nursays's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If Toothless could speak!
In all seriousness, this really is a story about dragon riders and I love that! The relationships between the dragons and their riders are explored so well. I loved Laurence and Temeraire's close bond. And the latter loving books and devouring them through Laurence had me chortling.
In all seriousness, this really is a story about dragon riders and I love that! The relationships between the dragons and their riders are explored so well. I loved Laurence and Temeraire's close bond. And the latter loving books and devouring them through Laurence had me chortling.
graff_fuller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
I've been sitting on this series for WAY too long. I am SO glad that I finally picked it up and started reading it. It filled my heart with joy. PLUS, who doesn't like smart dragons?
Loved the military dynamic and how dragons have been integrated into the Napoleonic time period. I also love how they intersperse real events, along side the changes that would happen IF dragons were actually roaming the world.
Been enjoying this time period and the naval experience of ships at war, but this was a new twist.
The political appointments within the English Empire (over more worthy men). Love how the author also integrated women into the dragon riders (aerial arm of the military).
Laurence is a man's man, but also...one of honour and upbringing...which served him well in the navy, but at first cost him as he transitioned to the Air Corps.
Also, let's hear it for Temeraire. I loved all the dragons, but the main character of this series is a gem (pun intended). He is cultured. He is honourable. He is inquisitive. He is true. Plus, he loves books. How could you NOT like him?
Loved the aerial tactics versus the naval tactics. The ranks and the way people gained the trust of the dragons and who were known as good for the dragons (and who was seemed be bad for the dragons, but how the dragons still served their "handlers" as best they could...even though these noble creatures were treated as a common animal by some).
Onward to the sequel. Cannot wait what Naomi Novik has for us.
Loved the military dynamic and how dragons have been integrated into the Napoleonic time period. I also love how they intersperse real events, along side the changes that would happen IF dragons were actually roaming the world.
Been enjoying this time period and the naval experience of ships at war, but this was a new twist.
The political appointments within the English Empire (over more worthy men). Love how the author also integrated women into the dragon riders (aerial arm of the military).
Laurence is a man's man, but also...one of honour and upbringing...which served him well in the navy, but at first cost him as he transitioned to the Air Corps.
Also, let's hear it for Temeraire. I loved all the dragons, but the main character of this series is a gem (pun intended). He is cultured. He is honourable. He is inquisitive. He is true. Plus, he loves books. How could you NOT like him?
Loved the aerial tactics versus the naval tactics. The ranks and the way people gained the trust of the dragons and who were known as good for the dragons (and who was seemed be bad for the dragons, but how the dragons still served their "handlers" as best they could...even though these noble creatures were treated as a common animal by some).
Onward to the sequel. Cannot wait what Naomi Novik has for us.
pirateyoho's review against another edition
3.0
A story about a stodgy British naval officer getting saddled (literally) with a newborn dragon that disrupts his career, this ended up being surprisingly wholesome & charming for a historical military-based fantasy story. While I loved the dragon Temeraire with my whole heart, I couldn't have cared less about his rider. I get that Laurence's tedious and duty-driven demeanor fits with his military background, but good lord did he just come across as dry and stale for the whole story. I don't think I have it in me to endure him for 9 books, so I'll probably be stopping the series here.
owlish1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
michaelatrelby's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
tense
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? Yes
5.0
leslielovesreading's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
professoremdash's review against another edition
4.0
4.25/5
This was a fascinating read. It takes place in an altered history of the Napoleonic wars where dragons are used as weapons alongside fleets and armies. Laurence is a strong narrator, coloring the story with his feelings and thoughts. His relationship with Temeraire is a great element of the book. I really loved the world building of the dragon breeds and abilities, and how the fictional aerial corps work as a military unit. My only complaints are that the writing style is extremely formal (straight out of Laurence’s head, so kudos to Novik for that), filled with many analytical observations, and sometimes it’s hard to follow the story because I had to wade through lots of details. Also there is a lot of exposition between the events that keep the story moving, which isn’t bad for character development, but made the pace a bit uneven. All in all, a good novel for anyone who enjoyed Eragon and or general fantasy.
This was a fascinating read. It takes place in an altered history of the Napoleonic wars where dragons are used as weapons alongside fleets and armies. Laurence is a strong narrator, coloring the story with his feelings and thoughts. His relationship with Temeraire is a great element of the book. I really loved the world building of the dragon breeds and abilities, and how the fictional aerial corps work as a military unit. My only complaints are that the writing style is extremely formal (straight out of Laurence’s head, so kudos to Novik for that), filled with many analytical observations, and sometimes it’s hard to follow the story because I had to wade through lots of details. Also there is a lot of exposition between the events that keep the story moving, which isn’t bad for character development, but made the pace a bit uneven. All in all, a good novel for anyone who enjoyed Eragon and or general fantasy.