A review by joreadsbooks
Flotsam by R.J. Theodore

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Reread in January 2022
Read a NetGalley eARC
Content warning: deicide, dismemberment, murder

I had the opportunity to read the original release of Flotsam when it had been under Parvus Press. But in February 2022, the book is being re-released with Robot Dinosaur Press. There have been a few updates in the prose, but largely the story has stayed the same.

It’s the same delightful steampunk meets first contact story about a pirate ship in search of a magic ring which may or may not throw the balance of magic and godhood off in search of power.

Upon revisiting, and perhaps this had been part of the revision, but the world-building is so clear. Between five factions worshipping five gods, plus the literal alien invaders are very easy to keep track of, even without the map at the beginning. The world is also queer norm, with things like pronouns and different relationship structures totally standard within the world. It’s refreshing and allows for focus on the wider stakes at hand.

The characters also remain fun and complex, with greater attention given to the smaller details. Sophie remains my favorite, but the relationship between Dug, Tisker, and Talis remain so much stronger. I also greatly appreciated Hankirk’s presence as a kind of antagonist, though certainly not the big bad. The chaos in the entire last quarter of the narrative is so wonderfully calculated. Seeing all the characters come together and play to their strengths and against their mistakes is so much fun. Truly swashbuckling while taking advantage of its unique position with one foot in science fiction and the other in fantasy. It’s balanced so excellently and truly a treat.

Once again, a fun romp across a fantasy land with steampunk mechanics and frightening cosmic consequences. 

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If you watched Treasure Planet as a kid and wanted to see the same energy  for adults in book form, Flotsam will be right up your alley. Captain Talis takes on a mysterious contract to make sure her crew can eat and survive, but this requisition of a ring opens up an entire can of worms that includes aliens and maybe even killing some gods.

The pacing of this book is so fun. The line from skyward treasure hunt to saving the world goes on some amazing curves. There is enough space between the big action set pieces so that we can really get to know the characters (Sophie is my personal favorite). Speaking of the action, there is a fantastic split between airships and close-quarters encounters. Though most of it takes place in the sky, it has the same familiarity as sea battles in other books.

That's what makes this book work so well: the leaning into genre conventions of fantasy and space opera in ways where neither outshines the other. Theodore introduces enough magic to ground this piece as a fantasy, with enough technology to add unique bits of world-building. The ship even becomes a character on its own.

Great for folks who like queer characters, airships, pirates, coffee, quests, and encounters of an alien and god kind.