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His Majesty's Dragon: Book One of the Temeraire Paperback – October 19, 2021

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,500 ratings

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In the first novel of the New York Times bestselling Temeraire series, a rare bond is formed between a young man and a dragon, and together they must battle in the Napoleonic Wars.

“A terrifically entertaining fantasy novel.”—Stephen King

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise to Britain’s defense by taking to the skies . . . not aboard aircraft but atop the mighty backs of fighting dragons.

When HMS
Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes its precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Capt. Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future–and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.

“Just when you think you’ve seen every variation possible on the dragon story, along comes Naomi Novik. . . . Her wonderful Temeraire is a dragon for the ages.”—Terry Brooks

Don’t miss any of Naomi Novik’s magical Temeraire series
HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON • THRONE OF JADE • BLACK POWDER WAR • EMPIRE OF IVORY • VICTORY OF EAGLES • TONGUES OF SERPENTS • CRUCIBLE OF GOLD • BLOOD OF TYRANTS • LEAGUE OF DRAGONS
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From the Publisher

Experience the Temeraire series

Peter Jackson says, "These are beautifully written novels…."

A product shot of all nine repackaged Temeraire books, which shows the continuous spine artwork.

NPR says, "Novik has accomplished something singular with her Temeraire series."

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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
25,168
4.6 out of 5 stars
12,931
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Price $11.99 $12.29 $9.68
Naomi Novik introduces a bold new world rooted in folk stories and legends, as elemental as a Grimm fairy tale. An imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. From Naomi Novik comes the first book of the Scholomance trilogy, the story of an unwilling dark sorceress who is destined to rewrite the rules of magic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for His Majesty’s Dragon and the Temeraire series

“These are beautifully written novels—not only fresh, original, and fast paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart. [The Temeraire series] is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love—fantasy and historical epic.”
—Peter Jackson

“A terrifically entertaining fantasy novel . . . Is it hard to imagine a cross between Susanna Clarke, of Norrell and Strange fame, and the late Patrick O’Brian? Not if you’ve read this wonderful, arresting novel.”
—Stephen King

“A splendid series . . . Not only is it a new way to utilize dragons, it’s a very clever one and fits neatly into the historical niche this author has used.”
—Anne McCaffrey

“Just when you think you’ve seen every variation possible on the dragon story, along comes Naomi Novik. Her wonderful Temeraire is a dragon for the ages.”
—Terry Brooks

“Enthralling reading—it’s like Jane Austen playing Dungeons & Dragons with Eragon’s Christopher Paolini.”
—Time

“A completely authentic tale, brimming with all the detail and richness one looks for . . . as well as the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy.”
Entertainment Weekly (Editor’s Choice, Grade: A)

“Novik has accomplished something singular with her Temeraire series. . . . At its heart, it’s a story about friendship that transcends not only time and class, but species.”
—NPR

“[Naomi Novik] is soaring on the wings of a dragon.”
The New York Times
 
“A thrilling fantasy . . . All hail Naomi Novik.”
The Washington Post Book World

“An amazing performance . . . [I] was immediately hooked by the writing, the research and the sheer courage of the whole enterprise.”
Chicago Tribune

“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

“Something new and quite wonderful . . . The Temeraire trilogy could well be this year’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.”
BookPage

“A superbly written, character-driven series . . . What keeps one turning the pages is the urge to find out what happens next to Captain Laurence and Temeraire, characters who win one’s heart from the beginning. Bravo!”
Booklist (starred review)

About the Author

Naomi Novik is the New York Times bestselling author of A Deadly Education, The Last Graduate, and The Golden Enclaves, the award-winning novels Uprooted and Spinning Silver, and the Temeraire series. She is a founder of the Organization for Transformative Works and the Archive of Our Own. She lives in New York City with her family and six computers.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Del Rey; First Edition (October 19, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593359542
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593359549
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.73 x 8.23 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,500 ratings

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Naomi Novik
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An avid reader of fantasy literature since age six, Naomi Novik is also a history buff with a particular fascination with the Napoleonic era and a fondness for the work of Patrick O'Brian and Jane Austen. She lives with her husband and daughter in New York City along with many purring computers.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,500 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe the story as realistic and well-written. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and intelligent dragon Temeraire. The book depicts dragons in a new way, with an intelligent and charming character.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

276 customers mention "Story quality"241 positive35 negative

Customers find the story engaging and realistic. They appreciate the well-written characters and the exciting plotline. The book is described as an alternative historical fantasy set during the Napoleonic era.

