The Temeraire series by Naomi Novik presents a fantastical twist on the Napoleonic Wars—imagining a world entwined with dragons. While the tagline might pique interest, the series offers much more, having developed over a decade through nine engaging installments. The most recent, League of Dragons, debuted just days ago, concluding a narrative journey that began with the first book in 2006.
This review will steer clear of major spoilers regarding League of Dragons, but some plot points from earlier books will be discussed.
League of Dragons serves as a compelling finale to the saga, which commenced with His Majesty’s Dragon. This inaugural book introduced naval captain William Laurence, who unexpectedly acquires a dragon egg from a French ship seized at sea. Laurence’s reluctant acceptance of the dragon, named Temeraire, leads him to leave the naval service for the unconventional Aerial Corps, transforming his life from that of a gentleman to one filled with adventure and danger.
In an era where contemporary fantasy often prioritizes gritty realism, Novik’s work stands out as a refreshing alternative. The narrative sometimes resembles a romance, focusing intensely on the deep bond between Laurence and Temeraire, the friendships among characters, and a richly constructed 1800s world shaped by the existence of dragons.
While the series centers on the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars with a fantastical twist, Novik skillfully weaves in commentary on wider social issues. The storytelling explores class divisions, sexuality, slavery, and the essence of humanity. Dragons are portrayed as sentient beings, evolving from simple animals into fully realized characters, a distinction that gradually becomes evident as the story unfolds. Initially, Temeraire appears as intelligent as the humans, showcasing introspection and thoughtfulness. By the time the characters reach China, it becomes clear that some dragons possess varying degrees of intelligence, mirroring human diversity.
The exploration of dragon sentience becomes a recurring theme, and by the fifth book, Victory of the Eagles, Novik enriches the narrative by alternating perspectives between Laurence and Temeraire, particularly during their separation at the story’s outset. Temeraire’s development as a leader who organizes dragons into a cohesive force underscores the evolving understanding of agency and representation within the series.
Throughout the saga, Novik maintains high stakes, even if some storylines serve as transitional filler to synchronize with the timeline of Napoleonic conquest. A memorable shock occurs in Crucible of Gold, challenging the notion of invulnerability often seen in traditional fantasy, further enhancing the depth of the narrative.
The book also tackles philosophical questions around humanity. Napoleon’s proposition for a coalition of dragons is particularly intriguing, appealing to characters within the story for various reasons. Novik presents Napoleon in a nuanced way, making him a formidable figure contrasting with other leaders, heightening the resolution’s impact by avoiding simplistic villain portrayals. Themes resonate similarly to those found in Novik’s standalone work, Uprooted, which garnered acclaim in 2015.
Interestingly, the initial three books were released simultaneously in 2006, establishing a strong foundation for the series. Subsequent volumes, though spaced out, occasionally felt less cohesive. However, League of Dragons provides a sense of return to the series’ roots and delivers a fulfilling conclusion, addressing the overarching themes without falling into contrived narratives—a significant achievement for a series that has unfolded over ten years and nine books.
