I thought the book an improvement over
Empire of Ivory. Great portrait of Wellington, and I loved the Wellington-Roland interaction.
I really disliked the plot turn in the last book of Lawrence having to turn traitor to save most of the dragons of the world; which will, as far as I can tell, keep him out of military action for a long time. I think Novik wants to explore the different ways dragons are treated and interact with their cultures all over the world; I really loved the original premise of dragons and British Air Corps fighting Napoleon. Temeraire and Lawrence traveling all over the world and serving as catalysts (or initiators) of social reform doesn't excite me as much; I miss Maximus and Lily and the Loch Laggan Covert already. (what happened to Celeritas?)
I thought Novik dropped the plot-ball with Catherine's pregnancy; what did it serve except to trap her and Riley in an unwanted marriage, since the child is a boy?
I thought the last battle was wonderfully written; and am once more filled with admiration for Lien, who is smarter than almost anyone. And I loved her attempt to be rather motherly (if only to cozen her) to the captured Izkierka - their interview was a masterpiece of dialogue.
And of course I'm looking forward to the next book; though I doubt that Izkierka will get what she wants. I wonder how much longer Granby will be allowed to stay with her; she seems almost incapable of serving in a military manner, or taking anyone's orders.
RAKSHA