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The Hellfire Chronicles #1
Blood in the Skies
G.D. Falksen's steampunk epic launches with Blood In The Skies.
In 1908, the world ended in fire.
Humanity, always bad at following orders, refused to die. Now, two hundred years later, what remains is divided between civilized order and lawless frontier. For the citizens of the Commonwealth, the brave pilots of the Air Force are all that stand between them and the dreaded pirate lords of the Badlands. For generations, the two forces have struggled back and forth in an endless cycle of invasion and reprisal. Now that is about to change, and flying ace Elizabeth Steele is about to find herself dragged into a web of intrigue aimed at the downfall of the civilized world.
Nothing that a clever girl with a trusty aeroplane and a charming spy at her side can't handle.
"This is steampunk clanking to life on the page." --Jay Lake
"G. D. Falksen's witty, anachronistic, and downright fun writing style makes him a storyteller to watch." --Terrance Zdunich (REPO! The Genetic Opera)
"A piston blast of pure pulp adventure" --John Leavitt (Dr. Sketchy's Official Rainy Day Colouring Book)
"A rousing adventure filled with a wealth of imagery, action and technological wonders." --Chet Phillips
"G.D. Falksen is not only one of the most important authors in Steampunk literature, he is arguably the most enjoyable." --Art Donovan (The Art of Steampunk)
"A delightfully crunchy alternate reality that lets you feel the gears grinding." --Phil Foglio (Girl Genius)
266 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
2082 people want to read
About the author
G.D. Falksen
41 books266 followersG. D. Falksen is the author of "The Secret Life of Kitty Granger" (Carolrhoda Lab, 2021), "Maiden of War" (Audible Originals, 2020), "Doctor Cthulittle" (Insight Studios, 2018), "The Transatlantic Conspiracy" (Soho Teen, 2016), and "The Ouroboros Cycle" series (Wildside Press, 2013 to present), and has been a contributor to the award-winning anthologies "Mine!" and "Cthulhu Fhtagn!". He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board of Writers and Artists Across the Country, a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating author visits to underserved schools. Falksen’s "Ouroboros Cycle" series is currently being developed for television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 28, 2011
The great thing about this book is not only is it loaded with great art (something rare to find in a non YA novel) but it read like I was watching some great classic action adventure film. I highly suggest this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
July 12, 2011
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I think the other reviews on this book speak for its quality and talent. It's nice to read a book with a strong female main character who feels like a real and likable person.
Other reviews for this book
Praise for Blood in the Skies:
"This is steampunk clanking to life on the page."
-Jay Lake, Campbell Award winner and author of Mainspring
“G. D. Falksen’s witty, anachronistic, and downright fun writing style makes him a storyteller to watch.”
-Terrance Zdunich, creator of REPO! The Genetic Opera and The Molting
"A piston blast of pure pulp adventure."
-John Leavitt, author of Dr. Sketchy's Official Rainy Day Colouring Book and Scarlet Takes Manhattan
"A rousing adventure filled with a wealth of imagery, action and technological wonders."
-Chet Phillips award winning illustrator & digital artist
“G.D. Falksen is not only one of the most important authors in Steampunk literature, he is arguably the most enjoyable.”
-Art Donovan, author of The Art of Steampunk
"A delightfully crunchy alternate reality that lets you feel the gears grinding."
-Phil Foglio, creator of the Hugo Award winning Girl Genius
Other reviews for this book
Praise for Blood in the Skies:
"This is steampunk clanking to life on the page."
-Jay Lake, Campbell Award winner and author of Mainspring
“G. D. Falksen’s witty, anachronistic, and downright fun writing style makes him a storyteller to watch.”
-Terrance Zdunich, creator of REPO! The Genetic Opera and The Molting
"A piston blast of pure pulp adventure."
-John Leavitt, author of Dr. Sketchy's Official Rainy Day Colouring Book and Scarlet Takes Manhattan
"A rousing adventure filled with a wealth of imagery, action and technological wonders."
-Chet Phillips award winning illustrator & digital artist
“G.D. Falksen is not only one of the most important authors in Steampunk literature, he is arguably the most enjoyable.”
-Art Donovan, author of The Art of Steampunk
"A delightfully crunchy alternate reality that lets you feel the gears grinding."
