Reflection's Edge

Book Review: Empire of Ivory, by Naomi Novik

Reviewer: Sharon Dodge

In the war against Napoleon, England's most important defense - and weapon - is the dragon-riding Aerial Corps. This time, the war is almost secondary; instead of battles, it's disease that is tearing down the Corps. The dragon Temeraire and his captain, Laurence, are forced to Africa in the search for a cure to save the Corps and Britain both.

To whoever might be offput by the mention of dragons when considering Naomi Novik's latest Temeraire novel, I can only say: trust me. This is much more than the average dragon fantasy. For those initially attracted to the dragons? You're just doubly lucky.

Empire of Ivory reads wonderfully - it's an enthusiastic novel, its energy made even more impressive by its being the fourth in the series, and the language feels comfortable and well-worn in addition to being period-appropriate. As before, both the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of complex otherworldly discrimination continues; in Edinburgh, there's an embarrassing literal lack of space for the dragons, who, after returning from the battlefield, find themselves actually left in the streets amongst the refuse. The details in the dragon-fought scenes (cleverly described aerial battles) continue to be striking, inviting comparisons to Patrick O'Brian, and it's surprising how believable the maneuvers and problems both are. (How do you deal with feral dragons whose language is barely comprehensible when they decide to fly where a human can barely breathe?)

This book is probably most notable for its defining premise - the sickness that is destroying the dragons' numbers results in some crushing descriptions. There seem to be fewer heroic scenes in this novel to cheer on, but there's an increased compassion and thoughtfulness here which is perhaps even more pleasing. The unexpected meeting at the very end (let's just say it's an important historical figure) is both surprising and very satisfying. Despite its increasingly dark tone, the book is pure fun - an accolade probably not as impressive-sounding as it should be, but a heartily endorsed one. (With book five of the Temeraire series due in 2008, it's also a little more difficult to worry overly about the hero, at least in this novel.)

In fact, the only negative thing that could be said is no fault of the novel, but the simple fact that the wrong audiences might be looking at it: Jane Austen fans would likely adore the language, while Anne McCaffrey fans might be disappointed to find the story in the past, rather than the future (and in a decidedly unexpected non-medieval past, at that). But it's exactly that difference which continues to make Novik's work so intriguing. Don't miss it.

To buy a copy of this book, click here.

If you liked this book, check out:

His Majesty's Dragon, by Naomi Novik
(Review here)

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, by Patricia C. Wrede

The Dragonriders of Pern, by Anne McCaffrey

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

Sharpe's Rifles (the television series, not the books), starring Sean Bean



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