Reviews

His Majesty's Dragon, by Naomi Novik

blairlovesbooks's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I liked this book in an academic way. It seemed good in theory. But in practice it simply could not hold my attention, and I could not care about Lawrence (though I loved Temeraire). 

lynxylisa's review against another edition

3.0

You won't notice the time passing at all when you're reading this book. I love the writing style, and clearly the author has done immense amount of research. The story is not only captivating from beginning to end, it is also filled with world building details that just adds such realism and richness to the narrative.

I will be buying all the books in the series of course. Can't wait!

nixnixnixnixnix's review

4.0

I'm torn on this one. Really enjoyed parts of it, but there's something stiff about the writing that I had a hard time getting past.

samwescott's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

5.0

I LOVE THIS FUSSY MAN AND HIS WEIRDLY LITERATE DRAGON!

Oh, man, I adored this book and am so excited to make my grand, if belated, entrance into this series. I love the premise and the mix of squishy historical fiction and dragon-riding fantasy. I adored Lawrence and think he is such an interesting and unusual protagonist. Like, he's a military man, but he's such a fusspot. He's both obsessed with fairness and integrity, but also wanting all of his clothes neatly folded and put away. He's upright to the point of occasional social strife, but isn't self-righteous or judgmental. And Temeraire is an absolute delight. Such a polite and clever dragon who also has a bit of a revolutionary spirit. I'm in love. 

I'm so excited to fly with my buddies for a bunch of books. <3

ccpprrjj's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This was such a fun book to reread.  I've missed these characters and it was nice to see where they all started.  The dynamic between Laurence and Temeraire is fantastic and their interactions are so wholesome.

Spoiler

Laurence can be a bit of a goody-two-shoes, which can get annoying.  But I know that he grows so I can stick through it.

  And Granby!  I love Granby. One of my favorite parts of the book was how well thought-out the structure of corps was.  Novik did a really good job of incorporating dragons into 19th century warfare with it still feeling like a plausible world and not overly fantastical.  

katylang's review

4.0

Engaging characters (especially Temeraire) and balanced plot.

grayreader's review

3.0

The dragons are delightful, and the Napoleonic wars make an interesting setting for the tale. Mostly, though, the dragons.

lizzygtheauthor's review

adventurous challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

ridel's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.75

storytold's review

4.0

I unexpectedly completely loved this book. Any book that made me love talking animals is automatically unusually good in my books. The writing style took a bit of getting used to, and I found certain scenes just slightly flat or too married to the style in which the book was written to have the intended impact, but this is a matter of personal preference. I did warm to the style, which was clearly meant to befit the period. I thought Laurence's character and growth was superbly revealed and I immediately look forward to reading more.