"...]], and fell in love with the two main characters and the rich fabric of the universe...." Read more

"...The language, social customs, naval hierarchy, etc., are all portrayed in realistic manner, but at the same time without being cumbersome to the..." Read more

"...Warfare and battle descriptions are not my cup of tea but the action is compelling and my interest didn't wane as it usually does, though I did..." Read more

"A great meld of fantasy, sea battles, and slightly modified history. A wonderful, engaging, and great escapist read! Try it yourself." Read more

274 customers mention "Readability"274 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the well-developed characters and consider it an excellent introduction to an outstanding series. Readers praise the writing quality as high-quality fanfiction, making it an instant classic.

"...This is a suitable series for young adult and mature readers alike...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I read something so unique and novel, yet worked so well...." Read more

"...He is a full fledged hero, not perfect by any means but worth the flipping of every page...." Read more

"...A wonderful, engaging, and great escapist read! Try it yourself." Read more

268 customers mention "Enjoyment"268 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the novel's unique blend of genres, including naval tales and military history. While some found the events interesting, others felt the writing was stiff and formal. Overall, readers enjoyed the imaginative story and charming exercise.

"...insisted on joining the navy- with careful reflection, endearingly quaint sensibilities, and dry humor...." Read more

"...It has been a long time since I read something so unique and novel, yet worked so well...." Read more

"...Temeraire is a delightful creature full of insight and dangerously Jacobite wisdom...." Read more

"A great meld of fantasy, sea battles, and slightly modified history. A wonderful, engaging, and great escapist read! Try it yourself." Read more

188 customers mention "Writing quality"160 positive28 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the language rich and descriptive, with precise battle descriptions. The characters are skillfully drawn but not deeply portrayed. The book is an easy read that is sophisticated enough to appeal to older readers. However, some readers may find certain anachronisms off-putting.

"...As a result the dragons are well thought out and richly described, as much full characters as any human. BOTTOM LINE: I LOVED THIS...." Read more

"...But trust me, it works. Novik does a fantastic job of recreating the naval environment of the 1800's...." Read more

"...supporting characters, aviators and dragons alike, are all skillfully but not deeply sketched and I longed to get to know them better, however I..." Read more

"...It was exciting and beautifully written, and the world that Novik creates is exciting and well-developed - like a parallel universe of the times of..." Read more

181 customers mention "Character development"158 positive23 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the dragon Temeraire charming and clever. The hero is portrayed as realistic, with archaic views on women. The book has a British voice with strong female characters like Jane Roland and members of the navy.

"...This book/series has a very definite style, a voice- complete with British sensibilities, archaic views on women, and the political strains of the..." Read more

"...Novik has laid the groundwork, environment, and characters for a terrific series...." Read more

"...This book earns extra love from me because the characters were very true to their time, despite the talking dragons, these are not modern people set..." Read more

"...They are, at the same time, fascinating, and outstanding characters in their own right, with unique personalities...." Read more

108 customers mention "Dragons"103 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the dragons in the book. They find the dragons intelligent and self-aware, providing a non-human perspective on humans. The book is described as a new take on the dragon genre that reminds them of Dragon Riders of Pern. The dragons are involved in combat and handled skillfully, avoiding trite language and concepts.

