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The Chronicles of Light and Shadow #3
Sky Pirates
For romance and urban fantasy fans and readers of Gail Carriger’s Changeless and Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker, this thrilling historical fantasy adventure features warlocks, fairies, and the unforgettable heroine—the daring dirigible pilot Elle Chance—who navigates the realms between the Light and Shadow.
With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
6 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Liesel Schwarz
8 books156 followersLiesel Schwarz has an MA in creative writing and is currently completing her doctorate in English and creative writing at Brunel University.
A life-long fan of 19th Century Gothic literature, she is a hopeless romantic and loves Victorians, steampunk, fairies, fantasy monsters, the Fin de siècle, and the correct way to drink absinthe. She also likes Medieval stuff, pirates, zombies, space operas and all subjects in between.
Her debut – the first in a series of Edwardian Steampunk Novels published by Random House/Del Rey is out now.
She is also currently busy with her doctorate in English and Creative Writing at Brunel University. She chooses to live in London because she loves weather there.
A life-long fan of 19th Century Gothic literature, she is a hopeless romantic and loves Victorians, steampunk, fairies, fantasy monsters, the Fin de siècle, and the correct way to drink absinthe. She also likes Medieval stuff, pirates, zombies, space operas and all subjects in between.
Her debut – the first in a series of Edwardian Steampunk Novels published by Random House/Del Rey is out now.
She is also currently busy with her doctorate in English and Creative Writing at Brunel University. She chooses to live in London because she loves weather there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 29, 2016
Loved the third instalment as much as the first two. Recommended can
August 31, 2014
3.5 stars
I thought this series was a trilogy but apparently there is another book on the way. After reading this one, that's good news.
It picks up about a year & a half after the last book. Marsh is still a with, wandering the netherworld while Elle tries to piece together their life. She's never stopped looking for some way for them to be reunited, expanding her search by taking on dangerous jobs no other pilot dares.
Meanwhile, the traitorous Patrice Chevalier has been transformed. In a literal deal with the devil, he has become a powerful warlock & seeks to take over their council as the Shadow Master. Job one? That would be bringing Elle, the reluctant Oracle, to heel.
Elle couldn't be less interested in the traditional role as power source for the Council. She continues flying the Water Lily, taking greater risks until one day her luck runs out. Pirates...worse still, one she recognizes.
Enter Capt. Logan Dashwood, a ruthless pirate & con man with a grudge to settel. Oh, and he's a bit of a hottie.
'Nuff said about the plot. It's a rollicking tale full of adventure, danger, magic & the cool gadgets & creatures you expect from this genre. The author has a keen imagination & the World of Shadows feels just as real as the World of Light. Many of the regulars are back including Jack, a mischievous resident of the shadow forest & personal favourite.
The only let down was the lack of resolution regarding the two main characters. Marsh has always been an intriguing guy. In the first book, his strength, intelligence & wisdom made him the perfect foil for a much younger & spirited Elle. He plays only a minor role here & I missed his presence.
As for Elle, I was hoping for some personal growth & a reemergence of the traits that made her so entertaining in book #1. After their marriage, for some reason she began channelling the personality of a self centred & petulant child. Unfortunately, that continues here.
She knows very well why Marsh stays away (if he touches her she'll die...a fairly excellent reason in my opinion) but mopes & repeatedly rails against him as if it's his choice. Also, she's presented as an intelligent woman but never learns from past disasters. Time & again she acts impulsively, believing she knows better & only regrets her actions after the dusts settles & they're taking a body count. I desperately wanted her to grow up & accept responsibility for her situation.
So now I'm holding out hope for book #4. The ending leaves their relationship up in the air with hints of a big complication. If things aren't wrapped up in the next instalment, I don't know that I'll have the patience for a fifth one.
I thought this series was a trilogy but apparently there is another book on the way. After reading this one, that's good news.
It picks up about a year & a half after the last book. Marsh is still a with, wandering the netherworld while Elle tries to piece together their life. She's never stopped looking for some way for them to be reunited, expanding her search by taking on dangerous jobs no other pilot dares.
Meanwhile, the traitorous Patrice Chevalier has been transformed. In a literal deal with the devil, he has become a powerful warlock & seeks to take over their council as the Shadow Master. Job one? That would be bringing Elle, the reluctant Oracle, to heel.
Elle couldn't be less interested in the traditional role as power source for the Council. She continues flying the Water Lily, taking greater risks until one day her luck runs out. Pirates...worse still, one she recognizes.
Enter Capt. Logan Dashwood, a ruthless pirate & con man with a grudge to settel. Oh, and he's a bit of a hottie.
'Nuff said about the plot. It's a rollicking tale full of adventure, danger, magic & the cool gadgets & creatures you expect from this genre. The author has a keen imagination & the World of Shadows feels just as real as the World of Light. Many of the regulars are back including Jack, a mischievous resident of the shadow forest & personal favourite.
The only let down was the lack of resolution regarding the two main characters. Marsh has always been an intriguing guy. In the first book, his strength, intelligence & wisdom made him the perfect foil for a much younger & spirited Elle. He plays only a minor role here & I missed his presence.
As for Elle, I was hoping for some personal growth & a reemergence of the traits that made her so entertaining in book #1. After their marriage, for some reason she began channelling the personality of a self centred & petulant child. Unfortunately, that continues here.
She knows very well why Marsh stays away (if he touches her she'll die...a fairly excellent reason in my opinion) but mopes & repeatedly rails against him as if it's his choice. Also, she's presented as an intelligent woman but never learns from past disasters. Time & again she acts impulsively, believing she knows better & only regrets her actions after the dusts settles & they're taking a body count. I desperately wanted her to grow up & accept responsibility for her situation.
So now I'm holding out hope for book #4. The ending leaves their relationship up in the air with hints of a big complication. If things aren't wrapped up in the next instalment, I don't know that I'll have the patience for a fifth one.
March 20, 2017
The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series had it's ups and downs, but I loved it because it had kick-ass heroine and wonderful steampunk goodies. A Clockwork Heart with a clifhanger ending left me yearning for a sequel. But as it often happens, when the Sky Pirates was in my greedy hands, I was distracted by shinier newer titles, and newer read it. 4 years later, I decided to correct that mistake.
The third book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series feels like a combination of the previous two. Sadly, not always the good parts.
+ Kick-ass heroine (b0ok1, book2)
+ Steampunk goodies (b0ok1, book2)
+ Set all over the world (Venice, London, San Francisco, Khartum, Asian rain forest...) (book1)
+ Whirlwind action in the end (b0ok1, book2)
+- Romance didn't develop as I expected (book2)
- Slow start (book2)
- Multiple narrators. No surprises since we know what the bad side is planning (book2).
- Love triangle. Left unsolved at the end!
--- No more books and a lot of things are left unresolved!!!
Sky Pirates left me cursing myself why did I wait to read the next book in this delightful series so long. The start was slow and it took me time until I remembered the plot and characters, but when the whirld-wind of action started I could not put the book down.
One big disappointment was that this book ends with a lot of things hanging in the air and no sequel in sight. You would have thought that the author would at least write a novella to tie the loose ends, but there is no announcement about anything like that. So I am not sure if I will recommend this series to friends. There are good steampunk series like this who are not interrupted in the middle...
The third book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series feels like a combination of the previous two. Sadly, not always the good parts.
+ Kick-ass heroine (b0ok1, book2)
+ Steampunk goodies (b0ok1, book2)
+ Set all over the world (Venice, London, San Francisco, Khartum, Asian rain forest...) (book1)
+ Whirlwind action in the end (b0ok1, book2)
+- Romance didn't develop as I expected (book2)
- Slow start (book2)
- Multiple narrators. No surprises since we know what the bad side is planning (book2).
- Love triangle. Left unsolved at the end!
