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Free-Wrench #3
Ichor Well
Ichor Well is the third adventure in the Free-Wrench Series of Steampunk novels.
Ever since Nita Graus left her homeland and joined the crew of the Wind Breaker, the reputation of the airship and its crew has been growing. The destruction of the mighty dreadnought, the escape from the legendary Skykeep, and the inexplicable ability to remain hidden from the ever-watchful eye of the Fug Folk have combined to make her and her fellow crew the stuff of legend. Alas, legendary heroes cannot exist for long without attracting a worthy villain. Luscious P. Alabaster strives to be just that foe.
While he works his nefarious plans, the crew itself is not without turmoil. Captain Mack, already having survived far more years in the hostile skies than he had any right to expect, is making plans for his golden years. The crew is gradually learning all that Nita can teach them, leaving her with the looming decision of whether or not she still has a place among the crew.
Before the matter of the future can be settled, the crew has the problems at hand to solve. And in escaping the webs woven by the cunning and eccentric Alabaster, they may discover the darkest secrets the churning and toxic Fug has to hide.
Ever since Nita Graus left her homeland and joined the crew of the Wind Breaker, the reputation of the airship and its crew has been growing. The destruction of the mighty dreadnought, the escape from the legendary Skykeep, and the inexplicable ability to remain hidden from the ever-watchful eye of the Fug Folk have combined to make her and her fellow crew the stuff of legend. Alas, legendary heroes cannot exist for long without attracting a worthy villain. Luscious P. Alabaster strives to be just that foe.
While he works his nefarious plans, the crew itself is not without turmoil. Captain Mack, already having survived far more years in the hostile skies than he had any right to expect, is making plans for his golden years. The crew is gradually learning all that Nita can teach them, leaving her with the looming decision of whether or not she still has a place among the crew.
Before the matter of the future can be settled, the crew has the problems at hand to solve. And in escaping the webs woven by the cunning and eccentric Alabaster, they may discover the darkest secrets the churning and toxic Fug has to hide.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
43 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 25, 2019
Although I crashed mid-way into this series, I can report that not only did I manage to pick up all the relevant plotpoints without any undue floundering – I also finished this book with a firm resolve to go back and read the first two books. This is a world riven by political conflict since a catastrophic pollution event covered part of the planet’s surface with the fug – a purple-tinged smog that changes all who first came into contact with it. Those who live within the fug regard everyone else with contempt and arrogance as their own intellectual abilities have been boosted – not that it makes them any more likeable or wiser…
Unchanged humanity still manages to survive. Some eke out a living below ground in subterranean communities and others live above the pollution in airships, plying trade and destroying those who come looking for them. Those on the Wind Breaker are hardily accustomed to the continual freezing winds and the cold conditions the accompany high altitudes, but they are confronted with another major problem – it is becoming increasingly impossible to get hold of the fuel that powers the airship. I enjoyed the relationship amongst the crew – there were friction points and the Captain, in particular, makes a point of being grumpy. But then he regularly has to helm for several days and nights in a row without any sleep as no one else has his instincts when the going gets tough. However, there is also plenty of enjoyable snark and some unexpressed feelings that make the mix of strong characters entertaining and readable.
Meanwhile, Luscious P. Alabaster is determined to make a name for himself. Blessed with untold wealth and great family connections, he is convinced that destiny has chosen him to become the most famous man, ever. The man who destroys the infamous Wind Breaker – so he puts in place a cunning plan to snare the airship and her despicable crew. I loved this outrageously pompous antagonist, which is unusual, because generally anti-heroes and antagonist-based stories aren’t my thing. However, Lallo’s depiction of this character is a mixture of pantomime villain and a real drive to be remembered for this daring deed that certainly worked for me.
The denouement was an exciting page-turner as the plan took several unexpected twists, with some lovely reveals about the world, turning some of the previous information on its head – I love it when that happens… I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this entertaining series, which is highly recommended for fans of enjoyable steampunk adventure.
8/10
Unchanged humanity still manages to survive. Some eke out a living below ground in subterranean communities and others live above the pollution in airships, plying trade and destroying those who come looking for them. Those on the Wind Breaker are hardily accustomed to the continual freezing winds and the cold conditions the accompany high altitudes, but they are confronted with another major problem – it is becoming increasingly impossible to get hold of the fuel that powers the airship. I enjoyed the relationship amongst the crew – there were friction points and the Captain, in particular, makes a point of being grumpy. But then he regularly has to helm for several days and nights in a row without any sleep as no one else has his instincts when the going gets tough. However, there is also plenty of enjoyable snark and some unexpressed feelings that make the mix of strong characters entertaining and readable.
