What do you think?
Rate this book
Free-Wrench #4
The Calderan Problem
The Calderan Problem is the fourth high-flying, swashbuckling adventure in the Free-Wrench series from Joseph R. Lallo, author of the Book of Deacon and Big Sigma series. Several months have passed since Nita’s last adventure in the fug, and though she has spent them back in her native Caldera, she has never been busier. After countless debates and discussion, she has finally convinced her people to give the Wind Breaker and its crew safe harbor on the shores of her idyllic homeland. Now she is looking forward to introducing Captain Mack, Lil, Coop, and the rest of the crew to the land of her birth. Back in the fug, Gunner has remained behind to help their friends in the Well Diggers deal with problems beneath the fug. Their old foe Lucius P. Alabaster has become even more unhinged and eccentric since their last clash. When his latest scheme seems to be having even greater success than his last, Gunner decides he needs to get to the bottom of it. Flamboyant and overconfident though he may be, Alabaster is not to be taken lightly. As machinations unfold, worlds clash, and relationships develop, the Wind Breaker and its crew discover that this latest adventure may have greater consequences than they’d ever imagined.
222 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2017
46 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 17, 2017
Simply awesome as always! All of his books are very good and this series is one of the best. With The Calderan Problem just leaving me wanting more!
September 9, 2018
It struck me while reading this book that the 'Free-Wrench' saga is pretty much a Steampunk version of 'Firefly'. If you liked 'Firefly' then you'll love this saga.
Brilliant!
All our favourite characters are back from the first three books and a few more new ones besides, the shenanigans get more complex as each book builds upon the last one - the saga keeps getting better.
Joseph's writing is it's usual, wonderfully imaginative stuff expressed in nice easy flowing prose.
All a really good, fun, read with a loveable set of characters.
Brilliant!
All our favourite characters are back from the first three books and a few more new ones besides, the shenanigans get more complex as each book builds upon the last one - the saga keeps getting better.
Joseph's writing is it's usual, wonderfully imaginative stuff expressed in nice easy flowing prose.
All a really good, fun, read with a loveable set of characters.
April 13, 2025
The Calderan Problem started slowly, and for a while I feared the disappointment of another loved series petering out. But no, once through to the nitty gritty it was as good as the rest. Just a little too tied up with the minutiae of Calderan customs, which are excruciatingly boring, however much Nita wants her friends to enjoy her home world. It’s a dastardly plot, though!
Is it steampunk, or is it sci-fi? Ichor Well definitely tips more into the sci-fi category for me, and this follows more sedately. Looking forward to the next!
Is it steampunk, or is it sci-fi? Ichor Well definitely tips more into the sci-fi category for me, and this follows more sedately. Looking forward to the next!
May 7, 2019
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
It took me a bit to read the next in the Free Wrench series, but the book holds up to my love of the series, offering fun and laughter with a tinge of seriousness. I quickly slipped back into their world, recognizing crew and villains alike (though who could forget Lucius P. Alabaster?). I enjoyed both the logic behind the story events and glimpses at how things work in this world.
The series has been ramping up from personal challenges to world-shattering ones, and The Calderan Problem continues this pattern after a relaxed beginning. It starts with the crew separated into two sets, one at the new ichor well and the other, composed of all the crew except Gunner and Wink, are being welcomed and feted in Nita’s home.
There are some lovely moments in Calderan as an artistic people come face to face with the Coopers’ practicality. I appreciated how Lil and Coop didn’t change to meet their new circumstances, and yet as always, they found a place where they fit despite all expectations. There are also cultural clashes where the Rim culture is so different from Calderan that assumptions are problematic.
Nita fit into her old life about as comfortably as she ever had when they dropped her home last time. Her eagerness to get aboard the Wind Breaker to do repairs proves where her heart lies, in more ways than one as it turns out. I wasn’t sure where the book was headed with the main focus on diplomacy and trade with Calderan. The events at the well offered little clarity to draw me at first.
