According to Chinese law, Celestials are only allowed to accompany royalty Temeraire was intended for Napoleon, Emperor of the French, while Laurence, a mere commoner, is deemed unworthy.

The Chinese are eager to recover their rare Celestial dragon from the British. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await.Īfter defeating Napoleon's forces at the battle of Dover, Laurence and Temeraire are confronted by envoys from Imperial China, including Prince Yongxing, brother of the Jiaqing Emperor. 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. Naomi Novik beautifully renders an 1800s Europe in which naval buffs and dragon lovers will be keen to immerse themselves.”-Alan Dean Foster, author of the Pip & Flinx series “Readers with a penchant for both Patrick O’Brian and Anne McCaffrey may have found their perfect match.

Throne of jade