Starred review from April 11, 2016
Novik’s ninth draconic alternate history of the Napoleonic wars concludes the series with a bang. It opens where 2013’s Blood of Tyrants left off, with Napoleon’s staggering losses in the Russian winter of 1813. The allied forces are demoralized by Napoleon’s escape back to France, but nothing could have provoked the English dragon Temeraire more than the news that his egg has been stolen from China—where it was left in trust—and may well be destroyed by his grave enemy, the Chinese celestial dragon Lien. Only once the safety of his egg is assured will Temeraire turn his keen intelligence and unique perception to the problem of Napoleon’s regrouping forces, and to thwarting a scheme to turn the feral dragons of the continent against the allies. This thrilling installment is packed with action and excitement, drawing the series to a delightful and satisfying close with plenty of twists, misadventures, and aerial combat along the way. Agent: Cynthia Manson, Cynthia Manson Literary.