Meanwhile, Luscious P. Alabaster is determined to make a name for himself. Blessed with untold wealth and great family connections, he is convinced that destiny has chosen him to become the most famous man, ever. The man who destroys the infamous Wind Breaker – so he puts in place a cunning plan to snare the airship and her despicable crew. I loved this outrageously pompous antagonist, which is unusual, because generally anti-heroes and antagonist-based stories aren’t my thing. However, Lallo’s depiction of this character is a mixture of pantomime villain and a real drive to be remembered for this daring deed that certainly worked for me.
The denouement was an exciting page-turner as the plan took several unexpected twists, with some lovely reveals about the world, turning some of the previous information on its head – I love it when that happens… I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this entertaining series, which is highly recommended for fans of enjoyable steampunk adventure.
8/10
May 2, 2020
Note: The review refers to the edition included in Free-Wrench Collection: Volume 1.
Somewhat to my surprise, Ichor Well is more like a proper book in terms of size, albeit at the low end of that range. The final chapter again delivers in terms of the action, while until then there's space for more details and dialogues, a slower pace and more of a focus on the characters. In terms of this latter aspect, more nuances are added to the fug folk and a few are fleshed out a little more as individuals, though I'd say enough with the names, especially last names, that are variations of white or white objects already! On the other hand, not much is being done for the Wind Breaker's crew, the only visible effort being to continue to develop Lil but even that failing to produce worthwhile results.
Another notable problem is that it often feels like the author is thinking with his fingers. Effort is being made, but the "guts" are showing, many of the thought processes going into worldbuilding and potential outcomes of the action seeming rather dumped on the page, often by putting them in the mouths of characters. The clear impression is that, by attempting something more ambitious, the limits of the author's skill become far more obvious in every way.
Admittedly, Lucius is such a caricature of a villain that it's hard to take anything seriously with him in the picture, and the fact that those points previously made about some of the things wrong in our world and the calls to fight against them are also lost in the details would also seem to indicate a story that's not meant to be taken too seriously, at least not anymore. But, in that case, the pace is too slow and the real action too little, too late, leaving Ichor Well uncomfortably straddling between the simple adventure that Skykeep was and the much more ambitious work that at other times it seems to strive to be. I'd still call it the better book, but its flaws are harder to dismiss.
Somewhat to my surprise, Ichor Well is more like a proper book in terms of size, albeit at the low end of that range. The final chapter again delivers in terms of the action, while until then there's space for more details and dialogues, a slower pace and more of a focus on the characters. In terms of this latter aspect, more nuances are added to the fug folk and a few are fleshed out a little more as individuals, though I'd say enough with the names, especially last names, that are variations of white or white objects already! On the other hand, not much is being done for the Wind Breaker's crew, the only visible effort being to continue to develop Lil but even that failing to produce worthwhile results.
Another notable problem is that it often feels like the author is thinking with his fingers. Effort is being made, but the "guts" are showing, many of the thought processes going into worldbuilding and potential outcomes of the action seeming rather dumped on the page, often by putting them in the mouths of characters. The clear impression is that, by attempting something more ambitious, the limits of the author's skill become far more obvious in every way.
Admittedly, Lucius is such a caricature of a villain that it's hard to take anything seriously with him in the picture, and the fact that those points previously made about some of the things wrong in our world and the calls to fight against them are also lost in the details would also seem to indicate a story that's not meant to be taken too seriously, at least not anymore. But, in that case, the pace is too slow and the real action too little, too late, leaving Ichor Well uncomfortably straddling between the simple adventure that Skykeep was and the much more ambitious work that at other times it seems to strive to be. I'd still call it the better book, but its flaws are harder to dismiss.
September 10, 2019
This third installment of the Free-Wrench series starts to give us more details into the History and creation of Fug, Fug folk and their interactions with others. Jospeh Lallo carefully dances between viewpoints to give us a well rounded view for the most part of what has and is happening. The dialogue is superb both for the interaction of the characters and informing the readers without seeming to data bomb the reader. The pace is strong , and characters are great (a trademark of Joseph R Lallo). A thrilling adventure. This book made me laugh out loud something I try hard not to do.
This is a great quick read that you can immerse yourself in easily and find yourself done before you knew it wanting more. Read on friends. Write on Joseph Lallo.
This is a great quick read that you can immerse yourself in easily and find yourself done before you knew it wanting more. Read on friends. Write on Joseph Lallo.
