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)

Another Great Temeraire book

Loved it looking forward to the next one. Novik had created another page turner that sets the next book quite well

An interesting continuation.

I loved this part of Novik's amazing Temeraire Series. Though somewhat of a filler, it is still important to the overall story of the series. Taking a brake from the war gives Novik a chance to focus on new threats that test our heroes in ways they could have never imagined. Excellent book.

love temeraire!

this is the slowest book, but still well worth it and very enjoyable! this is an exploration story, heavy on mystery and light on action. I'm thinking she is setting up plot for the next book!

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.

Soooo close<br />

Everything on Naomi's side was excellent, as well as Simon, it's just that Tharkay (probably slaughtered the spelling.) should have a crisp European accent/voice I thought? I could have sworn in black powder war it stated that multiple times? I'm obviously being super over critical or at least flat wrong.. Either way.

Another Great Story!

Any additional comments?

I really love these stories! They have all really kept my interest and I am looking forward to finding out what is in store next for the aviators and the dragons!

A Must Read Series!!

Any additional comments?

A Must Read Series!!

Temeraire and his Captain William Laurence well rounded characters that you grow to care deeply about. Laurence with his “uptight” high born British Royal Navy up bring contracting with the relaxed culture of Royal Aerial Corps sends him on a lift time of turbulent decision making with harsh outcomes.
This series needs to be read in order because each books drops off and the next starts with no setup or opening Novik assumes you read the previous books.