League of Dragons

This was the final installment of the adventures of Captain Laurence and his celestial Dragon, Temeraire. It is sad to think that Temeraire is no longer fighting against the injustices aimed at the dragons in this alternative Napoleonic history. The battles told and the friendships forged make one wonder why that aren't such magnificent creatures in our world. Ah, but books can bring so much to life!

I hank the author Naomi Novik for his wonderful series, and wish her success with her future writings - I will be checking them out! ( )

Note: Some minimal spoilers for previous books.

This is the ninth and concluding volume of Novik’s historical fantasy series set during the English/French Napoleonic Wars, with each side mustering aerial forces made up of dragons and their navigational teams. The saga in particular centers around the naval captain Will Laurence, who unexpectedly becomes an aerial captain of a dragon, whom Laurence named Temeraire (pronounced, according to the author, as Tem-uh-rare).

In this book, we learn of the final battles against Napoleon, and of how the dragons came to terms with their new numbers, as well as with their new relationship to mankind.

I wondered how Novik would conclude her long series, and it was no doubt inevitable that she would end it with Napoleon’s exile to St. Helena. Many other issues are similarly “resolved” but for the most part I was somewhat disappointed in them. Ning, the hatchling from the mating of Temeraire and Iskierka, is a bit of a terror, which I suppose must be imagined, considering the mother, but she did not seem to have any of the redeeming qualities of Temeraire. And whereas the immediate fate of Laurence and Temeraire is laid out, there are open questions about the rest of their crew, their friends, and about Laurence’s future with anyone aside from Temeraire; I did like the windup of the relationship with Tharkay, however.

In all, I felt this book was a bit of a disappointment. It wasn’t totally disappointing, of course; one is glad, after all the previous books, to get back together with “old friends” and see how they are faring. But the action was a bit slower than other books, and I must admit I shared with Temeraire the desire to see Laurence with some hatchlings of his own.

Evaluation: Much from previous books is brought to a satisfactory conclusion in this last of the series. Nevertheless, one can't help but be sad to see the series come to an end. ( )

Wow. The series is over. This was a series that I began to like more and more the longer I read it. It's an evolution of character development over a long time period. I enjoyed seeing it and the more it evolved the more my esteem of the whole series went up. It's had it's ups and down and at times it seemed to just drag by. This last installment was full to the brim of action and battles. I do feel like there were a few loose ends not taken care of, but perhaps a novella will be written later on or something. Overall, a great addition to the fantasy genre and a great read for anyone who enjoys fiction about dragons. ( )

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

Every time I’ve read one of the books in this series, I’ve been delighted, and League of Dragons is no exception. The hard part will be explaining why without spoiling any of the tension filled moments.

Which brings me to the aspect of this book I loved the most. There’s an ongoing tension between those who refuse to recognize the dragons as people and those who are happy to manipulate that shortsightedness, but what draws the most attention to this fact is the dragons themselves. It is wonderful how Novik brings the dragon mentality to play here. It’s not how most humans think, but neither is it so distant that I couldn’t understand it. A purely alien perspective that nevertheless offers clarity and humor to many moments in the story. The descriptions here were often flowery and focused on appearances, which would often lead me to skim. Instead, they offer a fascinating insight into the dragon perspective.

Another part I appreciated was the portrayal of Napoleon himself. From what I know of the history, this portrayal is rather accurate to the man’s true nature despite the introduction of dragons and the many ways that changes each encounter. He’s an interesting person with many likeable characteristics that do not in any way excuse his warmongering and expansionist mentality.

However, while he’s cast the villain, League of Dragons does not paint the “heroes” with a saintly brush either, giving a glimpse into the complexities of any war where even the side I would agree with commits acts that are heinous and without reason. Laurence (the main character along with his dragon Temeraire) is at the heart of this complexity. He is the one person everyone needs and everyone loves to hate…well, not everyone.

He is both a strong tactician and strategist, but where this could have won him every accolade, he adds to it a firm moral sense that gets him in trouble. Many of the troubles he faces in League of Dragons are a direct consequence of his actions in previous books along with his somewhat unique position as the adopted son of the Chinese emperor.

So, yes, this is right in my sweet spot with culture clash, diplomacy, and even well written battle scenes that were interesting enough to keep me from skimming, all wrapped up in an alternate history of an era that interests me. Sociology plays a big part in this novel, as much as politics, and it offers many nuggets for those wanting to gain a better understanding of the twists of government and self-interest.

In case it wasn’t clear, I loved the way the dragon perspectives are well thought out, as well as how they learn and adapt, but the same can be said for the human circumstances. Laurence is not the only one to be put in an awkward position because of the choices he’s made, and there are several points where actions, even well meaning ones, have unintended consequences, again speaking to the complexity of the narrative.

