Black Powder War

Black Powder War (2006) Naomi Novik

Trilogy? Did I say trilogy? BAH! This is no trilogy! This is a series, nowhere near done!

It is, however, still good, and although the war still rages, she does complete the story arc of this book, and does not leaving you hanging–at least not too much.

Now that Temeraire and Laurence have received permission from the Chinese emperor to remain together, they must return to England. However, an accident damages the dragon transport, and unexpected orders require them to make haste to the Ottoman Empire, where they are to pick up three eggs purchased by the British government.

From China, across the dessert and mountains to the heat of the Ottoman Empire, and then straight into the Prussian war with Napoleon. We’re getting a definite overview of the Napoleonic wars in Europe. I’m also seriously feeling the holes in my history, as what I remember of Napoleon tends to be along the lines of: butt kicking all over Europe, Russia + snow = bad, and then Waterloo. So I have no idea as to whether she is following the general outline of what happened in Europe at that time, or branching off.

Of course I’ll have plenty of time to read up and find out, since the next book in the series has not yet been written.

As with the previous two books, the writing and characters remain excellent. I expected some of the things that happened in this book (at least those events involving a character from the previous book) but much else was a complete surprise to me, which is always nice.

I also like how Laurence and Temeraire continue to learn about war and ethics, and to influence each other in beliefs and ideas. I also like how the dragons of different areas have different ideas and attitudes, much as the humans in different areas do. However, I also found it interesting how she continues to add details that continue to remind you as you read that no matter how comfortable you become with the dragons, they are still other, and very different from humans. Sometimes it is easy to forget that Temeraire is a different species entirely, but just as you’re getting comfortable, something happens that makes you reconsider how you view him.

Another gorgeous cover. I very much hope that they continue in this theme with the remainder of the series. It’s nice to have books that aren’t embarrassing to read on public transportation.

One thing I was not sure about in this book, was Tharkay. I see that he was supposed to be an enigma, yet his character was such that I couldn’t get a handle on him at all. Although this meant that nothing he did surprised me, it also meant that I had a hard time caring very much about him. We were supposed to have sympathy for his status in society, yet I found myself not caring overly much about him.

Despite this failing, I found the book enjoyable and interesting, and look forward to the next book in the series, and can only hope that Naomi Novik writes quickly. If you have not read the previous two books, you could probably read this book without getting lots, but I think that having read the previous two books would be preferable.
Rating: 7/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Cloven Hooves » »
• « « Throne of Jade