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Title details for Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik - Available

Blood of Tyrants

#8.0 in series

by Naomi Novik
Simon Vance
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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Naomi Novik's beloved Temeraire series, a brilliant combination of fantasy and history that reimagines the Napoleonic wars as fought with the aid of intelligent dragons, is a twenty-first-century classic. From the first volume, His Majesty's Dragon, readers have been entranced by the globe-spanning adventures of the resolute Capt. William Laurence and his brave but impulsive dragon, Temeraire. Now, in Blood of Tyrants, the penultimate volume of the series, Novik is at the very height of her powers as she brings her story to its widest, most colorful canvas yet.

Shipwrecked and cast ashore in Japan with no memory of Temeraire or his own experiences as an English aviator, Laurence finds himself tangled in deadly political intrigues that threaten not only his own life but England's already precarious position in the Far East. Age-old enmities and suspicions have turned the entire region into a powder keg ready to erupt at the slightest spark—a spark that Laurence and Temeraire may unwittingly provide, leaving Britain faced with new enemies just when they most desperately need allies instead.

For to the west, another, wider conflagration looms. Napoleon has turned on his former ally, the emperor Alexander of Russia, and is even now leading the largest army the world has ever seen to add that country to his list of conquests. It is there, outside the gates of Moscow, that a reunited Laurence and Temeraire—along with some unexpected allies and old friends—will face their ultimate challenge . . . and learn whether or not there are stronger ties than memory.

  • Creators

  • Series

    Temeraire

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    August 19, 2013

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781452695617
      • File size: 397497 KB
      • Duration: 13:48:07

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      In this eighth and penultimate book in Novik's series, which combines dragons and the Napoleonic wars, the highly dramatic action spans the globe. British aviator William Lawrence, his dragon, Temeraire, and their companions begin the story in Japan, make their way to China, and end up in Russia on the eve of battle. Narrator Simon Vance returns, and it's a marvel how he smoothly switches voices from that of an English gentleman to those of an Incan dragon and a Japanese samurai--always keeping the characters distinct and fresh. Vance's pacing is also masterful; he knows when to let the adventure of the narrative drive the story and when to let the quiet moments between characters enjoy breathing room. One cannot imagine anyone else reading these tales. G.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 3, 2013
      Novik’s eighth and penultimate alternate history novel (after Crucible of Gold) opens with series hero Laurence shipwrecked and taken prisoner in Japan in an extended tribute to Shogun. His reunion with Temeraire, his dragon companion, is awkward, as Laurence has suffered a head injury and entirely forgotten the past several years. As Laurence struggles to regain his health and memories, they journey to Temeraire’s native China for some court intrigue, then fly to Russia to confront Napoleon’s invading army. While each episode works well on its own, the ties between them are tenuous, leading to a less satisfying whole. Surprisingly, the amnesia plot is the highlight of the book; Laurence reflects movingly on how very strange his life has become, while often-self-absorbed Temeraire is humbled by Laurence’s sacrifices on his behalf. Despite the fast pace, Novik does fit in some interesting scenery, with glimpses of a Japan ruled by dragons and Temeraire’s discovery that dragons can be as corrupt and oppressive as any man. Fans will mostly find their appetites whetted for the series conclusion. Agent: Cynthia Manson, Cynthia Manson Literary Agency.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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