a good job of representing a wide range of attitudes and motivations among the Chinese and English characters. The contrast between the lives of Chinese dragons and that of Temeraire and his comrades is well done.
A strong continuation of an interesting story.
dorkira's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
eidiya's review
4.0
Pretty good overall, reaaaaally slow when they're on the ship. I'm sure that journey must have slogged on as much as the book did through that portion. The ending was super exciting and makes me want to read the next one. I love the idea of Temeraire being such a revolutionary back in England.
ms_bettyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Naomi Novik is a master in writing intriguing characters.