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![Steal the Sky [Dramatized Adaptation] by Megan E. O'Keefe](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/dpb255twz8h46upq4fh4ajagkvxt)
3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
This book was a "mystery date" book I got as a present and honestly, I wouldn't have read it because of the banner on the top of the book. High expectation is an understatement with stating Steampunk and Firefly, and I will state.....it lived up to this statement wholeheartedly. It started off a little slow while story building but it picked up steam to the point you felt like you were on a rollercoaster going downward while sprialing out of control. The characters are well thought out, the environment is breathtaking and the storytelling is spot on.
I look forward to the next book in the series, esp after the ending of this one.
I look forward to the next book in the series, esp after the ending of this one.
I'm going to do my very best not to compare Steal the Sky to the BIG fantasy heist novel everyone in the fantasy community knows, loves, and wants book 4 published. But truth be told, the original reason I picked up Steal the Sky was because I was yearning for something similar to Lies of Locke Lamora but felt guilty rereading Lies when so many unread books exist. Steal the Sky seemed perfect! A fun duo of rogues, one of noble birth, working together with the watch captain in order to steal a prized Air Ship? Great! Sign me up, let's go adventuring! And as you can see by my 4 star rating, I overall enjoyed this book, but the itch hasn't been fully scratched yet.
Things I loved about Steal the Sky:
• the subplot with the Doppel. One of my favorite things about heists is the subterfuge and disguises donned in order to trick whoever is the current mark. With a character who literally can change their appearance at will, this led to some great moments of trickery.
• Detan having magic. Magic, or sel sense in the book, was utilized expertly. It wasn't a crutch or cure all to their problems, and the limited use of it helped ground the world. Sel is less just a magical ability, but moreso a resource that those who DO have abilities can utilize. I really liked this take on a magic system and how it added to the world building. Detan having the ability to use Sel, but there being a cost or danger to use it was excellent.
• "New Chum." This is a character who gets introduced somewhat early on, doesn't play a huge role, but I found him immensely fun to be around. I like this random dude.
• Watch Captain Ripka. She was a great character. I always am a sucker for super lawful characters just trying their best, and Ripka fits this archetype to a tee. She's highly motivated, bound by duty, believes in good, and is exactly who you'd want leading the city watch.
That being said, I didn't love this book. For well-sized chunks, I felt my attention wandering, and I wasn't following the overall plot conspiracies that well. A lot of the motivations of why people were plotting certain things I either missed or never fully understood. The primary antagonist - a politician named Thratia - had multiple ongoing machinations that apparently had high stakes, but I never fully understood. I believed that Detan was concerned about them, but if you asked me to explain what would happen if she got her way, I wouldn't be able to. Along with that, I struggled to differentiate between Thratia and the head of the White Coats, an organization seemingly hell bent on experimenting on those sel sensitive. In fact, the entire dynamic between the city of Aransa and those who can utilize Sel confuses me. When the plot would go back to character beats or events that affect our main group, I suddenly would care again, but then we'd wander back into nebulous political machination territory and I'd get bored.
All in all, I did really enjoy this book. I don't quite get what fully happened, but I liked the characters and think that there's a lot set up in this book that can be explored in the 2nd. Detan's relationship with his noble blooded family never got explored here, same with his background with Tibs. We touched and hinted at things and I definitely want to know more!
Things I loved about Steal the Sky:
• the subplot with the Doppel. One of my favorite things about heists is the subterfuge and disguises donned in order to trick whoever is the current mark. With a character who literally can change their appearance at will, this led to some great moments of trickery.
• Detan having magic. Magic, or sel sense in the book, was utilized expertly. It wasn't a crutch or cure all to their problems, and the limited use of it helped ground the world. Sel is less just a magical ability, but moreso a resource that those who DO have abilities can utilize. I really liked this take on a magic system and how it added to the world building. Detan having the ability to use Sel, but there being a cost or danger to use it was excellent.
• "New Chum." This is a character who gets introduced somewhat early on, doesn't play a huge role, but I found him immensely fun to be around. I like this random dude.
• Watch Captain Ripka. She was a great character. I always am a sucker for super lawful characters just trying their best, and Ripka fits this archetype to a tee. She's highly motivated, bound by duty, believes in good, and is exactly who you'd want leading the city watch.
That being said, I didn't love this book. For well-sized chunks, I felt my attention wandering, and I wasn't following the overall plot conspiracies that well. A lot of the motivations of why people were plotting certain things I either missed or never fully understood. The primary antagonist - a politician named Thratia - had multiple ongoing machinations that apparently had high stakes, but I never fully understood. I believed that Detan was concerned about them, but if you asked me to explain what would happen if she got her way, I wouldn't be able to. Along with that, I struggled to differentiate between Thratia and the head of the White Coats, an organization seemingly hell bent on experimenting on those sel sensitive. In fact, the entire dynamic between the city of Aransa and those who can utilize Sel confuses me. When the plot would go back to character beats or events that affect our main group, I suddenly would care again, but then we'd wander back into nebulous political machination territory and I'd get bored.
