Tuesday, 01 May 2007
(Books, Things Wot We Actually Like, Sci-fi / Fantasy) Kyra Smith reviews Temeraire, Empire of Jade and Black Powder War by Naomi Novik.
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Napoleon era plus dragons: that's all you need to know about Naomi Novik's Temeraire books, of which they are currently three, Temeraire (or His Majesty's Dragon), Throne of Jade and Black Powder War. They're the kind of books that you'll either be interested in reading or not at all. But, if you do have any passing affection for fantasy, historical fiction, dragons, a damn good story or some combination of all of them, you can't go far wrong with Temeraire.
Because of the focus on a relationship between a human and a dragon, comparisons have been inevitably drawn between Temeraire and Ann McCaffrey's Pern books. I'm not really a fan of McCaffrey and I generally find dragons a rather tired fantasy device but the Temeraire books are excellent and I was genuinely drawn into the setting despite its rather clichd premise (hey, pseudo historical setting but with dragons!).
All three books are relatively slim-line, tautly plotted little gems, eventful and fast-paced enough to almost merit the title "yarns." This is not the say that characterisation suffers. Although the background characters tend to be depicted in broad brush strokes, Temeraire (the dragon) and his handler, Captain Laurence, are detailed and complex. World-building is lightly and deftly handled, providing a real sense of time and place without ever bogging the reader down in unnecessary detail. And they're beautifully written, drawing you effortlessly into the story and the time period. The prose, which has an eighteenth century elegance, never becomes jarring or artificial and is enlivened by an understated sense of humour that never fails to charm and delight. Oh god. I'm gushing aren't I? It's well deserved.
Temeraire (His Majesty's Dragon)
Set during the Napoleonic wars (or at least how the Napoleonic would be if the warring nations had an airforce of dragons as well as the navy and the army), the first book of the series begins with Captain Laurence's ship capturing a French vessel that turns out to be carrying a rare and valuable dragon egg on the verge of hatching. Hatching, and harnessing, dragons is a complicated business and the dragonling, Temeraire adorable from his first moment, allows Laurence to harness him. Thus Laurence is forced to leave the navy and become an aviator. The first book mainly concerns Laurence learning what it is to be an aviator and the deepening relationship between him and Temeraire.
Basically it's great.
The plot rattles along at a fine pace, and the device of Temeraire learning about the world while Laurence is learning about dragons and aviators proves an excellent mechanism for introducing the reader to the setting and the characters. Temeraire and Laurence are both wonderful. Temeraire is curious, intelligent and affectionate " I defy anyone not to adore him, and covet him. What wouldn't I give for a dragon of my own? And Laurence is a very eighteenth century hero, honorable, courteous and possessing a pronounced sense of duty. It's refreshing, in fact, to encounter a character in a fantasy novel who is very much a product of, and supporter of, the world which has created him. And although he has some facets that could be faintly alienating to a 21st century sensibility (his attitude to women is not particularly progressive, his devotion to duty and the chain of command can occasionally be frustrating and his prudishness gives rise to several amusing moments) he still remains admirable and likeable. And the development of their relationship is a joy to watch.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's well written, well-plotted, exciting and absorbing with some genuinely moving moments. It is possible that some might find the style a little mannered and self-conscious but it worked for me, and events happen so rapidly that it can be a bit of a rollercoaster but it's still one of the best fantasy novels out there.
Throne of Jade
At the end of the first book, it was discovered that Temeraire is a Chinese Imperial dragon, a rare breed usually only permitted to be the companions of the Chinese Royal family, and Throne of Jade begins with Laurence in deep political trouble indeed as the Chinese, unsurprisingly, demand him back. Therefore Laurence and Temeraire set off for China. Intrigue follows.
Throne of Jade " although still an assured read " is less gripping than the first book, partially because the novelty of the idea has worn off but mainly because, despite a tense and promising beginning, at least two thirds of the novel consist of leisurely sea voyage. The pace picks up again once they reach China although this section of the novel, in comparison to the near interminable sea voyage, feels rather rushed. The Chinese attitude to and treatment of dragons is completely different to the British, and although it obvious that the court of the Chinese Emperor is rife with the sort of Machiavellian strategising with which poor Laurence is ill-equipped to cope, this is never really explored. We do occasionally see Laurence, the honourable military man, struggling with the intricacies of cross-cultural politics and international diplomacy but the whole plot is wrapped up in an unconvincing series of deus ex machinas that do not do its potential justice.
