Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher Series: The Cinder Spires #1
Published by Roc on September 29th 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Science Fiction
Pages: 630
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.
Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.
And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake…
I have only begun my love affair with Harry Dresden and now this gem has arrived. Perhaps it is Jim Butcher that I am falling for?
This is steampunk? If so, it is perhaps my first one and I loved it. I am uncertain if this story is in the past or in the future, an alternate universe for certain. The ships seem a combination of old and new with some being made from wood and then some armored, with sails, but also special crystals for other power. The ship’s weapons include cannons and guns. People have knives and swords and rifles and gantlets.
The characters are lovely and we get a broad spectrum of types, from low to high members of society. And there are competent and the not so competent. There are confident and the doubtful. But all of them are multi-faceted and not just a cliché of style. I love them, the good, the bad and the ugly.
I guess I would say there are supernaturals in The Aeronaut’s Windlass or at least other species. The warrior-born and the etherealised are two of the types to learn in this world. Cats also have an interesting role.
The story is a bit war / military like with lots of great action, but this is more like a swat team against terrorists at the beginning of a much larger conflict story. The foundation here is solid and fascinating, but there is more to come. One of the reasons I love military and battle stories is the technology described; I found that here.
For me, the icing on the cake in The Aeronaut’s Windlass is the humor. There is also a touch of romance and some great relationships, not just romantic relationships but many types. It makes it real for me and gives all the feelings. An excellent start for this new series – I can’t wait!
Giggle worthy quote:
“Miss Lancaster, having taken note of your talents and your, ah, determination to stay the course, regardless of how ill-conceived it may be, I am sending you to be smoother.”
“A what?”
“Your duty is to smooth the way for Master Ferrus’s inquisition. The inquisition must keep moving forward. You are to avoid, overcome, or knock down any obstructions that may block your path.”
Gwen found herself frowning. “I’m not sure I know how to do that.”
“I’m not sure you understand how to do anything else.” Benedict quipped.
About Jim Butcher
Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I read two of Butcher’s Dresden Files books, and while I liked them, they are a bit dark and sad-ish. This new series sounds absolutely wonderful, I can’t wait to read it! Lovely review 😀
I’m still somewhat early in The Dresden Files series (book 5). I love him. I’ll have to look into this series if I ever finish with Harry Dresden.
I was tempted to grab this one on audio for review but decided to wait and try Harry out first.
Great review, Ann! I’m hoping to tackle this . . . soonish 😉 You and Carmel both loved it, so I’m thinking it’s definitely worth the effort (b/c loooooong).
Oh my goodness!!! I only skimmed your review, because I have this on pre-order, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I love Jim Butcher, and I’m so excited about his new series. Even more excited now that I see that you gave it five stars 😀