3rd Quarter Outside Reading Book Review

His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik. Random House Publishing Group Genre: Fantasy

In this Story, by Naomi Novik, a new twist is incorporated into the Napoleonic Wars. Not only will there be fighting through water and land now but air! Dragons have been tamed and trained to fight. Being the extraordinary advantage that they were dragons were incredibly valuable so you can be pretty sure in guessing the excitement from an English Ship’s Captain upon taking one from an enemy French ship out in the Atlantic. In the story the prize, as they call it, was actually a Dragon egg which they find out would soon hatch. The hatching was bad news as for a dragon can only have one master which it chooses upon hatching. This was unfortunate simply because everyone onboard the ship were seamen and knew nothing about dragons none the less owning and flying one other than a few books the ships surgeon had. In the end the hatchling, soon to be named Temeraire, chose the captain that had captured him, William Laurence. Temeraire and Laurence were soon sent to a training ground for dragons and aviators where the main part of the book takes place. Laurence must learn how to become an aviator and Temeraire must learn to fight so England may use their much needed assistance in the war.

“A completely authentic tale, brimming with… detail and richness [and] the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy.”
-Entertainment Weekly

I have read many books of the same genre as this and I must say in agreement with Entertainment Weekly the tale is completely authentic, but not only in plot. The writing style is unique having what I would describe as a slight resemblance to an older style much like how we know our founding fathers spoke and wrote. In many ways in combines what we see in modern writing and older writing. It takes a little time to get used to so you may read fluently but after the short period the novel is very intriguing.

“… he said at last, softly, knowing it was the only truth.” (Pg. 77)

In history class this year we studied World History. Obviously that covered one of the world’s greatest leaders Napoleon and his ever infamous war against the world. That created an immediate connection to the book with me. It certainly pulled me in. What kept me interested throughout the book was the extraordinary plot line and overall well developed writing skill. This novel contained action, drama, and touches of comedy all used appropriately to make one very good book to say the least.