I shouldn’t have worried, though. Not only do things ramp up significantly as we hit the middle of the book, but everything in the beginning offers a foundation upon which the rest of the story rests. I was able to piece together a good bit of what was going on from the clues I hadn’t realized I’d been collecting, building my anticipation as I waited to see things unfold.
It’s a fast-paced adventure mixed with cultural clash mixed with navigating the complexity of relationships…so a true Free Wrench novel. The villains are split between the deep planner pulling strings from the background and the chaotic, bombastic certainty of Alabaster, giving insight along with entertainment. There were a few dark moments when I couldn’t see my way through for a bit, but the Wind Breaker crew holds true to the ability to overcome any obstacle…if by the skins of their teeth.
I very much enjoyed the snappy dialogue with its mix of undertones and overt ones whether Kent chastising Gunner’s quiet or Nita’s siblings trying to wake their sister up to what’s right in front of her face. Alabaster’s monologues are fascinating as well as they work out the various machinations afoot. And of course, I continue to love Wink, the ship’s aye-aye, who is dedicated, brave, and as Gunner would say, a clear member of the crew.
What wins me over every time is the positive attitude of the Wind Breaker crew even when faced with impossible odds. Whether it’s Gunner determined to reclaim a crew member or Mack confident he can turn a week’s journey into a matter of days, they don’t just expect success, they make it happen. And if one path doesn’t turn out as expected, they’re quick to adapt and find another.
It’s those characteristics that make Nita such a good addition to the crew and less than comfortable on her own homeland where everything takes years to come to fruition. She’s at her best when in a desperate scramble on the edge of disaster, and everyone else is better off with her in the mix.
If you haven’t given the series a try, you really should. It’s quick, fun entertainment with complex, layered characters who are dedicated to their paths, whether for good or evil.
It took me a bit to read the next in the Free Wrench series, but the book holds up to my love of the series, offering fun and laughter with a tinge of seriousness. I quickly slipped back into their world, recognizing crew and villains alike (though who could forget Lucius P. Alabaster?). I enjoyed both the logic behind the story events and glimpses at how things work in this world.
The series has been ramping up from personal challenges to world-shattering ones, and The Calderan Problem continues this pattern after a relaxed beginning. It starts with the crew separated into two sets, one at the new ichor well and the other, composed of all the crew except Gunner and Wink, are being welcomed and feted in Nita’s home.
There are some lovely moments in Calderan as an artistic people come face to face with the Coopers’ practicality. I appreciated how Lil and Coop didn’t change to meet their new circumstances, and yet as always, they found a place where they fit despite all expectations. There are also cultural clashes where the Rim culture is so different from Calderan that assumptions are problematic.
Nita fit into her old life about as comfortably as she ever had when they dropped her home last time. Her eagerness to get aboard the Wind Breaker to do repairs proves where her heart lies, in more ways than one as it turns out. I wasn’t sure where the book was headed with the main focus on diplomacy and trade with Calderan. The events at the well offered little clarity to draw me at first.
I shouldn’t have worried, though. Not only do things ramp up significantly as we hit the middle of the book, but everything in the beginning offers a foundation upon which the rest of the story rests. I was able to piece together a good bit of what was going on from the clues I hadn’t realized I’d been collecting, building my anticipation as I waited to see things unfold.
It’s a fast-paced adventure mixed with cultural clash mixed with navigating the complexity of relationships…so a true Free Wrench novel. The villains are split between the deep planner pulling strings from the background and the chaotic, bombastic certainty of Alabaster, giving insight along with entertainment. There were a few dark moments when I couldn’t see my way through for a bit, but the Wind Breaker crew holds true to the ability to overcome any obstacle…if by the skins of their teeth.
