Reviews with content warning for Violence - Drachenprinz

I enjoyed this book just as much as the previous one! In fact, it began so smoothly, following immediately the concluding events of the first book, that it didn't even feel like a separate thing. I'm not sure I've ever felt that way when reading other book series before, even my favorites like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. Some of the things that were especially well done in this volume included the tension at the beginning (enough to keep me reading, but not so much as to be annoying), all of the action scenes, Temeraire's amusing bloodthirstiness somehow harmoniously married to his deep compassion for other living things, and Lawrence's constant show of character flaws that miraculously do not make him any less likeable as a protagonist. Excited to get reading volume 3!

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cowardlyteaman's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I really liked this book! I must say that I really like Novik's writing style.
Although it wasn't a big topic in the book, the way the colonial slavery is treated concerning Laurence and Temeraire's opinion on it, I think is handled well considering that the main theme of this book isn't slavery in Africa. Laurence is disgusted by the concept, obviously, as we wouldn't want to read about a hero who supports such a thing. Temeraire asks questions about it, and is quite honestly appalled by the idea; and I enjoy the way the duo later reflects around the difference between their role in the army and what slavery is, and how they can't compare themselves to that.
We're not really given much depth into the Chinese main characters, though, which I suppose could be something to mention. However, the way Laurence slowly starts to learn more about Chinese culture concerning dragons and women, too, and starts questioning the ways of his own nation, I really like! The character development he goes through about women and dragons is honestly so interesting to read.
This series had a good balance between some light humour and serious themes. I don't feel like the humour is inappropriate set in this world. There are fittingly placed action scenes when things start to feel slow, and they *most of the time* have something to do with the story.
Very good read. :)

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eicart_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Gah, I love Temeraire! Why did it take me so long to read book two?!

This book is a combination of many things that I love: dragons, adventures on the sea, descriptions of sailing ship goings on, and two beings who are fiercely loyal to and protective of each other.

Temeraire is the best boy and should be protected at all costs. He is a huge dragon with amazing physical abilities to talk, fly, fight, and invoke the divine wind. And he's a big kid, learning his way in the world and questioning society's norms when they don't make sense to him. I just love him to bits!

The relationship between Laurence and Temeraire is the best. They will do anything for each other. They hurt when the other is hurting. They place themselves in danger to help the other. And they have the best conversations, helping each other to grow and look at the world differently. I'm pretty sure that what they share would be considered a queerplatonic relationship, and honestly #relationshipgoals

(Btw, Temeraire is a dragon. Laurence is a human.)

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