--- No more books and a lot of things are left unresolved!!!
Sky Pirates left me cursing myself why did I wait to read the next book in this delightful series so long. The start was slow and it took me time until I remembered the plot and characters, but when the whirld-wind of action started I could not put the book down.
One big disappointment was that this book ends with a lot of things hanging in the air and no sequel in sight. You would have thought that the author would at least write a novella to tie the loose ends, but there is no announcement about anything like that. So I am not sure if I will recommend this series to friends. There are good steampunk series like this who are not interrupted in the middle...
October 7, 2014
I would like to thank Del Rey & NetGalley for granting me a copy of this e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. Though I received this e-book for free that in no way impacts my review.
NOTE: If you haven't yet read the first two books in this series, stop here. This series builds successively with the advent of each new installment. Without the information contained in the previous books this one will have far less meaning and power. As well, the review for this book contains inherent spoilers for the other two books.
Goodreads Blurb:
The third book in the series, Sky Pirates has found the balance between the action of the first book and the contemplative emotional aspects of the second book. A heartbroken Elle has withdrawn from life, cutting off all social contacts as she mourns the loss of her beloved husband. She is desperate to find a way to save him and restore him to her.
Desperation leads her into many a strange adventure, both those of her own making, and those well beyond her control. In her grief she has thrown herself back into flying, and accepts the charters no one else will touch, for she no longer much cares about anything, making her reckless to the point of danger and beyond. Of course, each of her choices and actions have consequences, which catch up to her in a series of disasters that seems to have no end in sight.
Her beloved Water Lily been boarded by pirates, Elle finds herself pressed into service on the pirate ship. Strangely enough, Elle slowly finds herself enjoying life again. She takes comfort in the camaraderie of the pirate ship's other crew members, yet is unwilling to relinquish her vow to save her husband if it's the last thing she ever does. However she can no longer ignore all the turmoil and vio lence that dogs her every step. Elle struggles with an immense burden of guilt, some of which she has earned the right to own, and some which she claims though it is not truly hers.
As she and the dashing Captain Dashwood are thrown together time and again Elle is startled to discover that she has feelings for the man. He may infuriate her, but there's no denying her attraction to him. The question is, does Marsh want to still be her husband, or is he using the situation to avoid being with her? Another question she grapples with is if she should act on her feelings for Dashwood or stay far away from him to protect him from the chaos surrounding her?
Meanwhile, Patrice is back with a vengeance, and vengeance is exactly what he's out for. He blames Elle for everything that has befallen him and is out for blood. Elle's blood to be exact. With all the radical changes that have happened to him at the end of book two, Patrice has actually become a force to be reckoned with. Well, at least he seems to think so, and it appears he has others thinking the same thing. Clearly a confrontation between Patrice and Elle will be taking place, the only unknowns are when and where. And of course who will survive the coming battle is a mystery, particularly since Elle is starting think everyone would simply be safer if she'd just allow herself to be locked up all alone in a cave - the Warlock Council's original plan.
With the number of unusual choices and extraordinary events in this installment of the series one might expect it to be the final chapter of Elle's story, but that isn't the case. Instead the ending is decidedly full of unresolved questions and issues. To make matters even more interesting, Elle learns from one her friends that she has some very serious work that must be started right away. Work beyond what's already on her to-do list. And there is already some seriously strange, and exceedingly dangerous, work awaiting Elle. So with a laundry list of tasks ahead of her, Elle will most certainly be back for another adventure, the kind which she is fast finding to be exceedingly exasperating. Who knows which man, if either, will be at Elle's side for her next journey?
NOTE: If you haven't yet read the first two books in this series, stop here. This series builds successively with the advent of each new installment. Without the information contained in the previous books this one will have far less meaning and power. As well, the review for this book contains inherent spoilers for the other two books.
Goodreads Blurb:
Following A Conspiracy of Alchemists and A Clockwork Heart, Sky Pirates is the third book of the Chronicles of Light and Shadow series, starring the spunky dirigible pilot Elle Chance and the handsome warlock Marsh. For urban fantasy fans and readers of Gail Carriger's Changeless and Cherie Priest's Boneshaker, a fun, fast-paced, action-packed new historical fantasy adventure series starring vampires, fairies, and the unforgettable heroine, Elle Chance.
Set during the Belle Epoque, Sky Pirates is a thrilling and inventive historical fantasy novel, where the myths and legends of Old Europe live side by side with the wondrous creations of modern scientists and aviators. It's also set in a world haunted by vampires, fairies, and other supernatural creatures. And it mixes a thrill-a-minute page-turning plot with a genuinely moving love story. In Sky Pirates, Elle and Marsh escape to the jungles of Cambodia in search of a sacred temple that holds the key to erasing the barrier between Shadow and Light.
The third book in the series, Sky Pirates has found the balance between the action of the first book and the contemplative emotional aspects of the second book. A heartbroken Elle has withdrawn from life, cutting off all social contacts as she mourns the loss of her beloved husband. She is desperate to find a way to save him and restore him to her.
Desperation leads her into many a strange adventure, both those of her own making, and those well beyond her control. In her grief she has thrown herself back into flying, and accepts the charters no one else will touch, for she no longer much cares about anything, making her reckless to the point of danger and beyond. Of course, each of her choices and actions have consequences, which catch up to her in a series of disasters that seems to have no end in sight.
Her beloved Water Lily been boarded by pirates, Elle finds herself pressed into service on the pirate ship. Strangely enough, Elle slowly finds herself enjoying life again. She takes comfort in the camaraderie of the pirate ship's other crew members, yet is unwilling to relinquish her vow to save her husband if it's the last thing she ever does. However she can no longer ignore all the turmoil and vio lence that dogs her every step. Elle struggles with an immense burden of guilt, some of which she has earned the right to own, and some which she claims though it is not truly hers.
As she and the dashing Captain Dashwood are thrown together time and again Elle is startled to discover that she has feelings for the man. He may infuriate her, but there's no denying her attraction to him. The question is, does Marsh want to still be her husband, or is he using the situation to avoid being with her? Another question she grapples with is if she should act on her feelings for Dashwood or stay far away from him to protect him from the chaos surrounding her?
Meanwhile, Patrice is back with a vengeance, and vengeance is exactly what he's out for. He blames Elle for everything that has befallen him and is out for blood. Elle's blood to be exact. With all the radical changes that have happened to him at the end of book two, Patrice has actually become a force to be reckoned with. Well, at least he seems to think so, and it appears he has others thinking the same thing. Clearly a confrontation between Patrice and Elle will be taking place, the only unknowns are when and where. And of course who will survive the coming battle is a mystery, particularly since Elle is starting think everyone would simply be safer if she'd just allow herself to be locked up all alone in a cave - the Warlock Council's original plan.
With the number of unusual choices and extraordinary events in this installment of the series one might expect it to be the final chapter of Elle's story, but that isn't the case. Instead the ending is decidedly full of unresolved questions and issues. To make matters even more interesting, Elle learns from one her friends that she has some very serious work that must be started right away. Work beyond what's already on her to-do list. And there is already some seriously strange, and exceedingly dangerous, work awaiting Elle. So with a laundry list of tasks ahead of her, Elle will most certainly be back for another adventure, the kind which she is fast finding to be exceedingly exasperating. Who knows which man, if either, will be at Elle's side for her next journey?
July 8, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/07/08...
Publisher: Del Rey
Publishing Date:
ISBN: 9780345541307
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5
Publisher Description: With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
Review: Awesome cover art.
This is the third in the “Chronicles of Light and Shadow” and dang if I didn’t miss the first two. Entertainment factor is high for this installment. Really well done novel. I fuggin stayed up till 3:30 am to finish.
