Black Powder War (Temeraire 3)

Black Powder War (Temeraire 3)

by NaomiNovik (Author)

Synopsis

History takes flight in the third book of Naomi Novik's deliciously addictive Temeraire series which captures the Napoleonic period and skillfully layers historical events with imagination by adding a Dragon Air Force to the battle for England. British flyer Will Laurence and his extraordinary Celestial dragon, Temeraire, gratefully anticipate their voyage home from China. But before they set sail, they are waylaid by urgent new orders. The British Government, having purchased three valuable dragon eggs from the Ottoman Empire - one of a rare fire-breathing Kazilik dragon, one of the most deadly breeds in existence - now require Laurence and Temeraire to make a more perilous overland journey instead, stopping off in Istanbul to collect and escort the precious cargo back to England. And time is of the essence if the eggs are to hatch upon British shores. A cross-continental expedition is a daunting prospect, fraught with countless dangers. The small party must be prepared to travel the treacherous Silk Road: navigating frigid mountain passes and crossing sterile deserts to evade feral dragon attacks and Napoleon's aggressive infantry. Barely surviving the poisonous intrigue of the Ottoman Court, the small British party's journey home is delayed once more. The Prussians muster their forces before them, barring their way, and Laurence and Temeraire become swept up in the battle against Bonaparte - trapped by politics as they learn that the British had promised to send their allies aid - but help is months overdue. The crew will also face unexpected menace, for a Machiavellian herald precedes them, spreading political poison in her wake. Lien, the white celestial dragon, absconded from the Chinese Imperial Court shortly after the humiliating death of her beloved princely companion. Fervently believing Temeraire to be the architect of her anguish, she has vowed to ally herself with his greatest enemy in order to exact a full and painful revenge upon everything and everyone the black dragon holds dear.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352
Publisher: Voyager
Published: 02 Jan 2007

ISBN 10: 0007219156
ISBN 13: 9780007219155

Media Reviews
Praise for the Temeraire series: 'These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart.' Peter Jackson 'The saga continues in Temeraire: Throne of Jade, which is even better. Rather than repeat the formula (enjoyable though it was), Novik offers a plot laced with political intrigue and takes her characters to China, where interesting questions are raised amid their exciting adventures.' The Times 'In the best tradition of fantasy, historical fiction and nautical novels.' Guardian Temeraire is a terrifically entertaining fantasy novel. Is it hard to imagine a cross between Susanna Clarke, of Norrell and Strange fame, and the late Patrick O'Brian? Not if you've read this wonderful, arresting novel.' Stephen King 'A splendid novel. Not only is it a new way to utilize dragons, it's a very clever one and fits neatly into the historical niche this author has used. The plot was excellent, extraordinary in that the reader has no idea where it's leading--which is always fun. Let's hope this is the first of many from Naomi Novik. She'll be one to watch.' Anne McCaffrey 'Just when you think you've seen every variation possible on the dragon story, along comes Naomi Novik to prove you wrong. Her wonderful Temeraire is a dragon for the ages and a fitting companion for the brave, steadfast Will Laurence.' Terry Brooks
Author Bio
Naomi Novik was born in New York in 1973, a first-generation American, and raised on Polish fairy tales, Baba Yaga, and Tolkien. She studied English Literature at Brown University and Computer Science at Columbia University before leaving to work in the games industry. Over the course of a brief winter sojourn working on a game in Canada, she realized she preferred the writing to the programming, and, on returning to New York, decided to try her hand at novels. Temeraire is her first. Naomi lives in New York City with her husband and six computers. Her website and livejournal are at www.temeraire.org.