In this second book of the Temeraire series, the Chinese Emperor has found out that the dragon egg intended for Napoleon went to the British instead, and has sent his brother to demand Temeraire’s return to China. Laurence and the rest of Temeraire’s crew are reluctant to go, but higher ups in the British government prevail, and they’re all loaded on a dragon transport ship for the long voyage to China.
What makes these books so great is that they’re wonderful historical fiction books with rich details of the time, that happen to include dragons. This book spends most of its time at sea, and the details of the interactions of the naval crew, aerial crew, and the Chinese envoys are so detailed, and so much fun. Coming to China, experiencing it in that time period, is also fascinating. You know certain details are made up, because the dragons and everything needed to support them isn’t real, but you also know the rest of the details are real, and that makes the story so enjoyable.
I highly recommend these books , and will be doing my best to get my hands on the next one in the series.
I love these books because he calls Temeraire “my dear” – that kills me. So sweet.
True. Their relationship really is adorable.