Elle is an asshat of the highest order. She is a myopic, self-centered and temperamental douche bag. But everyone around her knows it and the author’s intention in this regard becomes clear later in the novel (growth and progression etc.). The action is coupled with excellent scene descriptions and characters that jump off the pages.
Minor fall downs were the grammatical errors (uncorrected proof) and some logic fails. In the desert scene with camel, she has 8 bullets left, then later in the scene she counts off rounds fired in quick succession to #9. There are some scenes where you begin to loathe Elle. Her friend has just died of a gunshot wound to the stomach, and while struggling with the hunky Pirate Captain, she starts getting turned on. She promises to kill First Mate Heller and avenge her friends death, but in the end loves him like a bro. At one point it is explained clearly to Elle by Jack, why her wraith husband cannot see or touch her (it would kill her). In the next sentence she thinks “Was he really determined to have nothing to do with her ever again?” This lament goes on and on throughout the course of the novel. Really? It is all about her and her little emotions. So ultimately in exchange for a truce and friendship with hunky Pirate-Man, Logan (LOL), she agrees that they are even for her blowing up his old airship and him killing her friend. Eventually he bangs her in a pool and she gets conflicted about her dead/not-dead husband. And here the love triangle begins which will hopefully desist in the next novel. But probably not as my guess is that she is pregnant with Logan’s’ girl/oracle child, having freshly banged in a fertility pool. If the author does this I will crucify that novel. It will muddle and destroy an excellent story-line with the dreaded love child/love triangle shtick.
If you like excellent writing, great scene and story-line development, fast pace, great action and engaging characters this is the book for you. If jerks like Elle piss you off with their narcissistic behavior and you have a hard time forgiving transgressions, get it anyway as she begins to grow out of it. Or just get it to hear what Hari has to say (controlling the mind is the path to enlightenment).
Publisher: Del Rey
Publishing Date:
ISBN: 9780345541307
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5
Publisher Description: With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
Review: Awesome cover art.
This is the third in the “Chronicles of Light and Shadow” and dang if I didn’t miss the first two. Entertainment factor is high for this installment. Really well done novel. I fuggin stayed up till 3:30 am to finish.
Elle is an asshat of the highest order. She is a myopic, self-centered and temperamental douche bag. But everyone around her knows it and the author’s intention in this regard becomes clear later in the novel (growth and progression etc.). The action is coupled with excellent scene descriptions and characters that jump off the pages.
Minor fall downs were the grammatical errors (uncorrected proof) and some logic fails. In the desert scene with camel, she has 8 bullets left, then later in the scene she counts off rounds fired in quick succession to #9. There are some scenes where you begin to loathe Elle. Her friend has just died of a gunshot wound to the stomach, and while struggling with the hunky Pirate Captain, she starts getting turned on. She promises to kill First Mate Heller and avenge her friends death, but in the end loves him like a bro. At one point it is explained clearly to Elle by Jack, why her wraith husband cannot see or touch her (it would kill her). In the next sentence she thinks “Was he really determined to have nothing to do with her ever again?” This lament goes on and on throughout the course of the novel. Really? It is all about her and her little emotions. So ultimately in exchange for a truce and friendship with hunky Pirate-Man, Logan (LOL), she agrees that they are even for her blowing up his old airship and him killing her friend. Eventually he bangs her in a pool and she gets conflicted about her dead/not-dead husband. And here the love triangle begins which will hopefully desist in the next novel. But probably not as my guess is that she is pregnant with Logan’s’ girl/oracle child, having freshly banged in a fertility pool. If the author does this I will crucify that novel. It will muddle and destroy an excellent story-line with the dreaded love child/love triangle shtick.
If you like excellent writing, great scene and story-line development, fast pace, great action and engaging characters this is the book for you. If jerks like Elle piss you off with their narcissistic behavior and you have a hard time forgiving transgressions, get it anyway as she begins to grow out of it. Or just get it to hear what Hari has to say (controlling the mind is the path to enlightenment).
November 25, 2014
Mon avis en Français
My English review
The first two novels in the series were both great and I was curious about this third installment. Well I must say that I do not remember a lot of things about the end of the previous volume, and I was a little anxious at the beginning of the story, however, everything finally came back pretty fast.
The end of the previous volume had left Elle and Hugh in a rather delicate situation. Oh yes, because Hugh has disappeared without a trace and Chance must now try to find out what she wants to do with her life. But our heroine is not a woman to be pushed and while returning from a mission with an archaeologist, they are both attacked by Logan Dashwood, a character previously discovered and who is determined to teach her a lesson. But nothing goes as planned and the doctor is killed as well as some crew members. Enclosed by Logan on his airship, Elle will have no choice but to agree to participate in the life of the crew while waiting to find a way to escape. But it’s not only that because a hellhound is after her, a price is on her head, and Patrice is determined to recover her whatever it might cost. But Elle has a mission, and she wants to find a lost temple to find the solution that can save her husband. But nothing will happen as planned, and Logan could also complicate matters.
I had a great time with the novel. It’s pretty sad to see the situation in which Elle is found. She does not know how to handle everything and whatever she does, people around her die and the situation only gets worse each time. But her purpose is well defined and whatever happens it is essential that she reaches her answers. Yet it also hurt my heart to see that she is lost in her life, she does not know what she will become and has the impression of having already lost everything. We do not see a lot Hugh here, even if he made a few appearances but it certainly that he still cares about the young woman and hopes she will leave him behind. And then we have … Logan, the captain pirate who kidnaps her. Ah, it’s difficult at first to appreciate him and yet he takes a place in our heart gradually. Despite his status as a pirate, he is courageous, fair and always tries to do the best. He knows that our heroine is a walking danger, but he will always be there for her, even if he is taken several times in fairly complicated situations. In all cases, it is true that I have succumbed to the charm of this pirate, but between him and Hugh, I’m curious to see what she will do. All sounds very complicated, but we must say that our heroine is accustomed to difficult situations, and the end of the novel puts her in a very difficult position with respect to her future. I can not wait to see what happens afterwards.
I think this volume was a little above the other and all really intrigued me. I was very curious to see what would happen and the author has presented here some very nice ideas. It’s always interesting to follow the Elle’s adventures and I’m curious to learn more. A new good novel.
My English review
The first two novels in the series were both great and I was curious about this third installment. Well I must say that I do not remember a lot of things about the end of the previous volume, and I was a little anxious at the beginning of the story, however, everything finally came back pretty fast.
The end of the previous volume had left Elle and Hugh in a rather delicate situation. Oh yes, because Hugh has disappeared without a trace and Chance must now try to find out what she wants to do with her life. But our heroine is not a woman to be pushed and while returning from a mission with an archaeologist, they are both attacked by Logan Dashwood, a character previously discovered and who is determined to teach her a lesson. But nothing goes as planned and the doctor is killed as well as some crew members. Enclosed by Logan on his airship, Elle will have no choice but to agree to participate in the life of the crew while waiting to find a way to escape. But it’s not only that because a hellhound is after her, a price is on her head, and Patrice is determined to recover her whatever it might cost. But Elle has a mission, and she wants to find a lost temple to find the solution that can save her husband. But nothing will happen as planned, and Logan could also complicate matters.
I had a great time with the novel. It’s pretty sad to see the situation in which Elle is found. She does not know how to handle everything and whatever she does, people around her die and the situation only gets worse each time. But her purpose is well defined and whatever happens it is essential that she reaches her answers. Yet it also hurt my heart to see that she is lost in her life, she does not know what she will become and has the impression of having already lost everything. We do not see a lot Hugh here, even if he made a few appearances but it certainly that he still cares about the young woman and hopes she will leave him behind. And then we have … Logan, the captain pirate who kidnaps her. Ah, it’s difficult at first to appreciate him and yet he takes a place in our heart gradually. Despite his status as a pirate, he is courageous, fair and always tries to do the best. He knows that our heroine is a walking danger, but he will always be there for her, even if he is taken several times in fairly complicated situations. In all cases, it is true that I have succumbed to the charm of this pirate, but between him and Hugh, I’m curious to see what she will do. All sounds very complicated, but we must say that our heroine is accustomed to difficult situations, and the end of the novel puts her in a very difficult position with respect to her future. I can not wait to see what happens afterwards.
