Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
Wow. Remind me again why I waited so long to finally read a book by Naomi Novik? Particularly His Majesty’s Dragon?
Because friends. This book is gold.
I decided to finally read it as part of a challenge for the Iron Tome Readathon this month and it just so happened to be the first book that came in from the library. So, one morning a few days ago, I curled in my chair outside in my backyard while my new puppy decided to find a new spot to dig and decided to try it out. And I was immediately blown away by just how wonderful this book is.
Like, if you think I would die for Temeraire this very instant if he required it of me, so help me…
Book Info
Publisher: Random House | Release Date: January 2006 | Pages: 374
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Paperback | Source: Borrowed
Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.
On the Page
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Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- Honestly, the relationship between Temeraire and Laurence is what made me fall head over heels in love with this novel. I haven’t seen such a beautiful, animal-human relationship in AGES, so it was just really great to read that (plus, the fact that Temeraire is a dragon, it was just infinitely more amazing). I loved seeing them grow together, loved Temeraire’s curiosity, Laurence’s transition from viewing this as a potentially unwanted career change to something he could never imagine having a life without; not to mention how they both become front runners in changing the way aviators think and treat their dragons.
- In fact, Laurence as a character was just incredible to me. His honor and his sense of duty were inspiring and I loved how we truly got to see him grow, as he deals with being a gentleman who is confronted with new aspects–and broken rules–within the aviator way of life he wasn’t used to in society. I love that we see those struggles, but Laurence is willing to grow and willing to change, if he needs it. And I just really appreciated that.
- But even more, I just fell in love with this world. I mean, I wanted to be real so badly, having dragons as a part of our society. I couldn’t get over that dream, wishing I was an aviator while also not being able to read fast enough, wanting to know what happens next. As a writer, I also couldn’t help but notice how flawless Novik’s transitions are. I don’t know how she does it, but it was seamless. Also, the fact that Laurence READS TO Temeraire!?
Dislikes
Rating
Friends, this was a wonderful story. I absolutely adored His Majesty’s Dragon. I have no idea why I waited so long to check it out, but I am so excited that this is a NINE BOOK SERIES to sink my teeth into.
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High praise! I’m glad you liked His Majesty’s Dragon. It sounds creative and adventurous and awesome!
Oh, it was so lovely!!
I’m currently reading my first Naomi Novik book! But I’m reading spinning silver, which is amazing so far!
I will definitely check this one out at some point. Great review!
(www.evelynreads.com)
I definitely want to read some more of her recent works, too! But I couldn’t resist a series about dragons. I hope you continue to enjoy Spinning Silver! 😀
Understandable haha!
Must. Read. Must. Read. Ohhhh this sounds like an absolute delight!
Caitlin, I think you would LOVE THIS. Those reading scenes and the bond they feel…*dies from happiness*
I thoroughly enjoyed this last year, for all the same reasons as you. It was also my first Naomi Novik book. Since then, I’ve read Throne of Jade, not quite as good in my opinion, but still enjoyable. I also read Uprooted which is very different. I absolutely loved that but now after you’ve reminded me, I need to get back to Laurence and Temeraire. Maybe next month!
I’m excited to read Throne of Jade (at some point), though I’m sorry you didn’t love it as much as you did the first installment! I need to read Uprooted, too. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Hopefully you enjoy your next Laurence and Temeraire adventure! 😀
So excited to see this review! I loved Uprooted, and picked up a copy of Her Majesty’s Dragon right after finishing it, but still haven’t gotten around to starting. I just know it’ll be a keeper for me!
Oh, I definitely believe you’ll love it!! It just has such a wonderful feel to it and I’m so excited to read more of her work!!