Black Powder War

In this third of the series, we follow Laurence and the wonderful Temeraire through three stages of their adventures: their overland journey back from China which becomes diverted via Turkey; their enforced stay in the Sultan's palace in Istanbul; and their participation in the Prussian wars against Napoleon.Parts of this book are a trifle slow if you're looking just for fast-paced adventure, but the last part more than makes up for that as Temeraire is thrust back into battle. I really liked the earlier parts, however, as we see Temeraire and Laurence under strain. The impact of China hasn't left either of them and Temeraire's innocent intentions of emancipating dragons is a nice sub-text to the main plot.I love this series, and really enjoyed this instalment, especially the addition of new dragon characters to Temeraire's circle. I find these books acutely addictive so you might well want to have the next one ( Empire of Ivory ) handy for the moment you finish this. Empire of Ivory

I did enjoy the previous Temeraire books but felt this one was disappointing. There was very little action throughout and I found the battles quite dull - ie Temeraire helps them out with formations but you are not informed what he actually tells them to do.I'm unsure if I will read any others in this series - maybe if I can find them in a library but doubt I will buy any more and will probably sell the ones I have as I don't think I would every read them again.I am sure people will think this a well written classical style novel but there really isn't anything different or exciting going on. Anne McCaffrey may not be an esteemed writer but she is much more entertaining - read her dragon novels instead.

I ordered this book along with the second in the series, and whilst the second book came within the usual time I have come to expect when ordering off Amazon, this book - the third one took a very long time to be dispatched even though when I ordered it it was in stock. Im loving the series, but the service fir this book was slower than a snail trying to go backwards

Love the world setting and concept space for these books.Later books maybe not making as much use of pseudo period etiquette/flavour as the earlier ones. Which is a pity.Still readable though.

Delivery - excellent - time-wise, quality and packaging.Content - interesting read, though in comparison to previous and following books it does feel a little bit like an interlude. Still full of exciting events, more character development and introduction of rather wonderful characters.