A fantasy novel with an interesting twist: it is the time of Britain’s war against Napoleonic France, but the battles take place with an additional dimension: aerial, with the introduction of dragons as essential tools of war. Yes, dragons exist, and though they are rare enough and fierce enough to be feared, their presence has seeped into popular culture (a mural by Michelangelo depicts dragons devouring sinners in Hell).

Quite apart from the interesting battles (which are kinda a cross between 19th century naval tactics and WWI dogfights), the backbone of the story is the budding relationship between Captain William Laurence, a captain in the British Navy, and Temeraire, the dragon that emerges from the egg Laurence captures in a battle with a French frigate. Both characters are immensely likeable and their story carries you easily through the book. I really really wanted to know what happened. Highly recommended.