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A review by kidawalker
Victory of Eagles by Naomi Novik
4.0
It's always good to know that if I ever run out of any reading, I have a stack of Naomi Novik's Temeraire books to go to. Usually Novik's books are well resolved, but the ending of the fourth had a bit of a cliff hanger as Laurence was escorted back to England to accept the penalty for his act of treason.
This book starts out despondently, with Temeraire and Laurence separated–which was really hard to get through because without Temeraire Laurence is a nice, albeit vanilla, kind of character–and carries on that way throughout. Laurence's morality and his loyalty are conflicting, and it shows in his raggedy appearance and apathetic, silent behavior (which may be why a lot of the story is told from Temeraire's point of view).
"There is work enough in the world," he answered, "and little enough time."
"And no-one to decide, but yourself," Laurence said. "No authority but your own conscience."
"There are authorities to choose from," Tharkay said, "to suit any action, if you like; I prefer to keep the choice a little closer."
It finally ends with all of my favorite characters–Tharkay, Iskierka (no Catherine and Jane but, hey, we get to keep Emily!)–on the Allegiance heading toward Terra Australis, with Iskierka demanding Temeraire for an egg.
As usual, Novik delivers a well-told story that takes you across the hills of Scotland and the forests of eastern England, all on dragon-back.
This book starts out despondently, with Temeraire and Laurence separated–which was really hard to get through because without Temeraire Laurence is a nice, albeit vanilla, kind of character–and carries on that way throughout. Laurence's morality and his loyalty are conflicting, and it shows in his raggedy appearance and apathetic, silent behavior (which may be why a lot of the story is told from Temeraire's point of view).
Spoiler
It was interesting to see Novik deviate so much from historical events (Napoleon invades England! Nelson is killed in a dragon-made tidal wave!) and I was really happy to see Temeraire motivating the other dragons to finally take the rights and payment they deserve. This was a great book for Temeraire, but Laurence's stubborn insistence on feeling guilty for his actions was such a drag (I keep waiting anxiously for when Laurence finally admits that England isn't some utopia of justice and that he and Temeraire and a LOT of other people have been screwed over by the English). Just when you think you can't take Laurence's angst anymore, Tharkay (Yay! Tharkay!) shows up and smacks him out of it, telling him that you don't have to sacrifice your morality and identity for a country."There is work enough in the world," he answered, "and little enough time."
"And no-one to decide, but yourself," Laurence said. "No authority but your own conscience."
"There are authorities to choose from," Tharkay said, "to suit any action, if you like; I prefer to keep the choice a little closer."
It finally ends with all of my favorite characters–Tharkay, Iskierka (no Catherine and Jane but, hey, we get to keep Emily!)–on the Allegiance heading toward Terra Australis, with Iskierka demanding Temeraire for an egg.
As usual, Novik delivers a well-told story that takes you across the hills of Scotland and the forests of eastern England, all on dragon-back.