Read Naomi Novik Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on March 15, 2026
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Naomi Novik has carved a unique niche in contemporary fantasy literature, blending meticulous historical research with imaginative storytelling that feels both epic and intimate. Her novels are celebrated for their richly drawn worlds, morally complex characters, and the seamless weaving of myth, folklore, and history into narratives that resonate long after the final page. For readers venturing into her works, a central question often arises: in what order should one approach her novels? This guide aims to explore that question, delving into Novik’s literary universe, the recommended reading order, and the personal joys that her stories offer.
Contents
List Of Naomi Novik Books In Order
| His Majesty’s Dragon (2006) | Details |
| Throne of Jade (2007) | Details |
| Black Powder War (2006) | Details |
| Empire of Ivory (2007) | Details |
| Victory of Eagles (2008) | Details |
| Tongues of Serpents (2010) | Details |
| Crucible of Gold (2013) | Details |
| Blood of Tyrants (2013) | Details |
| The Trade of Queens (2016) | Details |
| League of Dragons (2016) | Details |
| Uprooted (2015) | Details |
| Spinning Silver (2018) | Details |
More On Naomi Novik Books In Chronological Order
1. His Majesty’s Dragon (2006)
Okay, so picture this: you’re in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars, but instead of just regular warships, there are DRAGONS flying around! That’s the premise of *His Majesty’s Dragon*, the first book in the *Temeraire* series. We meet Will Laurence, a British captain who unexpectedly finds himself bonded with a dragon named Temeraire after capturing him in battle. The two of them develop this incredible partnership that brings them into the heart of the war, but also forces them to reckon with all sorts of political and moral dilemmas. It’s this perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy, and you’ll be rooting for the bond between Laurence and Temeraire through every page!
2. Throne of Jade (2007)
The adventure continues in *Throne of Jade*, where Laurence and Temeraire head to China. Oh, and let me tell you, it’s not just about dragons doing dragon things (though there’s plenty of that). This one dives deep into politics, culture clashes, and all the tricky nuances of loyalty and honor. Laurence is caught in this whirlwind of intrigue and personal growth as he and Temeraire try to navigate this foreign world. The bond between them becomes even more central as we explore deeper into Temeraire’s background and the larger dragon society.
3. Black Powder War (2006)
In *Black Powder War*, things go even crazier. This book picks up right where *Throne of Jade* left off, with Laurence and Temeraire getting into more action and, of course, more trouble. They’re sent on a mission to bring back a captured dragon, and oh boy, the journey is a wild one. There are desert landscapes, explosions, and tense military standoffs. But, on a more personal note, this is where Laurence and Temeraire really start to solidify their relationship-it’s full of heart as well as action. Plus, we get to meet some new, pretty cool characters along the way!
4. Empire of Ivory (2007)
This book is a whirlwind of new challenges for Laurence and Temeraire. They’re sent to Africa to uncover the mystery of why dragons in the region are suddenly dying. There’s an intensity here that brings the emotional stakes to a whole new level. Plus, there’s a nice balance of politics and adventure-nothing is ever simple when dragons are involved. There’s a real sense of growing urgency and a bit of heartbreak that builds between the characters as the book progresses. It’s definitely one of those books that feels like it pulls at your heartstrings.
5. Victory of Eagles (2008)
Hold on to your hats, because *Victory of Eagles* is one of the most intense books in the *Temeraire* series. Laurence finds himself in a bit of a moral quandary after being branded a traitor and imprisoned. With dragons as his allies, his future is anything but certain. It’s a story about loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex nature of war. We see a lot of growth in both Laurence and Temeraire’s character development as they try to navigate the mess they find themselves in. The stakes? Huge. The emotional payoff? Worth it.
6. Tongues of Serpents (2010)
*Tongues of Serpents* takes our beloved duo, Laurence and Temeraire, on another journey, this time to Australia, where they’re tasked with dealing with a new dragon-related issue that threatens to shift the power dynamics. If you think things are going to be calm down under, think again. This book brings an unsettling tension to the table as the consequences of earlier events in the series catch up with everyone. It’s a bit darker and more political, but it keeps the high-flying action and intrigue you love.
7. Crucible of Gold (2013)
You thought the stakes couldn’t get higher? Well, they do in *Crucible of Gold*! The novel sees Laurence and Temeraire embroiled in yet another international conflict, this time centered around South America. There’s a lot of focus on the geopolitical implications of dragon warfare, as well as the way society views dragons in different parts of the world. As usual, Novik crafts a thrilling blend of character-driven storytelling and epic action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s also a lot of tension as Laurence struggles with his role in the dragon world.
8. Blood of Tyrants (2013)
Now we’re diving deep into the consequences of everything that’s happened before in *Blood of Tyrants*. Laurence has been through so much already, but this book puts him to the test in a whole new way. He has to deal with the aftermath of his actions and the war’s toll on his personal life. It’s gritty, emotional, and full of both heart and thrilling adventure. Novik really ramps up the stakes, and it feels like the entire series has been building up to this point, where nothing can be taken for granted.
9. The Trade of Queens (2016)
In *The Trade of Queens*, Laurence and Temeraire are back, but this time, there’s a new dragon power struggle on the horizon. This is where things get even more complex in terms of relationships and diplomacy, as Laurence is forced into negotiating with foreign powers in a way that could change the entire world of dragons. The intrigue is off the charts, and we get some truly beautiful character moments that show how far these two have come. If you love seeing complex characters go through moral quandaries, this one is sure to hook you.