I think this volume was a little above the other and all really intrigued me. I was very curious to see what would happen and the author has presented here some very nice ideas. It’s always interesting to follow the Elle’s adventures and I’m curious to learn more. A new good novel.
December 8, 2014
I received a free ebook copy of this book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was fortunate enough to meet Liesel Schwarz at a book signing in London earlier this year, where she was signing copies of this particular book. Having not read the previous two in the series, I bought the first two after reading the blurb as well as part of the first chapter and such a good decision that was. In fact, I wish I had bought this third instalment of the series as well whilst I was at the signing.
Elle is not your stereotypical woman, she doesn't like wearing dresses and she'd much rather be chartering flights. But that's not all that's different about Elle, she's also the Oracle. With this comes both great power and responsibility, both of the light and shadow worlds. Schwarz presents Elle as likeable and unlikeable in equal measure, providing plenty of opportunity for character growth and development as the story progresses. Elle's husband Hugh is lost in the netherworld and presumed dead. Can she save him? Or will the charming Captain Dashwood sweep Elle off of her feet first? But can either of these men cope with the powerful force that is Elle Chance?
This is another brilliant instalment to the Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. The characters leap from the pages straight into your imagination. I have become a great fan of the world which Schwarz has created and hope that this is not the final part of the series. The book is left at a point where there is plenty of opportunity for continuation and I truly hope that this is the case. Her writing is beautiful, well-paced and gripping all the key components needed in such an imaginative story. I have never been a huge fan of steampunk but this has somewhat converted me to the genre.
Elle's grief and trauma at the loss of Hugh is told in a moving way. How his loss affect her actions and emotions demonstrates the changes she undergoes and her drive to continue making herself useful. Despite this, her later infatuation with the Captain seems somewhat out of character, regardless of the mystic powers the water is supposed to hold. This was one of the main flaws of the novel for me as her friendship/relationship with Dashwood seems to build seemingly from nowhere. Elle very rapidly goes from threats and hatred to friendship and more, somewhat strangely.
Overall this is a great novel and one that's certainly worth a read. If you enjoy adventure, pirates, supernatural and excitement with a strong female protagonist then this is just the series for you. I've throughly enjoyed reading this series so far and can't wait to read more of Schwarz work in future.
I was fortunate enough to meet Liesel Schwarz at a book signing in London earlier this year, where she was signing copies of this particular book. Having not read the previous two in the series, I bought the first two after reading the blurb as well as part of the first chapter and such a good decision that was. In fact, I wish I had bought this third instalment of the series as well whilst I was at the signing.
Elle is not your stereotypical woman, she doesn't like wearing dresses and she'd much rather be chartering flights. But that's not all that's different about Elle, she's also the Oracle. With this comes both great power and responsibility, both of the light and shadow worlds. Schwarz presents Elle as likeable and unlikeable in equal measure, providing plenty of opportunity for character growth and development as the story progresses. Elle's husband Hugh is lost in the netherworld and presumed dead. Can she save him? Or will the charming Captain Dashwood sweep Elle off of her feet first? But can either of these men cope with the powerful force that is Elle Chance?
This is another brilliant instalment to the Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. The characters leap from the pages straight into your imagination. I have become a great fan of the world which Schwarz has created and hope that this is not the final part of the series. The book is left at a point where there is plenty of opportunity for continuation and I truly hope that this is the case. Her writing is beautiful, well-paced and gripping all the key components needed in such an imaginative story. I have never been a huge fan of steampunk but this has somewhat converted me to the genre.
Elle's grief and trauma at the loss of Hugh is told in a moving way. How his loss affect her actions and emotions demonstrates the changes she undergoes and her drive to continue making herself useful. Despite this, her later infatuation with the Captain seems somewhat out of character, regardless of the mystic powers the water is supposed to hold. This was one of the main flaws of the novel for me as her friendship/relationship with Dashwood seems to build seemingly from nowhere. Elle very rapidly goes from threats and hatred to friendship and more, somewhat strangely.
Overall this is a great novel and one that's certainly worth a read. If you enjoy adventure, pirates, supernatural and excitement with a strong female protagonist then this is just the series for you. I've throughly enjoyed reading this series so far and can't wait to read more of Schwarz work in future.
October 30, 2014
I was a little nervous starting Sky Pirates the third book in Liesel Schwarz’s Chronicles of Light and Shadow. The second book, A Clockwork Heart, left me frustrated, but wow Sky Pirates brought back all of the elements I loved in A Conspiracy of Alchemists. Action packed, with lovable characters this steampunk has us traveling the world, and engaging in battles. The heroine Elle Chance is fantastic. She is kick-ass and determined. I don't recommend crossing her.
Schwarz weaves steampunk, science fiction and myths into this historical fantasy. Her vivid imagination bring us, fleshed out characters and a world that unfolds in Three-D. Fans of the series will be delighted by the growth in Elle and a resolution to the dire consequences of A Clockwork Heart.
The characters are rich and complex from the loathsome Pierce to the dashing Captain Dashwood. I found myself liking Jack, the incurable schemer and I felt torn as their relationships developed. The relationship between Ella and Dashwood was intense, and interesting. Through it, we see Elle come to terms with her grief, even as she searches for a way to reunite with Marsh. The power of being the Oracle is touched upon as Elle experiments and gains more control. I am anxious to see what powers she will come into as the series progresses. While the current thread is resolved, the battle has only begun.
Sky Pirates take us into the world of air pirates and deep into the jungles as we search for Angkor War a lost temple. Schwarz has a gift for creating new steampunk elements and explaining the worlds of Shadow and Light. She was able to grab my attention from page one and immerse me in the world until I closed the last page. Sky Pirates has the perfect balance of detail and action. In my humble opinion this novel was the strongest to date in the overall series. I am anxious to return to this fascinating world.
Fans of steampunk, adventure, travel and a side dish of romance should add Sky Pirates and the entire Chronicles of Light and Shadow to their bookshelves.
Copy received from publisher, full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Schwarz weaves steampunk, science fiction and myths into this historical fantasy. Her vivid imagination bring us, fleshed out characters and a world that unfolds in Three-D. Fans of the series will be delighted by the growth in Elle and a resolution to the dire consequences of A Clockwork Heart.
The characters are rich and complex from the loathsome Pierce to the dashing Captain Dashwood. I found myself liking Jack, the incurable schemer and I felt torn as their relationships developed. The relationship between Ella and Dashwood was intense, and interesting. Through it, we see Elle come to terms with her grief, even as she searches for a way to reunite with Marsh. The power of being the Oracle is touched upon as Elle experiments and gains more control. I am anxious to see what powers she will come into as the series progresses. While the current thread is resolved, the battle has only begun.
Sky Pirates take us into the world of air pirates and deep into the jungles as we search for Angkor War a lost temple. Schwarz has a gift for creating new steampunk elements and explaining the worlds of Shadow and Light. She was able to grab my attention from page one and immerse me in the world until I closed the last page. Sky Pirates has the perfect balance of detail and action. In my humble opinion this novel was the strongest to date in the overall series. I am anxious to return to this fascinating world.
Fans of steampunk, adventure, travel and a side dish of romance should add Sky Pirates and the entire Chronicles of Light and Shadow to their bookshelves.
Copy received from publisher, full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
July 23, 2014
I was very impressed with the third installments in the Chronicles of Light and Shadow. To me delight I discovered that there will be more books to come (for some reason I thought this was a trilogy). If you have not read the other two books I recommend you do that as they are important parts of this story. I had to refresh my memory about what exactly happened to Hugh in the last book and I also had to brush up on Patrice.
