A review by leahreadsstuff
In His Majesty's Service by Naomi Novik

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.5

Napoleonic wars with dragons. Has there ever been a better idea? THIS is how you write compelling fantasy with dragons.

The action is tensely and effectively written, and the characters are well developed (both human and dragon.) The pacing is perfect. There is enough time spent developing the story to feel as if you have started to know the stakes and the personalities involved, but the action comes on at the right beats and builds steadily. It was so skillfully done that I was invested before I knew what had happened. I will unashamedly admit that I was moved to tears at different points. 

I love Temeraire and Lawrence. Their dynamic is entertaining and emotional, and I cared about what happened to them. The side characters are all unique and carefully developed, and none of them are paragons. They all have human flaws and eccentricities. The plot has depth, and tackles some interesting ethical and moral questions through the lens of the dragons. The whole series of books is well done and worth reading. I’m looking forward to counting the series!