Temeraire (also published as His Majesty’s Dragon) is the first in a series of nine books and is set during an alternate version of the Napoleonic Wars. This alternate world is exactly like our own in almost every detail, but with one very important difference – the existence of dragons. These dragons are intelligent creatures, capable of human speech and independent thought, and are used by both the British and French to provide aerial support to their navies. This first novel explores the beginning of a very special relationship between Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire.
When we first meet Laurence he is a Captain in the Royal Navy and has just captured a French ship which happens to be carrying an unhatched dragon egg. The egg is very close to hatching and Laurence knows that if the dragon is to be tamed (and therefore of use to Britain’s Aerial Corps) it’s essential that it is harnessed and made to accept a human handler as soon as possible. The thought of becoming an aviator is not something that appeals to Laurence – as well as requiring total dedication, leaving little time for a family life, aviators are treated with scorn and contempt by the rest of the military. Unfortunately, the newly-hatched dragon refuses to accept any other handler so Laurence, after naming him Temeraire, reluctantly resigns himself to his new career and new way of life.
The rest of the novel follows the adventures of Laurence and Temeraire as they begin their training with the Aerial Corps in Scotland, learning all the flying manoeuvres and formations they will need to know before being called into service. This does feel very much like the first in a series and although Laurence and Temeraire do have the opportunity to take part in some action towards the end of the novel, the main purpose of the book seems to be to set the scene and introduce us to the concept of dragon warfare. This doesn’t mean that I thought the book was boring, though – quite the opposite: I found all the details of dragon training fascinating and now that I know how things work in the world of Temeraire I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
I particularly enjoyed meeting all the other aviators and dragons who form the Aerial Corps including Captain Harcourt and her Longwing dragon, Lily (the presence of female aviators is something Laurence has to adapt to, having been used to the male-dominated Navy), Berkley and his Regal Copper, Maximus, and the training master, Celeritas, who is himself a dragon. One of my favourites was Levitas, a little dragon who has been neglected by his selfish captain and is desperate for some love and affection.
Most of all, I loved watching the relationship develop between Temeraire and Laurence as they come to trust and understand each other. There are some intriguing revelations about Temeraire at the end of the novel that make me want to pick up the second book in the series, Throne of Jade, as soon as possible!
I read Temeraire for Week 1 of the Forgotten Histories Reading Challenge.
She Reads Novels 
I shouldn’t be thinking of starting another longish series, but you’re making this sound irresistible!
I’m very good at starting a new series but not so good at remembering to continue with it!
I’ve not read any alternate histories. I like dragons and the Napoleonic Wars is one of my favourite periods in history. I could be tempted!
I enjoy reading alternate histories, although I haven’t read very many. What I really loved about this one is the way the author somehow made the existence of dragons feel so believable!
I was hooked from book one. Can’t wait for the ninth and final book to be released!
It will probably be a long time before I get to the ninth book, but it’s good to know you’ve enjoyed the whole series.
I was also hooked from the first book – pretty much the first chapter, as I think I mentioned before. I think this is my favorite book in the series, it’s certainly the one I’ve read most often. I wish I was clearer on the history of the Napoleonic Wars, with the later books. I’ll be sorry to see the series end with the next book, but I am very curious to see how she wraps her story up.
I’m not very clear on the Napoleonic Wars either, so I hope I don’t struggle too much with the later books.
I’ve heard so many good things about this series, and have owned the first book for ages. Thanks for blogging about it and making me more excited to read it! -Tania
I hope you enjoy it when you get round to reading it, Tania. I thought it was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read the second book.
Oh dear – another book that sounds right up my street – i’ve always loved dragons (have a few pottery ones dotted about my house) and really enjoyed the Anne McCaffrey dragon series. So these are definitely on my tbr list… soon I will be totally boxed in – which would be wonderful if there wasn’t an everyday world that needs some attention!!
Reading book blogs can be very dangerous, Margaret! I think Temeraire is definitely worth adding to your tbr, though – especially if you already love dragons.
This sounds absolutely intriguing! Thank you for the lovely review 🙂
I was very intrigued too when I first heard about this book. I’m so pleased it turned out to be something I loved!
An intriguing review, thanks! I actually have this on my very-soon-TBR pile so hopefully I will get to indulge in the dragon training and world building soon.
I’m pleased to hear this is already on your TBR pile, Jemma. I hope you enjoy the dragon training as much as I did!
People rave about Naomi Novik, so I’ve always been tempted to to dive in. But I fear the long series. I’m so easily distracted I’ve never read more than five books in a set haha. Do you have plans to read no. 2 yet? I think I might need confirmation that it goes somewhere great before diving in.
But thanks for the review!
A series of nine books does sound daunting. I usually never get past the first two or three in a set. I will definitely be reading the second Temeraire book, but maybe not immediately!
I am glad you enjoyed this. I like the sound of this series and would like to read it too.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m hoping the rest of the series will be just as good.