J.C. Staudt

Part one in a serialized novel and more sci-fi/fantasy with steampunk elements than a full on steampunk read, this was a fun adventure story filled with airships, pirateers, a territorial police/militia to dodge and shady dealers in commerce. The world build is good. I like the idea of a stream universe where cities and towns are build on floating masses and where two species of humans exist: the primies who are the shunned original fully human species and the techsouls, an evolved hybrid of humanoid with blue blood, synthetic skin and mechanics as part of their makeup. Muller Jakes is your rogue, opportunist bad guy with a disdain for the law-abiding members of his world. Yes, he has an axe to grind with some people and yes, he has an unnerving knack for finding himself in the thick of trouble, but he is one of those bad guys one cannot help but like, at least a little. Staudt keeps the pace of this adventure ride notched up and throws in some interesting twists.

Overall, an enjoyable sci-fi/fantasy read that I think will appeal to readers who enjoy stories like Chris Wooding's Retribution Falls… (mais)

This is the first part of a serialised novel. It is a complete story in itself, though a lot is left hanging for future installments. It's pacey and exciting, and the world building is really good (a does of goldne age of piracy crossed with a platform-game-esque sci fi setting), but I never really warmed to the main character. I found his narrative voice irritating at times, and I felt like I was meant to find his blithe criminality more original than it actually is. The book's also quite old fashioned in terms of diversity, which started to grate on me more as it went on; the only woman is set up as the love interest and only appears in a handful of scenes.

So, entertaining enough that I don't regret reading it, but not so good as to make me want to read the next installment.… (mais)