"...navy- with careful reflection, endearingly quaint sensibilities, and dry humor...." Read more

"...The dragon himself, Temeraire, is intelligent and witty and loving and emotional and everything that a dragon lover might hope for a dragon to..." Read more

"...ease Naomi Novik managed to create an alternate history the is larded with dragons - mythical fantasy creatures, let's not forget - and makes it all..." Read more

"...I also enjoyed Laurence’s pragmatic observations, which were quietly humorous and made me snicker at regular intervals...." Read more

77 customers mention "Knowledge of history"74 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's historical settings and era plausible. They appreciate the author's knowledge of the historical period and its authenticity. The basic premise of an alternate history where humanity has always coexisted with dragons is also well-received. The terminology and social conventions seem appropriate to the period. Overall, readers describe the book as an outstanding introduction to an outstanding series.

"...: Full of rich descriptions of the settings and the era, largely historically plausible- aside from the fantastic, of course...." Read more

"...All I can say is that in an nebulous kind of way, the historical stuff sounded about right. THE AUDIOBOOK:..." Read more

"A great meld of fantasy, sea battles, and slightly modified history. A wonderful, engaging, and great escapist read! Try it yourself." Read more

"...written, and the world that Novik creates is exciting and well-developed - like a parallel universe of the times of Napoleon Bonaparte, making this..." Read more

49 customers mention "Pacing"34 positive15 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced and engaging, with a rhythm that moves along smoothly. Others feel the pacing is somewhat slow, with a generalized timeline and weeks passing between bursts of activity.

"...The recording is pretty great in my opinion. Good volume, cadence and rhythm. No hissing, no page turning noise...." Read more

"...pragmatic observations, which were quietly humorous and made me snicker at regular intervals...." Read more

"...I found the pacing a tad slow. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing; there is much groundwork to cover...." Read more

"...The plot: the pacing worked for me, and I can't complain about plot holes or obnoxious foreshadowing...." Read more

Great Book, Great Character Development, Some Sticky Pages
5 out of 5 stars
Great Book, Great Character Development, Some Sticky Pages
After reading the first few pages, I wasn't sure that this book was for me. I am not much of a history buff, and I didn't know anything about the Napoleonic Era. However, as soon as the dragons were introduced I was sold. The characters evolve to be so brilliantly dynamic. I still have a few pages left, but I can't wait for the second book of the series to arrive in the mail.As a side note, for some reason a few of the pages had a sticky substance on them that glued the pages together, and when I pulled the pages apart, it darkened a few words. Not really a huge issue and probably a fluke, but I have attached a picture. Note, the picture contains a later portion of the book and may be considered a spoiler.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2011
    First up: No plot summaries or spoilers.

    I don't read a lot of this genre of historical fantasy, but I stumbled into this, the first book of this series: His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire, Book 1), and fell in love with the two main characters and the rich fabric of the universe. Anyone who truly has a pet just waiting to learn how to talk will relate to this story.

    HIGH LEVEL: This is set during the Napoleonic era- an alternate universe wherein there really be dragons... and they represent the British Air Force. Stories center around a Navy-career man who accidentally becomes the guardian, companion and "driver" for a very special dragon. This is a suitable series for young adult and mature readers alike. This book/series has a very definite style, a voice- complete with British sensibilities, archaic views on women, and the political strains of the time and the military nature of the setting- it can feel infuriating at times, but refreshing at others.

    ATMOSPHERE: Full of rich descriptions of the settings and the era, largely historically plausible- aside from the fantastic, of course. First person narrative, from the perspective of the Navy-turned-Air Force man- a tight-lipped, straight backed man of high moral character who came from aristocracy, but insisted on joining the navy- with careful reflection, endearingly quaint sensibilities, and dry humor.

    CHARACTERS: Given the narrative, you can only know them through observation and actions. The two protagonists are excellently written- Temeraire and Laurence unfold as you read and are fabulous to watch grow. Some two-dimentiality in supporting roles- but it keeps it simple and you focused on who matters.

    FANTASY: This is a simple premise: dragons. The rest of the world stays solidly in reality. As a result the dragons are well thought out and richly described, as much full characters as any human.

