I love Naomi Novik's series. Yes, there are flaws, but it is a fantasy series and is, for me, allowed some leeway. If you didn't completely love the first book (I think His Majesty's Dragon is the first one, titled Temeraire here) you probably shouldn't read the rest. But now that you know about Temeraire, you could try the fanfic novel Sharpe's Dragon by black disa! I think you'd enjoy that.

I also enjoy Dawkins' work but can't imagine struggling though the one you mention. My favourite book by him is The Ancestor's Tale.