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Black Recluse
In a dead-end Skyport on the planet called Roanoke, the only clues Rayn has to her past are a medallion with a mysterious inscription and the knack for repairing firearms. Plagued by the feeling she doesn’t belong, Rayn’s world changes forever when airship Captain, Solomand Black bursts into her shop looking for a gunsmith. In the wake of trouble he brings with him, she has no choice but to accept his offer and set out on a journey which will ultimately lead her to discover the truth of who she is. But can the hapless pilot be trusted? As they cross paths with government agents seeking a dangerous war criminal, Rayn must decide which side of a war she belongs on and learn the painful lesson that some things are best left forgotten.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2019
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22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 21, 2019
I feel like I’ve been pretty lucky on my recent steampunk finds. Black Recluse by Anna Bowman offers adventure and danger in multiple locations, a bit of mystery, and an air ship crew you feel at home with, but who also all seem all have their own secrets to keep.
Thoughts:
To me, Solomand Black’s world must be a complicated one to live in. As part of the rebellion, he is now a wanted war criminal and is constantly having to watch his back, he’s lost his wife and child, protects his 12-year-old crew member from slave traders, has a close friend that is gravely ill while assisting another friend withdraw from a powerful drug called Furi and who incidentally also wants to kill or at least seriously hurt Solomand. Then, you add Rayn – someone he’s hired to fix a cannon and who sees Solomand as a rifle-murderer, which to her is a serious offense ever since he caused her favorite rifle to get destroyed. But as payment to fixing the anti-aircraft cannon, Solomand has also agreed to help track down some answers regarding her past. Rayn has no prior memories other than the last few years with only one hint – a small compass with the initials ‘S. L.’ on it. It’s not much to go on, but Solomand has a few thoughts on where to find some leads and that’s all Rayn can hope for.
By around 20-30% in, most of the characters and initial story have been introduced. But knowing this is where the plots typically start kicking into gear, I remember wondering if this was going to be a plot-driven or character-driven story. What I found was the character’s background, past, and current situation were the motivating factors in most events that occurred in the book. But I didn’t actually understand the fullness of this until the end when the reader is let in on some of the secrets of the crew. I then went back and re-read some sections to get a full appreciation of how much was actually going on all at the same time.
At the end of the book a few important questions get answered that helped put several of the missing pieces together for me. Incidentally, these answers are also what might make Black Recluse an enjoyable re-read, because you’re able to go back and see what was really going on in certain sections or scenes. I know when reading it the first time there were some sections or plot moments where I knew I didn’t 100% understand the driving motivation and doing a re-read definitely helped. But the end of the story also puts several new plot motivations in play and gives us a starting point for the next in the series.
Regarding the steampunk part of the story, I would classify it as more of a subtle steampunk style book, which I appreciated. Often we see the same certain words or phrases within steampunk calling out to the reader to let them know what genre they are in. But there are times I wish I could read a steampunk book without the use of them. In Black Recluse, the words ‘dirigible’ or ‘automaton’ were not used within the story. There are however, air ships, guns, Victorian style dressing, and other items such as a mechanical spider filled with gears inside its body that identify with the genre. Overall, I found Black Recluse to be a very enjoyable read and recommend it anyone looking for a new steampunk read and look forward to reading the next in the series.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Thoughts:
To me, Solomand Black’s world must be a complicated one to live in. As part of the rebellion, he is now a wanted war criminal and is constantly having to watch his back, he’s lost his wife and child, protects his 12-year-old crew member from slave traders, has a close friend that is gravely ill while assisting another friend withdraw from a powerful drug called Furi and who incidentally also wants to kill or at least seriously hurt Solomand. Then, you add Rayn – someone he’s hired to fix a cannon and who sees Solomand as a rifle-murderer, which to her is a serious offense ever since he caused her favorite rifle to get destroyed. But as payment to fixing the anti-aircraft cannon, Solomand has also agreed to help track down some answers regarding her past. Rayn has no prior memories other than the last few years with only one hint – a small compass with the initials ‘S. L.’ on it. It’s not much to go on, but Solomand has a few thoughts on where to find some leads and that’s all Rayn can hope for.
