Naomi Novik's TEMERAIRE/HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON

#1 pat5150

Ascendant

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Posted 10 March 2006 - 04:18 AM

Hi guys!

I have just finished reading Naomi Novik's Temeraire/His Majesty's Dragon. In this very auspicious debut, Naomi Novik has found a new twist to the eternal dragon story. And she did it with style! Although expectations were high, His Majesty's Dragon was a terrific joyride! Honestly, I was impressed with the author and her creation. In a market where dark and gritty fantasy epics are the norm, Novik has brought some fun back into the genre.

Weighing in at 342 pages, His Majesty's Dragon is a relatively short novel. Novik sets a brisk pace, and you may find yourself going through this book in just a few sittings. But don't let its size deter you. There is not a dull moment in this book, which makes for a very pleasant read.

His Majesty's Dragon is fun and unmistakably original. Moreover, the fact that it's accessible to readers of all ages -- newcomers to the genre and aficionados alike -- makes this book a little gem worth discovering.

Don't expect this novel to challenge you the way works by R. Scott Bakker, Steven Erikson or Kim Stanley Robinson would. This is pure, unadulterated fun! And as such, I think that Naomi Novik provides a much-needed breath of fresh air in a genre which has grown rather dark and violent. Not that I don't enjoy such books/series, but His Majesty's Dragon is a welcome change from that trend.

Give it a shot!

You can read the full review on the blog. . .

I'm interested to see if other readers have enjoyed this one as much as I have.

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

#2 fan_83

First Sword

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Posted 10 March 2006 - 02:44 PM

i've finished it a couple of months ago.. its a good story but simple... somewhat on par with eddings or brooks.... a short and simple stroy but good

#3 Brys

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Posted 10 March 2006 - 04:59 PM

Ok, now Jay and Pat have recommended it, I don't have much choice left - I'll be getting this sometime, when I get an opportunity. (I thought I was just starting to make some progress on my TBR list - oh well).

#4 Valgard

Bored Microbiologist (not a good combination)

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Posted 11 March 2006 - 02:00 PM

I enjoyed it thought that it was good fun not as good as erikson et al but still a good fun read well worth it. I liked the way she had twisted the normal dragon way in a way similar to Susanna Clarkes twisting of the normal mage ways. (Nowhere nearly as well though). I still would recommend it to any one looking for a fun book to read.

#5 Guest_Jay Tomio_*

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Posted 13 March 2006 - 08:25 PM

Read it last year; solid, not spectacular, but strangely compelling in its simplicity, particularly the relationship of Laurence and Temeraire. I'd disagree with any Eddings of Brooks comparison, neither has written anything nearly as worth reading.

I liked the the diversifications of the dragon breeds, and how different national breeding methods are guarded state secrets to some extent. There are certain instances of what can only be described as effective 'cuteness' . I actually think this would have gone one much better if it was released (like Clarke since someone brought her up) in one big edition, as the three books have to be done, but I still think it's pretty effective. Should not be considered in the same mold as Clarke at all, while I think these books have a very good chance of gaining an audience, I think Clarke's book apeal to a more demanding fan of fiction.

I reviewed it in January. It's a book that won't astound, but I honestly found it hard not to like.

#6 Werthead

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Posted 13 March 2006 - 10:03 PM

I won this book in a competition (on Jay's site actually, cheers Jay!) and it's sitting on my shelf awaiting completion of The Bonehunters.

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#7 caladanbrood

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Posted 13 February 2007 - 08:28 PM

This has been sitting on my shelf for a long time, and I finally got around to picking it up at the weekend, and now I find I've finished it already! Now, most people wouldn't think that much, but I'm not a fast reader, it takes me a week or so to read a book normally, unless it's a new Erikson or something similar. This is partly down to the length of the book - it only just tops 300 pages in hardback - but also Novik's lovely clean writing style. It's a very enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read the next. After all the heavy epic stuff, it's a nice relief to have such a well-written light book to snack on:)

O xein', angellein Lakedaimoniois hoti têde; keimetha tois keinon rhémasi peithomenoi.