His Majesty's Dragon

Temeraire, Book 1

By: Naomi Novik

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise to Britain's defense by taking to the skies - not aboard aircraft but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons.

When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo - an unhatched dragon egg - fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature.

Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France's own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte's boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into a baptism of fire.

Don't miss the rest of the Temeraire series: Book 2: Throne of Jade and Book 3: Black Powder War.

©2006 Naomi Novik (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

2007, New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

Master and Commander, with dragons

This is a delightful story, kind of like Master and Commander, but with dragons. I especially liked the characterization of thees handsome, intelligent beasts, and their relationship with their "captains," the humans assigned to them from the moment of their hatching. Lovely bond between human and dragon. Great rollicking sea and air war in the Napoleonic era. Highly recommended.

Wonderful historical fantasy...with dragons!

This is the first book in the Temeraire series, there are nine books in this series. I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the dragons and the characters and the alternate history in here. The book was very well written and incredibly fun as well.

I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed Vance’s narration. He does a great job with character narration and voices. I would definitely recommend listening to this on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.

This book has a lot of action but what really makes the story are the characters of Laurence and Temeraire. Laurence is such a respectable sea captain and harnessing Temeraire changes everything about his life. However, I love how Laurence takes everything in stead and does his best for Temeraire. I absolutely adored Temeraire, he’s just such a lovable dragon. Temeraire is intelligent, sensitive, and just amazing. Temeraire really made the book for me.

The side characters are well done also. Additionally, the alternate history setting was very interesting. We get a good look at this alternate world and the wars that drive it. Most of the book focuses on Temeraire and Laurence and their training, but they do get drawn into combat as well.

The story ends at a good point but hints at more interesting plot elements to come. This is a book I am considering reading with my middle schooler. There is a small part where Laurence has to explain the concept of whores to Temeraire but aside from that it is a read that is pretty friendly to pre-teens and older.

Overall an amazing story that I really enjoyed a lot. I loved the characters and the alternate history setting. I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasies about dragons in historical settings. I definitely plan on continuing the series.

Very entertaining

A good short book. I had a lot of fun listening and Simon Vance can always be coun on to give a good performance.

Temeraire

Great story and wonderful narration by Simon Vance. I look forward to more in this series!

Absolutely enchanting

Terrific read. Had me engaged all the way through. Powerful relationships carry the story. Will be recommending it to my friends and family.

I love this series!

I love this novel and the narrator! This book was recommended to me. At first I didn't think I would enjoy the series. The fact it takes alternative twist to the Napoleon era with the Aerial Core being dragons. however I was greatly wrong. the narrator as well as the story itself captivated by them. Lawrence and Temeraire are so great I kept cheering for them in the series. I highly recommend this book to family and friends... heck to book lovers too haha

Fantastic book

A really fun story. Imagine “How to Train Your Dragon” but from a more adult/military mindset. Great narration too.

lovely book, great narrator

I'm a historical fiction fan, I will read anything set during the napoleonic war. I enjoyed this book very much and was disappointed when it was over.

Fantastic story okay narration

Simon Vance does a credible job with all but the female voices. His interpretation of dragon voices also leaves something to be desired

Dragon Riders of Pern meet Master and Commander

The comparison is a little simplistic, but this alternative history is tons of fun. The characters are consistant with the period, the writing is good, and Simon Vance is one of the best readers anywhere. I loved every minute of this book. A great adventure!

4 and a half was what I wanted, but it didn't quite reach my 5 star threshold.