Empire of Ivory

EmpireOfIvory

Empire of Ivory is the fourth novel in the Temeraire series, written by Naomi Novik. The novel continues the adventures of Captain William Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire, as they journey to Africa in search of a cure for a deadly disease that threatens the British aerial corps and their dragons. The book blends elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and alternate history, and is set during the Napoleonic Wars.

Plot Summary

Empire of Ivory begins with Captain Laurence and Temeraire returning to England after their adventures in the Far East. Upon their arrival, they discover that a mysterious illness is decimating the dragon population, critically weakening the British aerial defense against Napoleon's forces. The disease causes the dragons to lose their ability to fly and eventually leads to their death. In a desperate bid to find a cure, Laurence, Temeraire, and a group of dragons and aviators set off for Africa, where it is rumored the cure can be found.

Their journey takes them to the Kingdom of the Tswana, where they encounter a society where dragons are treated very differently from in Europe. The Tswana have their own dragons, which they consider equal members of their society, and the British are confronted with the moral implications of their own treatment of dragons. The quest for the cure becomes entangled with political and ethical dilemmas, especially when it is discovered that the cure involves exploiting another species.

Throughout the novel, Novik explores themes of imperialism, slavery, and the clash of cultures, using the alternate history setting to examine these issues from a unique perspective. The relationship between Laurence and Temeraire continues to develop, with Temeraire becoming increasingly vocal about the rights of dragons and questioning the status quo.

Reception

Empire of Ivory received positive reviews from critics and fans of the series for its engaging plot, character development, and the way it addresses complex themes. Novik's ability to blend historical detail with fantasy elements has been particularly praised, as has her exploration of the moral and ethical issues raised in the novel.

Themes and Analysis

The novel delves into themes of morality, freedom, and the consequences of imperialism. Through the journey of Laurence and Temeraire, Novik examines the impact of colonialism not only on human societies but also on the natural world and other sentient beings. The book raises questions about the ethics of using other species for human benefit, drawing parallels with historical instances of exploitation.

See Also

• Naomi Novik
• Temeraire (series)
• Napoleonic Wars
• Historical fiction
• Fantasy literature
• Alternate history