It took me a long time to start and then to re-start reading this book because of the dying dragons. :( Couldn't deal with that. But after I finally started? I couldn't stop reading.

I love, love, love, love Temeraire. I love that he is not a "dumb" dragon but that he has his opinion, polictical views, is sometimes sulking like a little child and just a fantastic character. Sometimes it's painful to read how hopeful he comes that the British governement gives more rights to dragons but we as reader know that that won't happen. :(

I love Laurence. His flailing at keeping up with Temeraire and his fellow officers and men and women in the Aerial Corps. Makes me smile every time. (Also, I'm so glad that I didn't live in this period of time. I can only shake my head at the attitude of the men in this time from the POV of a woman reading about it today.)

I love all the dragons (the antics of them make me smile and giggle so much) and crews and I also understand Riley and so on. Hell, even the "bad guys" in this book are absolutely likable and when you stop and think for a second you know that our "heroes" would act in the same way in the same situation (well, except for deliberately sending a sick dragon to the french).

I love visiting Africa with Temeraire, Lily, Maximus and all the other dragons of the wing. I love that here too we get an altered history. Of course, there are dragons too! Of course the tribes of Africa use them to drive away the settlers and slavers! \o/ I love the idea that the African tribes have a completely different attitude to the dragons and, like the chinese, live with them, cherish them, are not terrified of them and treat them with respect like the sentient and intelligent beings that they are.

The capture of Laurence & Co and then the following H/C? Makes me a very happy camper. Also, I love that Lily and Dulcia came up with the way to rescue Laurence & Co and Temeraire. :D

The flight of Temeraire and Laurence from London to Scotland and France? AWESOME! I love that both, Temeraire and Laurence, came up with it and they both knew the consequences and still did it.

I hate that the book ended with Laurence standing on the shore of France, certain that he won't live 'til Christmas because he will be hung as traitor. I'm so glad that I already have the next book at home and can start reading it tomorrow. :D