January 1, 2018
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I enjoy the Free Wrench stories because of the ingenuity, sheer insanity, and grand adventures centered on good, if a little odd, people. This book holds true to those elements and offers some growing moments I wasn’t expecting. As with the others, it’s told in a rotating point of view, giving even small characters a moment to hold the limelight. This works especially well to demonstrate the themes around the difference between legends and realities. I did enjoy the early conversation on this very topic, especially with regards to the dreadnought’s destruction seeing as it was the least believed by fuggers, and by far, the most accurate.
Ichor Well both brings back some characters from Skykeep in an interesting way and introduces a host of new characters, some of whom have their own complete, if truncated, character arcs while others just may carry on into later books. One in particular I hope to see more of as she reminds me a little of Nita, though with a different specialty. I also enjoyed the expansion of Gunner’s character while the ability of the crew to point out moments of humor is fun, whether self-directed, or gently poking fun at others’ failure to demonstrate characteristics like subterfuge.
The story plays to the Wind Breaker’s crew’s strengths, especially those most would consider failings, particularly where Lil and Coop are concerned. If the story belongs to any one character in specific, I’d say Lil’s ponderings and observations hold the most weight, allowing for a significant character arc while everything is falling apart around them.
Seriously, what could be a more enticing offer than the chance at true freedom, and what better to balance it against but the almost sure expectation it’ll turn out to be a trap? How the crew works around both their own concerns and the situations they face is wonderful to be seen. Their arch nemesis plays a shadow role, something he would object to at length, but while in some ways he’s surprisingly effective, in others he’s very much overblown. It offers some humor as well. He’s not a character I’d like to spend more time with for reasons of arrogance and maltreatment of those around him, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away because I want to see how he’s going to trip over his ego, which is a compelling power in and of itself.
Another aspect I very much appreciated was the growth in the crew’s understanding of the fuggers. There were many instances of cross-cultural communication that stripped away false information in favor of a, sometimes terrifying, truth. Lucius, their unknown enemy, was instrumental in demonstrating how fugger society worked, but other characters also provided tidbits to build a greater picture where before there was only supposition and rumor. Gunner shared an interesting thought at one point as to how it was better not to know a people you universally hate because you might discover some don’t deserve that emotion.
All in all, there’s a lot going on, both action and character growth, while pretty much everyone gets their moment to shine, even Wink and especially Nikita, the two aye-ayes. The epilogue also contains a nice teaser for the next book that was well-seeded enough for me to wonder if that was the case earlier on, but I never found the confirmation until then.
The Free Wrench series continues to delight me, and I look forward to seeing just how the next one shapes up.
I enjoy the Free Wrench stories because of the ingenuity, sheer insanity, and grand adventures centered on good, if a little odd, people. This book holds true to those elements and offers some growing moments I wasn’t expecting. As with the others, it’s told in a rotating point of view, giving even small characters a moment to hold the limelight. This works especially well to demonstrate the themes around the difference between legends and realities. I did enjoy the early conversation on this very topic, especially with regards to the dreadnought’s destruction seeing as it was the least believed by fuggers, and by far, the most accurate.
Ichor Well both brings back some characters from Skykeep in an interesting way and introduces a host of new characters, some of whom have their own complete, if truncated, character arcs while others just may carry on into later books. One in particular I hope to see more of as she reminds me a little of Nita, though with a different specialty. I also enjoyed the expansion of Gunner’s character while the ability of the crew to point out moments of humor is fun, whether self-directed, or gently poking fun at others’ failure to demonstrate characteristics like subterfuge.
The story plays to the Wind Breaker’s crew’s strengths, especially those most would consider failings, particularly where Lil and Coop are concerned. If the story belongs to any one character in specific, I’d say Lil’s ponderings and observations hold the most weight, allowing for a significant character arc while everything is falling apart around them.
Seriously, what could be a more enticing offer than the chance at true freedom, and what better to balance it against but the almost sure expectation it’ll turn out to be a trap? How the crew works around both their own concerns and the situations they face is wonderful to be seen. Their arch nemesis plays a shadow role, something he would object to at length, but while in some ways he’s surprisingly effective, in others he’s very much overblown. It offers some humor as well. He’s not a character I’d like to spend more time with for reasons of arrogance and maltreatment of those around him, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away because I want to see how he’s going to trip over his ego, which is a compelling power in and of itself.
Another aspect I very much appreciated was the growth in the crew’s understanding of the fuggers. There were many instances of cross-cultural communication that stripped away false information in favor of a, sometimes terrifying, truth. Lucius, their unknown enemy, was instrumental in demonstrating how fugger society worked, but other characters also provided tidbits to build a greater picture where before there was only supposition and rumor. Gunner shared an interesting thought at one point as to how it was better not to know a people you universally hate because you might discover some don’t deserve that emotion.