I very much enjoyed the snappy dialogue with its mix of undertones and overt ones whether Kent chastising Gunner’s quiet or Nita’s siblings trying to wake their sister up to what’s right in front of her face. Alabaster’s monologues are fascinating as well as they work out the various machinations afoot. And of course, I continue to love Wink, the ship’s aye-aye, who is dedicated, brave, and as Gunner would say, a clear member of the crew.
What wins me over every time is the positive attitude of the Wind Breaker crew even when faced with impossible odds. Whether it’s Gunner determined to reclaim a crew member or Mack confident he can turn a week’s journey into a matter of days, they don’t just expect success, they make it happen. And if one path doesn’t turn out as expected, they’re quick to adapt and find another.
It’s those characteristics that make Nita such a good addition to the crew and less than comfortable on her own homeland where everything takes years to come to fruition. She’s at her best when in a desperate scramble on the edge of disaster, and everyone else is better off with her in the mix.
If you haven’t given the series a try, you really should. It’s quick, fun entertainment with complex, layered characters who are dedicated to their paths, whether for good or evil.
July 3, 2017
Another adventure for the crew of the Wind Breaker. A unique cast of characters you can't help but follow through the ups and downs of making an air ship whilst the masterminds of the underworld try to bring and end to it all.
A light hearted romp through a fascinating landscape with original characters, the latest Free Wrench offering won't disappoint.
For fans of steam punk and light Sci Fi or anyone who likes an adventure where the good guys prevail and the bad guys get their just desserts.
A light hearted romp through a fascinating landscape with original characters, the latest Free Wrench offering won't disappoint.
For fans of steam punk and light Sci Fi or anyone who likes an adventure where the good guys prevail and the bad guys get their just desserts.
June 1, 2019
There is only one more?
In my last review I was under the impression that there were only three books. Imagine my delight to find there were two more in the series! The stories are full of imagination and, well...FUN! There is a universe full of potential bad guys that need the services of the Windbreaker crew. And then there is that special bond that even transcends friendship between all of the crew. Some stories I read and promptly forget. This one's a keeper. But there is only one more after this. Sad. 😔
In my last review I was under the impression that there were only three books. Imagine my delight to find there were two more in the series! The stories are full of imagination and, well...FUN! There is a universe full of potential bad guys that need the services of the Windbreaker crew. And then there is that special bond that even transcends friendship between all of the crew. Some stories I read and promptly forget. This one's a keeper. But there is only one more after this. Sad. 😔
June 29, 2017
I have enjoyed the privilege of reading a pre-release copy of this book, and it is hands down the best of the series so far. (And I've loved the first three).
I'm not one for spoilers, but this book had my heart in my mouth for the majority of the time. It also made me laugh so much, with the encounters between the Calderans and the crew of the Wind Breaker providing great comedy.
If I could award more than five stars, I would.
Absolutely fantastic!
I'm not one for spoilers, but this book had my heart in my mouth for the majority of the time. It also made me laugh so much, with the encounters between the Calderans and the crew of the Wind Breaker providing great comedy.
If I could award more than five stars, I would.
Absolutely fantastic!
September 23, 2017
Joseph Lallo never disappoints. This latest adventure in the Free-Wrench series takes us on an exploration of Caldera where we finally get to see Nina's people in action. If you haven't read the rest of this steam-punk series, start at the beginning so you can enjoy the entire thing!
June 20, 2018
Fresh humorous and great characters.
Most energetic bunch of everyday people. The plot has a direction that makes you want see how the writer will get to the conclusion. Knowing it will twist about like Lil and Coop in the rigging, makes this a great read
Most energetic bunch of everyday people. The plot has a direction that makes you want see how the writer will get to the conclusion. Knowing it will twist about like Lil and Coop in the rigging, makes this a great read
October 7, 2018
once again knocked clean out of the park.
I can't get enough of this story universe. they are so compelling on so many levels for so many reasons.
such fun and now I will stampede on to read Cipher Hill.
