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I'm halfway through reading His Majesty's Dragon. For the most part I'm enjoying it. The characters are likable, the world-building moves smoothly, and the plot picks just the right points for action.
That said, there are some niggling things bothering me.
1. Putting aside the idea that large, flying, long-lived, sentient dragons exist in this setting, that seems to be the only fantastical element. So...how can dragons speak human languages flawlessly when their mouths and (presumably) vocal cords are decidedly inhuman?
2. Why don't dragons rule this setting, as (with a few exceptions) most of them seem to be powerful as smart enough to do pretty much anything they want? The love for their human partners only goes so far, as a point is made that humans are extremely short-lived compared to dragons.
Are either of these points addressed in this or the subsequent books?
Should I just chalk it up to suspension of disbelief? Posts: 6689 | Registered: Jan 2005
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What you haven't seen Dragonheart? I totally believed that dragon spoke like Sean Connery.
And I can't believe you didn't start this thread with the movie news related to Temeraire. YOU of all people .
Posts: 21898 | Registered: Nov 2004
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Hee! Well, in my defense, I have not yet finished the first book, thus I'm uncommited to the series.
And, buying the option for a film is still many steps removed from seeing a film greenlit.
Mainly, it means Peter Jackson doesn't have to worry about anyone else buying the rights while the potential film is in development hell. Posts: 6689 | Registered: Jan 2005
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I don't usually read fantasy. Does anyone who's read the books think that this is a good book for someone who doesn't usually read fantasy? I love the Lord of the Rings and years ago I read the original Pern series and liked it. That's about it for me and dragons, but this book has attracted my attention because of all the rave reviews and I've been tempted. Should I give in tot he temptation?
Posts: 407 | Registered: Mar 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Puffy Treat: 1. [cut] So...how can dragons speak human languages flawlessly when their mouths and (presumably) vocal cords are decidedly inhuman?
2. Why don't dragons rule this setting, as (with a few exceptions) most of them seem to be powerful as smart enough to do pretty much anything they want? The love for their human partners only goes so far, as a point is made that humans are extremely short-lived compared to dragons.
Are either of these points addressed in this or the subsequent books?
The physiology of dragon vocal cords is never touched upon, though the idea of dragons learning human speech is. And #2 is, and at the same time, not addressed in the later books. The explanations given did not feel entirely complete to me.
I personally enjoyed the first book because of the setting (an interesting idea of a re-imagined Napoleonic era full of dragons) and the engaging interaction between Will and Temeraire. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the second and third novels.
Posts: 32 | Registered: Aug 2006
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I used to know a woman called Naomi Novik...I wonder if she's the same person who wrote these books...
Posts: 87 | Registered: Apr 2006
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I like this series as well. I recently finished reading all four novels in the series and am waiting for Victory of Eagles.
Posts: 339 | Registered: Apr 2008
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I've read all the ones currently out in paperback. I've enjoyed them, although I consider them along the lines of beach reading - fun, but not especially complex. Good reads though, especially to break up some heavier stuff.
Posts: 3950 | Registered: Mar 2006
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