Review: Skies of Fire

Reviewed by Jen
 

Zoe Archer sets up an interesting, alternative steampunk world in this first installment of The Ether Chronicles.

Our hero is Christopher, captain of an ether-powered flying ship for the British Navy.  He's also a Man-O-War. Now part man and part machine, he is connected to his ship. A special metal fused to his flesh and bone allows the energies in his body to create the ether.  It's a job he loves. But as much as he revels in the skies, he still mourns the loss of Louisa, woman who got away... the woman who left him without a word, years ago.

Imagine his surprise when an SOS from behind enemy lines turns out to be from Louisa, herself.  Once he rescues her, he gets pulled into her spy-work, all the while battling the overwhelming emotions coming from being with her again.

I really liked Christopher and the concept behind the Man-O-War.  He is powerful and larger than life, yet emotionally scarred by his past with Louisa. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I got much of a chance to invest in their feelings for one another.  We're only told about the depth of their relationship, but didn't really get to see it.  Because it's telling versus showing, I didn't get the build-up necessary to feel what I needed to between them.  Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it, I just didn't care all that deeply.

The history between Christopher and Louisa does make it easy to believe the speed of their relationship development.   The world-building is laid out quickly and efficiently. And the pacing is good. It's a fun adventure with a second-chance love story.

Rating: B-

*Book provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

Skies of Fire

by Zoe Archer

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Avon Impulse