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In His Majesty's Service: His Majesty's Dragon / Thrones of Jade / Black Powder War (Temeraire, Bks 1-3) (Aka: Temeraire: In the Service of the King)
In His Majesty's Service His Majesty's Dragon / Thrones of Jade / Black Powder War - Temeraire, Bks 1-3 - Aka: Temeraire: In the Service of the King
Author: Naomi Novik
Naomi Novik breathes new life into a formidable fantasy icon with the first three books in an exciting new series set during the Napoleonic Wars. In Temeraire, valiant warriors rise to Britain's defense by taking to the skies -- not aboard aircraft, but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons. — Contents: — ...  more »
 (Temeraire, Bk 1):  Capt. Will Laurence is serving with honor in the British Navy when his ship captures a French frigate harboring most a unusual cargo-an incalculably valuable dragon egg. When the egg hatches, Laurence unexpectedly becomes the master of the young dragon Temeraire and finds himself on an extraordinary journey that will shatter his orderly, respectable life and alter the course of his nation's history. 

Thrones of Jade (Temeraire, Bk 2):  When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo -- an unhatched dragon's egg -- Capt. 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 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. But Laurence refuses to cooperate. Facing the gallows for his defiance, Laurence has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East -- 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.

Black Powder War (Temeraire, Bk 3):  After their fateful adventure in China, Capt. Will Laurence of His Majesty's Aerial Corps and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, are waylaid by a mysterious envoy bearing urgent new orders from Britain. Three valuable dragon eggs have been purchased from the Ottoman Empire, and Laurence and Temeraire must detour to Istanbul to escort the precious cargo back to England. Time is of the essence if the eggs are to be borne home before hatching.  Yet disaster threatens the mission at every turn - thanks to the diabolical machinations of the Chinese dragon Lien, who blames Temeraire for her master's death and vows to ally herself with Napoleon and take vengeance. Then, faced with shattering betrayal in an unexpected place, Laurence, Temeraire, and their squad must launch a daring offensive. But what chance do they have against the massed forces of Bonaparte's implacable army?

Includes  "In Autumn, A White Dragon Looks Over The Wide River": short story.

Also known as: Temeraire: In the Service of the King (SFBC).
ISBN-13: 9780345522054
ISBN-10: 0345522052
Publication Date: 10/27/2009
Pages: 832
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 3

3.3 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 5
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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reviewed In His Majesty's Service: His Majesty's Dragon / Thrones of Jade / Black Powder War (Temeraire, Bks 1-3) (Aka: Temeraire: In the Service of the King) on + 8 more book reviews
Three books in one! Fabulous!

This collection of the first three books in Naomi Novik's Temeraire series is delightfully heavy. By some coincidence I picked up her first book a few weeks before a signing and was lucky enough to get this monster signed by her. I love collections like these, they save on shelf space!

This is not a magical series. Ms. Novik writes in a realistic manner and addresses all those bothersome questions one has about dragons - like their diet and what happens when they get hurt, or what to do if an acid spitter has the flu. Within the story is a view of how the dragons live, "forced" to rely on humans food and act as basically slave labor. Contemporary issues such as slavery and colonization are addressed - this series tackles moral quandaries without sidestepping them or making excuses.

This is a humorous book. The dragons are delightfully naive in places, and simple instances, such as the mad note Captain Laurence writes Temeraire in the 2nd novel, will leave you in stitches. To China I say!


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