League of Dragons by Naomi Novik

League of Dragons (Temeraire, #9)

by Naomi Novik

"With the acclaimed Temeraire novels, New York Times bestselling author Naomi Novik has created a fantasy series like no other, combining the high-flying appeal of Anne McCaffrey's Pern saga and the swashbuckling derring-do of Patrick O'Brian's historical seafaring adventures. Now, with League of Dragons, Novik brings the imaginative tour de force that has captivated millions to an unforgettable finish. Napoleon's invasion of Russia has been roundly thwarted. But even as Capt. William Laurence and the dragon Temeraire pursue the retreating enemy through an unforgiving winter, Napoleon is raising a new force, and he'll soon have enough men and dragons to resume the offensive. While the emperor regroups, the allies have an opportunity to strike first and defeat him once and for all--if internal struggles and petty squabbles don't tear them apart. Aware of his weakened position, Napoleon has promised the dragons of every country--and the ferals, loyal only to themselves--vast new rights and powers if they fight under his banner. It is an offer eagerly embraced from Asia to Africa--and even by England, whose dragons have long rankled at their disrespectful treatment. But Laurence and his faithful dragon soon discover that the wily Napoleon has one more gambit at the ready--one that that may win him the war, and the world. Praise for Naomi Novik and her Novels of Temeraire "Novik's influences run the gamut from Jane Austen to Patrick O'Brian, with a side trip through Anne McCaffrey. Her books are completely involving and probably addictive, their central conceit explored in clever detail with a great deal of wit and historical insight."--San Francisco Chronicle "These are beautifully written novels: not only fresh, original, and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart."--Peter Jackson "A gripping adventure full of rich detail and the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy."--Entertainment Weekly "A new writer is soaring on the wings of a dragon."--The New York Times "A glorious series whose future status as a genre classic is now assured."--SF Reviews "If you've never read these novels, now is the time to start."--io9 "Enthralling reading."--Time"--

"The final adventure in the New York Times bestselling Temeraire series. The deadly campaign in Russia has cost both Napoleon and those allied against him. Napoleon has been denied his victory...but at a terrible price. Lawrence and the dragon Temeraire pursue the fleeing French army back west, but are demoralized when Napoleon makes it back to Paris unscathed. Worse, they soon learn that the French have stolen Termeraire and Iskierka's egg. Now, it is do or die, as our heroes not only need to save Temeraire's offspring but also to stop Napoleon for good!"--

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

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I wasn't ready for this series to end in 2016 and honestly, I wasn't ready for it to end now either. But the audiobook was available from my library and I wanted closure. I did read the wiki for the previous book to quickly refresh my memory since it'd been so long.

Everything I wanted and expected. I LOVE Temeraire so, so very much. He the social justice warrior of my heart. I wanted to shout "DRAG HIM" when he takes down imperialist BS. My notes are basically shouting about the dragons with lots of exclamation points. But here's the 0ther notes I made between all that:

--Aw, Tem with PTSD. Poor baby :(
---JANE!!!
--The sex scene was adorable TBH.
--Really devastated and sad for it to end, but it was concluded perfectly, brilliantly.
--Jumps between Part 2 & 3, and Part 3 and 4 were discombobulating, especially when I was so used to this series describing each step of the way.
--Dragonling threw me for a loop. Part of me liked her better as an egg, but she's intelligent, cunning, and a good spice up. It's too bad Tem is outshined in the manipulation and maneuvering by the female relatives of his, lol.
--Good job stepping up Lawerance! He's making moves.
--OMG, Tem trying to clean - lol!.
--Tem's rivalry with Lien basically evaporates and was really disappointing.
--If ONE thing changed towards the end, I would've turned coat for Napoleon as well TBH.
--Aww Tharkey.

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  • 25 February, 2016: Reviewed