Black Powder War

Temeraire, Book 3

By: Naomi Novik

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Temeraire, Book 3

After their fateful adventure in China, Capt. Will Laurence of His Majesty’s Aerial Corps and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, are waylaid by a mysterious envoy bearing urgent new orders from Britain. Three valuable dragon eggs have been purchased from the Ottoman Empire, and Laurence and Temeraire must detour to Istanbul to escort the precious cargo back to England. Time is of the essence if the eggs are to be borne home before hatching.

Yet disaster threatens the mission at every turn - thanks to the diabolical machinations of the Chinese dragon Lien, who blames Temeraire for her master’s death and vows to ally herself with Napoleon and take vengeance. Then, faced with shattering betrayal in an unexpected place, Laurence, Temeraire, and their squad must launch a daring offensive. But what chance do they have against the massed forces of Bonaparte’s implacable army?

Dragon tales: don't miss the rest of the Temeraire series.

©2006 Naomi Novik (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

• Locus Award, 2007

"Novik's magical 18th century, peopled with sympathetic characters, induces avid reading. Long may she write!" (Booklist)

Favorite Dragon Book Series

This series is my number 1 referal. I heard that the movie rights have been purchased for this book already. cant wait!!

Good, but lacks plot.

Not much of a story here, but the characters are lovable enough to carry it.

The whole series makes great listening

I just finished the fourth and am about to get the fifth. I've been listening to them back-to-back, something I don't usually do for this long a series of books. I'm waiting to see what Tremaraire and Will Laurence will get up to (and into) next. All of the characters - human and dragon alike - are complex and well written. The battle scenes are great and the Napoleonic wars have never been so interesting! Adding to all of it is Simon Vance's exemplary narration. He makes me happy to be listening to, rather than reading, these books. Well done!

A Return to Form

At last, the story of the Napoleonic wars in a world with dragons continues. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. I especially like the battle/action scenes. I look forward to listening to the fourth book, Empire of Ivory.

Simon Vance is a narrator who grows on you. I strongly recommend everybody to check out the other works he narrated, and he has narrated a lot.

good stuff

enjoyed it. sorta a lull in the series, but i feel it covers alot of interesting information and really puts more into the actual Napoleonic war than in previous books

I can't wait to listen to the last book.

Now I want to go read about the war and find out how closely the book follows the true path of history, not counting the dragons of course.

Great characters, fast-moving plot

Naomi is really getting her stride now. Thakay (or however his name is spelled, I'm not sure and don't have the hardcopy) is great fun, especially for anyone with a warm place in their heart for rogues. The new little dragon is hilarious. Lien, the white dragon, and Napoleon are great additions and the Prussians feel very real.

holy crap, can't wait for the next book!!!

Okay the transitions require a bit of rewinding but this is easily one of the best tales I've read in my 46 years. Such a fantastic mix of history and fantasy. This saga has been a pure delight to listen to. Simon Vance is one of the best story readers I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Another solid installment

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series to read on audio. Simon Vance does a great job narrating and the story is well paced. I’m still enamored with Temeraire.

Love the dragons!!!!

This book was slow at times but I loved all the dragons, especially the baby at the end. Voices were exceptional for all the characters, especially the dragons. Love the relationship between Lawrence and Temeraire.