    BOTTOM LINE: I LOVED THIS. I read a ton of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, this was a refreshing departure from that genre. The relationship between man and dragon felt as strong to me as any bond anywhere, but without the messy emotionality and crazy fireworks of over-fantasized worlds.

    RECOMMENDATIONS: I don't read this genre, so this is all I have for now... none of these are historical fantasy, more light romps with dragons. If anyone else has something, please comment.

    Avi Ornstein's fairy-tale approach to fantasy with a fantastically developed dragon society (YOUNG ADULT APPROPRIATE) Sonia in Vert
    G.A. Aikin's dragon themed mature romance series Dragon Actually (Dragon Kin, Book 1)
    Katie MacAlister's more modern take on dragons (and other fey & witchcraft) You Slay Me (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 1)
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
    I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I read something so unique and novel, yet worked so well. If you've read any other reviews, you already know this places dragons in a historical narrative during the time of Napoleon. Yeah, sounds corny. But trust me, it works. Novik does a fantastic job of recreating the naval environment of the 1800's. I felt like I was reading Horatio, or watching Master and Commander. The language, social customs, naval hierarchy, etc., are all portrayed in realistic manner, but at the same time without being cumbersome to the reader.

    The author also does a great job of portraying the relationship between dragons and their masters as a mutual friendship, to the point where you care about the dragons and what happens to them as much as the human characters.

    I found the pacing a tad slow. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing; there is much groundwork to cover. Don't get me wrong, it's all very interesting and necessary, and it all builds up to the action at the end, but it is definitely not non-stop action throughout.

    Novik has laid the groundwork, environment, and characters for a terrific series.

    (Note: I don't give out stars easily, so four stars is excellent. I reserve five stars for those four or five books that cannot be touched and make a lasting impression on your life.)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2012
    I should start by telling you dear reader that I'm not a Fantasy or dragon buff in the least bit. His Majesty's Dragon found itself in my TBR via a recommendation of the Goodreads group Clean Romances. HMD is not a romance but it is a beautiful and rewarding love story. And so tender that I found myself a little choked by the end of the first chapter and then constantly throughout the book.

    In a way Captain Laurence reminds me very much of Jane Austen's descriptions of Navy men in Persuasion. In my mind Laurence stands as a man of true worth and honor, and the more I got to know him the more I appreciated his character. He is a full fledged hero, not perfect by any means but worth the flipping of every page. In fact it is his imperfections that endeared him to me, please notice his feelings when they cast lots and after speaking with Edith. This book earns extra love from me because the characters were very true to their time, despite the talking dragons, these are not modern people set in past times. From the way they talk to the way the conduct themselves they reflect the society they belonged to.

    Temeraire is a delightful creature full of insight and dangerously Jacobite wisdom. The supporting characters, aviators and dragons alike, are all skillfully but not deeply sketched and I longed to get to know them better, however I wouldn't trade one paragraph away from Laurence and Temeraire's story for more on the supporting cast. No need for such measures, HMD is the first of what is right now a six book series and I have no doubt we'll get to know them better in the subsequent books.

    Warfare and battle descriptions are not my cup of tea but the action is compelling and my interest didn't wane as it usually does, though I did speed through bits here and there. What happens in the battlefield further provides insight into the personalities of those involved and moves the story forward. And although there are deaths and violence the book doesn't unbecomingly focus on them. The geographic descriptions and most historical references were pretty much lost on me since I'm not scholarly inclined. All I can say is that in an nebulous kind of way, the historical stuff sounded about right.

    THE AUDIOBOOK:
    The recording is pretty great in my opinion. Good volume, cadence and rhythm. No hissing, no page turning noise. I have only one quarrel and that is the reader's portrayal of Temeraire, though this problem may be attributed to my own illogical expectations. I was expecting Temeraire to sound like Sean Connery in Dragonheart (the only talking dragon of my acquaintance) and he doesn't sound anything like that. At first it bothered me very much but by chapter three I was fairly reconciled and by the end I was completely over it. On a good note I noticed that Simon Vance, the reader, remains the same for the first five audio books. Continuity is always nice for me, I hate when they switch readers in a series.

