A review by _loftwing_
Temeraire by Naomi Novik

adventurous emotional funny inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Terrific writing - perhaps my favourite of Novik’s works so far, which I didn’t expect before I started. I often find war-related content in books boring and tedious to read, whether it’s the actual planning/combat, or the politics behind the whole thing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t mind it in this book. 

Very different in style to something like Spinning Silver (which I also loved), but it really works. Interesting characters (both likeable and not), and a loveable pair of MCs. Probably one of my new favourite depictions of dragons in fantasy. 

Laurence and Temeraire’s relationship is so wholesome and heartwarming; there were definitely a couple moments towards the start where I was almost tearing up, it was lovely.

It was a little jarring at first with the time skips, but after the first few I got used to it and was even glad for them. It helped to keep the momentum going and I was so engrossed in this book that I finished it in less than half a day. I’m excited to read the next two, and can’t wait to see where the story goes.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings