Cover of His Majesty's Dragon
Cover of Throne of Jade
Cover of Black Powder War
Cover of Empire of Ivory
Cover of Victory of Eagles
Cover of Tongues of Serpents
Series

Temeraire

7 books

The Temeraire series by Naomi Novik has 5 books. Start with His Majesty's Dragon (2006), then read the rest in the order below. Related works without a series number, like companions and adaptations, are listed after them.

Temeraire reading order

1
Cover of His Majesty's Dragon

His Majesty's Dragon

Naomi Novik

In an alternate history of the Napoleonic Wars, a British naval captain unexpectedly acquires a dragon egg and becomes bound to the magnificent creature that hatches from it, forever altering the course of his life and military career. Thrust into the secretive world of aerial combat and dragon breeding, he must navigate the rigid hierarchies of the Aerial Corps while forming an unprecedented bond with his dragon, Temeraire. As Napoleon's forces threaten Britain's shores, captain and dragon must learn to work together in battle, challenging everything they thought they knew about duty, loyalty, and what it means to be human. Naomi Novik's imaginative debut weaves together meticulous historical detail with fantastical world-building, creating a richly layered narrative that explores themes of duty, companionship, and the transformative power of connection. This is the first book in the beloved Temeraire series, a masterful blend of military fiction and dragon fantasy that will captivate readers who crave adventure, intricate character development, and a fresh take on historical fiction.

FantasyHistorical FictionWar Fiction
2
Cover of Throne of Jade

Throne of Jade

Naomi Novik

In a world where dragons are integral to aerial warfare, Captain Will Laurence finds his life irrevocably changed when he becomes the bonded rider of Temeraire, a rare Chinese dragon egg intercepted by the British Navy. Together, they rise through the ranks of the newly formed Aerial Corps, proving their courage and skill against Napoleon's forces. However, their triumphs are overshadowed when a Chinese delegation arrives, demanding the return of the dragon, which was intended for the French Emperor. Faced with the prospect of execution for his refusal to relinquish Temeraire, Laurence embarks on a perilous journey to the Far East, a voyage that plunges him into a world of political intrigue, ancient customs, and unforeseen dangers that will test the bonds of man and dragon like never before.

FantasyAdventure FictionHistorical Fiction
3
Cover of Black Powder War

Black Powder War

Naomi Novik

Captain Will Laurence and his formidable dragon, Temeraire, find themselves on a perilous journey across continents, tasked with escorting a vital shipment of dragon eggs from the bustling markets of Istanbul back to England. Their path, fraught with the dangers of the Old Silk Road, will test their courage as they traverse treacherous deserts and formidable mountains. Along the way, they become entangled in the desperate struggle of the Prussian forces against Napoleon's advancing army, adding a new layer of urgency to their already critical mission. This installment continues the epic saga of aerial combat and unlikely companionship, exploring themes of duty, loyalty, and the ever-shifting tides of war.

FantasyAdventure FictionHistorical Fiction
4
Cover of Empire of Ivory

Empire of Ivory

Naomi Novik

In a world where dragons are integral to warfare, a mysterious plague sweeps through the ranks of the noble aerial corps, leaving humanity vulnerable. As France's armies grow increasingly audacious, the fate of the nation rests on the shoulders of a handful of newly recruited dragons and their human companions. This gripping tale explores themes of duty, courage, and the unlikely bonds forged in the crucible of war. Prepare for an epic adventure where loyalty and bravery take flight against overwhelming odds.

FantasyAdventure FictionEpic Fantasy
5
Cover of Victory of Eagles

Victory of Eagles

Naomi Novik

In the fifth installment of the acclaimed Temeraire series, Captain Will Laurence and his dragon companion, Temeraire, find themselves fugitives after defying orders to protect their French adversaries. Their act of conscience, however, comes at a steep price as they return to Britain to face judgment, with Laurence condemned and Temeraire facing a grim future. As Britain braces for a full-scale invasion by Napoleon's forces, led by the formidable celestial dragon Lien, Laurence and Temeraire are separated from their allies and must confront their fate alone. This gripping tale explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of war, all while the fate of nations hangs in the balance.

FictionFantasyAdventure Fiction
Cover of Tongues of Serpents

Tongues of Serpents

Naomi Novik

In this thrilling installment of the Temeraire series, Captain Will Laurence and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, find themselves exiled to the untamed shores of Australia. Tasked with establishing an aerial corps, they must navigate not only the perilous Australian landscape but also the complex politics of dragon handling and nascent military formations. As new dragons hatch and unexpected alliances form, Laurence and Temeraire confront challenges that test their bond and their commitment to the Crown. This adventure delves into themes of duty, prejudice, and the forging of new beginnings in a world reshaped by the presence of intelligent dragons.

FantasyHistorical FictionAdventure Fiction
Cover of Blood of Tyrants

Blood of Tyrants

Naomi Novik

In 1812, William Laurence and his formidable dragon, Temeraire, push beyond familiar battlefields to forge alliances across Japan, China, and Russia—only to find that diplomacy is as dangerous as war. When the dragon transport Potentate runs aground and Temeraire’s formation must scramble to set things right, their efforts collide with surveillance, misdirection, and the heavy-handed posturing of Western powers. As Laurence and Temeraire are pulled into palace intrigue and shifting loyalties, their partnership is tested by a devastating rupture in memory and identity. Blending alternate-history spectacle with Naomi Novik’s sharp wit and emotionally grounded character work, this installment explores the costs of power, the fragility of trust, and what it means to rebuild a bond when the past won’t stay put.

FictionHistorical FictionAdventure Fiction