Throne of Jade

by Naomi Novik

No cover — Naomi Novik: Throne of Jade (2006, Random House Publishing Group)

eBook

English language

Published Feb. 24, 2006 by Random House Publishing Group.

ISBN:: 978-0-345-49344-6
OCLC Number:: 234262208

(73 reviews)

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.From the Paperback edition.

3 editions

Stephanie Jane reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

Wonderful fantasy

4 stars

I eagerly grabbed a good condition paperback copy of Throne Of Jade when I spotted it in a village book exchange cabinet last week. I knew nothing about the Temeraire series, but simply remembered how much I had previously enjoyed reading Uprooted and was keen to experience more of her work. As it turned out, it didn't matter to me that Throne Of Jade is the second Temeraire novel because I was easily able to pick up the premise and loved how Novik has imagined a flying dragon corps into British history. Despite this obviously incongruity, the novel did feel like light historical fiction and I had no trouble in completely believing in dragons' existence within the world she created. The relationship between Temeraire and his captain, Laurence, is convincingly portrayed. I particularly appreciated the time given over to showing the depth of their emotional bond which allowed me to …

The story is written from a British viewpoint so I was disappointed that the Chinese contingent didn't get the same detailed characterisation as their Western counterparts. I even noticed a stereotypical 'inscrutable' at one point, but that aside I thoroughly enjoyed the hours I spent immersed in this beautifully built world. Novik includes lots of vivid detail, some historical and some fantasy, and I was impressed by how well the two aspects melded together. I have now added book one of the series to my wishlist so I can go back and find out what had already happened to Temeraire and Laurence.

Jolteon reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

None

4 stars

Not quite as good as the first book, but still a very good story. This one focuses less on the military aspects of the war and more on diplomatic issues.

Odin Halvorson reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

An improvement on an already strong introduction.

5 stars

The second book in the Temeraire series brings us to China, with an excellent juxtaposition of Chinese culture and custom to the unhappy state of affairs in England. Lawrence is able to develop more as a character, and we finally start to see Temeraire himself have a stronger personality. Excellent subtle philosophy and political analysis at work behind the scenes, and far better action-sequences overall than what were presented in the first book. If the central battle is somewhat over-the-top, it is to be at least forgiven for its sense of unending ruthlessness.

ridel reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

An Adventure to the Far East - not Napoleonic warfare!

4 stars

Throne of Jade is a very different novel from its predecessor, being one of exploration and adventure rather than the Age of Sail / black powder army combat that formed the basis for His Majesty's Dragon. If you were expecting Napoleonic squares augmented by fire-breathing dragons, you will be disappointed, and I think the lower rating reflects these dashed expectations. However, I was drawn by Temeraire's and Captain Lawrence's relationship and that core idea is executed wonderfully as they travel to China.

I am delighted by the expansion of this alternate history as we see what China looks like given the inclusion of these intelligent dragons. Naomi Novik cleverly weaves China's traditional dragon-heavy culture into a society that is strikingly modern and egalitarian. She captures the fundamental dynamics of China and Britain's political relationship during that era, though only on the edges as this novel is ultimately about dragons. …

I'm glad I stuck with this, since the former novel left me wanting. Recommended.

Wetdryvac reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

Review of 'Throne of jade' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

This one gave me the weird, mostly in the sense of othering, which fits the period and perspective, but ow. Liked the writing itself.

Tom Goetz reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

Review of 'Throne of Jade' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Good concept. The details need work.

Jason Molenda reviewed Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #2)

Review of 'Throne of Jade' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I was having trouble deciding between 3 & 4 stars for this one. It's the Temeraire Teenage Years book and if you want a character going through that period, this is the book for you. The first was so enjoyable that I'm sure I'll read at least one more in the series to see where she takes these characters next, but maybe after a break to read something different first.