All in all, I did really enjoy this book. I don't quite get what fully happened, but I liked the characters and think that there's a lot set up in this book that can be explored in the 2nd. Detan's relationship with his noble blooded family never got explored here, same with his background with Tibs. We touched and hinted at things and I definitely want to know more!
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Re-reading this today, I think I may have over rated this a little. It's still very enjoyable and I definitely like the author's writing style. But, it's definitely a bit of a messy book in certain aspects. World-building is a bit rough and could have been fleshed out more. Still, fairly unique setting and I love heist stories. Reckless thieves with great banter will always be my weak spot.
I wouldn't say this makes it on my all-time favorite shelf anymore, but it does still get a big thumbs up and a recommendation. If you too like heists and fantasy and fun characters than I definitely recommend this.
I wouldn't say this makes it on my all-time favorite shelf anymore, but it does still get a big thumbs up and a recommendation. If you too like heists and fantasy and fun characters than I definitely recommend this.
It's 4 stars for effort and 3 for execution. This book was a pleasant surprise in one sense, as the setting is vivid and original. O'Keefe has grounded her imagination enough in solid (and interesting) description to give life to her constructed world. As the author's first novel, it's a commendable feat.
There were three main detractors from the promising story: 1) one-dimensional characters; 2) loose, deviating plot lines; and 3) awkward grammar and word choice in places (e.g. 'not-Ripka', 'too-wide shoulders', 'too-[insert adjective]'). In isolation, the vocabulary issues would be forgettable, but they were recurring enough to slightly annoy. There were two characters that promised to be more nuanced in design, but they weren't adequately developed (Tibs and Ripka). At times, it also felt like certain plot elements suddenly appeared to advance the narrative, but occurred abruptly and jarred a bit (the sel bees as a kind of deus ex machina). Other plot lines fizzled out or were simply under-explored. For all of the interesting world-building, the narrative lacked the depth needed to push it over into something special.
Still, this book was entertaining and unique enough to keep going. I might try the sequel just to see how the writing matures.
There were three main detractors from the promising story: 1) one-dimensional characters; 2) loose, deviating plot lines; and 3) awkward grammar and word choice in places (e.g. 'not-Ripka', 'too-wide shoulders', 'too-[insert adjective]'). In isolation, the vocabulary issues would be forgettable, but they were recurring enough to slightly annoy. There were two characters that promised to be more nuanced in design, but they weren't adequately developed (Tibs and Ripka). At times, it also felt like certain plot elements suddenly appeared to advance the narrative, but occurred abruptly and jarred a bit (the sel bees as a kind of deus ex machina). Other plot lines fizzled out or were simply under-explored. For all of the interesting world-building, the narrative lacked the depth needed to push it over into something special.
Still, this book was entertaining and unique enough to keep going. I might try the sequel just to see how the writing matures.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wasn't expecting too much from this book, given that it's the first the author has written, but I was completely blown away by how much I loved it! The location was highly unique, the magic well done, and the characters likable and dynamic. I'd definitely recommend checking this book out and I cannot wait for the next one.
In "Steal the Sky", the wanted conman Detan Honding and his partner in crime Tibs are forced to adapt their plans for future crimes when they stumble into the much more dishonest and underhanded world of politics.
General Impressions
The easiest way I have of summarizing "Steal the Sky" is: Dune but more YA and focusing on the rable in the slums.
My first impression of this story was that this was not a tale to read and forget: Detan and Tibs are immediately charming and the fact that the author made sure to invent not only slang but entire idioms and grammatical rules were what made me fall in love with Aransa. You have to pay attention to what you are reading or you'll find yourself having to reread entire pages.
At the heart of this book is Tibs and Detan's relationship: here are two-man that care for one another as brothers, who depend on one another to keep the other and the world around them safe. Their interactions were absolutely delightful, so well written that I felt like I was there seeing them steal each other's hat and make fun of each other. But they are not the only ones that steal your heart. Every character in this book is exactly the kind of character you want to read about and fear ever meeting. I have a special place in my heart in particular for all the women in this story: heroines or villains, wearing silk or armour, they are strong, smart and all possess ideas and wants of their own and are willing to fight for them.
The world-building was also extremely complex and believable with the themes it touched on such as populism, slavery, discrimination and imperialism being wonderfully expanded upon as were their consequences: poverty, PTSD, class war, criminality and rebellion.
I got to the end not only satisfied with the time I had given this book, but glad the sequels are already out.
Thank you to Angry Robot for sending me this copy.
Rating: 4.5/5
P.S: these covers are *fire* am I right or am I right?
