Victory of Eagles- A Novel of Temeraire

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/891593.Victory_of_Eagles?from_search=true)

Perhaps a strange start for my first book overview, but it is the book that I just finished this afternoon. No place like the present!

I just finished book 5 of Naomi Novik's Temeraire series,Victory of Eagles. It was just as enjoyable as the first four have been and I am looking forward to book 6,Tongues of Serpents, just as much.

Since I have already read the first four of this nine book series perhaps a brief overview is in order to lay the framework for what is to be said. For fans of historical fiction, specifically those of Patrick O'Brian of Master and Commander fame, this book series starts out in an all to familiar setting. At sea, during the Napoleonic Era. Our protagonist is a dashing young captain full of promise leading his crew in the capture of a french prize vessel. But there is just one thing different about this alternate universe. Here be dragons!

Yes, that's right, dragons. All of the major military powers have aerial corps composed of Dragons who are ridden by their captains and aviator crew. All of the rigging but none of the sea. During that first encounter at sea in the first novel our heroic Captain William Laurence seizes an unhatched egg along with the French prize ship. His fate is forever turned that day as upon hatching the dragon chooses him. Once that bond is formed, well, there is no going back.

The titular dragon, Temeraire, is as precocious as he is rare. Descended from a long line of Chinese dragons exclusive to the Emperor and family called Celestials. He is quick to learn, kind at heart, and ever protective of Capt. Laurence. By the time the end of book 4 rolled around they together had won their first aerial victory utilizing Temeraire's special ability, the Divine Wind, visited China to learn more of his lineage and stopping a governmental coup, witnessed the defeat of mighty Prussia at the hands of Napoleon and another rogue Celestial, recently defected from China, visited the heart of Africa and saved all of dragonkind from a deadly plague whilst committing treason!

It's a mouthful and a very glossed over summary. Naomi Novik really brings feelings and personalities to her creations. Forms bonds and relationships unlike I have read in other novels and she is to be commended for it. The characterization has never gone astray even as the characters themselves have deepened due to their adventures.

I cant recommend picking this series up if you are a fan of fantasy OR historical fiction in the vein of Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell, or G. R. R. Martin.

Now for my review of book five: It was awesome check it out! Seriously, the dragon, Temeraire, leads a group of rogue dragons against a French invasion of Britain by himself because Lawrence is imprisoned due to the whole treason thing........New dragons with new personalities, low points, high points and Victory of Eagles!

And just one other note here. I am a big Kindle fan as it allows me to sometimes at great discount purchase things I normally wouldn't. That's how I was introduced to this series but the past two books I have purchased at a local used bookstore. Now, its a shame that Miss Naomi may not got her cut , but the guy running your local bookstore appreciates it. Buy local and keep food on tables whenever you can!

A well loved copy that has seen many hands!

(also as I am pretty new here....anyone knowing what hashtags this should have gone under...please chime in on the comments. Thanks!)