Introducing…Throne of Jade: the pros and cons. I liked the ending very much and look forward to what Temeraire is going to do with his new-found knowledge. And more people die through-out the book =( Of course, there are some bad things happen while they are there as well. It was sweet when Temeraire got to meet his family and some other dragons. And we got some of the crew back to be there for Laurence and Temeraire. Some stuff happens on the trip over and some of the other dragons in Temeraire's crew help them out a for a little bit. So, they end up going to China together on the Allegiance. He was not going to let anyone separate them. I loved that Temeraire was very protective over Laurence in this book. I think it's stupid as everyone stated, they had given the egg away to the French and just because Laurence ship took over the one with the egg in it doesn't mean they deserve to get Temeraire back. I love Temeraire and Laurence so much ! A man and his dragon, what's not to love ! Patrick's Day book (green) read, but I still read it in March so it still counts =) The ending was a bit of a disappointment, but I am curious to see what Temeraire and Laurence will do with what they learn in China.This was supposed to be my St. The way Novik winds dragons into history is already fascinating, but now we get to see them within an entirely new environment and culture. Not the least of which is the vast difference in the treatment of dragons. If there was any doubt before, Laurence’s friendship with the dragon has clearly moved well beyond that of master and pet to a very deep bond that is thoroughly tested as Temeraire learns more and more about his homeland of China. The beauty of this series is in watching Temeraire grow and learn and watching Laurence grow and learn with him.

But circumstances eventually force the pair into a seven month voyage from England to China in hopes of pleading their case before the Emperor himself. Laurence risks the stockade with his adamant refusal to simply relinquish the dragon he has come to adore, much less lie to Temeraire as his superiors and the Chinese emissaries suggest. Throne of Jade picks up right where the previous left off, with the Chinese demanding the return of their Celestial Dragon. Yes, there are skirmishes that Temeraire and the other dragons participate in and there are several other moments of action, but at the heart of this story is a beautiful friendship between man and beast – only, this beast is a massive, highly intelligent dragon. As I discovered in reading the previous book in the Temeraire series, His Majesty’s Dragon, this is not necessarily an action/adventure fantasy.

Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik