A Temeraire of 5.6 on the Rictor Scale

Have you ever heard of a dragon called Temeraire? You've probably been too busy reading about a dragon rider named Eragon. Temeraire is a series of alternate history/fantasy books by a writer named Naomi Novik. It takes place during the 1800s, during the Napoleonic War.

Basically, the world of Temeraire is a place where mythology and legends are apart of real world history. Although the world is familiar, it would probably look different in a movie. The basic story is simple (but I don't have all the details yet).

There was a simple captain named Laurence, who captained navy ships. He is well known and respected for his career. However, he is modest and gives a lot of owed credit to his crewmates. One day, he comes upon the most beat up French ship he has ever seen. To his surprise, a dragon egg was onboard. Under these circumstances, the egg would be taken to shore and immediatly get sent to the secret Corps to be assigned. Britain and France have both mastered dragon breeding, and were able to create special armies of them.

However, the egg Captain Laurence recovers is close to hatching. Naturally, he can't allow a powerful dragon to go free, so he and his men must find one of themselves to ride upon the dragon. A dragon can't be tamed without a rider. The sailor who is to be chosen will have to raise the dragon, fight on it and live their lives like a mountain man in order to live with it. Unfortunately for Laurence, he is made the dragon's rider. Quite surprisingly, he comes to love the dragon and even names it Temeraire (the book's title).

Laurence has to give up the sailing life he has always known. To continue serving the king of England, he must join other dragon riders and train for combat. Shokingly, the writer Naomi is able to create a wide cast of characters who all have unique traits. There are some characters so evil you want them to drop dead. At the same time, there is a large cast of characters you love and relate to.

Now naturally, you're still wondering if this on going series is worth buying. I'll give you some reasons that will surprise you. The first book in the Temeraire series was awarded the Hugo Award for Best Novel by First Time Writer. Stephen King wrote the words, "Terrifically Entertaining," on the book's cover. And best of all, Peter Jackson wants to make movies out of the series.

Wow... Although I am not completely familiar with the series, I have personally become interested. The best audience is teenagers and up (mostly because of swearing). The writing style is simple and fast paced. Although the dialogue drags on longwindedly, it doesn't effect the way you enjoy it too much. So far, five books have been released in this series and more are schedualed to arrive.

The books arn't best sellers, but it's doing good for moderate success. Naturally, we encourage people to look into it. We want to promote good entertainment, and so far, Temeraire fits the bill. We encourage people to look into it.