Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 8:08 AM
“It seems to me after a fellow has been mutinied against three or four times, there is something to it besides bad luck.”
Captain Will Laurence, once celebrated for his bravery, now faces the harsh label of traitor for defying his country to save French dragons from a deadly plague during a time of war. Alongside his remarkable dragon, Temeraire, who is of both Chinese and British heritage, Laurence is exiled to the untamed and unfamiliar land of New South Wales. However, he never imagined that his new life would draw him into a fierce local conflict over the colony's governance.
In this tumultuous setting, the characters of the former royal governor, a man desperate to reclaim his authority, and a group of insurgents aspiring to overthrow him, clash violently. Both factions seek to recruit Laurence and Temeraire, understanding that the support of such a renowned dragon and his skilled captain could tip the balance in their favor. The political landscape is fraught with tension, as allegiances shift like sand.
The situation escalates when a valuable dragon egg goes missing, prompting Laurence and Temeraire to embark on a perilous quest over the rugged and towering Blue Mountains. The journey is filled with treacherous paths, hidden dangers, and stunning vistas that both challenge their resolve and test their bond as they race against time to recover the stolen egg.
This sixth installment of the Laurence-Temeraire saga takes on a notably darker tone than its predecessors, as the heroic pair navigates a grim and conflicted environment. Regrettably, the narrative misses a significant opportunity for interaction with the Aboriginal people, whose rich culture and understanding of the land could have provided an intriguing dynamic alongside the dragon’s presence.
The introduction of Bligh, infamous for his role aboard the Bounty, adds layers of intrigue and complexity to the plot, while Temeraire's unique and often insightful perspective lends a fresh voice to the unfolding drama. Fans of the series will find themselves engrossed in the unfolding turmoil of Australian exile, as Laurence and Temeraire grapple with their roles amid a chaotic struggle for power, revealing the complexities of loyalty, duty, and the unforeseen consequences of good intentions.
