His Majesty's Dragon (March 28, 2006 release)
by Naomi Novik
Published by Del Ray
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Reviewed by Jeff Halpern
For anglophiles or fantasy fans alike, Naomi Novik adeptly rewrites history with that most mystical of beasts, the dragon.
Set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, this first of a three-part series sets the stage for a relationship that was both unexpected and undeniably refreshing, and it made me eagerly await the next installment.
Captain Laurence is the epitome of the British naval officer, bound by his duty to his country and pure pomp and circumstance. But, when his crew takes a French frigate prisoner, and Novik introduces the real star of the book--the dragon, Temeraire--Laurence is forced to reexamine his life, his future, his priorities and all that he holds dear.
Hatched from an egg aboard ship, Temeraire immediately bonds with Laurence, and a life-changing journey begins. Leaving the navy to join what Novik terms the aerial corps--the equivalent of today's air force, substituting dragons in lieu of airplanes--Temeraire and Laurence begin a new life together and forge a relationship that leaves readers wanting to know more.
Once you get past the "olde" English (which often required me to reread certain passages), Novik skillfully integrates the "dragon corps" into both the time period as well as the war effort and makes you wish that history were truly this fascinating in school.
The changes in society to accommodate the dragons flow naturally, and you barely question their significance, easily accepting the fact that the aerial corps plays a significant role in the war effort.
Novik poignantly treats the reader to a story of training, bonding and personal growth as Laurence teaches Temeraire the meaning of duty, and Temeraire teaches Laurence the true meaning of friendship and esprit de corps.
The biggest shortcoming of the book is the fact that up until the end, Temeraire never truly gets to "strut his stuff," and when he finally does, only a few pages are left.
Armchair Interviews says: All in all Novik has seamlessly created a new 18th century Europe, an original fantasy world and characters that are well defined and engaging. With a sneak peak of the next of two installments innocently included as an epilogue, you know you'll come back for more!