Temeraire himself spends most of this novel coming to terms with who, and what, he is. I think the implication is that the he's the dragon-equivalent of an adolescent but he is rather distant and self-absorbed for the bulk of this book. And Laurence's main political opponent, Prince Yongxing never really lives up to his role as the villain of the piece.
This is not the say Throne of Jade is a bad book. I was impressed enough by Temeraire to enjoy reading the second, even if it did not quite live up to the promise of the first. The most frustrating thing about Throne of Jade is that if feels like filler, setting up events to come. Temeraire and Laurence gain an arch-nemesis in the form of Prince Yongxing's albino dragon and the whole thing reads like an attempt to "deal with" Temeraire's origins so that the rest of the series can continue unhindered.
Black Powder War
I have to confess that my heart sank when Black Powder War began with yet another Temeraire Roadtrip, this time back to England overland via Istanbul. Most of the politicking of the previous book has been almost too tidily reconciled and Laurence has new orders to supervise the transport of three dragon eggs that have been purchased from the Turks. However, the situation in Istanbul is far from simple and there a healthy dollop of treachery and intrigue before Temeraire and Laurence return to Europe only to find themselves embroiled in the dangers of the war.
Black Powder War remedies most of the problems I encountered in Thone of Jade. Temeraire " with his developing interest in social equality for dragons " is back on form and the introduction of an arch-enemy, the albino dragon Lien, mad with grief and vengeance over the death Prince Yongxing, really helps to focus the story. Although there is still no opportunity to catch up with sorely missed friends in England, the hatching of a new dragon, a warlike little firebreather, and the presence of the bitter and untrustworthy guide, Tharkay, are very welcome additions to the story. Perhaps I'm a history geek but the battle scenes are particularly impressive " the dragon aerial tactics integrate seamlessly with the historical details. Also after a book of travelling and politicking, some good old fashioned military action was very much appreciated.
Altogether, Temeraire, Throne of Jade and Black Powder War make for fine reading. The first remains my firm favourite but the next two are well worth reading in their own right and I eagerly await the fourth.
Because of the focus on a relationship between a human and a dragon, comparisons have been inevitably drawn between Temeraire and Ann McCaffrey's Pern books. I'm not really a fan of McCaffrey and I generally find dragons a rather tired fantasy device but the Temeraire books are excellent and I was genuinely drawn into the setting despite its rather clichd premise (hey, pseudo historical setting but with dragons!).
All three books are relatively slim-line, tautly plotted little gems, eventful and fast-paced enough to almost merit the title "yarns." This is not the say that characterisation suffers. Although the background characters tend to be depicted in broad brush strokes, Temeraire (the dragon) and his handler, Captain Laurence, are detailed and complex. World-building is lightly and deftly handled, providing a real sense of time and place without ever bogging the reader down in unnecessary detail. And they're beautifully written, drawing you effortlessly into the story and the time period. The prose, which has an eighteenth century elegance, never becomes jarring or artificial and is enlivened by an understated sense of humour that never fails to charm and delight. Oh god. I'm gushing aren't I? It's well deserved.
Temeraire (His Majesty's Dragon)
Set during the Napoleonic wars (or at least how the Napoleonic would be if the warring nations had an airforce of dragons as well as the navy and the army), the first book of the series begins with Captain Laurence's ship capturing a French vessel that turns out to be carrying a rare and valuable dragon egg on the verge of hatching. Hatching, and harnessing, dragons is a complicated business and the dragonling, Temeraire adorable from his first moment, allows Laurence to harness him. Thus Laurence is forced to leave the navy and become an aviator. The first book mainly concerns Laurence learning what it is to be an aviator and the deepening relationship between him and Temeraire.
Basically it's great.
The plot rattles along at a fine pace, and the device of Temeraire learning about the world while Laurence is learning about dragons and aviators proves an excellent mechanism for introducing the reader to the setting and the characters. Temeraire and Laurence are both wonderful. Temeraire is curious, intelligent and affectionate " I defy anyone not to adore him, and covet him. What wouldn't I give for a dragon of my own? And Laurence is a very eighteenth century hero, honorable, courteous and possessing a pronounced sense of duty. It's refreshing, in fact, to encounter a character in a fantasy novel who is very much a product of, and supporter of, the world which has created him. And although he has some facets that could be faintly alienating to a 21st century sensibility (his attitude to women is not particularly progressive, his devotion to duty and the chain of command can occasionally be frustrating and his prudishness gives rise to several amusing moments) he still remains admirable and likeable. And the development of their relationship is a joy to watch.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's well written, well-plotted, exciting and absorbing with some genuinely moving moments. It is possible that some might find the style a little mannered and self-conscious but it worked for me, and events happen so rapidly that it can be a bit of a rollercoaster but it's still one of the best fantasy novels out there.
