Throne of Jade

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 really feel their angst at potential separation in China.

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.

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. The peek into the world-building -- of society, cultural values, and even economics -- is executed brilliantly and I enjoyed the months-long journey to Beijing.

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