righteousridel's review against another edition
5.0
The Temeraire series is a wonderful set of buddy-adventures across the world, which is unfortunate because the marketing for the Temeraire series failed miserably by focusing on the Napoleonic warfare aspect. This is not military fiction, and instead captures that strange Age of Sail culture of 'civilized war' alongside a realistic treatment of dragons.
I had forgotten how amusing the scenes were where dragons caught a cold, but to see that elevated to the key threat within this novel was very satisfying. As always, I'll avoid spoilers, but both the title and the back of book makes it obvious that Empire of Ivory is an African adventure. This, similar to the last few novels, offers the reader a chance to explore Naomi Novik's deep worldbuilding through the eyes of Lawrence and Temeraire. We learn plenty of the African continent, the colonial Empires and the impact of slavery (in conjunction with dragons).
In fact, I appreciate Naomi Novik's treatment of slavery and the abolition movement. It's neither ignored, nor plastered over with modern 21st century sensibilities. I think it's a good balance of condemning the practice while accepting how fundamentally it secured European dominance.
Highly recommended.
What really elevated this novel above the rest was the final Act though. Both the use of contagion as a weapon of war and Lawrence's decision, added an element of tension and personal stakes that I realized was lacking. Effectively the last few novels had been very easy reads, because I was never really worried for our two friends. They explored the world and went on fun adventures, and sure some of the sidekicks died, but these two were never in trouble.
But finally, we have some real tension. I wish that Lawrence didn't choose to return to Britain, because it felt like a cheap attempt for the author to return things back to the status quo. I'll leave my critique for the next novel, but I want change. What Lawrence did should not be forgiven.
I guess I'll have to see what happens in the next novel.
I had forgotten how amusing the scenes were where dragons caught a cold, but to see that elevated to the key threat within this novel was very satisfying. As always, I'll avoid spoilers, but both the title and the back of book makes it obvious that Empire of Ivory is an African adventure. This, similar to the last few novels, offers the reader a chance to explore Naomi Novik's deep worldbuilding through the eyes of Lawrence and Temeraire. We learn plenty of the African continent, the colonial Empires and the impact of slavery (in conjunction with dragons).
In fact, I appreciate Naomi Novik's treatment of slavery and the abolition movement. It's neither ignored, nor plastered over with modern 21st century sensibilities. I think it's a good balance of condemning the practice while accepting how fundamentally it secured European dominance.
Highly recommended.
Spoiler
The following is in spoiler tags, and I say so since some Goodreads clients may not respect it. You've been warned:What really elevated this novel above the rest was the final Act though. Both the use of contagion as a weapon of war and Lawrence's decision, added an element of tension and personal stakes that I realized was lacking. Effectively the last few novels had been very easy reads, because I was never really worried for our two friends. They explored the world and went on fun adventures, and sure some of the sidekicks died, but these two were never in trouble.
But finally, we have some real tension. I wish that Lawrence didn't choose to return to Britain, because it felt like a cheap attempt for the author to return things back to the status quo. I'll leave my critique for the next novel, but I want change. What Lawrence did should not be forgiven.
I guess I'll have to see what happens in the next novel.
graff_fuller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Reading THIS book and the Star Trek TOS Vanguard series is interesting. The honour and majesty of the characters of Temeraire and Laurence, juxtaposed with Commodore Reyes (in the Star Trek book) is very interesting.
I would say that honour is honour, in whatever genre it is revealed.
In this book, Temeraire and Laurence are tasked to deal with the crossing of Africa (seeing slavery and dealing with its ramifications on society), the abuse of friendship/power both while journeying to England (and having to trust people that may/may not be trust worthy), but also coming home and finding England in worse shape than when they left; a disease that effects dragons, what war does to people (especially when they are losing, and to what extent some people will go to win...even when it goes against their morality), and lastly...to see that Temeraire (with the support of Laurence) would be seen to have commited treason, but for the right cause.
This is where the two books that I stated above, have similar plots, for in the Star Trek (Science Fiction) novel, Commodore Reyes is charged with treason for doing what he felt was right, but also knowing that by DOING the RIGHT thing, would NOT save him from punishment.
In this book, Cpt. Laurence knows that Temeraire is right to do what he feel HAS to be done, but also knows that by doing so...he will be charged with treason and be hanged for doing it...even though it was/is the RIGHT thing to do.
It's interesting to have read these books at the same time...since both honourable characters decided to do what was RIGHT, versus what was EASY.
This book was NOT as good a read as the previous story, but they cannot ALL be home runs. Right?