-Phil Foglio, creator of the Hugo Award winning Girl Genius
January 10, 2012
I loved this book. I picked it up via all the hype around it and really found it to be great. I loved this new authors style and flow. The book felt like I was reading a wonderful film. I really am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 29, 2012
I'm going to be honest: I was taken in by the hype and push of this book, and enthralled with the prospect of reading a novel by a prominent member in the Steampunk community. My experience with the Steampunk genre (or even dystopian, or post-apocalyptic genres), is having read Scott Westerfield's Leviathan, and Cherie Priest's Boneshaker. So I was excited when I finally got my hands on this book, but then I realized it really was all hype.
I was intrigued by the premise--the world ends and rebuilds in 1908. Society is reformed, technology adapts, and wars are born. Great care was used to build this new world from a writer's standpoint. The people who now inhabit it are diverse and curious, and you can tell much was put into bringing the world to life. It sounds great, but what is presented is a disappointing adventure.
The characters themselves were flat and little changing. A good character is dynamic, has quirks and a past that dictates how they view the world around them, and how they will ultimately change. Not so with the cast of characters in Blood in the Skies. Lizzie Steele is a strong, empowered woman who can fly a plane better than almost anyone, and who just so happens to be slightly flirtatious towards the spy-cartographer, Ray. Beyond these, she's little else. I was glad to finally see the kiss between her and Ray. I'd have liked to have seen more tension between the two. Tension draws a reader onward, even if it's small when compared to the major problem at hand. Ray isn't so much a main character as he is a supporting character. Still, a bit more character building would have brought him more alive. How did he get to be a spy? What are his bad habits? Little things to bring him, and the rest of the cast, off of the page into the real world.
Each chapter, save for a few, is a full blown fight scene. If it fits in with the general plot and actually drives the storyline, then I'm all for it. However, the fighting between Steele and those bent on killing her, got to be tedius. The initial story seemed lost amongst the chase scenes and even during the ultimate showdown between the pirates and the Talians. And it was not until the end that the characters brought the beginning around to the forefront. For a devise meant to change the world, it should have been more prominent.
The zombies... Oh, the zombies. Because they appeared only briefly and with little explainations, they just seemed thrown in because the author could. There was no real reason to bring them into play when they couldn't even add to the conflict of the final battle.
As for everything else, I feel that this book could have done without the artwork. I can't draw, and I'm not going to pretend to know how to critique artwork beyond looking at things through a photographer's eye (which I am a photographer). Still, if artwork was a must, then perhaps consistent artwork would have been better. If not, then scrap the artwork all together, and use your words to draw the image for you. Also, there were typos and missing words galore--not necessarily the author's fault, but nonetheless jarring when you're mid sentence and out pops a grammatical error.
Overall, this book was a struggle. I just couldn't get into it because the story is thin and relies on fight scenes too much. If you're into Steampunk, dystopian, or even post-apocalyptic genres, then it wouldn't hurt to add this to your read list. Just don't be surprised when it doesn't measure up to other stories out there in the same genres.
I was intrigued by the premise--the world ends and rebuilds in 1908. Society is reformed, technology adapts, and wars are born. Great care was used to build this new world from a writer's standpoint. The people who now inhabit it are diverse and curious, and you can tell much was put into bringing the world to life. It sounds great, but what is presented is a disappointing adventure.
The characters themselves were flat and little changing. A good character is dynamic, has quirks and a past that dictates how they view the world around them, and how they will ultimately change. Not so with the cast of characters in Blood in the Skies. Lizzie Steele is a strong, empowered woman who can fly a plane better than almost anyone, and who just so happens to be slightly flirtatious towards the spy-cartographer, Ray. Beyond these, she's little else. I was glad to finally see the kiss between her and Ray. I'd have liked to have seen more tension between the two. Tension draws a reader onward, even if it's small when compared to the major problem at hand. Ray isn't so much a main character as he is a supporting character. Still, a bit more character building would have brought him more alive. How did he get to be a spy? What are his bad habits? Little things to bring him, and the rest of the cast, off of the page into the real world.
Each chapter, save for a few, is a full blown fight scene. If it fits in with the general plot and actually drives the storyline, then I'm all for it. However, the fighting between Steele and those bent on killing her, got to be tedius. The initial story seemed lost amongst the chase scenes and even during the ultimate showdown between the pirates and the Talians. And it was not until the end that the characters brought the beginning around to the forefront. For a devise meant to change the world, it should have been more prominent.
The zombies... Oh, the zombies. Because they appeared only briefly and with little explainations, they just seemed thrown in because the author could. There was no real reason to bring them into play when they couldn't even add to the conflict of the final battle.
As for everything else, I feel that this book could have done without the artwork. I can't draw, and I'm not going to pretend to know how to critique artwork beyond looking at things through a photographer's eye (which I am a photographer). Still, if artwork was a must, then perhaps consistent artwork would have been better. If not, then scrap the artwork all together, and use your words to draw the image for you. Also, there were typos and missing words galore--not necessarily the author's fault, but nonetheless jarring when you're mid sentence and out pops a grammatical error.
Overall, this book was a struggle. I just couldn't get into it because the story is thin and relies on fight scenes too much. If you're into Steampunk, dystopian, or even post-apocalyptic genres, then it wouldn't hurt to add this to your read list. Just don't be surprised when it doesn't measure up to other stories out there in the same genres.
February 25, 2012
Steampunk, action, emotions and opened questions at the end. I wait for the next book in the series. It seems I'm lucky with my choice of steampunk books.
February 19, 2012
I got for the holidays the two album sound track for this book as a great gift. My father did not even know that the music was for this book when he got it for me. I then felt I had to get the book as I already loved the music based around it. This book is great, much like the other reviews you read it feels like your reading a great action film. I really did not mean to read this book all in one sitting but I could not put it down. So be warned this book might rob a night of sleep if you read it right before bed.
With out spoiling the book I will say its got a great strong female character and a fresh steampunk setting I love. I can not wait for the next book in this series and I will say this author has a new fan in me.
With out spoiling the book I will say its got a great strong female character and a fresh steampunk setting I love. I can not wait for the next book in this series and I will say this author has a new fan in me.
December 19, 2011
Worth staying up all night and reading.
January 27, 2012
I love this book!
Made me miss my bus stop I was so in to reading it ;-p
Made me miss my bus stop I was so in to reading it ;-p
July 23, 2012
the story is great, the characters are good ... it could be really great. but in my opinion it is badly written. I am sorry, but that is the way I feel about it.
otherwise I would have loved it
otherwise I would have loved it
December 19, 2011
This did not feel particularly steampunk - despite the airships and the mention of aether - possibly because my previous dabblings in this "genre" have been novels such as Scott Westerfields "Leviathon" or Philip Reeve's "Mortal Engines" quartet. It felt more like historic fiction, maybe cica World War I. Still, I did feel it built up a solid background to the world - and one in which I would be keen to learn more. It did have a dramatic fighting climax, but did not complete the plot - merely to hint at what else is to come. Oh, there are so many loose ends, that one cannot help but want to read the next instalment just to find out how they tie in. What was the deal with the ghosts and the zombies, for example? What information did the card contain?
In terms of structure = very well written - good grammar, no editting hiccups, smooth to read and only a couple of stray typos. The story flowed well, and was reasonably paced with decent character development - although perhaps could have been fleshed out a wee bit more. Whilst it did not quite have the "awesomeness" factor, it was an enjoyable read and certainly a strong footing into the series.
This is the story about Steele, a feisty female pilot and her charming "sidekick" Ray, a spy/catographer. After chancing upon a mystyerious - and much wanted item, they accidentally uncover a plot that could threaten their Commonwealth. They are then forced to form an unlikely alliance in order to protect the greater good.
In terms of structure = very well written - good grammar, no editting hiccups, smooth to read and only a couple of stray typos. The story flowed well, and was reasonably paced with decent character development - although perhaps could have been fleshed out a wee bit more. Whilst it did not quite have the "awesomeness" factor, it was an enjoyable read and certainly a strong footing into the series.
This is the story about Steele, a feisty female pilot and her charming "sidekick" Ray, a spy/catographer. After chancing upon a mystyerious - and much wanted item, they accidentally uncover a plot that could threaten their Commonwealth. They are then forced to form an unlikely alliance in order to protect the greater good.