All in all, there’s a lot going on, both action and character growth, while pretty much everyone gets their moment to shine, even Wink and especially Nikita, the two aye-ayes. The epilogue also contains a nice teaser for the next book that was well-seeded enough for me to wonder if that was the case earlier on, but I never found the confirmation until then.
The Free Wrench series continues to delight me, and I look forward to seeing just how the next one shapes up.
May 30, 2019
You weave a good tale, Mr. Lallo
It's true that you follow tried and true formulas for basic story telling. You have a small set of basic characters and don't let the reader get confused by too many to keep straight. You have at least one good antagonist per story, with others lingering on the background. You have people doing good things. You have bravery mixed with other emotions. And I suppose I could go on. The only thing I don't like about this story is terrible "cliff hanger" at the end with no new book! I hope one comes soon!
It's true that you follow tried and true formulas for basic story telling. You have a small set of basic characters and don't let the reader get confused by too many to keep straight. You have at least one good antagonist per story, with others lingering on the background. You have people doing good things. You have bravery mixed with other emotions. And I suppose I could go on. The only thing I don't like about this story is terrible "cliff hanger" at the end with no new book! I hope one comes soon!
July 20, 2023
Another fun story. This third instalment in this loveable series is a hundred or so pages longer than the first two short and sweet novellas. Unforunately I don't think it benefited much from that extra page count. I found myself losing interest in a few places, and it's still a little rough around the edges in prose and worldbuilding, but it was still very enjoyable on the whole. Most of all, I continue to adore Lil. She's just great.
I'll be back for book 4 once i get through some of my other reading backlog.
I'll be back for book 4 once i get through some of my other reading backlog.
December 8, 2019
Fantastically Awesome
Each new book by Joseph Lallo that I read excites me a bit more. First I fell in love with the world of Deacon, then the worlds of Big Sigma. And now the Free Wrench world has invoked my fascination, captured my passion, and endeared my obsession for yet another truely awesome series of stories. Thank you Mr Lallo - I eagerly await further tales of derring-do.
Each new book by Joseph Lallo that I read excites me a bit more. First I fell in love with the world of Deacon, then the worlds of Big Sigma. And now the Free Wrench world has invoked my fascination, captured my passion, and endeared my obsession for yet another truely awesome series of stories. Thank you Mr Lallo - I eagerly await further tales of derring-do.
June 22, 2017
The final in the Free-Wrench series, this book is just as much fun as the first two. The Wind-Breaker crew continue their intrepid free fall into danger & adventure, this time attempting to find a source of the fug. While the series does wrap up, we are treated to a teaser for a possible next series. Can't wait.
August 14, 2017
Nice enough book, intriguing world-build, ok characters and thankfully not to many of them added over the 3 books. But the one nauseating flaw of the author in these 3 books is constant repeating of how mentally challenged some characters are. I don't know if this steams from the authors own narcissism, but it wasn't there in previous series big sigma. A real turnoff in otherwise nice series.
October 4, 2018
holy crap! even better than skykeep!
the series continues to deliver delights of entertainment, intrigue, humorous dialogue and a whole bunch of drama above and below the fug.
i was so motivated I read this book with my eyes - there was no audiobook out yet but it was worth it.
you'll love it
the series continues to deliver delights of entertainment, intrigue, humorous dialogue and a whole bunch of drama above and below the fug.
i was so motivated I read this book with my eyes - there was no audiobook out yet but it was worth it.
you'll love it
March 26, 2022
I nice building on the previous book. I take back what I said on my review of the last book being too short. This does far more to add to the overarching story and I see what the previous book did, to set this up. These books are short but sweet! Also i know this is 'late' but i totally called what species the "inspectors" were and i love that they are what they are lol!
May 18, 2017
I want another!!
July 25, 2017
I liked the story and the characters. It is a neat concept of a post apocalypse rebuilt society. Ending of this trilogy has a phenomenal twist.
August 3, 2017
This would make a great movie.
September 18, 2019
3rd instalment that follows on the story of the rag-tag crew of the Wind Breaker and their exploits. Still good, but all becoming a bit predictable.
February 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book, the second and third sort of dragged on a bit and you knew who'd win fairly easily. I wish Nita was more of the focus like she was in book 1. Good story otherwise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
The imagination of Joseph R. Lallo appears to be endless. Intricate details fit together seamlessly, forming action that makes it difficult to put down his books. I’m hooked!
August 4, 2021
Another good installment
Great read, kept the story going and was very entertaining. Developed the characters and made me want more. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Great read, kept the story going and was very entertaining. Developed the characters and made me want more. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 4, 2021
Well done.
