【 HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON 】

book #1 in the Temeraire series

Genre: Fantasy (historical)
Audience: Adult
Author: Naomi Novik
Published: March 2006
Publisher: Del Rey
Pages: 356 (paperback)

Well, this was absolutely delightful. I was a little uncertain if this was going to live up to expectations based on the first few chapters, but I soon got into the rhythm of the writing and was swept away on what quickly became a wonderful adventure.

I have anticipated this book for the longest of times. The Napoleonic wars retold … but with dragons? Surely nothing could be more exciting. And Novik certainly did a wonderful job of weaving together history and fantasy. Historic battles, like the battle of Trafalgar, feature, alongside fantastical dragon-led fight scenes, and it is all so highly believable.

The winning factor of this book, however, is the relationship between Laurence and Temeraire. From being so unwilling to join the aerial corps, Laurence finds himself really quite at home. The bond and devotion he shares with Temeraire is so sweet and is definitely a main contribution to why the book is so enjoyable.

I did have some difficulty imagining the scale of the dragons and the way in which so many people crewed them and were harnessed on (like seriously, do they just hang freely from the dragon’s bellies when they’re below? How on earth do these tents look?), but other than that, I really don’t have any complaints.

There was wonderful tension driven not only from the threat of a French invasion, but also from rivalries and prejudices built into the story. There were some wonderful character conflicts that triumphed the high-standing morals of Laurence, and there were also some unexpected twists and betrayals. Laurence’s strict naval ways brought a hilarious level of ‘properness’ to his perspective that almost served to add a mild thread of comedy. He takes himself endearingly seriously and yet inspires others to do their best.

I really enjoyed the robust lore and history surrounding the dragons too. A little excerpt from an expert’s research at the end of the book helps to build up an even better picture of dragons’ presence in the lives of men throughout history, too.

The fact that the dragons are so loyal to their riders, and yet also so independent of thought was really interesting. And Temeraire’s high levels of intelligence was great for adding both humour and a depth to his personality – and a way for him to engage deeply with the narrative, rather than being just a prop or steed.

If you’re a dragon fan, then this is definitely the book for you. As I mentioned, the writing might take a moment to get into (it’s much more formally structured – old-timey without actually being so), but it’s so worth it to go on this journey with Laurence and Temeraire. The fight scenes are so real and adrenaline-pumping that you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat many times.

You may also like …

Title: His Majesty’s Dragon
Series: Temeraire #1
Author: Naomi Novik
Add it on Goodreads

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.