March 8, 2012
Blood in the Skies is a well written, fast paced adventure novel set in an alternative world. The characters are well drawn and believable and the plot is intriguing. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. I also liked the fact that the main character was a strong woman able to face any challenge. The dialogue is realistic and often adds a bit of humor to the story. I can't wait for the next installment.
August 14, 2011
Wonderful book and a read all should check out!
May 22, 2012
It was a pretty decent book, but it felt much too short. I dislike when a series is really one huge book published as 3 or 4 - IMHO each book in a series should have its own purpose and resolution, in addition to the overarching storyline. Without that discrete resolution each time, it just feels like reading chapters that have been interrupted.
The author must also be a pilot, or really have a thing for pilots. There was a lot of aerial battling, descriptions and action. I know the dirigibles, etc. are characteristic of steampunk, but I really don't know enough about a biplane to follow the very detailed action scenes. I mostly skimmed them.
**Spoiler** I'm also pretty disappointed at the reaction of the Heroine to the loss of the punch card. Who throws valuable stuff around? Who doesn't go after it, or at least be upset at its loss? Perhaps start considering retaking it, rather than wandering off to Sibir to find out what was written on it. When you find out, it will be too late because you don't have the card! That really irked me. The bird flew off with it and then everyone forgot about it - it was much more important to be debriefed.
The end mentions a second installment, but Google shows nothing and there isn't any news on the author's page either.
The author must also be a pilot, or really have a thing for pilots. There was a lot of aerial battling, descriptions and action. I know the dirigibles, etc. are characteristic of steampunk, but I really don't know enough about a biplane to follow the very detailed action scenes. I mostly skimmed them.
**Spoiler** I'm also pretty disappointed at the reaction of the Heroine to the loss of the punch card. Who throws valuable stuff around? Who doesn't go after it, or at least be upset at its loss? Perhaps start considering retaking it, rather than wandering off to Sibir to find out what was written on it. When you find out, it will be too late because you don't have the card! That really irked me. The bird flew off with it and then everyone forgot about it - it was much more important to be debriefed.
The end mentions a second installment, but Google shows nothing and there isn't any news on the author's page either.
February 23, 2012
I highly recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a good story, great characters and a world that you can clearly see - Falksen is perfect for this task and his pen is poised to grip you. Whether you are a fan of the subculture or simply a lover of fantasy/science fiction genre novels, this is the book you will not be able to put down.
From the very first pages you are completely enveloped into Falksen's words, full of intriguing plot and lush people. He provides a spectacular main character that, while female, is strong and someone you can get behind. She is well-rounded and enhanced (not defined) by ALL of her attributes, just like a real person. Falksen coaxes you into a state of both wonderment and anticipation and it keeps you turning pages.
This novel brings forth what some of us have seen and known for some time. Mr. Falksen is a true artist of his craft. He has amazed us on the page before, titillating us with short stories that were just as engrossing, and to follow that up with the first dish from The Hellfire Chronicles, I can only say that I'm ready to sink my teeth into the next installment.
From the very first pages you are completely enveloped into Falksen's words, full of intriguing plot and lush people. He provides a spectacular main character that, while female, is strong and someone you can get behind. She is well-rounded and enhanced (not defined) by ALL of her attributes, just like a real person. Falksen coaxes you into a state of both wonderment and anticipation and it keeps you turning pages.
This novel brings forth what some of us have seen and known for some time. Mr. Falksen is a true artist of his craft. He has amazed us on the page before, titillating us with short stories that were just as engrossing, and to follow that up with the first dish from The Hellfire Chronicles, I can only say that I'm ready to sink my teeth into the next installment.
April 7, 2012
This book provides not only a good, fast paced story, but peeks into what may very well turn out to be a much larger epic than I expected after the first few pages. The pace reminds me of the old Indiana Jones movies, with the characters narrowly escaping one dangerous encounter only to have the odds raised against them on the next page. But the stereotypes for the characters are broken down and reassembled in a way that adds a fresh twist to the whole serial adventure thing.
All in all it was a great read, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
All in all it was a great read, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
November 30, 2011
One of the better non graphic novels I have read all year.
