Not only does Novik craft a world that is itself believable, but her characters react to and interact with events in this world in consistent and believable ways. This connects into the world building because dragons occupy such a different role in society in China compared to England, where Laurence hails from and where Temeraire has so far been raised. You don’t notice this as much as you might, however, because what the novel is really about is how the trust and friendship that Laurence and Temeraire have built up is tested in new and interesting ways. This novel is much more a character story than the first novel in the series, and as such the action comes a bit inconsistently throughout the novel. That is exactly how it would have gone down.” It’s not only the realism of the setting that sets this novel apart, but also the characterization and particularly the interaction between Laurence and Temeraire. Having read Throne of Jade I can only say, “Yes. I thought this was particularly true in the juxtaposition between the way dragons are treated and how they integrate into society in China versus how they do so in Europe. She skillfully crafts a believable version of what the world would have been like in 1806 if dragons were well known throughout the world. One place where Novik excels in this novel, and I think it’s a very subtle thing, is in realistically imagining her world. But where this really shines is how Novik uses the backdrop of her alternative history to explore issues that are incredibly relevant to our world today. The Chinese want Temeraire back, and - of course - the dragon will have none of being separated from Laurence. This novel, the second entry in the series, sees Laurence and Temeraire traveling to China on a sensitive mission.

Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await.Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade is a wonderful addition to her alternate history fantasy series. 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. 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. As new recruits in Britain’s Aerial Corps, man and dragon soon proved their mettle in daring combat against Bonaparte’s invading forces. Will Laurence of HMS Reliant unexpectedly became master and commander of the noble dragon he named Temeraire. When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo–an unhatched dragon’s egg–Capt. It starts in November 1805 and carries into Summer 1806. The second book of the Temeraire series, Throne of Jade picks up after the events of His Majesty's Dragon and takes place in Britain and China.

Throne of jade