Audiobook Review – Throne of Jade (Temeraire, Book 2) by Naomi Novik, Narrated by Simon Vance (3.5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 11 hours and 43 minutes
Publisher: Books on Tape
Release Date: October 3, 2007
ASIN: B000WS9ZJ2
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Temeraire series
Source: Audiobook from Audible.com
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
“When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo–an unhatched dragon’s egg–Capt. Will Laurence of HMS Reliant unexpectedly became master and commander of the noble dragon he named Temeraire. As new recruits in Britain’s Aerial Corps, man and dragon soon proved their mettle in daring combat against Bonaparte’s invading forces.
Now China has discovered that its rare gift, intended for Napoleon, has fallen into British hands–and an angry Chinese delegation vows to reclaim the remarkable beast. But Laurence refuses to cooperate. Facing the gallows for his defiance, Laurence has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East–a long voyage fraught with peril, intrigue, and the untold terrors of the deep. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await.”
This is the second book in the Temeraire series and was a much weaker book than the first book in this series. I still really enjoyed the relationship between Temeraire and Lawrence. However, I felt like nothing really happened in this book and that things were really drawn out.
I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was very well done. Vance is a joy to listen to and does a great job with differentiating character voices and portraying emotion.
The whole story is about Laurence and Temeraire journeying to China and then trying to make sure they aren’t separated. China thinks Temeraire should be back in China, but Laurence and Temeraire do not want that to happen.
In general this made for a slow and boring read. Lots of time is spent sailing and is spent with Laurence and Temeraire cooling their heels in the Chinese court. I enjoyed watching Temeraire meet other dragons of his type. There was also a battle with a sea dragon that was entertaining.
Overall this was still a very well written book and I enjoyed Temeraire immensely but I don’t think I will be continuing with this series. The stories have been very military in nature (something I don’t enjoy), very “day in the life of” and I don’t understand the where this series is going plot-wise.
This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Goodreads Reading Challenge
