Empire of Ivory (Temeraire, Book 4)
by Naomi Novik
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Book Reviews of Empire of Ivory (Temeraire, Book 4)
Book Review: An all-new direction
Summary: 5 Stars
While each of the Temeraire books deal with the adventures of Temeraire and Capt.
Laurence as they travel across the globe, I think this is the first time author
Naomi Novik has had free reign to develope an entire civilization.
In the previous books, Novik presents Europe and China from a historical perspective,
imagining what differences would occur from the inclusion of dragons in culture
and society. She had some fairly well established societies to start with.
In this book, Novik gets to create an entire civilization (one unknown to readers)
in the heart of deepest, darkest Africa. And in doing so, she creates a significantly
more dangerous threat than "the devils you know" from the first books.
While letting her imagination completely loose for the first time, Novik has set
up the saga to go in directions unrestrained by the flow of actual history, into
a realm all her own.
Bravo.
Book Review: How rare is it to cheer for both sides?
Summary: 5 Stars
I have fallen in love with Novik's work for a long time, and I was waiting for this new book since I pre-ordered months ago. She did not disappoint. Although the "cure" is exactly what I predicted, the means of obtaining sufficient quantities is utterly thrilling and unique. Laurence's nobility is unparalleled yet believable. The dragons, especially Temeraire, are fully fleshed out beings, whose minds work in a different way, but have undeniable intelligence and unswerving loyalty to those they love. All the characters, dragon and human, are multi-faceted. The main conflict in the book, between the British trying to cure their dragons and the Tswana trying to defend their homeland, is absolutely captivating. You cheer for both sides. To create such a conflict is true talent.
The end is heartbreaking and I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait for the next book! Truly a masterpiece of fantasy and alternate reality.
Book Review: Best of the Temeraiare series
Summary: 5 Stars
Having read all 4 of the Temeraire series, which I enjoyed very much, "Empire of Ivory" was my favorite. With almost non-stop action and suspense, this story seemed to flow through its plot more quickly and evenly than the first 3 books. The connection with Africa and slavery was deeply moving, being more relevant to issues that still touch us today. I would suggest,however, that a reader at least start with " His Majesty's Dragon," to get the context of both the underlying plot from the beginning, and to enjoy the development of the principle characters, especially Temeraire himself. There's a rumor afoot that Peter Jackson has bought the film rights to this series. What fantastic movies they would make: to rival the Ring Trilogy. Though as books, they are by no means of the literary significance of Tolkein. Novik does a splendid job of entertaining her readers, and her imagination is absolutely delightful. Rock on, Naomi!Book Review: Awesome Series
Summary: 4 Stars
This book picks up where the last book left off and the action keeps going. This book is the fourth in a series that takes place during the Napoleonic Wars and is a what if their were dragons. Temaire and his captin have just returned across country from Chin and their is a major disease that is killing the dragon force in England. Temaire is not affected but they think this is from something he ate when in Africa. So the temaire and his crew must go to find the cure. A very suspenseful action packed book that just keeps you wanting more and more. The only bad things are if you havent read the last few books in a while it may take you a little while to figure out what is going on. Also the big cliffhanger that leaves you hanging for the next book. One of the best series of books out right now. Novak is a great writer and really makes this world believable.Book Review: A Great Addition to the Series
Summary: 5 Stars
Was this latest book in the Temeraire series as exciting as the first three? No, but does that make Empire of Ivory any less of a great read? Again, no. The book does bog down a little in the first half, but I have to give Novik credit for taking real English history and inserting dragons into the mix in such a way that it seems a normal as anything. Moreover, having never been all that interested in the Napoleonic era, I have to give Novik even more credit for keeping me glued to the page. I see Empire of Ivory as a transitional book that does more to develop the mythology of Novik's alternate world, and taking that into consideration I came away from this novel having thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. If you enjoyed the first three Temeraire novels you should definitely enjoy Empire of Ivory.