I can't get enough of this story universe. they are so compelling on so many levels for so many reasons.
such fun and now I will stampede on to read Cipher Hill.
March 30, 2022
I like the interplay of this book and how this story flows it's really well paced and I like that though the main antagonist of this book so far seems to be a complete fool turns out to not be.
I'm having fun with this story and going to keep going
I'm having fun with this story and going to keep going
September 27, 2017
Loved it
I just can't wait for more from the free wrench series. Joseph Lallo does it again. Cannot wait to read more.
I just can't wait for more from the free wrench series. Joseph Lallo does it again. Cannot wait to read more.
March 16, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyedvyhos new world with a set of unique characters. The villain was someone who you wanted to divide with due to his over the top personality!
March 21, 2019
Great characters, great story, fun read. I recommend reading this whole series. In fact I recommend reading any of Mr. Lallos books. They are all enjoyable escapism.
December 21, 2019
Fantastic
Each book in the Free Wrench series keeps getting better. Thank you Mr Lallo for the adventure! Keep 'em coming.
Each book in the Free Wrench series keeps getting better. Thank you Mr Lallo for the adventure! Keep 'em coming.
June 11, 2021
Joseph R. Lallo never ceases to amaze me! His characters are believable and lovable, his action makes an incredible page-turner, and the intricate details align superbly! I’m hooked!
August 8, 2021
Excellent. Some matters resolved, others clarified. Life gets interesting.
August 31, 2021
Good one
Another good book in the series. Full of action and adventure like the others.
Get to see more of Caldera and get more of LPA as the villain.
Another good book in the series. Full of action and adventure like the others.
Get to see more of Caldera and get more of LPA as the villain.
September 20, 2017
A very adventurous undertaking. Mr. Lallo shows no boundaries with his way with words and a fantastic imagination. His characters in this book are very well written and each one has unique abilities which contribute to the great humor in this story. You will be greatly entertained throughout this book. If you have purchased any of the previous books in this series you know that this one will not disappoint.
June 17, 2024
Probably my least favorite Wind Breaker adventure so far, but still good. Most of the book reads like an epilogue, and the crew is separated for almost the entire length. It just doesn't work as well- the dynamic is so much stronger when they're all together.
It feels like Lallo doesn't have the guts to kill his characters - it takes away all tension when you figure everyone's going to make it out anyways. Cause they do.
Last book I was irked they let Alabaster live, and that choice is made even more annoying with his being the main antagonist of this book as well. I think he was written better in this one. He actually has some smart moves, where in the previous book he was a prideful rich buffoon with no skill.
Lallo writes great climaxes, and this book is no exception.
While it was my least favorite adventure, I still enjoyed it and will be finishing the series.
It feels like Lallo doesn't have the guts to kill his characters - it takes away all tension when you figure everyone's going to make it out anyways. Cause they do.
Last book I was irked they let Alabaster live, and that choice is made even more annoying with his being the main antagonist of this book as well. I think he was written better in this one. He actually has some smart moves, where in the previous book he was a prideful rich buffoon with no skill.
Lallo writes great climaxes, and this book is no exception.
While it was my least favorite adventure, I still enjoyed it and will be finishing the series.
November 7, 2017
Good story. Looks like there will more coming!
June 25, 2019
Another excellent adventure
Really enjoyed another outing with the Windbreaker and crew. Story was a little more segmented with the crew in different places and all coming together got the denouement. Some interesting character development, especially between Dr. Prist and Gunner. Think the pace was a little slower in this book than in the other three, but suffice to say if you have enjoyed the free - wrench series, then you then you will find little fault in this welcome addition.
Really enjoyed another outing with the Windbreaker and crew. Story was a little more segmented with the crew in different places and all coming together got the denouement. Some interesting character development, especially between Dr. Prist and Gunner. Think the pace was a little slower in this book than in the other three, but suffice to say if you have enjoyed the free - wrench series, then you then you will find little fault in this welcome addition.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews