Black powder war by Naomi Novik

This is the third book in the Temeraire series which is fantasy adventure set in the wars between Napoleon and Great Britain. It has a skilful twist: a Dragon Air Force has been developed and the main character, Will Laurence, rides his Celestial dragon, Temeraire. Will is about to leave China and set sail for Britain when he receives orders to travel to Istanbul to collect three valuable dragon eggs. Adventures beset them on the Silk Road and they cross mountains and deserts fighting off dragons and Napoleon’s soldiers.

Characters are well rounded and believable and the action and adventures are fast paced.

Fans of historical fantasy will like this book although enjoyment would be enhanced by reading the books in order. It will also have appeal to readers of other books featuring dragons like the Pern series by Anne McCaffrey and Carole Wilkinson’s Dragonkeeper. Author information and news about her books is available here.

Pat Pledger