A few of my favorite things... Dugeons and Dragons....

History and fantasy come together in Naomi Novi's series Temeraire. Set in the time of the Napoleanic wars it reimagines the events- as if there had also been a Dragon contingent. The hero of the series is a Naval officer Laurence, who finds himself unexpectedly responsible for a dragon, Temeraire, who turns out to be one of the last of the rare Chinese celestials- meant only for emperors - and in this case, destined for Napoleon. The Chinese are furious and Napoleon on the verge of invading, and Temeraire, is developing demoratic ideas.


Novik writes the battle scenes amazingly well, which is very important given that war forms the backdrop of the story. What also comes through is the research she has put into it- from the study of military tactics, to geography and culture. It is interesting to watch Laurence's development. From the mistakes he makes when joining the Air Corps, to his slow understanding that dragons may after all be every bit as intelligent and deserving of rights as humans- even in a time when slavery is still acceptable; his struggles with his conscience as he reconciles what is right with his duty and what is asked of him. In the last book especially, it is painful to see him, dealing with the consequences of his perceived treachery.

The last book, Victory of Eagles,  especially makes painfully clear the ugliness of war and the levels people will stoop to in order to win. I love that Novik brings out the military greatness of men like Wellington and Nelson, while not glossing over their dark side- Nelson with his support of slavery and Wellington's ruthlessness.
Through it all it is Temeraire, who remains innocent, or at any rate, relatively clean of the politicking that goes on around him. His goals and motivations are clear - to win equal rights- or at least some rights- for dragons, and fortunately for him, with his size, there aren't many who can dismiss or deny him sat up all of Saturday night reading the first three of the series- then Monday the 5th from the library and today Empire of Ivory- the 4th. I've no idea when the 6th will be out, but I'm looking forward to it. I haven't enjoyed a fantasy so much in ages.