Any One Book: Black Powder War by Naomi Novik

Gee, I am so glad that’s over.

Black Powder War is the third book in the Temeraire series, which is set during the Napoleonic wars but differs from real life slightly as it includes dragons. In this instalment Laurance and his dragon, Temeraire, are winging their way to Turkey to fulfil some urgent orders sent from home. They must wend their way through deserts and mountains and survive encounters with feral dragons all in an attempt to pick up three eggs, including a much coveted Kazilisk, that the British have negotiated for.

Yet things do not go as planned and Laurence finds himself in one skirmish after another as he tries to get himself and his crew back home.

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Any One Book #9

Ah, it has been a while, for which I apologise.

I’ve been up to a few things, I went up to London the other week for an exhibition at the British Library. It’s called Wasteland to Wonderland and it’s a whole bunch of original manuscripts and notes from authors including

Any One Book: Temeraire by Naomi Novik

This book was neither fantastic nor life changing, neither a favourite nor the best written. But do you know what? It was damn enjoyable, charming and a tad intriguing.

While its unique selling point is the fact that it’s about the Napoleonic war but with dragons you don’t really see much of the war. It focuses on the relationship between Captain Will Laurence, in charge of the naval ship the Reliant, and his dragon. He has been a part of the navy since he was 12, steadily working his way through the ranks. He’s happy with life, defending his country from the enemy and has the prospect of marriage on the horizon.

Any One Book #4

The very first Any One Book of the year so I’m going to start with an author I’ve never heard of. Her name is Naomi Novik and the book in question is called Temeraire (for the UK it is at least. It also goes by the name His Majesty’s Dragon elsewhere).

Temeraire is the first novel in a series which appears to all be about the Napoleonic Wars,except with dragons. It seems to be well received and Peter Jackson (you know, the dude with an aversion to films of a reasonable length) has even taken an interest and might very well be transferring the books to the big screen.

I was given this free when I pre-ordered Inheritance so I might as well give it a go, it didn’t cost me anything so the least I can do is hear the author out. Not that I do so resentfully, as a fantasy and history geek this promises to be a very good read.

I was originally going to read Dorian Gray for this instalment of Any One Book but it looks to be quite short so decided to just read it and only blog about it if I find it particularly interesting.

I hope you enjoy this book, and as always feel free to share your thoughts, they are always welcome.