By around 20-30% in, most of the characters and initial story have been introduced. But knowing this is where the plots typically start kicking into gear, I remember wondering if this was going to be a plot-driven or character-driven story. What I found was the character’s background, past, and current situation were the motivating factors in most events that occurred in the book. But I didn’t actually understand the fullness of this until the end when the reader is let in on some of the secrets of the crew. I then went back and re-read some sections to get a full appreciation of how much was actually going on all at the same time.
At the end of the book a few important questions get answered that helped put several of the missing pieces together for me. Incidentally, these answers are also what might make Black Recluse an enjoyable re-read, because you’re able to go back and see what was really going on in certain sections or scenes. I know when reading it the first time there were some sections or plot moments where I knew I didn’t 100% understand the driving motivation and doing a re-read definitely helped. But the end of the story also puts several new plot motivations in play and gives us a starting point for the next in the series.
Regarding the steampunk part of the story, I would classify it as more of a subtle steampunk style book, which I appreciated. Often we see the same certain words or phrases within steampunk calling out to the reader to let them know what genre they are in. But there are times I wish I could read a steampunk book without the use of them. In Black Recluse, the words ‘dirigible’ or ‘automaton’ were not used within the story. There are however, air ships, guns, Victorian style dressing, and other items such as a mechanical spider filled with gears inside its body that identify with the genre. Overall, I found Black Recluse to be a very enjoyable read and recommend it anyone looking for a new steampunk read and look forward to reading the next in the series.
Rating: 4.5 stars
June 22, 2020
Black Recluse is a steampunk novel about a female gunsmith (Rayn) who’s lost her memory, and a rogue airship Captain (Solomand Black) who’s wanted by the law.
The novel does a nice job of building around the two main characters, Rayn and Solomand, in what is most often an alternating perspective pattern. Solomand hires Rayn to fix a gun, although there are undertones of a secret reason for him to do so. I found Rayn’s character to be particularly endearing. She’s tough, but also funny, and there’s some great dialogue between her and Solmand. Solomand seems to want to help Rayn find out about her past, and protect her, but we are unsure of his motives until the very end, which I did enjoy. The supporting characters are nicely integrated as well, in particular Tristan, who is ailing, though we aren't sure why for most of the story.
I like that everyone seems to have a secret and it was very funny when part way through the novel that Rayn makes the same observation about secrets that I was thinking. The reveals are well handled and they tied together nicely.
The world building is excellent, in particular with regard to Rayne’s profession as a gunsmith and the feel of the different locations they visit. I kind of wish there was even more of it as I had trouble getting a feel for the layout of the planet as a whole.
There was a fair amount of action, particularly during the finale, which would normally be my favorite part, but I didn’t get gripped by a sense of danger and urgency that the author was likely going for, and sometimes the action felt abrupt.
Over-all, I really enjoyed the characters in this novel, particularly Rayn, and I was impressed with the immersive feel of the world.
The novel does a nice job of building around the two main characters, Rayn and Solomand, in what is most often an alternating perspective pattern. Solomand hires Rayn to fix a gun, although there are undertones of a secret reason for him to do so. I found Rayn’s character to be particularly endearing. She’s tough, but also funny, and there’s some great dialogue between her and Solmand. Solomand seems to want to help Rayn find out about her past, and protect her, but we are unsure of his motives until the very end, which I did enjoy. The supporting characters are nicely integrated as well, in particular Tristan, who is ailing, though we aren't sure why for most of the story.
I like that everyone seems to have a secret and it was very funny when part way through the novel that Rayn makes the same observation about secrets that I was thinking. The reveals are well handled and they tied together nicely.
The world building is excellent, in particular with regard to Rayne’s profession as a gunsmith and the feel of the different locations they visit. I kind of wish there was even more of it as I had trouble getting a feel for the layout of the planet as a whole.
There was a fair amount of action, particularly during the finale, which would normally be my favorite part, but I didn’t get gripped by a sense of danger and urgency that the author was likely going for, and sometimes the action felt abrupt.
Over-all, I really enjoyed the characters in this novel, particularly Rayn, and I was impressed with the immersive feel of the world.
December 23, 2019
This was like Pirates of the Caribbean with airships!
I am a huge fan of steampunk, so I jumped into this one and it didn't disappoint. I found myself giggling at the antics between Rayn and Solomand. Rayn especially--she was feisty! But she had her reasons. Rayn lost her memory six years ago and had been alone working as the local gunsmith ever since. She didn't even know where she acquired her skills.
Here comes Solomand, captain of an airship. He's in need of someone to fix a gun on his ship. Of course, she had little choice after the 201st Airmen blew up her shop. The Airmen's leader, Governor LeFrost has been trying desperately to capture Sol and his crew. Rayn knows she's gotten in over her head, but there's something about Sol. He guards his secrets and is trying to control his PTSD from the war six years ago. His crew is just as mysterious. Who were these people? Were they pirates? Smugglers? Or something more? Will sticking with them help Rayn find the answers she's seeking or will it get her killed?
I really hated feeling like Rayn, completely the dark about all of Solomand's secrets during this book. When I'd thought I had figured something out, I was wrong. I knew I was right about one of the secrets...but I won't tell! You'll just have to read for yourself. If you pick up this book, get ready for the sky-ride of your life! Can't wait for the next one!
I am a huge fan of steampunk, so I jumped into this one and it didn't disappoint. I found myself giggling at the antics between Rayn and Solomand. Rayn especially--she was feisty! But she had her reasons. Rayn lost her memory six years ago and had been alone working as the local gunsmith ever since. She didn't even know where she acquired her skills.
Here comes Solomand, captain of an airship. He's in need of someone to fix a gun on his ship. Of course, she had little choice after the 201st Airmen blew up her shop. The Airmen's leader, Governor LeFrost has been trying desperately to capture Sol and his crew. Rayn knows she's gotten in over her head, but there's something about Sol. He guards his secrets and is trying to control his PTSD from the war six years ago. His crew is just as mysterious. Who were these people? Were they pirates? Smugglers? Or something more? Will sticking with them help Rayn find the answers she's seeking or will it get her killed?
I really hated feeling like Rayn, completely the dark about all of Solomand's secrets during this book. When I'd thought I had figured something out, I was wrong. I knew I was right about one of the secrets...but I won't tell! You'll just have to read for yourself. If you pick up this book, get ready for the sky-ride of your life! Can't wait for the next one!
July 19, 2020
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/_68Tr4zFvQw
4.5 stars
This story was so much fun! Very adventurous and full of great characters.
It’s funny because I finished reading this book a few days ago, but I’m still reeling from that excellent plot twist. Maybe I should have saw it coming, but it was the icing on the cake for this story. It made me love Black Recluse SO much more because of it and bummed I can’t say what it is. So. Good.
Sol was definitely my favorite. For a Captain, I was surprised at some of his struggles, but it made him very relatable. Not that I agree with ALL his decisions, but I stand by him as a fangirl because he really was awesome.
Rayn was AMAZING! She is feminine, but also this awesome I-can-kick-your-butt-in-a-heartbeat character. I especially loved loved that about her. She can stand on her own and knows SUPER cool with her knowledge of guns.
This definitely is a story where it gets better and better as it goes on. Not that the beginning was bad, but I fell deeper and deeper into this story the further read. I loved the traveling and the rather interesting people they meet.
I’ll admit that it had a lot more language for my preferred preference. However, I am still eagerly looking forward to the next book because so much happened at the end and I have no idea what’s going to happen next. Plus, #TeamSol! <3
Recommended to fans who love steampunk with a blend of science fiction and fantastic characters!
*(I received a copy from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
4.5 stars
This story was so much fun! Very adventurous and full of great characters.
It’s funny because I finished reading this book a few days ago, but I’m still reeling from that excellent plot twist. Maybe I should have saw it coming, but it was the icing on the cake for this story. It made me love Black Recluse SO much more because of it and bummed I can’t say what it is. So. Good.
Sol was definitely my favorite. For a Captain, I was surprised at some of his struggles, but it made him very relatable. Not that I agree with ALL his decisions, but I stand by him as a fangirl because he really was awesome.
Rayn was AMAZING! She is feminine, but also this awesome I-can-kick-your-butt-in-a-heartbeat character. I especially loved loved that about her. She can stand on her own and knows SUPER cool with her knowledge of guns.
This definitely is a story where it gets better and better as it goes on. Not that the beginning was bad, but I fell deeper and deeper into this story the further read. I loved the traveling and the rather interesting people they meet.
I’ll admit that it had a lot more language for my preferred preference. However, I am still eagerly looking forward to the next book because so much happened at the end and I have no idea what’s going to happen next. Plus, #TeamSol! <3
Recommended to fans who love steampunk with a blend of science fiction and fantastic characters!
