Book Review: His Majesty's Dragon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

His Majesty's Dragon     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Naomi Novik
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Military   Dragons   Historical
Series: Temeraire # 1
Del Rey, Apr 2006, $7.50, 384 pp.

British navy Captain Will Laurence of the HMS Reliant stands on the deck of the French vessel the Amitie in shock; he cannot understand why the veteran captain chose to fight when his crew was undermanned and ill and his ship likely to lose even if they were hale. He soon learns why the French chose to fight against overwhelming odds. On the Amitie is a Chinese dragon egg; everyone knows that China has the most powerful dragon fighters in the world. If the French got it they would have had an edge in the aerial war with England.

Laurence takes the egg to his ship. When it hatches, he names the dragon Temeraire; quickly the human and the dragon bond. Laurence leaves the British Navy to join with Temeraire His Majesty's Aerial Corps. However, he and Temeraire must learn on the job aerial combat tactics for Napoleon has sent his powerful airborne fleet to begin the battle of Britain.

The key to this delightful military fantasy is how cleverly Naomi Novik imbues dragon-combat into her vibrant depiction of the Napoleonic War between Britain and France. It is so well done readers will believe dragons and their masters fought actual aerial battles. Temeraire seems very genuine with a unique personality affirmed by the ability to communicate while Laurence is a bit more typical of the Regency period novels as a courageous champion. HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON, the opening gamut in a Napoleonic Wars trilogy, is a fabulous combining of fantasy elements inside a strong historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner