after learning that book 4 (Empire of Ivory) of Naomi Novik's Temeraire series was already out, i immediately headed for the nearest bookstore to buy a copy. after completing the rest of my errands i went home and plowed into it, barely pausing for a break as i lapped up the details of Temaraire's latest exploits.
i finished the book a few hours later.
ok. bottomline, i found it entertaining (hardly a surprise there). but compared to the first 3 books (His Majesty's Dragon, Throne of Jade, Black Powder War), i found Empire of Ivory rather tame and a bit flat.
Empire of Ivory starts off a few days after The Black Powder War ended, with Temeraire and Capt. Laurence and their allies finally reaching the safety of British shores. This 4th installment basically highlights Temeraire's trip (along with Lily, Maximus, Dulcia, etc., and their crews) to Africa in their desperate search for a cure against the deadly malaise that was steadily decimating the draconian ranks of the British Aerial Corps.
after finding the cure and surviving a run-in with the local dragons, which have their own peculiar hierarchy and mythology, the squadron heads back for England. The British dragons are eventually saved.
this series of events however, leads the British Admiralty to find a way to spread the deadly disease across the Channel -- thereby ensuring that Napoleon's dragons would suffer the same fate and consequently tilt the balance of power into Britain's favor. finding this move vile and downright shameful, Capt. Laurence and Temeraire take matters into their own hands. Empire of Ivory ends with Temeraire and Capt Laurence finally meeting Napoleon face to face, which of course sets the tone for book 5.
the publisher has already sent out advance notice that Book 5 will cover Napoleon's invasion of England.
hmmm... let's hope Bbok 5 doesn't suffer the same lethargic pace that hounds Empire of Ivory. i really don't want to give up on this series yet and i'm still wondering how ms. novik will integrate the Duke of Wellington into the series. perhaps in book 6...?
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