League of Dragons offers characters you will grow to love and hate; cultural and loyalty conflicts that put both people and dragons in awkward positions; and an intricate narrative that never lets you settle into a comfort zone for long before adding some new twist. Definitely worth the read and ample demonstration of why my sister and my sons have been after me to read the whole series for years.

P.S. I received this novel from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. ( )

Wrapping up the wonderful story of Lawrence, now an Admiral, and Temeraire, we rejoin them as they chase Napoleon back to France. Word has reached them however, of an enormous collection of dragon eggs waiting to be hatched behind French lines. How do they expect to feed and train all those creatures?

Warfare these days is much simpler since large engines of war do not have a sense of pride or love of trinkets. And dragons sure do have a love of trinkets. Temeraire uses this to bring ferals and other dragons together to finally bring an end to Napoleon.

It has been an interesting ride and I wish that I had been in a frame of mind to appreciate it more. I seem to have had enough of the bickering creatures and battle scenes. ( )

Description: Napoleon’s invasion of Russia has been roundly thwarted. But even as Capt. William Laurence and the dragon Temeraire pursue the retreating enemy through an unforgiving winter, Napoleon is raising a new force, and he’ll soon have enough men and dragons to resume the offensive. While the emperor regroups, the allies have an opportunity to strike first and defeat him once and for all—if internal struggles and petty squabbles don’t tear them apart.

Aware of his weakened position, Napoleon has promised the dragons of every country—and the ferals, loyal only to themselves—vast new rights and powers if they fight under his banner. It is an offer eagerly embraced from Asia to Africa—and even by England, whose dragons have long rankled at their disrespectful treatment.

But Laurence and his faithful dragon soon discover that the wily Napoleon has one more gambit at the ready—one that that may win him the war, and the world.

Thoughts: A very enjoyable if somewhat predictable ending to this really fun series. Temeraire is just the most lovely fellow and I could read about his exploits for ages. I really would love one more book that details Temeraire's adventures in politics and as a force for change for dragonkind in a world that can no longer ignore them. It's a nice life to imagine for so many of the great dragons in this series.

Rating: 4
Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 4 ( )

This was an excellent finale to the series. Although I would love to see Temeraire as a member of Parliament. But I read somewhere that this was the final book, so I guess I won't find out what happens to all these characters, human and dragon alike. This was was very suspenseful book and sometimes I couldn't put it down when I needed to. The characters are always sharply drawn and the military scenes well described. ( )

A satisfying end to a great series

The last book in the Temeraire series, but I'm glad I stuck with it through all these years. Wonderful world building and I love Temeraire, almost as much as Will Laurence does. And omg, he ended up living with Tharkay, and he calls Tharkay by his given name. Be still, my heart. ( )

The Temeraire series has been a mixed ride. The first few books were fantastic and really enjoyable. But then there was a bit of a dip. But I really enjoyed the final book of the sequence. There's no doubt that Ms Novik can write. If anything the final book seemed "short" as if she wanted to wrap it up quickly. But the war came to an end and Temeraire and Lawrence found a place they could call home. ( )

A suitable and satisfying final volume. Sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I've enjoyed the ride tremendously. ( )

The final book of Temeraire needs to get a lot done, and it does, sometimes by skipping past battles and skirmishes that we didn’t necessarily need to read about (though battle fans will probably miss them) and just having Laurence and Temeraire discuss the outcome. With Napoleon bolstered by the Chinese Imperial Tien and an alliance with the Empress of the Incas, one key question is whether even the great Russian generals January and February can prevent his ultimate conquest of Europe. Another is whether dragons should help or hinder him, since his treatment of dragons is far better than other European nations’, a fact of which Temeraire is increasingly sensible. The happy ending is a little contrived, but given what it took to get there, it’s hard to begrudge either Laurence or Temeraire their laurels, and the coincidences are certainly no worse than that found in Austen or a Hornblower book. ( )

***This book was reviewed for San Francisco Book Review (hardcopy), and for NetGalley (ebook)***

League of Dragons heralds the end of Novik’s stunning Temeraire series. Laurence and Temeraire, along with their crew, and a host of Russian dragons, pursue Napoleon as he retreats to France after a decisive route on the part of the allied nations. Brutal weather chases defenders and invaders alike as a Russian winter begins to sink its claws into the land. Dragons and humans begin to succumb to the below freezing temperatures. Novik described these conditions, wrought, no doubt, by the global 'Little Ice Age', in such a manner that I felt I was there.

Like the previous books, large swathes of time and space are crossed. Laurence survives the Russian campaign, only to end up captured by the French, along with Granby and Iskeirka. Yet, Napoleon still respects Laurence and treats him as an honoured prisoner, more a guest really. Nice though it be, a gilded cage is still a cage, and the prisoners manage to escape. Temeraire and Laurence have more adventures and battles. The book’s end sees the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, with Bonaparte’s exile. Napoleon is a favourite historical personage of mine, and this book, and the series as a whole, gives a new perspective. He is ambitious, certainly, yet a sympathetic character nonetheless.