After the sad ending of the last book where Elle has lost Hugh to the Shadow, she now throws herself into work as a pilot. Her first adventure takes her to Egypt, where she meets a female archeologist who shares with her the story of Angkor Wat and raises Elle's hopes that Hugh might be saved.
Elle then becomes a member in the crew of Captain Dashwood and they brave several adventures together before heading to Angkor Wat. This book reminds me a lot of the first book in the series, with lots of piloting and some pointed exchanges between Elle and the captain. It's almost like she found someone to replace Hugh ... I am looking forward to reading more about this little love triangle between the three.
Of course we also read more about Patrice and his attempts to ruin everything for Elle and gain more power. I take it the last word has not been written about him.
What I enjoyed the most were the dialogues between Elle and Dashwood, and the new friends she made among his crew. She always wanted to be a pilot and be part of a crew, and this experience has been good for her after the loss of Hugh.
Once again, the books contains interesting details about Steam Punk without being overly technical or overly detailed. Just the right amount top create an interesting atmosphere (I thought the first book had too many details and descriptions in it).
Fluently written and very imaginative, with characters the reader can relate to. I can not wait to read more about Elle's adventures, she is such a likeable heroine even with all her flaws, they just make her more human.
Copy provided through NetGalley
After the sad ending of the last book where Elle has lost Hugh to the Shadow, she now throws herself into work as a pilot. Her first adventure takes her to Egypt, where she meets a female archeologist who shares with her the story of Angkor Wat and raises Elle's hopes that Hugh might be saved.
Elle then becomes a member in the crew of Captain Dashwood and they brave several adventures together before heading to Angkor Wat. This book reminds me a lot of the first book in the series, with lots of piloting and some pointed exchanges between Elle and the captain. It's almost like she found someone to replace Hugh ... I am looking forward to reading more about this little love triangle between the three.
Of course we also read more about Patrice and his attempts to ruin everything for Elle and gain more power. I take it the last word has not been written about him.
What I enjoyed the most were the dialogues between Elle and Dashwood, and the new friends she made among his crew. She always wanted to be a pilot and be part of a crew, and this experience has been good for her after the loss of Hugh.
Once again, the books contains interesting details about Steam Punk without being overly technical or overly detailed. Just the right amount top create an interesting atmosphere (I thought the first book had too many details and descriptions in it).
Fluently written and very imaginative, with characters the reader can relate to. I can not wait to read more about Elle's adventures, she is such a likeable heroine even with all her flaws, they just make her more human.
Copy provided through NetGalley
November 20, 2014
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
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Following on the heals of its predecessor, The Clockwork Heart, Sky Pirates deals with the consequences of everything since then. Elle has lost her husband. Hugh Marsh is more of a dead/undead wraith now deciding to be faraway from his wife to keep her safe. Her coping mechanism on the other hand, is to throw herself into continuing her work as a pilot to the Water Lily. Her work brings her on the tangent of the Captain Dashwood and he is looking to settle some scores.
After the proverbial tug-of-war Elle looses her ship and joins the pirate's ship under Dashwood. Of course the Council of Warlocks and Patrice are not far behind either. And now Elle has to decide, her dashingly handsome husband Hugh or the hunky pirate Captain Dashwood (sorry I like Hugh better). While it was clear from the synopsis, that there was going to be love triangle but I loved the tension filled dialogues between Elle & Dashwood. And again I say while looking to reading more about these three, I am not a fan of triangles, so I do hope she decides soon.
I didn't much like Elle in the Clockwork Heart but in Sky Pirates, she redeemed herself somewhat. In a roundabout way this is a much more balanced book. Centered around Belle Epoque, there is abundance of Steampunk, the element of fantasy, of emotional contemplations and dangers in every page. Liesel Schwarz did a lot of work here and it shows as Elle learns to work through everything life or the author's pen throws at her.
"A fast and action-packed historical fantasy in the life and times of Elle Chance"
November 12, 2014
Sky Pirates got off to an incredibly slow start for me. Elle's obsession with bringing back Marsh was a bit annoying at times, though I can't say that I wouldn't have been the same way in her position. Once the ball got rolling and we were able to get to know some of the new characters, though, things started to pick up. I really loved Dashwood, and Schwarz's writing was much better this time around, in my opinion. The last half of the book flew by, and I liked the ending. I hate love triangles, though, so that detracted from the book's rating.
Elle was a bit stagnant for the first half of this installment, but by the 50% mark, she started growing. She was incredibly selfish during the first part, and I didn't like that very much. I liked her as the book progressed, though. Patrice was a good villain, and he's all kinds of messed up. It was interesting to see things from his perspective, showing how awful he was. Dashwood was a fantastic hero. I loved him very much, and I'm totally shipping him and Elle now. Marsh bored me. A lot of the pirates were fun, and they each had their own personalities.
The plot was slow to start with, but picked up and was fast-paced toward the end. Elle being stuck in the jungle was a fun change, and I enjoyed the setting very much. The monastery was also interesting. As I previously stated, the writing was well-done. The romance and chemistry between Elle and Dashwood was fantastic. I just wish Marsh hadn't come back, honestly. I was sad he went away in the last installment, but since he was gone, I wish he'd stayed gone. The ending tied things up nicely.
Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves steampunk. You'll enjoy this series.
Elle was a bit stagnant for the first half of this installment, but by the 50% mark, she started growing. She was incredibly selfish during the first part, and I didn't like that very much. I liked her as the book progressed, though. Patrice was a good villain, and he's all kinds of messed up. It was interesting to see things from his perspective, showing how awful he was. Dashwood was a fantastic hero. I loved him very much, and I'm totally shipping him and Elle now. Marsh bored me. A lot of the pirates were fun, and they each had their own personalities.
The plot was slow to start with, but picked up and was fast-paced toward the end. Elle being stuck in the jungle was a fun change, and I enjoyed the setting very much. The monastery was also interesting. As I previously stated, the writing was well-done. The romance and chemistry between Elle and Dashwood was fantastic. I just wish Marsh hadn't come back, honestly. I was sad he went away in the last installment, but since he was gone, I wish he'd stayed gone. The ending tied things up nicely.
Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves steampunk. You'll enjoy this series.
July 9, 2014
Fast past great writing and engaging characters a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved this installment of the Chronicles of Light and Shadow, as ever it was enjoyable to read. I can't wait for more from this author.
April 27, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
*3.5 stars*
WARNING: This is the third book in this on-going series. Do not start this series here - you will be lost and have no clue about what is happening, nor the plot and character developments that have been a gradual thing throughout the series.
For those who have read the first two books, then you should be pleased with this third book.
Bringing together a stunning collection of steampunk, historical fantasy, science fiction and mythology, this book picks up where the previous one left off, but for me, is much more pleasing than "A Clockwork Heart."
What's to love? There is plenty - but let's start with the characters. Depth and complexity makes for great characters in any "fantasy"-genre and the ones in this book are sensational. There was no cardboard-cutout, clichéd characters here - they were all alive and stood out as their own person, especially Elle and Jack.
Air pirates, lost temples and well-imagined worlds bring this steampunk fantasy novel to life. I just sank into this story so easily - so much so that by about halfway, I knew this was a far better book than the previous one.
However, the thing that bugged me about the last book is still prevalent here: the dialogue. Not necessarily the quality of it but the quantity. Want to see how the relationship between characters is developing, or what action is going on? Don't show us, have the characters talk for pages about what's happening. It is frustrating to wade through page after page of the characters explaining what is happening. Such a disappointment...