March 3, 2012
I heard the GD Falksen read the prologue of this at the Dorian's Parlor one year anniversary and immediately asked my friend to hold my seat so I could go buy a copy, she handed me cash and asked that I grab one for her as well. It was worth far more than the fifteen dollars it cost that night. I have not been able to put this book down since I got it. I certainly recommend this book. The settings are vivid and the characters are interesting, the dialogue between Steele and Ray is quick paced and often satisfyingly snarky and the plot is intriguing.
June 6, 2013
Dreadful, unreadable mess. While the author is an amiable courteous man, and an impeccable gentleman, he is sadly lacking in grasping the basic tools of writing. The action is trite and unskilled, and the book was so bad I could not finish it. I found this tragic as Mr. Falksen has been held up as something to be emulated in Steampunk.
March 25, 2012
An interesting world and some interesting ideas, with a higher than normal proportion of strong female characters, including the lead, but it felt very like a first book.
December 17, 2012
Oh. Blood in the Skies. Ci diamo allo steampunk.
Svolgimento: G.D. Falksen, da bambino, secondo me guardava Bud Spencer e Terence Hill. Non so se questi film erano popolari negli USA, ma forse sì, se no non mi spiego Blood in the Skies. Non è Bruce Willis, non è Schwarzenegger, è Bud Spencer! Assolutamente! Ovvero: si va avanti a forza di cazzotti. Sparatorie alla Trinità. Risse alla ‘io sto con gli ippopotami’. Andiamo con ordine: presupposto niente male, ovvero nel 1908, i perfidi Russi a Tunguska conducono esperimenti con armi di distruzione di massa, ma siccome sono Russi e sappiamo che i Russi son buoni solo a far casino, distruggono il mondo. Letteralmente! Il nostro pianeta viene sbriciolato come un Oreo in tanti isolotti volanti di varia grandezza, dalla zolla erbosa al continente indiano. La tecnologia si resetta e tutti, per muoversi tra un isolotto e l’altro, volano coi dirigibili e i biplani della Grande Guerra. C’è una specie di Inghilterra postatomica chiamata Commonwealth e ovviamente loro sono i buoni, neanche da dire. I cattivi sono Pirati Volanti a metà strada tra quelli dei Caraibi e i cyborg di Terminator che parlano con marcato accento tedesco. Perché poi? Forse perché i tedeschi sono sempre cattivi.
I protagonisti di questa rissa continua di centinaia di pagine sono una donna pilota dotata delle grazie femminili di Obelix, Elizabeth Steele, e un agente segreto indiano strafigo e bonazzo, Ray.
Tunguska ha distrutto il mondo, ma NON la scheda perforata che serve a…boh. A qualcosa servirà, perché i cattivi la vogliono a tutti i costi e i buoni, Steele e Ray, non gliela vogliono dare. Così, per partito preso. Tanto per rompere le balle al prossimo. Ma si sa, i Buoni sono così.
Da pagina 5 a pagina XYZ assistiamo ad una sequela di combattimenti aerei, terrestri, a cazzotti, a fucilate, a insulti (no, a insulti no, Falksen è molto british e non credo sappia che esistono le parolacce) francamente un po’ estenuante.
Poi appaiono dei fantasmi. Poi degli zombi. Poi dei cyborg.
Poi il Dart Vader steampunk, Lord Bukhalter, si prepara a prendere a calci il Commonwealt. Come non simpatizzare per lui?! Ha anche una civetta robot!
Poi il libro finisce. Così, senza un perché. Alla vigilia della Mother of all Battles, Falksen ci saluta tutti e alla prossima puntata. Ma porcatroia!
Mica per la battaglia eh, ma siccome Steele salterebbe addosso a Ray per tutto il libro, strappandogli i vestiti e possedendolo contro il muro, volevo vedere se le riusciva questa manovra.
Pazienza. Se vi piacciono i dirigibili e la gente con arti meccanici e donne cazzute che in confronto le eroine di Ken Follett sembrano la sorellina morta di Jo March, Blood in the Skies fa per voi. Se no, lasciate perdere.
Aspetto comunque l’episodio due: Falksen, e falli scopare a quei due! Cazzo!