September 7, 2021
Keep on rolling
Continue on the journey deeper into the gig with this beaut. Still needs some world building, solid characters solid story. I look forward to more in this series. I believe in you.
Continue on the journey deeper into the gig with this beaut. Still needs some world building, solid characters solid story. I look forward to more in this series. I believe in you.
May 19, 2025
I really liked it.
October 22, 2025
a good entertaining book.
November 12, 2025
Another great adventure. I like the relationship between the characters and learning more about the world.
Nikita is so cute.
Nikita is so cute.
June 16, 2024
Another rock solid adventure. If you enjoyed the previous free-wrench adventures, you'll love this one as well.
Only a few gripes:
The villain was a little bit too cartoony.
The choice to not kill the villain at the end also didn't make any sense. Yeah, we've just fought and killed dozens of people because of this guy, but now that we've won, we'll just release him. Also, he's the only surviving antagonist that knows this secret location. Inconsistent choice that's going to bother me into the next book I'm sure.
Only a few gripes:
The villain was a little bit too cartoony.
The choice to not kill the villain at the end also didn't make any sense. Yeah, we've just fought and killed dozens of people because of this guy, but now that we've won, we'll just release him. Also, he's the only surviving antagonist that knows this secret location. Inconsistent choice that's going to bother me into the next book I'm sure.
April 13, 2025
chor Well continues the tale of fug, the noxious smog that fills the crater of the known world and poisons those not adapted to it. Thus in this story, we learn more the fug society, the elite and the grunts, the idlers and workers, and a lone woman scientist (who is perfect in her focus on scientific method).
What is fug hiding? A new source of the toxic gas, which, after treatment, also produces a light-emitting substance, and a major power source for engines of all sorts (including air balloons/dirigibles). Getting to it involves running the gauntlet of fug-altered woodland creatures, like gigantic troll-like squirrels and sabre-tooth foxes. In steam-powered badly-made transports.
If you like world-building (and you know I do), you will delight in this brilliant construct by Joseph R Lallo. Science, technology, genetics, sociology…it’s all there, with great deal of politics, a little economics, and a lot of twisted plotting too.
All the characters are beautifully rounded (some rather more than they’d like). Lucius P Alabaster I detested in Ichor Well, and groaned when he arrived in the Calderan Problem, only to enjoy booing by the end.
What is fug hiding? A new source of the toxic gas, which, after treatment, also produces a light-emitting substance, and a major power source for engines of all sorts (including air balloons/dirigibles). Getting to it involves running the gauntlet of fug-altered woodland creatures, like gigantic troll-like squirrels and sabre-tooth foxes. In steam-powered badly-made transports.
If you like world-building (and you know I do), you will delight in this brilliant construct by Joseph R Lallo. Science, technology, genetics, sociology…it’s all there, with great deal of politics, a little economics, and a lot of twisted plotting too.
All the characters are beautifully rounded (some rather more than they’d like). Lucius P Alabaster I detested in Ichor Well, and groaned when he arrived in the Calderan Problem, only to enjoy booing by the end.
February 14, 2017
Just brilliant love these
The story of these guys get better with each book I hope there are more to come just love this writer
The story of these guys get better with each book I hope there are more to come just love this writer
August 9, 2016
The first book of the series (Free-Wrench) I rated a five star book, the second got a four star and this one gets three stars. Things seem to be heading downwards faster than a deflated airship.
The problem is that the first half of the book was just too slowly paced. Things pick up in the second half when the action finally happens. What this book needs is a good editor to trim the excessive talking as there is rather a lot of it in the first half.
The story is just OK, but suffers from not enough plot to make it interesting. The best part of the story is the mustache twirling villain of Luscious P. Alabaster. Maybe over the top and without depth, he gives the book a fun tone and offsets the darker themes.
Overall it feels like a novella stretched out to novel length, an average read.
nigelbaker.name
The problem is that the first half of the book was just too slowly paced. Things pick up in the second half when the action finally happens. What this book needs is a good editor to trim the excessive talking as there is rather a lot of it in the first half.
The story is just OK, but suffers from not enough plot to make it interesting. The best part of the story is the mustache twirling villain of Luscious P. Alabaster. Maybe over the top and without depth, he gives the book a fun tone and offsets the darker themes.
Overall it feels like a novella stretched out to novel length, an average read.
nigelbaker.name
May 30, 2017
So excited for the next book. This series was my first step in to the steam punk type genre and I'm very impressed.
February 1, 2017
Lovely ending to an awesome series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews