Empire of Ivory

August 20, 2007
In Novik's earlier fantasies (His Majesty's Dragon
, etc.), readers soared to Europe and Asia on the wings of an intriguing premise: How would the Napoleonic Wars have played out if dragons not only existed, but participated in the war effort? The fourth part of Novik's engrossing answer sweeps readers off to Africa, where the cure to the disease that has decimated England's dragon forces may be found. The African adventures of British captain Will Laurence, his dragon Temeraire and their bedraggled band of aerial corps make up the book's latter half, which showcases Novik's knack for weaving dragons and dragon lore into a vivid, well-researched historical tapestry. In Africa's wild interior, dragons shepherd and feed from elephant caravans while protecting the native villagers. This protection includes waging war against England's slave-seeking colonists, a clash that Laurence and his band may not escape unscathed. Novik fills the conflict's lead-up with lengthy meditations on dragon civil rights and England's abolition movement, making for a fitful, pedantic first half. But most will find the richness of Novik's developing world—and characters—to be worthy compensation for the slow start.

Starred review from September 15, 2007
The fourth story (after His Majestys Dragon, Throne of Jade, and Black Powder War, all 2006) of the fighting dragon Temeraire and his Captain Lawrence opens with the British Aerial Corps struck down by an epidemic of unknown origin and cure. Only Temeraire and a pack of newly recruited feral dragons are left to defend Britain against Napol'ons long-feared invasion. In this crisis, Temeraire and Captain Lawrence must fly to the African coast, where a cure may be found. Unfortunately, that coast also holds many unforeseen perils, and the two are lucky to return with their lives, let alone the cure. And after the dangerous journey, Lawrence faces the worst enemy yet, the lords of the admiralty. Noviks alternate early nineteenth century is so realistic that it drowns disbelief. The characters, including the dragons, are people you want to know, like, and, in some cases, hate. The subplot of Wilberforces campaign against the slave trade is skillfully interwoven with Temeraires determination to have dragons treated as sentients, not beasts. Finally, the lords of the admiralty are only too believable idiotic stuffed shirts. So this is first-class in every respect, including, since it ends with a cliff-hanger, whetting appetites for Victory of Eagles next year.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)