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This spectacular debut novel combines elements of fantasy and Patrick O'Brian as a British naval officer becomes an unwilling member of the Aerial Corps during the Napoleonic Wars. Will Laurence is the earnest captain of H.M.S. Reliant who is essentially chosen by a newborn dragon to be its master after its egg is found in the hold of a French ship. The dragon, Temeraire, is kind and inquisitive and altogether one of the most lovable fiction characters of recent years. His relationship with Laurence is as much a key to the book's appeal as that of Maturin and Aubrey in the O'Brian books. Ms Novik renders their training and the details of life in the Corps with great attention to detail and makes it all seem almost plausible if you just accept the dragon conceit.

The publisher, Del Rey, has done something unusual, but welcome, releasing all three books in the trilogy at once, so readers aren't left waiting for years, as fans of Robert Jordan and others have been. And Peter Jackson has already optioned the books, raising the hope that we'll get to see Temeraire films that match, or approach, his work on the Lord of the Rings. Of course, the other logical choice to direct would be Peter Weir, who could give ith the Master and Commander treatment...


(Reviewed:)

Grade: (A+)


Websites:

Naomi Novik Links:

    -Temeraire (The Official Website of Naomi Novik)
    -Naomi Novik (Wikipedia)
    -INTERVIEW: Naomi Novik (Rose Fox, 14 August 2006, Strange Horizons)
    -INTERVIEW: Naomi Novik (Patrick, 2006-02-15, SFF World)
    -INTERVIEW: Naomi Novik (Carlos Aranaga, June 2006, SciFi Dimensions)
    -PROFILE: A New Writer Is Soaring on the Wings of a Dragon (JULIE BOSMAN, October 11, 2006, NY Times)
    -ARTICLE: Lord of fantasy: Jackson eyeing 'Temeraire' (Borys Kit, SepT 12, 2006, Hollywood Reporter)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik (Rachel Hartigan Shea, Washington Post)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Cheryl Morgan, Emerald City)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Rose Fox, Strange Horizons)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Rick Kleffel, Trashotron)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Russ Allberry, Eyrie)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Andi Shechter, January Magazine)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (Marc Bernardin, Entertainment Weekly)
    -REVIEW: of His Majesty's Dragon (W.E. Wallo, BlogCritics)
    -REVIEW: of Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Russ Allberry, Eyrie)
    -REVIEW: of Black Powder War by Naomi Novik (SF Reviews)
    -REVIEW: of Black Powder War by Naomi Novik (Entertainmemnt Weekly)

Book-related and General Links: