Review: Victory of Eagles by Naomi Novik
Sep. 10th, 2008 09:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eliyesI am continuing to love the Temeraire books, and this latest installment was no exception. Novik has done a good job building on elements of the previous books, allies and adversaries having an impact on the events of the book. In a way, if feels as though the opening trilogy was merely laying the groundwork, but I don't mean to devalue those books -- it's just that Victory of Eagles does a very good job of bringing together elements of what came before.
The book begins approximately three months after the end of Empire of Ivory. I don't want to spoil that book for anyone who hasn't read, but let me say that where it left off left me crying and wondering what could be done to ever make things right again, even as I totally supported Lawrence and Temeraire's decision. Novik wisely didn't try to come up with a quick fix, and you could say that this book is more about dealing with the consequences of that decision as it is about repelling Napoleon's invasion of England. Things won't ever be like they were before, they can't be, but this book ended in a way which satisfied me that the worst might be over -- and even if it's not, our heroes are prepared to deal with what might come their way as they head towards new prospects of adventure.
Vague enough for you? :D
I felt the pacing of this book was smoother than the second and third novels, but that might be because it didn't take place over as long a period of time, or involve so many changes of venue. I don't recall the previous books splitting the narration so evenly between Lawrence and Temeraire's perspectives as was done here; it's interesting to see things from both sides, especially when the characters are apart.
All in all, a satisfying read. I feel confident that anyone following the series so far will enjoy this latest offering.
The book begins approximately three months after the end of Empire of Ivory. I don't want to spoil that book for anyone who hasn't read, but let me say that where it left off left me crying and wondering what could be done to ever make things right again, even as I totally supported Lawrence and Temeraire's decision. Novik wisely didn't try to come up with a quick fix, and you could say that this book is more about dealing with the consequences of that decision as it is about repelling Napoleon's invasion of England. Things won't ever be like they were before, they can't be, but this book ended in a way which satisfied me that the worst might be over -- and even if it's not, our heroes are prepared to deal with what might come their way as they head towards new prospects of adventure.
Vague enough for you? :D
I felt the pacing of this book was smoother than the second and third novels, but that might be because it didn't take place over as long a period of time, or involve so many changes of venue. I don't recall the previous books splitting the narration so evenly between Lawrence and Temeraire's perspectives as was done here; it's interesting to see things from both sides, especially when the characters are apart.
All in all, a satisfying read. I feel confident that anyone following the series so far will enjoy this latest offering.