'I suppose you are one of those hoarding creatures," Laurence said, looking affectionately up at Temeraire; many dragons had an inborn fascination with jewels and precious metals. "I am afraid I am not rich enough a partner for you; I will not be able to give you a heap of gold to sleep on."
"I should rather have you than a heap of gold, even if it were very comfortable to sleep on," Temeraire said, "I do not mind the deck."'
Throne of Jade
At the end of the first book, it was discovered that Temeraire is a Chinese Imperial dragon, a rare breed usually only permitted to be the companions of the Chinese Royal family, and Throne of Jade begins with Laurence in deep political trouble indeed as the Chinese, unsurprisingly, demand him back. Therefore Laurence and Temeraire set off for China. Intrigue follows.
Throne of Jade " although still an assured read " is less gripping than the first book, partially because the novelty of the idea has worn off but mainly because, despite a tense and promising beginning, at least two thirds of the novel consist of leisurely sea voyage. The pace picks up again once they reach China although this section of the novel, in comparison to the near interminable sea voyage, feels rather rushed. The Chinese attitude to and treatment of dragons is completely different to the British, and although it obvious that the court of the Chinese Emperor is rife with the sort of Machiavellian strategising with which poor Laurence is ill-equipped to cope, this is never really explored. We do occasionally see Laurence, the honourable military man, struggling with the intricacies of cross-cultural politics and international diplomacy but the whole plot is wrapped up in an unconvincing series of deus ex machinas that do not do its potential justice.
Temeraire himself spends most of this novel coming to terms with who, and what, he is. I think the implication is that the he's the dragon-equivalent of an adolescent but he is rather distant and self-absorbed for the bulk of this book. And Laurence's main political opponent, Prince Yongxing never really lives up to his role as the villain of the piece.
This is not the say Throne of Jade is a bad book. I was impressed enough by Temeraire to enjoy reading the second, even if it did not quite live up to the promise of the first. The most frustrating thing about Throne of Jade is that if feels like filler, setting up events to come. Temeraire and Laurence gain an arch-nemesis in the form of Prince Yongxing's albino dragon and the whole thing reads like an attempt to "deal with" Temeraire's origins so that the rest of the series can continue unhindered.
Black Powder War
I have to confess that my heart sank when Black Powder War began with yet another Temeraire Roadtrip, this time back to England overland via Istanbul. Most of the politicking of the previous book has been almost too tidily reconciled and Laurence has new orders to supervise the transport of three dragon eggs that have been purchased from the Turks. However, the situation in Istanbul is far from simple and there a healthy dollop of treachery and intrigue before Temeraire and Laurence return to Europe only to find themselves embroiled in the dangers of the war.
Black Powder War remedies most of the problems I encountered in Thone of Jade. Temeraire " with his developing interest in social equality for dragons " is back on form and the introduction of an arch-enemy, the albino dragon Lien, mad with grief and vengeance over the death Prince Yongxing, really helps to focus the story. Although there is still no opportunity to catch up with sorely missed friends in England, the hatching of a new dragon, a warlike little firebreather, and the presence of the bitter and untrustworthy guide, Tharkay, are very welcome additions to the story. Perhaps I'm a history geek but the battle scenes are particularly impressive " the dragon aerial tactics integrate seamlessly with the historical details. Also after a book of travelling and politicking, some good old fashioned military action was very much appreciated.
Altogether, Temeraire, Throne of Jade and Black Powder War make for fine reading. The first remains my firm favourite but the next two are well worth reading in their own right and I eagerly await the fourth.
~
Comments
Having read your review, I was delighted to recognise Temeraire on a bookshelf out here! Of course, as they had neither of the other two books, I figured I'd wait a bit because it would no doubt suck me in and I get a bit frustrated when the next book in a series isn't immediately available...
at 15:45 on 2007-05-21 by Rami C
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