Throne of Jade
First paperback edition cover
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| Author | Naomi Novik |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Dominic Harman |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Temeraire |
| Genre | Alternate history / Fantasy |
| Publisher |
Del Rey (US) Voyager (UK) |
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Publication date
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April 25, 2006 (US) August 2007 (UK) |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 398 pp |
| ISBN | |
| Preceded by | His Majesty's Dragon |
| Followed by | Black Powder War |
Throne of Jade is the second novel in the Temeraire alternate history/fantasy series written by American author Naomi Novik. It was first published by Del Rey in the United States on April 25, 2006 and would later be published in the United Kingdom in August 2007.
The story is set during an alternate history version of the Napoleonic Wars, in which dragons not only exist but are used as a staple of aerial warfare in Asia and Europe. The dragons of the story are portrayed as sapient and intelligent, capable of logical thought and human speech. The series centers primarily on events involving Temeraire (the titular dragon) and his handler, William Laurence. The first book of the series centered on how Laurence, formerly a Captain in the Royal Navy, becomes Temeraire's handler, and their early training in preparation for battles against Napoleon's aerial fleet.
After defeating Napoleon's forces at the battle of Dover, Laurence and Temeraire are confronted by envoys from Imperial China, including Prince Yongxing, brother of the Jiaqing Emperor. The Chinese are eager to get their rare Celestial dragon back from the British. According to Chinese law, Celestials are only allowed to accompany royalty—Temeraire was intended for Napoleon, Emperor of the French—and Laurence, a mere commoner, is deemed unworthy of Temeraire.
After several failed attempts to convince Laurence and the Royal Aerial Corps to return Temeraire to China, the Chinese and the British agree to have Temeraire and his flight crew — including Laurence — accompany the Imperial envoys back to China. As the land routes are deemed unsafe, the Navy has a dragon transport, HMS Allegiance, captained by Laurence's former second officer Tom Riley, ferry the Celestial and his crew on a voyage to China. During the voyage, attempts are made on the life of Laurence in order to remove him from Temeraire. In addition, political machinations on the part of the British, French, and Chinese are discovered that threaten the position of Britain in the East, as well as the stability of the Chinese throne. Finally, Laurence has ongoing difficulties with both Captain Riley, a staunch supporter of the slave trade (Laurence himself descends from known abolitionists), and the diplomat Arthur Hammond, sent along to smooth the operation.
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