10. League of Dragons (2016)
The finale of the *Temeraire* series, *League of Dragons*, ties up all the epic storylines that have been building over the previous books. The stakes couldn’t be higher-Laurence and Temeraire face one final, massive challenge. The series reaches its crescendo with a battle that isn’t just about victory, but about the future of the world they’ve both fought to protect. It’s a satisfying, emotional conclusion to an epic saga, bringing all the themes of loyalty, war, and dragons to an unforgettable close.
11. Uprooted (2015)
*Uprooted* is a stand-alone fantasy that’s completely different from the *Temeraire* series, but still deeply engrossing. It’s a dark fairy tale where we follow Agnieszka, a young woman from a small village, who gets drawn into a mysterious and dangerous magical world. The *Wood* is this magical, corrupted forest that threatens everyone in its path, and the local wizard, known as the Dragon, is the only one who can stop it. But Agnieszka is thrust into a power struggle that forces her to confront dangerous forces. It’s one of those stories that mixes adventure, magic, and a sense of deep, lurking menace-you’re never quite sure who to trust, and that tension makes it so compelling.
12. Spinning Silver (2018)
If you loved *Uprooted*, you’ll be hooked on *Spinning Silver*. It’s another fairy-tale-esque story, but this time, it’s inspired by Jewish folklore. We follow three women-Miryem, a moneylender’s daughter; Wanda, a peasant girl; and Irina, the tsar’s daughter-who get entangled in an ancient magical battle. What I love about *Spinning Silver* is that it’s not just about magic or political intrigue, but about how the characters find power within themselves. The story is full of rich world-building, complex characters, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end.
Background On Naomi Novik Books
Naomi Novik began her writing career with a fresh twist on traditional fantasy. She first gained widespread recognition with the Temeraire series, a blend of historical fiction and high fantasy where dragons are integral military partners during the Napoleonic Wars. The series is a masterclass in world-building, blending the precision of history with the grandeur of fantasy.
Beyond Temeraire, Novik has ventured into standalone novels that continue to showcase her deft handling of folklore, myth, and alternate histories. Uprooted and Spinning Silver are notable examples, drawing inspiration from Eastern European fairy tales while creating entirely original worlds. Her works are often marked by strong, intelligent protagonists, rich atmospheric details, and narratives that challenge conventional notions of heroism and morality.
A distinguishing feature of Novik’s writing is her ability to make the fantastical feel tangible. Magic in her worlds is never arbitrary-it comes with rules, consequences, and a palpable weight. Her storytelling is both immersive and intellectually satisfying, appealing to readers who crave depth in character development, history, and mythic resonance.
Reading Order Explained
Naomi Novik’s works can largely be divided into two categories: series and standalones. Understanding the reading order helps readers fully appreciate the development of her narrative style and thematic exploration.
Temeraire Series
This is her only multi-book series, consisting of nine novels. The recommended reading order is chronological:
- His Majesty’s Dragon
- Throne of Jade
- Black Powder War
- Empire of Ivory
- Victory of Eagles
- Tongues of Serpents
- Crucible of Gold
- Blood of Tyrants
- League of Dragons
Reading the series in order allows readers to follow the progression of the bond between Captain William Laurence and the dragon Temeraire, as well as the unfolding political and military intrigues of an alternate Napoleonic era. The growth of secondary characters, the evolution of dragon society, and the historical-fantasy interweaving are most satisfying when experienced sequentially.
Standalone Novels
Novik’s standalones-Uprooted, Spinning Silver, and The Golden Enclaves (from the Scholomance series)-do not require a strict reading order. Each novel is a self-contained journey into a fantastical world inspired by myth and folklore. While they share thematic similarities, such as strong female protagonists and morally nuanced storytelling, each book offers a unique narrative experience independent of her other works.
What I Like About The Series?
The Temeraire series is a remarkable combination of historical precision and fantastical imagination. Novik’s dragons are not mere companions-they are fully realized characters with intelligence, emotion, and distinct personalities. This depth transforms the traditional ’fantasy creature’ trope into something profoundly engaging.
The world-building is meticulous. From the rigors of naval strategy to the intricacies of dragon training and the political complexities of an alternate Europe, Novik constructs a world that feels lived-in and authentic. The moral dilemmas her characters face, often between duty and personal conviction, elevate the narrative beyond mere adventure.
Her standalone novels are equally compelling. Uprooted is lush, atmospheric, and intensely character-driven, capturing the essence of Slavic folklore while exploring themes of power, agency, and the price of magic. Spinning Silver similarly weaves intricate fairy-tale logic with social commentary, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.
Overall, what makes Novik’s works extraordinary is her ability to balance epic world-building with intimate character development. Each story feels both grand in scale and personal in impact.
Should You Read Naomi Novik Books In Order?
The answer depends on which works you’re approaching. For the Temeraire series, reading in order is highly recommended. The story is sequential, and skipping books may result in missed character arcs, historical references, and narrative developments that are central to the overall experience.
For her standalone novels, order matters far less. Since each story is self-contained, readers can begin with whichever novel appeals most-whether it’s the darkly enchanting Uprooted or the high-stakes magical academy setting of The Golden Enclaves. That said, reading her works chronologically by publication can provide insight into the evolution of Novik’s narrative style and thematic interests.