Svolgimento: G.D. Falksen, da bambino, secondo me guardava Bud Spencer e Terence Hill. Non so se questi film erano popolari negli USA, ma forse sì, se no non mi spiego Blood in the Skies. Non è Bruce Willis, non è Schwarzenegger, è Bud Spencer! Assolutamente! Ovvero: si va avanti a forza di cazzotti. Sparatorie alla Trinità. Risse alla ‘io sto con gli ippopotami’. Andiamo con ordine: presupposto niente male, ovvero nel 1908, i perfidi Russi a Tunguska conducono esperimenti con armi di distruzione di massa, ma siccome sono Russi e sappiamo che i Russi son buoni solo a far casino, distruggono il mondo. Letteralmente! Il nostro pianeta viene sbriciolato come un Oreo in tanti isolotti volanti di varia grandezza, dalla zolla erbosa al continente indiano. La tecnologia si resetta e tutti, per muoversi tra un isolotto e l’altro, volano coi dirigibili e i biplani della Grande Guerra. C’è una specie di Inghilterra postatomica chiamata Commonwealth e ovviamente loro sono i buoni, neanche da dire. I cattivi sono Pirati Volanti a metà strada tra quelli dei Caraibi e i cyborg di Terminator che parlano con marcato accento tedesco. Perché poi? Forse perché i tedeschi sono sempre cattivi.
I protagonisti di questa rissa continua di centinaia di pagine sono una donna pilota dotata delle grazie femminili di Obelix, Elizabeth Steele, e un agente segreto indiano strafigo e bonazzo, Ray.
Tunguska ha distrutto il mondo, ma NON la scheda perforata che serve a…boh. A qualcosa servirà, perché i cattivi la vogliono a tutti i costi e i buoni, Steele e Ray, non gliela vogliono dare. Così, per partito preso. Tanto per rompere le balle al prossimo. Ma si sa, i Buoni sono così.
Da pagina 5 a pagina XYZ assistiamo ad una sequela di combattimenti aerei, terrestri, a cazzotti, a fucilate, a insulti (no, a insulti no, Falksen è molto british e non credo sappia che esistono le parolacce) francamente un po’ estenuante.
Poi appaiono dei fantasmi. Poi degli zombi. Poi dei cyborg.
Poi il Dart Vader steampunk, Lord Bukhalter, si prepara a prendere a calci il Commonwealt. Come non simpatizzare per lui?! Ha anche una civetta robot!
Poi il libro finisce. Così, senza un perché. Alla vigilia della Mother of all Battles, Falksen ci saluta tutti e alla prossima puntata. Ma porcatroia!
Mica per la battaglia eh, ma siccome Steele salterebbe addosso a Ray per tutto il libro, strappandogli i vestiti e possedendolo contro il muro, volevo vedere se le riusciva questa manovra.
Pazienza. Se vi piacciono i dirigibili e la gente con arti meccanici e donne cazzute che in confronto le eroine di Ken Follett sembrano la sorellina morta di Jo March, Blood in the Skies fa per voi. Se no, lasciate perdere.
Aspetto comunque l’episodio due: Falksen, e falli scopare a quei due! Cazzo!
January 31, 2016
Falksen is such a confident author, he just dumps the reader right into the action, and expects her to catch up. It's a bit breathless, but certainly an exciting approach to story telling.
I really enjoyed this: Great rollicking steampunk adventure. And not only that - great rollicking, post-apocalyptic, steampunk adventure!
Wing Commander Steele is a good heroine - gung-ho, but not without emotion - certainly one that I would like to spend time with again.
The world set-up is interesting, it took me quite a while to 'get' it, and I'm not entirely sure it really works. At the risk of spoilers, I seriously doubt that anyone would be able to breathe. Nice use of the word 'eyot', though.
Other slight quibbles - there were bits of the plot that were just dropped without compunction. Especially the discovery made in the archaeological dig. Seriously? You'd just let that go, without comment, without ever referring to it again? I know they had other stuff to think about, but still...
These points aside, it was a great read, I wanted to get on the train so I could continue. Can't wait for the next book.
I really enjoyed this: Great rollicking steampunk adventure. And not only that - great rollicking, post-apocalyptic, steampunk adventure!
Wing Commander Steele is a good heroine - gung-ho, but not without emotion - certainly one that I would like to spend time with again.
