Scan barcode
A review by songwind
Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
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.