Temaraire

I have lately finished the five books that current make up the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik, though I believe that there is at least one more in the works for the series. The titles are: His Majesty's Dragon, Throne of Jade, Black Powder War, Empire of Ivory, and Victory of Eagles. In truth, I read them in such quick succession that I have a hard time remembering exactly what happened in each book, though I do acknowledge that the most exciting action takes place in books 1, 4, and 5. That is partially due to the fact that the majority of the battles discussed takes place in those books.

I was first introduced to this series by several of my friends; all of whom were gaga over the books. In order to have any sort of meaningful conversation with them at present, it seemed best to read the books and join in. I'm already quite backwards in their society because I've only read the first two Patrick O'Brian books. I hear that they do get more exciting the further along you go. Perhaps another attempt is due someday.

Novik takes dragons and plops them in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars. A very interesting place to land, I might add. The addition to aerial combat to just the regular land/naval battles adds a completely different twist on revisionist history. And these dragons are unique in that they want to do more than just fight, they also want to be philosophers. Ok, that's a lie. Temeraire, the main dragon on which this series revolves, wants to become a philospher/political activist/fighter/etc. Basically, he is a Mary Sue, and does a great job of it, until the little (huge) firebreather Iskierka comes along and tries to out-Mary Sue him. That battle hasn't been finished, though many others are covered. So far, Novik has taken us, along with Temeraire and his captain Laurence, across three continents in these five books, and I believe the sixth book will feature another one.

Will I read the next one? Of course. I'm too attached to these dragons to let them go. Especially little Volly. I love how he eagerly anticipates getting a cow whenever he courier run takes him to Temeraire. He's so adorable!