Throne of Jade
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
|
| Author | Naomi Novik |
|---|---|
| Original title | Temeraire |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Temeraire |
| Genre(s) | Alternate history |
| Publisher | Del Rey |
| Released | April 25, 2006 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 432 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-345-48129-1 |
| Followed by | Black Powder War |
Throne of Jade is the second novel in the Temeraire alternate history/fantasy series by American author Naomi Novik.
The story is set during an alternate history version of the Napoleonic Wars, in which dragons not only exist but are used as a staple of aerial warfare in Asia and Europe. The dragons of the story are portrayed as sentient and intelligent, capable of logical thought and human speech. The series centers primarily on events involving Temeraire (the titular dragon) and his handler, William Laurence. The first book of the series centers on how Laurence, formerly a Captain in the British navy, becomes Temeraire's handler, and their early training in preparation for battles against Napoleon's aerial fleet.
[edit] Synopsis
After defeating Napoleon's forces at the battle of Dover, Laurence and Temeraire are confronted by envoys from Imperial China. The Chinese are eager to get their rare Celestial dragon back from the British. It is discovered that Temeraire was a gift from the Jiaqing Emperor to Napoleon, Emperor of the French. As a mere commoner, it is the position of the Chinese that [Laurence] is not worthy of Temeraire.
After several attempts to convince Laurence and the Royal Air Corps to return Temeraire to China fail, the Chinese and the British agree to have Temeraire and his flight crew - including Laurence - accompany the Imperial envoys back to China. As the land routes are deemed unsafe, the Navy has a dragon transport ferry the Celestial and his crew on a voyage to China. During the voyage, attempts are made on the life of Laurence in order to remove him from Temeraire. In addition, political machinations on the part of the British, French and Chinese are discovered that threaten the position of Britain in the East, as well as the stability of the Chinese throne.
After their arrival in China, more direct attempts are made on Laurence's life, including a confrontation with the brother of the Emperor and a Celestial dragon that is Temeraire's cousin, Lien. Following these events, in a move to resolve the issues with Laurence's social status, as well as easing relations with Britain, the emperor of China himself adopts the Captain into his family.
