When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo, Capt. Will Laurence unexpectedly became master and commander of the dragon Temeraire. Now an angry Chinese delegation vows to reclaim the remarkable beast. Laurence has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East-a long voyage fraught with peril, intrigue, and the untold terrors of the deep. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await.

Sequel to: His Majesty's dragon.