Black Powder War, camels and dragons and war, oh my!
Written: Dec 17 '06
Product Rating:
Pros: British alternate military history fantasy, dragons, China, fun character near the end.
Cons: It's a shame we didn't meet the fun character sooner.
The Bottom Line: You should read the first two books first, but then you'll have to keep going and read this one. Fans of British military history and dragons should read this.
Jellyn's Full Review: Naomi Novik - Black Powder War
Black Powder War is third in Naomi Novik's Temeraire series. You should read the other two first, His Majesty's Dragon and Throne of Jade. The second one is the best one anyway, so far.
Setting
This is an alternate history fantasy world where the British navy is at war with France, but they've got more than ships and armies fighting on their side. They have dragons. But so do the French. This series asks, 'If dragons existed, how would they have been used by humanity?'
This book starts out in China and then follows a long journey overland back to Europe.
Plot
Temeraire is a Chinese dragon given to the French and intercepted by the British. His rider and crew are British. An urgent mission to pick up and deliver dragon eggs back to England sends them flying and walking back home overland instead of waiting for a ship. Sandstorms and lost camels impede their progress and finally the war interrupts them as well.
Meanwhile Temeraire wants to bring reform to the lives of the dragons of England, after seeing how the Chinese ones live and work.
Will they get to the eggs before they hatch? Will they get them safely back to England?
Is that really Napoleon?
My Thoughts
I was sad to see them leave China, but the story was interesting enough. Then we meet the most interesting character so far. I really hope she retains her personality and that we see more of her in future books. She's just incredibly fun. I don't want to give away who she is though, so you'll just have to read this book all the way through to find out!
I liked the previous book a little better, but this one holds promise for the next one to come.
By the Way
Peter Jackson has plans to do the movie version of these books. Read them and get excited with the rest of us!
After their fateful adventure in China, Capt. Will Laurence of His Majesty's Aerial Corps and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, are waylaid by a my...More at HotBookSale
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