Tongues of Serpents

Temeraire, Book 6

By: Naomi Novik

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

A dazzling blend of military history, high-flying fantasy, and edge-of-your-seat adventure, Naomi Novik’s Temeraire novels, set in an alternate Napoleonic era in which intelligent dragons have been harnessed as weapons of war, are more than just perennial bestsellers—they are a worldwide phenomenon. Now, in Tongues of Serpents, Naomi Novik is back, along with the dragon Temeraire and his rider and friend, Capt. Will Laurence.

Convicted of treason despite their heroic defense against Napoleon’s invasion of England, Temeraire and Laurence—stripped of rank and standing—have been transported to the prison colony at New South Wales in distant Australia, where, it is hoped, they cannot further corrupt the British Aerial Corps with their dangerous notions of liberty for dragons. Temeraire and Laurence carry with them three dragon eggs intended to help establish a covert in the colony and destined to be handed over to such second-rate, undesirable officers as have been willing to accept so remote an assignment—including one former acquaintance, Captain Rankin, whose cruelty once cost a dragon its life.

Nor is this the greatest difficulty that confronts the exiled dragon and rider: Instead of leaving behind all the political entanglements and corruptions of the war, Laurence and Temeraire have instead sailed into a hornet’s nest of fresh complications. For the colony at New South Wales has been thrown into turmoil after the overthrow of the military governor, one William Bligh—better known as Captain Bligh, late of HMS Bounty. Bligh wastes no time in attempting to enlist Temeraire and Laurence to restore him to office, while the upstart masters of the colony are equally determined that the new arrivals should not upset a balance of power precariously tipped in their favor.

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

©2010 Temeraire, LLC (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The characters are as riveting as ever, the setting is new but convincing, and the plot, with its first-class balancing of Laurence's and Temeraire's internal and external struggles, shows Novik's continued excellence as a novelist." ( Booklist)

It's a fun ride, but it doesn't go anywhere

I loved the other entries in this series. I loved this one, too, right up until I realized that all those reveiwers who complained that it went nowhere... were absolutely right. The story concludes at a dead end. Is it the end of the series, or what? Poor Lawrence seems so depressed and discouraged. I feel like the next book will consist of him gardening or learning to crochet, because he's too world-weary to leave his front porch.

Even so, enough events are enough fun that it is worth a listen. Fans of Temeraire himself won't be disappointed, nor will fans of Ischierka (sp?) and the two new baby dragons are delightful. I just hope Lawrence gets a new lease on life in time for the next book.

Another Temeraire masterpiece

I've seen quite a few comments about the narrator (Simon Vance) being boring and droll, but I really appreciate his various but consistent voices for the characters. I find it soothing and also enveloping when needed.

Tongues of Serpents

Well written and expertly narrated. Full of excitement and intrigue. 10/10 will recommend to friends and family.

Its not the same...

and this is okay.

It seems like a lot of people are saying this was an uninteresting book, and that little of consequence happens.
I get it, but the book realigns Laurence's character with his experiences so far, and it is supposed to be a turning point for him. This book serves as the fleshing out of Laurence as a new character, in critical ways, distinct from who he was in the prior.
This is not an action packed fantasy, but an adventure novel set in an unfamiliar place, where the characters develop into who they will be for the future.

Great continuation of the series

This was the book that began my audiobook infatuation, and it was the perfect introduction to a love affair that looks set to go the distance. After having read the first 5 books in paperback I stumbled across Audible and this recording when looking for the best buy for purchasing book 6.

I fell in love with Simon Vance's glorious voice, and the soundscape he painted was perfect for all the characters and scenes I had already developed in my mind. His voice is rich and melodious, and his characters are properly distinguishable by voice alone. How a man with such a rich baritone voice can pull off a female treble without sounding foppish continues to amaze me. Too many male readers fall back on horrible, generic falsetto voices for all female characters, but not so with Simon, even the female voices are excellent and don't have that grating, distracting edginess of so many male readers that can often distract from the storyline. His verbal skills are impressive to say the least!

Aside from the performance, this is a wonderful addition to the series, in the crossover genre of fantasy/lit, this series would definitely be my favourite. I agree with others that this individual book did not seem drive Temeraire and Lawrence through such crazy adventures as previous novels, but as it is not the final volume in the series I was not disappointed. Sometimes it is about the journey and not the destination, and even fantasy characters deserve to have a vacation from their frantic lives to give us the opportunity to enjoy their character development as the primary objective. Despite the change in tone from previous novels in the series, I still really enjoyed this instalment in the saga of Temeraire and eagerly await the next.

Somewhat this or that

In all it was nice to see a small reprieve for our favorite dragon, but the story seemed to be a stop over gap filler which lacked a bit of purpose.

Constant struggle

These books are well written and engaging but it is frustrating when Temeraire and Lawrence don't seem to get anywhere better for all their struggles

Fantastic!

Utterly fantastic! Some more crow to swallow by our protagonists, Will Lawrence and Temeraire. Lots of unpleasant machinations by third parties pull and Will and Temeraire. They weathered the storms as best they were able. On to the next one. Love Simon Vance’s narration of the series.

What a great transition (Spoiler)

Another fabulous book telling the story of Will and Temeraire as they transtion into new and exciting adventures. I won't give any more spoilers than that but to say that Temeraire's excitement about what-comes-next is palpable. I would follow Will and his dragon anywhere. One note I must make: The serpents are beyond exciting!

How will Temeraire handle excile?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tongues of Serpents?

When Temeraire discovers the Chinese dragons in Australia. His serprise and yearning to return to China is heartbreaking.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Simon Vance brings Temeraire to life. Vance's performance is wonderful.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Temeraire truely realises that his actions have affected Lawrence's status in the world. But as long as they are together, they can handle any situation.