    About the movie:
    I don't know much about it but it seems like Peter Jackson (Lord of The Rings) is bringing HMD to the big screen. I can't pretend to be excited since Jackson's work has disappointed me in the past and I'm never much inclined to like adaptations because of all the wonderful book stuff that gets lost in translation. When the time comes I might watch it, it'll depend largely on my mood at the time.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    A great meld of fantasy, sea battles, and slightly modified history. A wonderful, engaging, and great escapist read! Try it yourself.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Ark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Temeraire is best derg
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 17, 2024
    Not much I can say other than incredibly imaginative napoleonic wars with dragons
    A must read for dragon lovers and the like.
  • Raymond Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars high adventure and heroism, and raises serious issues
    Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2022
    HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON

    By introducing dragons into the Napoleonic Wars, Naomi Novik creates a fascinating blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Social attitudes feel authentic for the period, and the dragons’ tactical role in warfare is plausible. The result is an involving story to introduce a very promising series, a happy combination of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series and naval adventures during the Napoleonic Wars by C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brian, and others.
    At this point, the ‘history’ of dragons and the various types is rather sketchy, but it will be interesting to see how the author fleshes it out as the series progresses. One wonders at their ability to carry so much weight (not sure about the air sac explanation), but this too may be resolved and in any case this is fantasy, not ‘realistic’, fiction.
    More important, however, is the disturbing relationship between dragons and humans: are they no more than beasts bred to the service of humans, like horses and dogs? If so, their intelligence and noble qualities like patience and devotion deserve far better treatment, particularly given the arrogance and rampant prejudices of humans. This, of course, may be the point and it may be explored more fully later in the series. In this first novel, however, the focus is upon the personal relationship that develops between Captain Laurence of the Royal Navy and the dragon Temeraire and the battle to protect England from invasion by Napoleon’s army. In this context, the virtues of the dragons serve as a scathing comment upon human failings rather than a demand for reform, especially since the these are attitudes more prevalent in the past rather than the present. This is primarily a stirring tale of high adventure and heroism.
    Temeraire himself is a delightful creation, at once innocent and wise, curious and caring, perceptive and independent-minded. He has my vote in the next election, though I suspect that he is too unworldly to survive in the modern political arena with its emphasis upon attack and misinformation. Still, a blast of ‘divine wind’ might help to clear the air.
    Highly recommended, and I already look forward to reading the rest of the series.
  • Neha a.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in India on December 11, 2024
    Good read, a bit slow paced
  • Kindle-klant
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rollercoaster 2.0!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 29, 2024
    Zeker een aanrader voor de beginnende lezer. (Cq 13 jaar+) maar ook lekker weglezend voor boekverslinders.

    Verhaal is meeslepend, spannend, gevoelsspellend en buiten gewoon beeldschetsent.

    Je leeft echt mee met de hoofdpersonen en alles wat ze meemaken.
  • eliotropos
    5.0 out of 5 stars coinvolgente e commovente
    Reviewed in Italy on November 18, 2019
    Mi sono accostata da poco al genere Fantasy, ma devo dire che la Novik mi affascina moltissimo con la sua scrittura evocativa ed intensa.
    Sicuramente Temeraire è un personaggio moolto particolare che unisce alla potenza fisica un'enorme tenerezza e ingenuità infantile; ma proprio attraverso quest'ingenuità riesce a mettere in discussione pilastri della società occidentale ormai incontestati e quasi dogmatici.
    La relazione tra Lawrence ed il suo drago Temeraire è sempre commovente anche se spesso l'affettazione del capitano di marina è esageratamente controllata lasciando poco spazio al flusso emotivo, che pure traspare anche nei silenzi.
    Da consigliare? si certo. Speriamo che i prossimi libri siano all'altezza del primo.