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A review by didsomeonesayviolin
The Skylark's Song by J.M. Frey
4.0
[this ARC was kindly provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
The Skylark's Song is the first book in a steampunk duology by J.M.Frey. It follows Robin, a plane mechanic, during a war between her people and the Klonn, an enemy nation.
It took me some time to get into, but once I did, I sucked the rest in during one night. The reason for that was probably the info dump at the beginning, which wasn't critically long, but it still discouraged me. I simply got over not understanding half the terms and focused on the plot instead - which was a wise choice, because I still didn't really understand who the Benne and the Sealie were - I think it was the nation of Saskwaya, but they had two religions. Anyways, a better explanation of the hierarchy would be practical. Also, there was this war which it was basically all about, but they hadn't explained why they were fighting.
As for the plot, although the beginning was quite uneventful, I welcomed it, because it's really convenient to SEE the character's life before the big change happens (looking at you, The King's 100). Then, the "twist" happened, which brought an even bigger twist which I DID NOT ANTICIPATE at ALL. Thumbs up for that!! Then the rest was predictable again, but I liked it anyway.
I'd also like to bring up Robin's character. She was (even though not my favourite type of heroine) strong and admirable and most important of all, EXPLAINED. We got to know her motivation and her fears, yadayada, and it was so refreshing. After reading a few books where the heroine was either plain as paper so she needed no explanation, incomprehensible because the author offered no explanation or all over the place because the author themselves hadn't decided who she is, Robin was absolutely delightful to read.
I'd recommend this totally underrated fantasy to anyone, who likes steampunk or adventurous novels. You won't regret it!
→4 stars
The Skylark's Song is the first book in a steampunk duology by J.M.Frey. It follows Robin, a plane mechanic, during a war between her people and the Klonn, an enemy nation.
It took me some time to get into, but once I did, I sucked the rest in during one night. The reason for that was probably the info dump at the beginning, which wasn't critically long, but it still discouraged me. I simply got over not understanding half the terms and focused on the plot instead - which was a wise choice, because I still didn't really understand who the Benne and the Sealie were - I think it was the nation of Saskwaya, but they had two religions. Anyways, a better explanation of the hierarchy would be practical. Also, there was this war which it was basically all about, but they hadn't explained why they were fighting.
As for the plot, although the beginning was quite uneventful, I welcomed it, because it's really convenient to SEE the character's life before the big change happens (looking at you, The King's 100). Then, the "twist" happened, which brought an even bigger twist which I DID NOT ANTICIPATE at ALL. Thumbs up for that!! Then the rest was predictable again, but I liked it anyway.
I'd also like to bring up Robin's character. She was (even though not my favourite type of heroine) strong and admirable and most important of all, EXPLAINED. We got to know her motivation and her fears, yadayada, and it was so refreshing. After reading a few books where the heroine was either plain as paper so she needed no explanation, incomprehensible because the author offered no explanation or all over the place because the author themselves hadn't decided who she is, Robin was absolutely delightful to read.
I'd recommend this totally underrated fantasy to anyone, who likes steampunk or adventurous novels. You won't regret it!
→4 stars