Paul
ARH
With her husband, Hugh Marsh, missing in the netherworld and presumed dead, Elle Chance loses herself in the task at hand: piloting the airship Water Lily on commissions across the globe. But as it turns out, her beloved is very much alive—the once-powerful warlock reduced to a wraith. When Water Lily is threatened by pirates, Elle will have to channel all her power as the Oracle—the keeper of the barrier between the two Realms—to try to save what she loves most. As the dark forces of Shadow converge around her, Elle must find a way to breach the curse that binds Marsh. But once released, will Marsh return to her—or is their love destined to die so that he can live?
*3.5 stars*
WARNING: This is the third book in this on-going series. Do not start this series here - you will be lost and have no clue about what is happening, nor the plot and character developments that have been a gradual thing throughout the series.
For those who have read the first two books, then you should be pleased with this third book.
Bringing together a stunning collection of steampunk, historical fantasy, science fiction and mythology, this book picks up where the previous one left off, but for me, is much more pleasing than "A Clockwork Heart."
What's to love? There is plenty - but let's start with the characters. Depth and complexity makes for great characters in any "fantasy"-genre and the ones in this book are sensational. There was no cardboard-cutout, clichéd characters here - they were all alive and stood out as their own person, especially Elle and Jack.
Air pirates, lost temples and well-imagined worlds bring this steampunk fantasy novel to life. I just sank into this story so easily - so much so that by about halfway, I knew this was a far better book than the previous one.
However, the thing that bugged me about the last book is still prevalent here: the dialogue. Not necessarily the quality of it but the quantity. Want to see how the relationship between characters is developing, or what action is going on? Don't show us, have the characters talk for pages about what's happening. It is frustrating to wade through page after page of the characters explaining what is happening. Such a disappointment...
Paul
ARH
July 8, 2018
while there are quite a few holes and repetitive texts I still really enjoyed reading all three books.
the box wasn't really intense and heavily described everything which I personally enjoyed as a first time steam punk reader.
unfourtanly I didn't enjoy the ending that much as the cut off was abrupt and with no noise of a 4th I'm afraid the lack of cutting off loose ends has lowered my rating for this.
if a 4th ever does get out and I pick this story up again then I will surely change my review along with my view of the story itself as hopefully the 4th will have an actual ending.
But all said and done, I don't regret reading these books at all and would love to read more about Elle, dashwood and old Jack!
the box wasn't really intense and heavily described everything which I personally enjoyed as a first time steam punk reader.
unfourtanly I didn't enjoy the ending that much as the cut off was abrupt and with no noise of a 4th I'm afraid the lack of cutting off loose ends has lowered my rating for this.
if a 4th ever does get out and I pick this story up again then I will surely change my review along with my view of the story itself as hopefully the 4th will have an actual ending.
But all said and done, I don't regret reading these books at all and would love to read more about Elle, dashwood and old Jack!
June 3, 2022
This was an absolute delight! I enjoyed every second of this from the plot to the characters to the relationships to the British whit/comedy. This was seriously so much fun to read! I have only read this one in the series but it didn't feel like I was missing chunks of Book 1 and 2, it was easy to follow, the author catches you up on what happened previously very quickly and effectively.
My one little, tiny gripe is that I wish the romance had taken just a little bit longer; I wanted just a little bit more tension, just a little bit more build up.
But by the end of the book?
Three words: SUCH A DELIGHT.
My one little, tiny gripe is that I wish the romance had taken just a little bit longer; I wanted just a little bit more tension, just a little bit more build up.
But by the end of the book?
Three words: SUCH A DELIGHT.
August 23, 2020
I loved this one as much as the first two! It would’ve been better had Hugh come in sooner. I really missed him. I’m just glad that he is back! I really hope Elle stays with him. I like Dashwood but I hated how he tore the Water Lily apart and I can’t forgive him for that. I don’t really care for the little spark of romance between Elle and Dashwood. I don’t think I would’ve been as quick to forgive him as she was.
Now I really need the next book because I need to know what happens. I need to know why Loisa is taking Elle to Venice and which guy she chooses to stay with. Plus I am intrigued by the notion of Elle being the Grand Mistress. I am hoping the fourth book will be on its way soon!
Now I really need the next book because I need to know what happens. I need to know why Loisa is taking Elle to Venice and which guy she chooses to stay with. Plus I am intrigued by the notion of Elle being the Grand Mistress. I am hoping the fourth book will be on its way soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2020
As the conclusion to a trilogy this was a much anticipated book and , most of the time, it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise set by the author and the development of the characters and story, however the conclusion was a disappointment as if the author had run out of time or ideas before completing the book.
I do hope that there are some further stories on the way as I have enjoyed journeying with Liesel Schwartz’s characters.
I do hope that there are some further stories on the way as I have enjoyed journeying with Liesel Schwartz’s characters.
June 3, 2019
This book lost a lot of points for an ending that doesn't tie much up, and no sequel in sight. At the time I read this, this book is 5 years old, and with no book 4 listed, I assumed this was a complete trilogy.
There's also the issue of a left-field romantic triangle, which I don't find very believable. It's a fun, magical steampunk story, and if it'd wrapped up better, I'd recommend it.
There's also the issue of a left-field romantic triangle, which I don't find very believable. It's a fun, magical steampunk story, and if it'd wrapped up better, I'd recommend it.
July 23, 2018
I Despise Love Triangles
Too many spoilers. Not going to spoil it for anyone. But, even though this was well written in a pretty good book, when the next one comes out, I am not reading it.
Too many spoilers. Not going to spoil it for anyone. But, even though this was well written in a pretty good book, when the next one comes out, I am not reading it.
January 5, 2019
Was that the ending? I love this series and the book was amazing but it only gets 3 stars for the ending since I can't find evidence of a fourth book. Left SO MANY questions unanswered! If the series continues I'll probably rate it higher.
June 9, 2019
Light and Shadow are connected, Elle is looking for her missing husband and running from her pain. She is the Oracle. Can she find a way to bring her husband back from where he is lost? Can she keep away from the Dark Alchemist?
January 19, 2018
A good read. Steam punk gave over to gushy romance. Nice play between light and shadow. A book torn between steam and iron, fairies and dark orgies and buddhist precepts. Feminist theme.
June 12, 2019
A great end to the trilogy, I liked the writing style and good characters
July 2, 2019
Whether it was my distaste for what happened in book two (A Clockwork Heart), the fact that Marsh was pretty much non-existent, or that it just took me so long to truly set time aside to read, it was a slow-go getting into the story. Once I did, however, the adventure rang true from the previous two books.
Favorite Line: "On life's journey, faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him."
Favorite Line: "On life's journey, faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him."
March 21, 2021
So so. Doesn't really go forward very much.
With a woman author we know that the storyline is going to be based upon relationships relegating plot to a very distant 2nd place.
With a woman author we know that the storyline is going to be based upon relationships relegating plot to a very distant 2nd place.
April 6, 2021
Enjoyed the book and the series but not the ending as there seems to be no resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2014
I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley. This was a very well done continuation of this steampunk adventure series. I continue to enjoy Elle as a character and love all the magic of the Barrier and the constant balancing between the powers of Light and Shadow.
Elle journeys far from her home in this book, eventually ending up as part of a pirate crew on an airship. She adventures through deserts and jungles in a desperate effort to find a way to return her husband Marsh to the realm of the living. In the end her search leads her to the forgotten temple of Angkor Wat.
I have really loved this series. There is a lot of action and many wonderful steampunk elements. The writing flows well and is easy to read. There is a little bit of romance in here as well but this series definitely tends to a more steampunk/urban fantasy type feel than paranormal romance.
Elle is a fantastic character to read about. She is obviously grieving still in this book and has driven many of her friends away. She is not the normally spunky girl that we have seen in the first two books. There are times where her behavior is fairly despicable, by I still admired her will to survive and her moxy.
