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A review by oleksandr
Tower of Mud and Straw by Yaroslav Barsukov
3.0
This is a steampunk debut novella. The book was nominated for Nebula (so it is a quite strong debut!) in 2021, but lost to [b:Ring Shout|49247242|Ring Shout|P. Djèlí Clark|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580134382l/49247242._SY75_.jpg|74693559]. I read is as a part of monthly reading for June 2021 at SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases group.
The story starts with former Minister Shea Ashcroft sent to exile/sinecure (more details are later in the book) after he refused to gas protesters. He flies airship to a border town to oversee the construction of the extremely long (over 1000 feet already) tower that should protect the border from air strikes. With just such short an intro we get to know the world – the expected tech level, political structure, etc. – this is done quite well. As the story continues, we find out that Ashcroft has tragically lost his sister, tries to find solace in wine and that the tower is possibly dangerous. In this world there is another race, which possesses ancient tech (including anti-grav) and which has dire predictions what tower’s construction may cause.
The story is a part of planned series, according to the author, but can be read as a standalone.
The story starts with former Minister Shea Ashcroft sent to exile/sinecure (more details are later in the book) after he refused to gas protesters. He flies airship to a border town to oversee the construction of the extremely long (over 1000 feet already) tower that should protect the border from air strikes. With just such short an intro we get to know the world – the expected tech level, political structure, etc. – this is done quite well. As the story continues, we find out that Ashcroft has tragically lost his sister, tries to find solace in wine and that the tower is possibly dangerous. In this world there is another race, which possesses ancient tech (including anti-grav) and which has dire predictions what tower’s construction may cause.
The story is a part of planned series, according to the author, but can be read as a standalone.