Book Thoughts

My experience with novels about dragons was fairly limited before being introduced to Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series. I had only read Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey and the Harry Potter’s. His Majesty’s Dragon was highly recommended and overall, it didn’t disappoint. Alternate history is a fun subject for me and when it is combined with science fiction and fantasy, the results can be almost intoxicating.

Novik’s novel shows us a universe where the existence of dragons is taken for granted. However she takes the time to explore how dragons and their “aviators” fit into British society. I liked how we weren’t told the history of dragons and how they’ve always fit into society.

The story focuses on Captain Will Laurence of the Royal Navy and his capture of a dragon egg being carried by a French ship. The egg hatches and the character Temeraire is born. A bond is created between them that is akin to marriage and parenthood. The interaction between the two characters is always interesting, especially as Temeraire grows more aware of the role dragons are expected to play in society.

Will Laurence is a member of the polished upper class and his views and ideas reflect his upbringing. This is evidenced when he learns that the Aerial Corps employs women to command their Longwing dragons. His views are in line with what one would expect from the time period and Novik doesn’t “break character.” However, she gets to express more modern views regarding the treatment of dragons and women through Temeraire. Since he is essentially a very intelligent newborn, he does not have societal prejudices ingrained into him. This creates a nice contrast with Will, who seems a little fearful of Temeraire’s outspoken and radical ideas.

The plot gets a little bogged down in the middle because of the amount of time Novik spends describing Temeraire’s training. She gives the reader detailed descriptions of dragon formations and how they build harnesses to hold the crews. It’s informative, filled with character development (a high point), but not terribly exciting. We’re told how the British and French fleets are maneuvering and trying to engage one another. We’re told, but not shown, how there is a constant threat of aerial assault by the numerically superior French.

Thankfully, we are finally shown a true battle at the climax of the novel. The historic British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar turns out to have been a ruse by Napoleon. Napoleon takes advantage of the undefended British coastline to launch an aerial assault. Novik creates an ingenious way for Napoleon to cross the English Chanel. He uses boat-like contraptions filled with soldiers carried by dragons.

Finally we get to see Temeraire in action and he does not disappoint. All the time spent training has paid off and he is a formidable opponent. There are boarding parties, dragon on dragon fights, and Novik still isn’t done. Temeraire unleashes a powerful inner ability that is able to stall the invasion. A satisfying battle that was worth the training and buildup.

Despite a slow middle, Novik has created endearing characters within a fascinating alternate history setting. I loved reading about Temeraire’s development as a “person.”  In reality, that is what he is.  A big scaly person who can fly.  I look forward to reading subsequent novels and see if any of the ideas Temeraire proposes take hold.

Score: 4 / 5

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