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A review by tolove_abook
Echoes of the Imperium by Nicholas Atwater, Olivia Atwater
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This steampunk fantasy is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year!
Meet the crew of the Iron Rose - one of the most endearing crews of swashbuckling pirates to ever sail the skies. The crew comprises goblins, hobgoblins, and humans and of all ages and backgrounds. There’s even a terrifying faerie navigator who guides the aether-powered airship. Despite the fact that many of them fought on opposite sides of a brutal civil war, the ship has become a safe home for all its crew.
To keep this spoiler-free, I’ll just say that the adventure kicks off when the captain decides to deliver shady cargo to a city where they may not be welcome. From that point, the story explodes in unexpected directions. I loved every twist and turn.
But in the midst all this excitement, the authors explore the consequences of violence and war on both victims and perpetrators. What happens to soldiers who realize they were on the wrong side of a war? Can they find redemption? Can the living forgive war crimes? This book addresses heavy topics with care and nuance, yet somehow remains a delightful and immensely entertaining adventure. It’s quite a feat!
There’s some great diversity rep: the MC is aro/ace and two prominent side characters are a happily married gay couple. I expect to learn more about other crew members in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC.
Meet the crew of the Iron Rose - one of the most endearing crews of swashbuckling pirates to ever sail the skies. The crew comprises goblins, hobgoblins, and humans and of all ages and backgrounds. There’s even a terrifying faerie navigator who guides the aether-powered airship. Despite the fact that many of them fought on opposite sides of a brutal civil war, the ship has become a safe home for all its crew.
To keep this spoiler-free, I’ll just say that the adventure kicks off when the captain decides to deliver shady cargo to a city where they may not be welcome. From that point, the story explodes in unexpected directions. I loved every twist and turn.
But in the midst all this excitement, the authors explore the consequences of violence and war on both victims and perpetrators. What happens to soldiers who realize they were on the wrong side of a war? Can they find redemption? Can the living forgive war crimes? This book addresses heavy topics with care and nuance, yet somehow remains a delightful and immensely entertaining adventure. It’s quite a feat!
There’s some great diversity rep: the MC is aro/ace and two prominent side characters are a happily married gay couple. I expect to learn more about other crew members in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC.