I bought this book because it has dragons in it and I am obsessed with dragons.
I’m not particularly fond if the Napoleonic time period, which the era this book takes place in, but I was willing to give it a chance because, ya know, dragons. There’s not much I wouldn’t push through if it meant having dragons in my life, even if only on the page.
The ways that this book surprised me, soothed me, excited me, and moved me, are precisely what make it such an incredible read.
Firstly, the writing is absolutely superb. The descriptions are vivid and the insertion of dragons into this alternate history is seamless. There’s a beauty in the writing that feels old, and yet carries with it a sense of the modern.
Secondly, the world building is absolutely consuming. As the reader, you feel as though you are a Captain, just like Lawrence, the main character who, by mere chance, is chosen to be a dragon rider. When he realizes he’s coming to genuinely care about his dragon, Temeraire, you also care.
Thirdly, the characters are fantastic. There are multiple dragons of different types and genders and they have their own distinct personalities. Their riders are just as diverse and interesting. Some you like. Others you don’t, especially when you see the difference in how they treat their dragons. These characters build a lot of the tension in a book that is somewhat slowpaced.
But I think what makes this book work so well written is the connection between Lawrence and Temeraire.
Yes, there are moments when the reader feels as though they are Lawrence, but mostly it’s scene after beautiful scene of these two unlikely companions creating an unexpected and deeply intimate connection. By the end of the novel, they are more than comrades, more than allies, more than friends. There’s an element of love, devotion, protection that binds the two of them together and encapsulates them in such a way that pulls at the reader’s emotions.
“I’m never going to let anyone take you from me,” Temeraire says.
“Nor will I, my dear,” Lawrence replies.
This book has so many amazing moments. There’s action, intrigue, adventure, excitement, love, hints of romance, and so many other things that made it an absolute blast to read. I highly recommend it, especially as it’s the first in an entire series. Because, let’s be honest, we all want our own dragons. And in this way, through these books, we can live vicariously.
4/5 stars.
