A review by ailsaod
Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik

adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is very much divided into three separate parts in a way that is much more marked than the rest of the series. The first two parts were probably my favourite section of the series so far as Laurence has been restored to factory settings and first has to get back to Temeraire and then has to figure out who he is all over again. I have read a few stories where amnesia is utilised as a plot device but this is the best example I have seen. The fact that both we and the characters are by now well acquainted with Laurence made me much more invested than the average take on amnesia and also meant I felt exactly how those around Laurence felt every time they mentioned something from before his nasty knock on the head. The end of the second act is wrapped up exceedingly well and may have made me a tad emotional and then we move on to the 3rd part. 

I did not like the 3rd part very much - save from one short part which was mildly hilarious - it reminded me over much of the later parts of Black Powder War which I found dreary and depressing. However, I will warn you that if you found that part of book 3 unenjoyable you will find the climax of this book possibly even worse. I won't say any spoilers but the end of this book was UPSETTING - and the likely long term implications of the events that occur linger behind in your mind. 
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