Teleseparatist's Reviews > Victory of Eagles

This novel shows that a great set-up a great novel makes. The excellent, game-changing ending of the previous novel dictates the repercussions here and it's as good as expected, or maybe even better.

The best Temeraire novel by far, Victory of Eagles takes those elements of the previous novels that really worked for me (characterisation, conflict of values, honour versus pragmatism, dragons being adorable) and adds unprecedented depth to the characterisation by making the characters face hard choices and terrible situations. Temeraire gains new maturity, and Laurence new depth, and on top of that the terror of warfare is finally addressed more fully. Considering the previous treatment of war in Temeraire novels, which seems light and almost nonchalant in comparison, the Napoleonic invasion allows Novik to truly shine and stretch her wings, metaphorically speaking. This post-treason Laurence is a much more interesting Laurence. And his interactions with Tharkay and their growing affection were a particular highlight. I literally squeed several times - not what I'd expected from these novels.

I look forward to more from Laurence and Tharkay, Iskierka and both Rolands. Not so much Riley and Australia, but what can you do.