The world set-up is interesting, it took me quite a while to 'get' it, and I'm not entirely sure it really works. At the risk of spoilers, I seriously doubt that anyone would be able to breathe. Nice use of the word 'eyot', though.
Other slight quibbles - there were bits of the plot that were just dropped without compunction. Especially the discovery made in the archaeological dig. Seriously? You'd just let that go, without comment, without ever referring to it again? I know they had other stuff to think about, but still...
These points aside, it was a great read, I wanted to get on the train so I could continue. Can't wait for the next book.
April 9, 2013
I admit it. I love steampunk. I had very high expectations for this book, especially since I've already read Ouroboros and really liked it. I felt like Falksen had a list: airships. check. female pilot/heroine. check. alternate reality event. check. pirates. check. And so on. It was bland, boring, and felt like the writing project of a first year college English major. The characters were flat to the point of absurdity. I was so disappointed! I wanted to love this book, but I can't.
If you want to read something with all the "elements" of steampunk, then go ahead and enjoy. However, I found the Clockwork Empire books by Steven Harper to be a much better example of the sub-genre.
If you want to read something with all the "elements" of steampunk, then go ahead and enjoy. However, I found the Clockwork Empire books by Steven Harper to be a much better example of the sub-genre.
June 5, 2013
This was fluffy fun and I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. It's an action story with lots of running, fighting and explosions and the writing is decent for the most part. Still, there are several things that keep this from being a four star read- the world building is fuzzy, there are a couple of scenes that (while entertaining) are in such a different style that they feel like they came from another story all together... and then there are the ghost-driven mummy/zombie/monster/thingies. That section came across as so... stupid... that I actually almost stopped reading. I pushed on to the end, and it was ok... but not good enough to redeem the 'ghost-driven mummy/zombie/monster/thingies', and I'm not left with any particular need to read the rest of the trilogy.
August 24, 2015
It started off with a bang and continued with nearly non-stop action. It was an easy enough read, but the story really lost me with the almost entirely unnecessary walking corpses. It was at that point where I basically just started wishing that the book would end already.
I have read much worse book, and I did find this one enjoyable enough. I just could have done without the corpses. Ghosts and poltergeists would have been just as effective and much more interesting than what essentially amounted to zombies. Contrary to popular belief, not everything is better with zombies.
I have read much worse book, and I did find this one enjoyable enough. I just could have done without the corpses. Ghosts and poltergeists would have been just as effective and much more interesting than what essentially amounted to zombies. Contrary to popular belief, not everything is better with zombies.
March 30, 2012
Finally finished after it languishing in my ibooks for ever so long. Not sure why it took me so long to read it was a good adventure story that moved along quickly and the characters were likeable.
Loved the steampunk elements and the world building. Probably could put it down to my being easily distracted by shiny objects. I would have given it a 3.5 if possible or maybe 3.8.
Loved the steampunk elements and the world building. Probably could put it down to my being easily distracted by shiny objects. I would have given it a 3.5 if possible or maybe 3.8.
April 18, 2012
I'm not sure why I just 'liked" this book. There was good world-building, there were lots of strong female characters and I liked the relationship between the two main characters. But there was something missing.
August 7, 2012
This book has some nice action, but they way that the heroine is constantly adjusting her non-romantic partner's clothing is really distracting!
I felt it could have done with a more iron-fisted editor, as well. But I enjoyed it enough to finish it (and I'm a quitter).
I felt it could have done with a more iron-fisted editor, as well. But I enjoyed it enough to finish it (and I'm a quitter).
January 15, 2013
A little confusing and slow to start of with, and still a lot that seems a little out of place and unexplained, but it is book one in a series. In the end I very much enjoyed it and I look forward to the sequel.
October 19, 2013
I loved this book the energy and fun witty lines between the two main characters leaves me wanting more.
a an filled book with action.
The only downside to this book is the sequel is on hold at present.
All good things Come to those who wait, So wait I shall.
a an filled book with action.
The only downside to this book is the sequel is on hold at present.
All good things Come to those who wait, So wait I shall.
June 22, 2014
Quick paced and filled with action. G.D. Falksen does a wonderful job of creating and filling a world that feels real and makes me keep wondering "and then what happened?" I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
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