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theaprilwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
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. [b:A Clockwork Heart|16169846|A Clockwork Heart (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #2)|Liesel Schwarz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1369157501s/16169846.jpg|22016548] with a clifhanger ending left me yearning for a sequel. But as it often happens, when the [b:Sky Pirates|17834896|Sky Pirates (The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, #3)|Liesel Schwarz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379726384s/17834896.jpg|24954878] 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!!!
[b:Sky Pirates|17834896|Sky Pirates (The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, #3)|Liesel Schwarz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379726384s/17834896.jpg|24954878] 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!!!
[b:Sky Pirates|17834896|Sky Pirates (The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, #3)|Liesel Schwarz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379726384s/17834896.jpg|24954878] 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...
tashalou's review against another edition
3.0
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.
sheltzer's review against another edition
3.0
These books are solid middle of the road books. There's nothing particularly fantastic about them, but they are a good read.
I don't know if it was this book or my frame of mind, but it took me FOREVER to read this book. I don't think I'm happy with the direction Elle's life is going at the end of this book. I'm on the fence about reading a fourth one.
I don't know if it was this book or my frame of mind, but it took me FOREVER to read this book. I don't think I'm happy with the direction Elle's life is going at the end of this book. I'm on the fence about reading a fourth one.
alexvb's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
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? If Elle doesn't end up in a Poly relationship with Dashwood AND Marsh, I might just riot. I feeeeel it in the bones.
Three words: SUCH A DELIGHT.
Three words: SUCH A DELIGHT.
sarahneil's review
5.0
May 13, 2013: SKY PIRATES?? Sky pirates??!! This is all I ever want in a steampunk book, so needless to say I am super excited about this!
-------------------
As you can see, I was very excited about this book back in 2013. Finally, in 2020, I got around to reading it. I read the second book, [b:A Clockwork Heart|16169846|A Clockwork Heart (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #2)|Liesel Schwarz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369157501l/16169846._SX50_.jpg|22016548], 7 years after reading the first, [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351213445l/15849472._SY75_.jpg|21595633]. I immediately followed up with reading Sky Pirates. While the second book in the series was not my favorite, the third installment was everything I wanted in a steampunk novel. Adventure, danger, ancient ruins, and, of course, a love story.
Given the fact that it had been 7 years since I read the first novel and the almost absence of Hugh Marsh (due to being part of a clockwork army) in the second, I felt no connection to him anymore. Captain Dashwood made a few cameos in the second, but was the main star in the third and I LOVED it. While Elle was on a mission to find a way to bring her husband back, the slowly unfolding connection between her and Dashwood was wonderful. Unfortunately, the book left on a cliffhanger and there is NO FOURTH BOOK! Maybe in the future we will have a conclusion - fingers crossed. Regardless, I'm rooting for Dashwood.
So if you are a steampunk fan who loves the idea of sky pirates, traveling the world, discovering ancient and lost things, plus a dash of supernatural, these books are definitely for you.
-------------------
As you can see, I was very excited about this book back in 2013. Finally, in 2020, I got around to reading it. I read the second book, [b:A Clockwork Heart|16169846|A Clockwork Heart (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #2)|Liesel Schwarz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369157501l/16169846._SX50_.jpg|22016548], 7 years after reading the first, [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351213445l/15849472._SY75_.jpg|21595633]. I immediately followed up with reading Sky Pirates. While the second book in the series was not my favorite, the third installment was everything I wanted in a steampunk novel. Adventure, danger, ancient ruins, and, of course, a love story.
Given the fact that it had been 7 years since I read the first novel and the almost absence of Hugh Marsh (due to being part of a clockwork army) in the second, I felt no connection to him anymore. Captain Dashwood made a few cameos in the second, but was the main star in the third and I LOVED it. While Elle was on a mission to find a way to bring her husband back, the slowly unfolding connection between her and Dashwood was wonderful. Unfortunately, the book left on a cliffhanger and there is NO FOURTH BOOK! Maybe in the future we will have a conclusion - fingers crossed. Regardless, I'm rooting for Dashwood.
So if you are a steampunk fan who loves the idea of sky pirates, traveling the world, discovering ancient and lost things, plus a dash of supernatural, these books are definitely for you.
tien's review
4.0
Please note this is a review of the third book of The Chronicles of Light and Shadow and there may be spoilers in respect to earlier books (you can check my review on book1, here, & book 2, here)
I was taken by surprised with the darker tone in book 2 and was left heartbroken at the end of it so I needed to know where this story will go next. And again, I was taken totally by surprised in the change of direction as Sky Pirates was actually a really fun read –not dark at all. In fact, it was rather more like a romance novel involving pirates but of steampunk variety.
Elle Chance was still her spunky self despite her sorrow. Actually, due to her misery, she’s thrown herself into work and a number of treacherous situations. I recalled being annoyed by Elle in book 2 but not at all in Sky Pirates -not even a little bit; all her decisions and actions did not irritate me in any way. In fact, I really like her in this book and I hope this direction of her character development will continue in the next instalment.
Whilst I was a little disappointed by the lack of presence of Hugh Marsh though this was made up by the unexpected appearance of Logan Dashwood whom we have met in earlier instalments. He’s given a much bigger role in this book and I must say, quite dashing as well. I am intrigued by the ending of this book and very excited about book #4!
Thank you, Del Rey, for copy of eARC via Netgalley
I was taken by surprised with the darker tone in book 2 and was left heartbroken at the end of it so I needed to know where this story will go next. And again, I was taken totally by surprised in the change of direction as Sky Pirates was actually a really fun read –not dark at all. In fact, it was rather more like a romance novel involving pirates but of steampunk variety.
Elle Chance was still her spunky self despite her sorrow. Actually, due to her misery, she’s thrown herself into work and a number of treacherous situations. I recalled being annoyed by Elle in book 2 but not at all in Sky Pirates -not even a little bit; all her decisions and actions did not irritate me in any way. In fact, I really like her in this book and I hope this direction of her character development will continue in the next instalment.
Whilst I was a little disappointed by the lack of presence of Hugh Marsh though this was made up by the unexpected appearance of Logan Dashwood whom we have met in earlier instalments. He’s given a much bigger role in this book and I must say, quite dashing as well. I am intrigued by the ending of this book and very excited about book #4!
Thank you, Del Rey, for copy of eARC via Netgalley
katekat's review
5.0
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.
booksnbookends's review
4.0
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.
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