Temeraire book 2: Throne of Jade

Rating: T (violence, language)

Plot: After the successful repulsion of Napoleon's invasion, Laurence and Temeraire have another enemy to worry about. Now that Temeraire has been revealed as a Celestial, the highest in Chinese royalty, the Chinese want him back. Laurence argues that the egg was found and captured aboard a French vessel, and therefore rightful property of England. But the Chinese refuse to acknowledge the politics of the world, and still demand Temeraire be sent to China, or they will side with France in the war. Temeraire does not want to leave Laurence, and the new prince Yong-Xing will do everything in his power to separate Laurence from Temeraire, including murder. To avoid war, the English Aviator Corps send Laurence to China to convince the Emperor to allow Temeraire to fight for England. But the voyage to China is treacherous, with unknown creatures, storms, and frequent French attacks. And at the end of the voyage waits the complications and dangers of Chinese politics. Meanwhile, Napoleon prepares for another assault. Laurence must survive the trip to China, sway to Chinese Emperor to England's cause, and return to England before Napoleon strikes again.

Highlights: another great book in the Temeraire series! Unlike most fantasy novels, this one creates a believable story which keeps you interested throughout. Even the political aspect, while plentiful, keeps you interested and is not slow at all. Like the first novel, this one contains plenty of fighting, most of which is slightly bloody, but realistic.

Negative elements: Less of these than in the first book. Still a little language and lots of violence, but overall a very well-told story. I can't wait to read the next book.

Temeriare book 1

Plot: Laurence, a successful captain during the Napoleonic era, captures a run-of-the-mill French vessel, just a regular day's work for an English captain in the blockade of France. He is both surprised and dismayed at the useless amount of fighting displayed by the French crew. When he captures the ship, however, he is even more surprised to find out why. The ship was carrying an extremely rare Chinese dragon egg. Laurence and his crew try to sail back to England before it hatches, but despite their efforts, the egg does hatch. Laurence tries to make it choose a young ensign as it's captain, but instead it chooses Laurence. Resigning his ship to his second, Laurence becomes an English aviator. Laurence and Temeraire (his dragon) begin to train and make friends among their wing mates. Temeraire quickly becomes the best formation flyer in the Corps, and he and Laurence also begin to bond with each other. But, an invasion by Napoleon is eminent, and Temeraire will be vital to its repulsion. If England falls, so too will the rest of the world. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Highlights: Great plot! I have been longing for a fantasy novel about the Napoleonic wars for a very long time (Napoleon being my favorite general) and Naomi Novik delivers. The battles, while being slightly gory, are very realistic, and fun to read. It is also a rather lengthy book, so those looking for a long read should look up this title. I would definitely recommend this book to any fantasy lovers or Napoleon lovers.

Negative elements: Not many of these. The only thing I didn't like was the portrayal of Napoleon as a villain (again, favorite general) but overall a great story. There is a small amount of language (mostly D---), and the violence is not for the weak of stomach. But overall, I would give this book a 4and ½ out of 5 stars.