Throne of Jade
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Author Description
In the second novel of the New York Times bestselling Temeraire series, the Napoleonic Wars take Captain Will Laurence and his dragon to China on a perilous mission."Full of wonderful characters with real heart."--Peter JacksonWhen Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo--an unhatched dragon's egg--Captain Will Laurence of HMS Reliant unexpectedly became master and commander of the noble dragon he named Temeraire. As new recruits in Britain's Aerial Corps, man and dragon soon proved their mettle in daring combat against Napoleon Bonaparte's invading forces.Now China has discovered that its rare gift, intended for Napoleon, has fallen into British hands--and an angry Chinese delegation vows to reclaim the remarkable beast. A reluctant Laurence has no choice but to take Temeraire back to China--a long voyage fraught with peril, intrigue, and the untold terrors of the deep. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await."Readers with a penchant for both Patrick O'Brian and Anne McCaffrey may have found their perfect match. Naomi Novik beautifully renders an 1800s Europe in which naval buffs and dragon lovers will be keen to immerse themselves."--Alan Dean Foster, author of the Pip & Flinx series
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
When the Chinese Empire demands the return of a dragon intended for Napoleon, Captain Will Laurence must navigate a treacherous diplomatic mission to the East to protect his bond with Temeraire. Laurence and his dragon face the dual pressures of British military bureaucracy and the complex, rigid expectations of the Chinese imperial court. Their objective is to secure Temeraire's future while surviving a grueling sea voyage and the political machinations of foreign powers. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the logistical realities of aerial warfare and the evolving social hierarchy between dragon and rider.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Detailed depiction of 19th-century naval life and maritime travel.
- Exploration of the unique social and legal status of dragons within a global context.
- Intricate world-building that integrates mythical creatures into Napoleonic-era history.
- Focus on the developing emotional and tactical bond between a human captain and his dragon.
- Political intrigue involving the Chinese imperial court and international diplomacy.
- Descriptions of aerial combat tactics and the training of the Aerial Corps.
- Examination of cultural clashes between Western military traditions and Eastern philosophies.
- Pacing that balances long-distance travel with sudden, high-stakes encounters.
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
This novel is widely regarded as a successful expansion of the series' premise, effectively shifting the scope from European battlefields to a global stage. Critics often highlight the author's ability to blend historical accuracy with imaginative fantasy elements, noting the seamless integration of dragon lore into the Napoleonic era. Readers frequently praise the character development of both Laurence and Temeraire as they navigate increasingly complex political landscapes. The work is consistently recognized for its meticulous attention to period detail and its ability to maintain a consistent tone throughout the international voyage.
Page Count:
400
Publication Date:
2006-04-25
Publisher:
Harper Voyager
ISBN-10:
0007258720
ISBN-13:
9780007258727
Adventure
Fantasy
Historical Fantasy
Dragons
Alternate History
Historical
Science Fiction