*(I received a copy from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
July 24, 2022
Steampunk is a genre I don't read very often which is why I had this book on my Kindle for more than two years until I finally got to it.
It turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag for me. While the steampunk world was vividly described and there are some really fun action chapters, I couldn't really warm up with the two MCs, Rayn and Solomand.
Rayn has lost her memory and behaves bitchy most of the time, mostly toward Solomand, the handsome airship captain who took her into his crew.
Of course, the reader knows from page one that those two will eventually be together and at the end of the book it also makes sense why, but the love story of those two is simply not my cup of tea.
Solomand and his crew have been clearly inspired by Firefly which is not a bad thing and their banter is fun to read.
Although this book wasn't for me, I'm sure fans of adventure romance and steampunk will have fun with it.
It turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag for me. While the steampunk world was vividly described and there are some really fun action chapters, I couldn't really warm up with the two MCs, Rayn and Solomand.
Rayn has lost her memory and behaves bitchy most of the time, mostly toward Solomand, the handsome airship captain who took her into his crew.
Of course, the reader knows from page one that those two will eventually be together and at the end of the book it also makes sense why, but the love story of those two is simply not my cup of tea.
Solomand and his crew have been clearly inspired by Firefly which is not a bad thing and their banter is fun to read.
Although this book wasn't for me, I'm sure fans of adventure romance and steampunk will have fun with it.
December 13, 2020
Amazing space adventure
From the start you know something is off with Solomond. The man keeps too many secrets. He has secrets about everyone and hands them out to Rayn piecemeal so that we learn them as she does. For Rayn's part, shes a tough chick with certain skills that you think are needed at first only until you realize that was all a ploy. As the story unfolds and the crew gets themselves into fight after fight, you have to admire their determination. This was a fun story with lively, heartwarming characters.
From the start you know something is off with Solomond. The man keeps too many secrets. He has secrets about everyone and hands them out to Rayn piecemeal so that we learn them as she does. For Rayn's part, shes a tough chick with certain skills that you think are needed at first only until you realize that was all a ploy. As the story unfolds and the crew gets themselves into fight after fight, you have to admire their determination. This was a fun story with lively, heartwarming characters.
October 22, 2021
I loved this book! Solomand and the gang feel like real people, in a real crew of misfits with varied histories and experiences. And the twist at the end was great.
It was a sarcastic adventure with no filler and no bullshit. And the interplay between the characters was spot on. Bowman did a great job in giving each character a unique personality and reasons for their actions.
I loved the steampunk-ey world of Black Recluse and I can’t wait to dive into Black Wolf, the sequel.
(Geez an audio edition would be fantastic 👀)
It was a sarcastic adventure with no filler and no bullshit. And the interplay between the characters was spot on. Bowman did a great job in giving each character a unique personality and reasons for their actions.
I loved the steampunk-ey world of Black Recluse and I can’t wait to dive into Black Wolf, the sequel.
(Geez an audio edition would be fantastic 👀)
December 9, 2021
Ultimate cliffhanger!
This book was in my library for a long time and I'm so glad I finally got to it! The characters are unique and diverse. Each one plays an important role and my favorite part is how real the traumatic experiences characters have feel. You can tell the author has been through some serious stuff in order to accurately depict what it feels like to experience these things. Well done! I can't wait to read the sequel!
This book was in my library for a long time and I'm so glad I finally got to it! The characters are unique and diverse. Each one plays an important role and my favorite part is how real the traumatic experiences characters have feel. You can tell the author has been through some serious stuff in order to accurately depict what it feels like to experience these things. Well done! I can't wait to read the sequel!
August 17, 2019
Great story
I really enjoyed reading this story. It kept me captivated from beginning to end. I will definitely be waiting for the next book!
I really enjoyed reading this story. It kept me captivated from beginning to end. I will definitely be waiting for the next book!
December 18, 2019
Such a good book. I can't wait to read the next one.
April 27, 2020
Black Recluse
Very good Clockwork mystery story. Didn't know it would turn out mysterious until towards the end of story when things fell together! It was shocking to me...
Very good Clockwork mystery story. Didn't know it would turn out mysterious until towards the end of story when things fell together! It was shocking to me...
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