Review of "His Majesty's Dragon"

"Is it a dragon egg, then?"

     Today we review Naomi Novik's His Majesty's Dragon, a historical fiction piece published in 2006 and followed by several sequels, which I will not discuss here. In this story, protagonist William Laurence is a captain in England's Royal Navy. As a boy, he ran off to the sea to escape a career in the church, which his father intended for him. He is a respectable man with a loyal crew, a love for the sea, and a woman he cares for dearly. It seems to all that he is destined to become a force to be reckoned with in the war against Napoleon Bonaparte. Then, one fateful day, a conquest at sea leads to the discovery of a valuable dragon egg. When it hatches, the dragonet chooses Laurence as his captain, instantly tossing him out of his well-ordered life and into the life of a dragon rider.

     Novik faces quite the challenge in telling this tale, not only because of the detail or incredible complexity but because of the sheer intelligence of the main characters. Captain Laurence is a brilliant tactician, a soldier of duty, and a solid friend; Temeraire, his dragon, is highly intelligent, curious, and keenly aware of everything that goes on around him. Many writers would shy away from anything near this difficulty, but Novik stays the course the whole way through, and the result is an enthralling read.

     In this alternate England, the Air Corps is both revered and scorned; dragons, though intelligent, are dismissed as beasts of labor. Laurence soon learns the other side of this mystical military branch, as he and Temeraire quickly begin training for battle under the command of the dragon Celeritas. Dragon and captain must both learn aerial combat strategies and formations, master flight, and befriend their fellow fighters.

     As Bonaparte draws nearer and nearer to the channel, preparations speed up, and Laurence must move past his prejudice to embrace his new post. What he dosn't know is that there's more to Temeraire that meets the eye, and it is this secret that just might save England.

     This book has it all: smart, witty characters; clear, focused writing; vicious, heart-pounding battles; and a horrifying betrayal. His Majesty's Dragon also explores the changes in Captain Laurence's social life, with everything from visits home, dinner parties with his appalled beloved, and a stern talking-to from a very disappointed father.

     Whether it's in the air or on the ground, though, there isn't a word wasted in this book. Even the quiet moments are packed full of action and importance, and the battles that do take place further the storyline, and Bonaparte's army, just that much farther along its path.

     It should be noted that this is a novel intended for adult readers, both in content and difficulty. There is blood, there is swearing, and there is non-explicit sex. The writing style, a formal English vaguely reminiscent of Jane Austen, may be challenging to read. If it were a movie, I would rate it somewhere between PG-13 and R, but there is nothing graphic. Books, as you are no doubt aware, are not easily rated; you must decide for yourself whether this story is appropriate for you or your older reader.

     However, despite all of this I grant His Majesty's Dragon five stars, for an engaging plot, charming characters, and writing that sweeps you off your feet.