The relationship of Temeraire with the other dragons, whether in China, the Middle East, Africa, France (Europe) and back home in England is great to experience. The dragons are NOT animals (in the sense they they are not wise). These dragons are incredibly brilliant (when given the chance), and the societies that understand that...prosper; while the societies (England...and even France) see them only has powerful "beasts of burden" to accomplish the will of their masters (the humans).
What we see within the relationship of Temeraire and Laurence, is a partnership. Temeraire is incredibly smart...being able to understand and even master many ideas/talents, without the burden of tradition. While Laurence is bound by tradition (especially within the military, ie. Navy and now in the Air Corps...with the dragons), but also because of his heritage within the society of royalty in England. Yes, as the Emperor of China can see, he's tangetally related to the King, but he is by all means a lesser noble, but in that he is bound by the ways/means of that station.
Temeraire pushes Laurence to do things that he would NEVER do on his own, but does them because he comes to appreciate and respect Temeraire (since he is unfettered by tradition). BUT, when he acquiesces to Temeraire, he also KNOWS that he will suffer for it within the society he lives in...and with nobility and honour, he'll go to the gallows for what was right (by supporting Temeraire).
Really love this series. So many moral qualms to deal with, and we get to see (experience) the noble journey of Temeraire and Laurence.
I would say that honour is honour, in whatever genre it is revealed.
In this book, Temeraire and Laurence are tasked to deal with the crossing of Africa (seeing slavery and dealing with its ramifications on society), the abuse of friendship/power both while journeying to England (and having to trust people that may/may not be trust worthy), but also coming home and finding England in worse shape than when they left; a disease that effects dragons, what war does to people (especially when they are losing, and to what extent some people will go to win...even when it goes against their morality), and lastly...to see that Temeraire (with the support of Laurence) would be seen to have commited treason, but for the right cause.
This is where the two books that I stated above, have similar plots, for in the Star Trek (Science Fiction) novel, Commodore Reyes is charged with treason for doing what he felt was right, but also knowing that by DOING the RIGHT thing, would NOT save him from punishment.
In this book, Cpt. Laurence knows that Temeraire is right to do what he feel HAS to be done, but also knows that by doing so...he will be charged with treason and be hanged for doing it...even though it was/is the RIGHT thing to do.
It's interesting to have read these books at the same time...since both honourable characters decided to do what was RIGHT, versus what was EASY.
This book was NOT as good a read as the previous story, but they cannot ALL be home runs. Right?
The relationship of Temeraire with the other dragons, whether in China, the Middle East, Africa, France (Europe) and back home in England is great to experience. The dragons are NOT animals (in the sense they they are not wise). These dragons are incredibly brilliant (when given the chance), and the societies that understand that...prosper; while the societies (England...and even France) see them only has powerful "beasts of burden" to accomplish the will of their masters (the humans).
What we see within the relationship of Temeraire and Laurence, is a partnership. Temeraire is incredibly smart...being able to understand and even master many ideas/talents, without the burden of tradition. While Laurence is bound by tradition (especially within the military, ie. Navy and now in the Air Corps...with the dragons), but also because of his heritage within the society of royalty in England. Yes, as the Emperor of China can see, he's tangetally related to the King, but he is by all means a lesser noble, but in that he is bound by the ways/means of that station.
Temeraire pushes Laurence to do things that he would NEVER do on his own, but does them because he comes to appreciate and respect Temeraire (since he is unfettered by tradition). BUT, when he acquiesces to Temeraire, he also KNOWS that he will suffer for it within the society he lives in...and with nobility and honour, he'll go to the gallows for what was right (by supporting Temeraire).
Really love this series. So many moral qualms to deal with, and we get to see (experience) the noble journey of Temeraire and Laurence.
joreadsdragons's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite of the Temeraire book yet! Iskierka is maybe my favorite Novik character ever!
chrstn's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
atarbett's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kabrahams's review against another edition
4.0
As fun as it was to return to these characters, this wasn't my favorite installment. Temeraire and Laurence go to Africa to find a cure to a mysterious illness that is weakening and killing most of England's dragons. While there, they get caught up in the war between various tribes and slavers/colonists.
zcall13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.5
hew's review against another edition
5.0
I think this addition to the series really found a beautiful pace and development of the world. The last section of the book was particularly exciting in how it resolved and set up the large scale conflicts centering it deeply in the relationship of Laurence and Temeraire.
The way the different character developments are not seamlessly fitting but fully expected and set up are quite gratifying and I cannot wait to see how their relationship further develops.
The way the different character developments are not seamlessly fitting but fully expected and set up are quite gratifying and I cannot wait to see how their relationship further develops.