With Elle’s husband Marsh turned wraith and missing, a new male lead enters the scene. Elle is traveling with the hunky Logan Dashwood. Elle is strangely drawn to him despite her loyalty to her husband.
I didn't like the portions of the book told from Patrice's view that much (he is the resident bad guy), but they were necessary to the story. They just weren’t as exciting or engaging as Elle’s portions of the story.
I liked that this story took place in some exotic locations. I also enjoy the power of the Oracles and the balance that is (or is not) maintained between Light and Shadow, it is some interesting and creative magic.
There were a few inconsistencies. When Elle first meets Dashwood’s first mate she vows to kill him, then by the end of the book the are bosom buddies. This was a bit too broad of a shift for me. We don’t really get to see a ton of the part where Elle goes from loathed by Dashwood’s crew to loved and are left to assume that Elle gains their respect over time. Also I didn’t really like where the story went with the whole Elle, Marsh, Logan parts.
SPOILER ALERT
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Also Elle talks a lot about loyalty to Marsh but then there is a fairly explicit pool scene between Elle and Logan where this all goes out the window; of course their indiscretion is blamed on magic. I also did not like the ending when Elle brings Marsh back. It puts Elle right in the middle of a rather embarrassing love triangle and left me worrying about where this all is going. I hope Elle doesn’t end up with a whole harem of adoring men like some of our favorite urban fantasy heroines have.
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SPOILER END
Overall this is a fun steampunk adventure. I enjoy Elle as a character and love that she traveled to exotic locations in this book. I also really enjoy the idea of Light and Shadow and the role the Oracles play. There were a few inconsistencies in the story and I am concerned about where the whole Elle/Logan/Marsh thing is going. However I am still eager to see what happens next. On a side note I have really loved all the covers to this series, they are very well done.
Recommended to those who enjoy steampunk adventure with some magic. If you enjoy Brook’s Iron Seas series, Carrgier’s Parasol Protectorate series, or Priest’s Clockwork Empire I would recommend checking out this series.
Elle journeys far from her home in this book, eventually ending up as part of a pirate crew on an airship. She adventures through deserts and jungles in a desperate effort to find a way to return her husband Marsh to the realm of the living. In the end her search leads her to the forgotten temple of Angkor Wat.
I have really loved this series. There is a lot of action and many wonderful steampunk elements. The writing flows well and is easy to read. There is a little bit of romance in here as well but this series definitely tends to a more steampunk/urban fantasy type feel than paranormal romance.
Elle is a fantastic character to read about. She is obviously grieving still in this book and has driven many of her friends away. She is not the normally spunky girl that we have seen in the first two books. There are times where her behavior is fairly despicable, by I still admired her will to survive and her moxy.
With Elle’s husband Marsh turned wraith and missing, a new male lead enters the scene. Elle is traveling with the hunky Logan Dashwood. Elle is strangely drawn to him despite her loyalty to her husband.
I didn't like the portions of the book told from Patrice's view that much (he is the resident bad guy), but they were necessary to the story. They just weren’t as exciting or engaging as Elle’s portions of the story.
I liked that this story took place in some exotic locations. I also enjoy the power of the Oracles and the balance that is (or is not) maintained between Light and Shadow, it is some interesting and creative magic.
There were a few inconsistencies. When Elle first meets Dashwood’s first mate she vows to kill him, then by the end of the book the are bosom buddies. This was a bit too broad of a shift for me. We don’t really get to see a ton of the part where Elle goes from loathed by Dashwood’s crew to loved and are left to assume that Elle gains their respect over time. Also I didn’t really like where the story went with the whole Elle, Marsh, Logan parts.
SPOILER ALERT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also Elle talks a lot about loyalty to Marsh but then there is a fairly explicit pool scene between Elle and Logan where this all goes out the window; of course their indiscretion is blamed on magic. I also did not like the ending when Elle brings Marsh back. It puts Elle right in the middle of a rather embarrassing love triangle and left me worrying about where this all is going. I hope Elle doesn’t end up with a whole harem of adoring men like some of our favorite urban fantasy heroines have.
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SPOILER END
Overall this is a fun steampunk adventure. I enjoy Elle as a character and love that she traveled to exotic locations in this book. I also really enjoy the idea of Light and Shadow and the role the Oracles play. There were a few inconsistencies in the story and I am concerned about where the whole Elle/Logan/Marsh thing is going. However I am still eager to see what happens next. On a side note I have really loved all the covers to this series, they are very well done.
Recommended to those who enjoy steampunk adventure with some magic. If you enjoy Brook’s Iron Seas series, Carrgier’s Parasol Protectorate series, or Priest’s Clockwork Empire I would recommend checking out this series.
December 29, 2014
Sky Pirates is the third book in Liesel Schwarz's series The Chronicles of Light and Shadow and continues to be an entertaining read with a touch of Steampunk and Paranormal that keeps things fun and interesting. Filled with globe trotting adventure and romance, this series follows spunky heroine Elle as this time around she travels to the far reaches of the jungles of Cambodia in search of a way to break the curse that traps her beloved Hugh who is trapped between the realm of Light and Shadow, forced to wonder as a wraith in the dark recesses of the Netherworld.
One of the most enjoyable aspects I find when picking up this series is discovering just where author Liesel Schwarz intends to take the reader as Elle's adventure usually take her in quick succession to several locals across the globe. Sky Pirates opens up in the dessert of Sudan with Elle riding a mischievous camel name Hamsa and being chased by bandits. Does our heroine take cover and hide? NO! She pulls out her Colt 1878 Frontier revolver. Cleverly attached to the side of a custom made leather corset she wears over her shirt for a quick draw. Elle reaches for it, checks to make it's loaded, aims and fires at the enemy knocking him on his butt, thrown from his camel and saves the day. From the sun-baked flats of Sudan, to Venice, Paris, San Fransisco, and the Arabian Sea to finally to the mythical city of Angkor Watt the reader travels in Sky Pirates.
The story takes a new turn when Elle meets up by chance with Captain Logan Dashwood, whom if you've read book one, may remember she won his ship the Iron Phoenix in a game of poker in which was later destroyed while trying to rescue Marsh from Lady in White. Captain Dashwood has plans for revenge at first, but after some tense negotiations (ahem, and attractions spark) and a bit of blackmailing of Elle to become part of his pirate crew, Dashwood agrees to help Elle in search of the fabled city of Angkor. I enjoyed seeing Elle get her chance to be a part of the crew, and found the exchanges between her and Dashwood entertaining. Old friends and enemies are both back in this installment including Elle's cursed husband Marsh, Old Jack, the Baroness Loisa Belododia, the willy and dangerous Patrice, as well as the conjured hellhound Cerberus who's task is to capture Elle. My heart went of to Elle and Marsh and I can't help, but continue to root for this couple who have both endured so much together.
The Chronicles of Light series continues to be a fun hit with this reader as Warlocks, Vampires and Fae intermingle with Steampunk airships and fun gadgets, and a destined romance between Marsh and Elle has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
My Rating: 4 stars. I really like it!
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by Del Rey in exchange for my fair and honest review. Thank you Del Rey for the review opportunity!
September 18, 2015
*BE ALERT!* *SPOILERS!*
This one was a little clunkier than the first two. I still love listening to Amy McFadden read these, she's very good, but the material wasn't quite up to par.
Elle has lost her husband Marsh to the Shadow over a year ago at the start of Sky Pirates. In her grief she has decided that the best thing she can do other than continuously patrol the Shadow looking for Marsh is to take on increasingly esoteric and dangerous charters on her airship. Lucky for her (see: unlikely convenient plot point), the answer she has been looking for is given to her by her latest airship passenger who is dying. It just bothered me how convenient it was that the one person who had an idea about how to help her has died.