General Impressions
The easiest way I have of summarizing "Steal the Sky" is: Dune but more YA and focusing on the rable in the slums.
My first impression of this story was that this was not a tale to read and forget: Detan and Tibs are immediately charming and the fact that the author made sure to invent not only slang but entire idioms and grammatical rules were what made me fall in love with Aransa. You have to pay attention to what you are reading or you'll find yourself having to reread entire pages.
At the heart of this book is Tibs and Detan's relationship: here are two-man that care for one another as brothers, who depend on one another to keep the other and the world around them safe. Their interactions were absolutely delightful, so well written that I felt like I was there seeing them steal each other's hat and make fun of each other. But they are not the only ones that steal your heart. Every character in this book is exactly the kind of character you want to read about and fear ever meeting. I have a special place in my heart in particular for all the women in this story: heroines or villains, wearing silk or armour, they are strong, smart and all possess ideas and wants of their own and are willing to fight for them.
The world-building was also extremely complex and believable with the themes it touched on such as populism, slavery, discrimination and imperialism being wonderfully expanded upon as were their consequences: poverty, PTSD, class war, criminality and rebellion.
I got to the end not only satisfied with the time I had given this book, but glad the sequels are already out.
Thank you to Angry Robot for sending me this copy.
Rating: 4.5/5
P.S: these covers are *fire* am I right or am I right?
I was told there would be sky pirates.
I'd like to think I have better reasons for my disappointment, but I have to acknowledge a chunk of it comes from how it was pitched to our book club. It filled my head with visions of swashbuckling aboard flying ships amidst cannon fire.
In reality, there's very little action through most of the book, and no significant flying occurs until about 80% of the way through. This ultimately relates to the novel's greatest issues, pacing.
I'm normally not this aware of plot structure, but the back half really made me aware of the issues by sheer contrast. Through the first half it feels like a scoundrel, police captain, shape changer, and a villain are all just circling each other, not really pushing the plot forward or making any moves. It's like when shows like The Walking Dead or Lost have episodes where everyone just seems to be running around. It's movement in place of dramatic escalation.
But things go nuts in the end, and it made me wish the author had spread it out a bit. Through a huge chunk of the book Detan Honding keeps hinting at his mysterious past, but we get so few concrete details that it actually starts to feel antagonistic. When it's revealed, the nature of deviant sel-sensitive characters is really interesting, and probably should have played a larger part in the entire story.
I can't tell if it's a writer's holding back to better facilitate a trilogy, or a bunch of ideas that occurred near the end of the process, but it made the story a struggle to read, yet a joy to complete. A part of me is almost curious about the second book, but I'm not sure this type of narrative is something I want to invest in further.
A much smaller point, and one not exclusive to this novel, is the obnoxious figures of speech. Phrases like "let the sel out of the sack" and "caught with their hand in the agave candy" made me straight-up twitch. If you're world is so different that our old cliched phrases don't apply, don't just take those cliches and put different nouns in them. If there are cats, and there are bags, just let the cat out of the bag. It's not as bad as Brandon Sanderson's fake swearing but it's close.
Ultimately an uneven experience, but not without merit.
I'd like to think I have better reasons for my disappointment, but I have to acknowledge a chunk of it comes from how it was pitched to our book club. It filled my head with visions of swashbuckling aboard flying ships amidst cannon fire.
In reality, there's very little action through most of the book, and no significant flying occurs until about 80% of the way through. This ultimately relates to the novel's greatest issues, pacing.
I'm normally not this aware of plot structure, but the back half really made me aware of the issues by sheer contrast. Through the first half it feels like a scoundrel, police captain, shape changer, and a villain are all just circling each other, not really pushing the plot forward or making any moves. It's like when shows like The Walking Dead or Lost have episodes where everyone just seems to be running around. It's movement in place of dramatic escalation.
But things go nuts in the end, and it made me wish the author had spread it out a bit. Through a huge chunk of the book Detan Honding keeps hinting at his mysterious past, but we get so few concrete details that it actually starts to feel antagonistic. When it's revealed, the nature of deviant sel-sensitive characters is really interesting, and probably should have played a larger part in the entire story.
I can't tell if it's a writer's holding back to better facilitate a trilogy, or a bunch of ideas that occurred near the end of the process, but it made the story a struggle to read, yet a joy to complete. A part of me is almost curious about the second book, but I'm not sure this type of narrative is something I want to invest in further.
A much smaller point, and one not exclusive to this novel, is the obnoxious figures of speech. Phrases like "let the sel out of the sack" and "caught with their hand in the agave candy" made me straight-up twitch. If you're world is so different that our old cliched phrases don't apply, don't just take those cliches and put different nouns in them. If there are cats, and there are bags, just let the cat out of the bag. It's not as bad as Brandon Sanderson's fake swearing but it's close.
Ultimately an uneven experience, but not without merit.