Blood of Tyrants - Naomi Novik

Blood of Tyrants is the 8th novel in the Temeraire series.

Temeraire and Capt. Laurence were bound for China at the end of the last novel. When they're shipwrecked Laurence is washed overboard and lost. Temeraire is convinced he washed ashore somewhere, but can't search for him as they're off the coast of Japan. England and Japan have no love for each other. Japan, China, and eventually Russia play parts in this novel. And the ever present threat of Napoleon drives them on. There are plenty of battles and blood in this one. Very highly recommended.