Empire of Ivory (Temeraire, Book 4) Mass Market Paperback – September 25, 2007

A writing mentor recommended this book to me as an example of a sentient African dragons story. My feelings were mixed. I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded it up to 4.I read the first Temeraire novel and enjoyed the relationship between rider and dragon, but I struggled with Laurence's relationship with the mother of Emily. You don't sleep with your student's parent.This book continues with its amusing alternate history course. I enjoyed meeting a post Trafalgar Nelson, especially. But once the crew reaches Africa--was that halfway through the book?-- my enjoyment fled.I guess my hopes had followed along the lines of Black Panther rather than Novik's novel. What do I mean? It's depressing--although probably true considering human nature--to see that when the advanced tribes had the opportunity to do to the Europeans what the Europeans did to Africans, that they showed themselves equally ruthless and heartless. I took a break from the book to read something much less dreary, but I did finish the book.

Empire of Ivory, Naomi Novik’s fourth book in His Majesty’s Dragon series, takes place where The Black Powder Wars left off.The focus of the series is fighting Napoleon and his push to dominate all of Europe. The first three books also addressed the undercurrents of slavery and the treatment of Dragons. These two elements are present like a nagging wound, festering in the background.Although Novik begins to veer away from history in this book, she manages to add historical events as they happened in Laurence’s timeline. For example, the war continues and parliament debates and passes an anti-slavery bill. When Laurence and Temeraire go to Africa (1807), they encounter abolitionists. Temeraire continues his uphill battle for dragons rights.This book brings these things to a head and forces Laurence to make difficult decisions.CharactersAs always, I love these characters.Jane Roland, Laurence’s love interest, is now Admiral at Dover. She’s a marvelous character. There aren’t many women in this story, but they are all strong and capable women. Jane is one of my favorites. She would do perfectly fine in the 21st century.Laurence is shocked by her advancement but quickly recovers. The Admiralty appointed her because there was no one else. She turns out to be perfect for the job.Tharkay, who was introduced in the last book, becomes more likable. I was on the fence about him before, but I’m squarely on his side now.Iskierka, the dragon who hatched in Black Powder Wars, continues to be one of my favorite characters. She breathes fire, has an aggressive, demanding personality, and enough self-confidence for ten dragons. She continues to be a thorn in Temeraire’s side, which is always amusing.PlotIt’s difficult to talk about the plot and not give away major parts of the story. There are a few things I can say.Laurance and Temeraire do see action against Napoleons forces.In Africa, they’ve been commissioned to find a cure for a disease that his killing dragons.The plot is gripping and had me so involved in the story that I finished the book in record time. There were some nights of reading into the wee hours.ThemesI found this book the most interesting so far. Novik is a master at blending the culture of the time into the story. She also unfolds several storylines that are related yet separate.Jane works diligently to establish her place in a man’s world while fighting her superiors for every small forward progress. Laurence, raised by an abolitionist father, dislikes slavery. At every turn in this story, he encounters slavery, it’s results, and those fighting to end the bondage.The Dragons have serious problems, and in many ways, they are little more than slaves themselves.All these events come together and culminate when Laurence has to make a moral choice that has far-reaching effects for him and Temeraire.I cheer him for making the right decision, but the price he has to pay breaks my heart.

Great continuation of the series. Themes of property and ownership were explored more deeply. The bond between the dragons and their riders was fleshed out even more and I'm thoroughly in love with the characters.

I love this series and the books are soo good. I was super excited to read this one but when it arrived it had some cracking along the spine and the pages looked somewhat worn. I bought a new copy and it looks like a good condition used version. Love the book, and it shipped very quickly but wish it was slightly better condition

This is book 4 in the Temeraire series, which envisions the Napoleonic wars with aerial corps made up of dragons and their crew. Some of the below is included in my other reviews of the series but I like to know the order of books in a series, so I'm providing that for anyone else like me out there :)In order they areHis Majesty's Dragon [Captain Will Laurence meets hatchling dragon Temeraire]Throne of Jade [Laurence and Temeraire travel to China on a diplomatic mission]Black Powder Wars [Laurence and Temeraire go to Istanbul to retrieve three new eggs, including a fire breather]Empire of Ivory [Laurence and Temeraire visit Africa and battle a society of dragons intent on world domination]Victory of Eagles [Laurence and Temeraire face the consequences of their treason as Napoleon invades England and occupies London, resulting in the death of many of their friends].There is a sixth book coming out at some point but I can't figure out when.This is a great book... one of my favorites in the series but this is the first time I really get aggravated with Temeraire. He has no concept of consequences. But I have to keep in mind that at this point in his development he is still a child and so my expectations of him should reflect that. But he gets Laurence and his friends into quite a few pickles without thinking of anyone but really his own opinions of right and wrong. I guess it really boils down to he has no empathy. But he's still charming - much like other three year olds I know =) - and the dynamic between him and Laurence is outstanding.The summary of the book that is set out on the cover doesn't really cover the actual tale. Yes, they set out to retrieve the cure but that is a minor part of the story really - it's what happens while they retrieve the cure that has the most impact on the outcome of the book. I won't spoil it but there are some great book club kinds of issues that can be used to discuss prejudice, equality, slavery, and consequences of social mores.

Laurence and Temeraire are finally back in Britain after their long travels - but all is not well with their friends, dragon and human. The pair are forced to take off to Africa - and make a very tough decision that affects their lives at the most profound level...I really love these books, and it's a delight to be back in the company of Temeraire's companions, especially grumpy, enormous Maximus. I felt that this book, in particular, really raises the emotional stakes for our friends, with some hard decisions being taken on the sides of both Laurence and Temeraire.I really don't want to say any more about the plot which would spoil things for other readers. Suffice to say these are brilliantly written books with real heart and soul. The relationship between Laurence and Temeraire is wonderfully realised, with some very underplayed but incredibly moving scenes towards the end.More, perhaps, that the other books in the series, this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so it's well worth having the next instalment (Victory of Eagles (Temeraire 5) ready for the moment you finish this. I can't get enough of this series - highly recommended.

I really like both fantasy novels and historical ones, so this series seemed to be a perfect fit and I have not been disappointed. A simple premise (that dragons exist and always have done) set within the era of Napoleon and the age of exploration.I've been buying these on both Audible and Kindle so that I can continue the story wherever I am. Brilliant.

Still well written, engaging and entertaining.I tend to devour these books, with the strange side effect that I find myself talking like Captain Lawrence for a day or so after.I think my favourite thing about the books (other than the dragons) is that Naomi has so succesfully brought to life a 19th centure Englishman, with the ridiculous patriotism and unconcious prejudice that entails. And then challenges these through the voice of Temeraire. Its masterfully done.

Love the world setting and concept space for these books.Later books maybe not making as much use of pseudo period etiquette/flavour as the earlier ones. Which is a pity.Still readable though.

I love this series of books, the characters are engaging and the story is thoroughly gripping, I wasn't sure at first how I would like the history with a twist element of the books but I have grown to love them and am interested to see how the Napoleonic Wars turn out!