distilledreads 's review for:

Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik

5.0

adventurous slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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 Empire of Ivory is the fourth book in the Temeraire series, an alternate reality in which dragons were the aerial force during the Napoleonic Wars. Ironically for our current state of the world, this installment follows a pandemic which has struck the dragons, rendering them incapable of performing their duties and forcing them into quarantine grounds, leaving the war and their lives in question. 

I loved this book! It had me gasping out loud as Temeraire and Laurence travel from Britain to Africa and navigate hopeless bureaucratic red-tape. Morality has a huge part to play in Empire of Ivory, which was interesting to watch unfold as our main character Laurence is a staunchly unwavering man committed to duty. Reading his inner turmoil as he must call into question his oaths and loyalty to the Crown added a further level of depth to this entertaining novel. 

Above all, I love Temeraire and Laurence’s relationship. I often describe this series as a slower-paced, quieter fantasy read compared to many high epics, but I truly love it just as much for the fantastic dragon-rider relationship it portrays, and how Novik calls into question the political ramifications surrounding the obedience of dragons and shows the struggle for independence.