I devoured this book. I love this series and was so bummed this was the last book. When I finished, I sat in a kind of stupefied state that I get when a really grand series comes to its inevitable denouement. I've enjoyed this most marvelous journey with Temeraire and crew over the years.

I would so love to see these turned to movies. Indeed, from the first, I've always pictured Laurence as Russell Crowe a lá the Master and Commander movie, and Granby to me has always been Christian Bale, as he was in the movie Equilibrium. I will miss the sweet anticipation of new Temeraire adventures, yet there is a certain satisfaction that the series is ended, and I can revisit as often as I desire. The long waits are over (now if only GRR Martin would wrap up the Song of Ice and Fire series before I die of old age….)

Though set on an alternate world, one with dragons, the tone and voice of the story remind me of Patrick O’Brian’s 'Master and Commander series. I felt fully immersed in the language and customs of Temeraire’s time. Novik does a brilliant job of bringing this era to life.

One thing I really love about the entire series is the dragon politics that develop because of Temeraire’s different personality, and his egg upbringing. This intensifies after his visit to China, where dragons and people interact in a very different manner. Dragons in China are regarded as people, as sentient beings with intelligence, which just seems logical to me. I also love all the varied dragon types encountered over the years, and making appearances in this spectacular finale.

🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻 Highly recommended if you enjoy dragons! And alternate world fiction. And dragons!! Or historical fiction/fantasy, especially of the Napoleonic War. Did I mention DRAGONS!? ( )

Disclaimer: this review is written for both followers of the series and those who have not read a book yet, with that said some of the smirky remarks might go over your head but I suggest you read the series and then it will make sense. I mean come on, its only a nine book series…lol, is that my witty sarcasm coming out??

This is the ninth and final book of the Temeraire series. Napoleon has been denied victory in Russia and is being hotly pursued, but through the use of subterfuge he safely escapes into France. Which as you can guess is both disheartening and enraging to not only the men and dragons fighting this war but personally to Captain William Laurence and his dragon companion Temeraire.

Unfortunately for them winter has come and both man and dragon are having a very difficult time staying warm and keeping their spirits up. All the while news is coming in regarding Napoleon and his efforts of regrouping in France; it is not looking good for anyone. Temeraire has taken efforts in his own claws in order to create some unity among whatever dragons he can, and for a dragon his efforts are extraordinary. It is a wonderful thing to see how he has truly grown throughout the series.

The dragons from the breeding grounds have roused themselves, shocked right?, and they bring a report that Lien is back and is seeking to find Temeraire and Iskierka’s egg so that she can smash it. Whaaat?! Threatening an egg? Hmmm, sounds like something that maybe could give a cause for dragons to unite behind?? Temeraire had left the egg in China, waiting to hatch, so leaving Laurence to recuperate after his…oh wait, that’s a spoiler…Temeraire is going after his egg.

Back is Tharkay, searching for Temeraire with distressing news. His crossbred egg has actually indeed been egg-napped. Hmmm, game changer for Temeraire as he is now focused on finding his egg at all costs….Napoleon who?? Going back to meet up with Laurence and send out scouts in hopes to find his egg’s location, Temeraire is stuck thinking the worst but hoping for the best.

After some time, the feral dragons (I did say that didn’t I? Wondering how that came about? Sorry, no spoilers here…☺️) bring a sighting of what they think is the dragon Temeraire is searching for. So an ambush is attempted but wait, is that, no way..yes, it is Iskierka and she is also searching for her egg. So united Temeraire and Iskierka set off to find their future hatchling but nothing goes according to plan because a trap had been set and their emotions blind them to their actions and….well you are just going to have to read the book because the rest is way to dense of a plot to give you any details without being a spoiler.

This novel is a final wrap up that includes many of the characters that you would want to see back. The book is split into four parts and you will have closure to the end of this series. I personally found the writing to be full of filling and I wish that it were less dense with descriptive talks or being overly descriptive about the situation at hand. Just not for me but some people do enjoy that style of writing and if that is you, get this book or better yet start with book one and work your way to number nine. Happy Reading! ( )

The final Temeraire book brings the series to a rousing and completely satisfying conclusion. Napoleon's forces have been driven back from Russia, hard-set by the freezing winter. But the allied forces are weak and scattered, and Napoleon has plans to raise thousands more dragons and recruit all the dragons of the world to his cause. With the shabby treatment of dragons in Britain and Russia, his proposed Compact is very appealing to many. Prospects for those opposing Napoleon look grim.

The final shape of Europe is not what it is in our timeline, but then it couldn't be.

Highly recommended for fans of the series. ( )