His Majesty’s Dragon (Temeraire #1)
Summary:
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. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This was a book I wasn’t quite sure about initially, but it eventually won me over. The characters definitely follow more of a historical approach in speaking and initially it was distracting to me. Once I got a little more used to it (and it got a little more relaxed as well) I was able to enjoy the story more.
Temeraire is an insightful and fun character who develops throughout the book. I enjoyed hearing the “dragon perspective” of things and why the characters did what they did. Overall I found the book enjoyable, but never felt fully invested in the characters and events. It was more like watching an enjoyable movie than feeling emotionally tied up in what was happening next. I’d still recommend this read to anyone who things the premise sounds appealing, but expect it to be more of a “light” book rather than one distracting from life.
Warning: Contains repeated violence.
Rating: 4 stars!
Who should read it? Fantasy and historical fiction fans who enjoy a crossover.
Want to read the whole series?
Feat or Famine (Temeraire #1.5)
Throne of Jade (Temeraire #2)
Black Powder War (Temeraire #3)
Empire of Ivory (Temeraire #4)
Victory of Eagles (Temeraire #5)
Tongues of Serpents (Temeraire #6)
Crucible of Gold (Temeraire #7)
Blood of Tyrants (Temeraire #8)
League of Dragons (Temeraire #9)