The other thing that irritated me was how often the line of, "we'll give them a run for their money," came up. It is literally repeated several times anytime that Elle gets attacked by airship pirates in this book.
The other other thing that irritated me was how she goes on about how she loves Marsh and how she hates Dashwood for destroying her ship and kidnapping her and killing her friend Dr. Bell and all these other things, but she still ends up falling in love with him (see: having mystical Oracle sex in a sacred pool). Of course, at the end of the book she manages to rescue Marsh from the Shadows and save Dashwood from a gunshot wound, so now she has two men/boytoys and no idea what to do with them (although I did laugh out loud when her vampire friend suggested retiring to a country friendly to polygamy).
So, that's things I didn't like out of the way.
I still love Old Jack, although I'm not entirely sure what he is. He helps Elle, sure, but there have also been hints that he is Jack the Ripper and it's Elle's fault he crossed over from the Shadows into London, but the problem there is the dates are wrong. The first book explicitly states that it is 1901, turn of the century, and JtR was active in 1888. Still, I love Old Jack, probably because he's tricksy and Irish.
I learned a disturbing new definition for rotgut. The definition I've always been familiar with is that it is improperly made moonshine. Rotgut was also a type of alcohol that was used to preserve bodies so that medical schools could have cadavers to work. The rotgut could then be filtered and illegally resold to bars and taverns for human consumption.
I loved the passing reference to Hades and Persephone when Elle's mother tried to get her to eat a plum. Elle told her no and her mom had the decency to say that it was silly of her to try and keep her here.
I'm on the fence about listening to the next audiobook, but it sounds like it's going to be really interesting with Jack being involved now that he's trapped on our side of the barrier and Elle becoming the head of the warlocks, so we'll just have to see. I don't really care about the strained love triangle thing that I think is coming up. Oh well.
This one was a little clunkier than the first two. I still love listening to Amy McFadden read these, she's very good, but the material wasn't quite up to par.
Elle has lost her husband Marsh to the Shadow over a year ago at the start of Sky Pirates. In her grief she has decided that the best thing she can do other than continuously patrol the Shadow looking for Marsh is to take on increasingly esoteric and dangerous charters on her airship. Lucky for her (see: unlikely convenient plot point), the answer she has been looking for is given to her by her latest airship passenger who is dying. It just bothered me how convenient it was that the one person who had an idea about how to help her has died.
The other thing that irritated me was how often the line of, "we'll give them a run for their money," came up. It is literally repeated several times anytime that Elle gets attacked by airship pirates in this book.
The other other thing that irritated me was how she goes on about how she loves Marsh and how she hates Dashwood for destroying her ship and kidnapping her and killing her friend Dr. Bell and all these other things, but she still ends up falling in love with him (see: having mystical Oracle sex in a sacred pool). Of course, at the end of the book she manages to rescue Marsh from the Shadows and save Dashwood from a gunshot wound, so now she has two men/boytoys and no idea what to do with them (although I did laugh out loud when her vampire friend suggested retiring to a country friendly to polygamy).
So, that's things I didn't like out of the way.
I still love Old Jack, although I'm not entirely sure what he is. He helps Elle, sure, but there have also been hints that he is Jack the Ripper and it's Elle's fault he crossed over from the Shadows into London, but the problem there is the dates are wrong. The first book explicitly states that it is 1901, turn of the century, and JtR was active in 1888. Still, I love Old Jack, probably because he's tricksy and Irish.
I learned a disturbing new definition for rotgut. The definition I've always been familiar with is that it is improperly made moonshine. Rotgut was also a type of alcohol that was used to preserve bodies so that medical schools could have cadavers to work. The rotgut could then be filtered and illegally resold to bars and taverns for human consumption.
I loved the passing reference to Hades and Persephone when Elle's mother tried to get her to eat a plum. Elle told her no and her mom had the decency to say that it was silly of her to try and keep her here.
I'm on the fence about listening to the next audiobook, but it sounds like it's going to be really interesting with Jack being involved now that he's trapped on our side of the barrier and Elle becoming the head of the warlocks, so we'll just have to see. I don't really care about the strained love triangle thing that I think is coming up. Oh well.
December 23, 2014
So far there’s been a lot to like about this Steampunk series. There’s Hugh Marsh the ancient warlock who gave up everything to be with the woman he loves, Loisa the Nightcrawler with a wonderful line in sophisticated sarcasm, an absinthe fairy who does exactly as she pleases, not to mention a wonderful late Victorian world full of clever little magics and mechanics.
Yet all of the above are missing in this, the third offering of this series. I know Marsh was cursed to become a wraith in the last book, so could be expected to be absent, but no Adele, no Loisa, just Elle wandering around making stupid mistake after stupid decision, with great chunks of the story taking place on a skyship where nothing happens. It didn’t take long for me to realise that I actually don’t like Elle all that much. She’s foolhardy, selfish and only hears what she wants to hear, while ignoring the obvious. Her whole reaction to Marsh’s absence was so annoying. She knows that he sucks the life force out of everything he touches, so takes his absence as a sign that he doesn’t want her anymore. Idiot.
To make matters worse I really didn’t like Dashwood either. I didn’t like him in the last book and he does nothing at all in this one to make me change my mind. Add to that the possibility of a love triangle and I lost all interest. It didn’t help that I simply don’t find Patrice scary as a villain either. He’s too vain and arrogant, and he took all the menace out of the Council of Warlocks too. Nice as it was to see Aleister Crowley making a brief appearance, it really didn’t add anything to the story, making that whole episode seem really self-indulgent. As for the hellhound… it’s probably not a good sign that I actually wanted it to eat Elle.
I did like the whole Angkor Wat plot, though, since it was an interesting departure from the more common locations seen in this genre. However, it wasn’t enough to draw my interest back once I started skimming the action to get to the end. Add in the irritating come-and-go nonsense of the Oracle and I was about done.
This series had so much potential at first, and the last book was certainly intriguing with its clockwork monsters mixing with shadow magic, but sadly everything good and original about it seems to have gone. Elle is annoying, the Oracle powers are far too convenient when they’re not being stupidly elusive and then there’s that love triangle. I’m sorry, but that’s it for me.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Yet all of the above are missing in this, the third offering of this series. I know Marsh was cursed to become a wraith in the last book, so could be expected to be absent, but no Adele, no Loisa, just Elle wandering around making stupid mistake after stupid decision, with great chunks of the story taking place on a skyship where nothing happens. It didn’t take long for me to realise that I actually don’t like Elle all that much. She’s foolhardy, selfish and only hears what she wants to hear, while ignoring the obvious. Her whole reaction to Marsh’s absence was so annoying. She knows that he sucks the life force out of everything he touches, so takes his absence as a sign that he doesn’t want her anymore. Idiot.
To make matters worse I really didn’t like Dashwood either. I didn’t like him in the last book and he does nothing at all in this one to make me change my mind. Add to that the possibility of a love triangle and I lost all interest. It didn’t help that I simply don’t find Patrice scary as a villain either. He’s too vain and arrogant, and he took all the menace out of the Council of Warlocks too. Nice as it was to see Aleister Crowley making a brief appearance, it really didn’t add anything to the story, making that whole episode seem really self-indulgent. As for the hellhound… it’s probably not a good sign that I actually wanted it to eat Elle.
I did like the whole Angkor Wat plot, though, since it was an interesting departure from the more common locations seen in this genre. However, it wasn’t enough to draw my interest back once I started skimming the action to get to the end. Add in the irritating come-and-go nonsense of the Oracle and I was about done.
This series had so much potential at first, and the last book was certainly intriguing with its clockwork monsters mixing with shadow magic, but sadly everything good and original about it seems to have gone. Elle is annoying, the Oracle powers are far too convenient when they’re not being stupidly elusive and then there’s that love triangle. I’m sorry, but that’s it for me.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
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