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  • Black Powder War

  • The Temeraire Series, Book 3
  • By: Naomi Novik
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
  • Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (206 ratings)
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Black Powder War cover art

Black Powder War

By: Naomi Novik
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Summary

Naomi Novik’s stunning series of novels follows the global adventures of Captain William Laurence and his fighting dragon, Temeraire, as they are thrown together to fight for Britain during the turbulent time of the Napoleonic Wars.

British flyer Will Laurence and his extraordinary Celestial dragon, Temeraire, gratefully anticipate their voyage home from China. But before they set sail, they are waylaid by urgent new orders. The British government, having purchased three valuable dragon eggs from the Ottoman Empire - one of a rare fire-breathing Kazilik dragon, one of the most deadly breeds in existence - now requires Laurence and Temeraire to make a more perilous overland journey instead, stopping off in Istanbul to collect and escort the precious cargo back to England.

And time is of the essence if the eggs are to hatch upon British shores.

A cross-continental expedition is a daunting prospect, fraught with countless dangers. The small party must be prepared to travel the treacherous Silk Road, navigating frigid mountain passes and crossing sterile deserts to evade feral dragon attacks and Napoleon's aggressive infantry.

Barely surviving the poisonous intrigue of the Ottoman Court, the small British party's journey home is delayed once more. The Prussians muster their forces before them, barring their way, and Laurence and Temeraire become swept up in the battle against Bonaparte - trapped by politics as they learn that the British had promised to send their allies aid - but help is months overdue.

The crew will also face unexpected menace, for a Machiavellian herald precedes them, spreading political poison in her wake. Lien, the white celestial dragon, absconded from the Chinese imperial court shortly after the humiliating death of her beloved princely companion. Fervently believing Temeraire to be the architect of her anguish, she has vowed to ally herself with his greatest enemy in order to exact a full and painful revenge upon everything and everyone the black dragon holds dear.

©2019 Naomi Novik (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Novik won me over with her first novel. the combination of history, sympathetic characters, and an engaging style makes this series great, intelligent fun." (The Times)

"Plenty of intrigue, swordplay, exotic locations, plausible invention. In short a treat." (The Telegraph)

"These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart." (Peter Jackson) 

What listeners say about Black Powder War

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  • Overall
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Amazing

I loved this book. the realism of the Napoleonic wars with the added bite of dragons is amazing and Simon Vance was born to narrate it he gives every character a unique essence and he sounds every part the English gentleman only heightening the authenticity.

I love this book and this series

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Slow to get going … but still a triumph

Honestly I’m moving through these books at a rate of knots (pun definitely intended.) This latest instalment was a bit slower to get going than Jade Throne, but once I got in a few chapters it didn’t disappoint. What I love about these books is you can never guess what’ll come next. They’re also so full of humour, as well as drama. Couldn’t put it down and already on number 4!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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not for me

I thought this series would be right up my street being Napoleonic military fantasy but after three books it never really hooked me.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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RECCORDING FAULTY, DO NOT BUY

Chapter between 16 and 17 missing and possibly more. Missing chapter present in three book recording.

First time Audible user, really disappointing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly written, Perfectly Read.

I know I said that before about this author and narrator combination but these early books in the series are SO worth your time. I'm looking forward to the rest, can't let go of the whole concept and storyline. Great work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Temeraire does it again

Another rip roaring yarn full of adventure. I love the characters especially the Dragonet Iskirkia. They feel like family and Simon Vances does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Temeraire at his best

I love temeraire’s ongoing adventures, all the characters are wonderfully realised and the story is gripping and immersive, dragons in the napoleonic war is such a strange and amazing concept, and so immaculately realised here. i will definitely be reading more!

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Totally addicted!

Absolutely loved this book, contains a few unexpected twists toward the end, only thing is like the book before it it wrapped up the story quite quickly. Downloading book 4 now!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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addictive

I have enjoyed each book as much as, if not more than, the last. I'm addicted.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love all of these books so far

A beautiful intelligent relationship between the main characters, touching and detailed, set amongst the toils and strife of the Napoleanic era. In her books so far we've travelled, all the way to China and back.

The focus is firmly upon Lawrence and Temerriere and, well I became very attached to the dragon very early on.

Beautifully read, the perfect voice for the dragon and everyone around him.

No ridiculousness or need for magic, other than the existence of intelligent dragons of course, just great, character driven and well built series of tales that I wish were all on audible already
!

Also don't miss her Uprooted story. That too is chrcter driven, first person and quite remarkable. I keep stealing time to listen.

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