A review by jpluff2334
Black Powder War by Naomi Novik

4.0

This installment started out slow for me again. Another journey I wasn't all that invested in even though the desert element and having to make sure there was enough camels to feed the dragons was an interesting addition. Tharkay kind of comes out of no where to lead this journey? I know Lien is the villain but low key love this vengeful badass dragon (even though she comes in and absolutely wreaks havoc). I loved the scene where Temeraire thinks she's coming to just kill him and Laurence and then she's like oh no, think again, I am going to take away everything you love and live for and leave you alive to live in misery (whoa, I was shook, as was Temeraire). Lien completely transforms how the French operate which completely destroys any chances of winning the battle. When we lose Digby and one of the eggs, I literally gasped. This was just proof that Novik has no shame in killing off characters and I am worried for what is to come. Then the BEST part of it all, when Iskierka hatches!! She is such a sassy baby dragon and I am so looking forward to future books with her in it. Loved when Temeraire becomes a bit jealous and doesn't want to share Granby and the fact that we learn that Temeraire was talking to her and prepping her for life outside the egg. I'm loving this series so far!