The premise for this series, an alternate history of the Napoleonic wars where both sides employ dragon riding troops, is a good one. Novik has thought through the implications well and provides sensible details with regard to dragons. She is obviously also using them to comment on how we treat those that we consider our inferiors. Dragons, despite their ability to talk and co-operate in battle are nevertheless treated more like horses than like people.
Laurence, who never imagined that he would partner a dragon, hasn't the same prejudices as the other airmen. Still, he is shocked when he is sent to China with Temeraire to see how respected dragons are in that kingdom. He has previously been forced to re-examine his views on the proper role of women, now keeping Temeraire is going to turn him into a social revolutionary when they return home, improving the lot of dragons there.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose! It seems that relations between China and the Western world will always be hampered by a lack of understanding on both sides. How one changes these attitudes is not clear, only that it will be difficult. When both sides are determined that they are ‘right' and refuse to compromise, coming to an agreement is next to impossible.
Although these books are easy to read, I struggled to stay focused on this one. Fantasy books are my preferred genre, but I must confess that I have wearied of the endless wars that I seem to encounter in their pages. I am particularly burnt out on characters in the militaries of these imaginary worlds. I am glad that I have a small reprieve before tackling the third book of this series.
Book 482 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
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