How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Poor
Advantages:
Fills up an empty afternoon .
Disadvantages:
Somewhat lacking in execution
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
Synopsis: A naval Lieutenant is called to duty aboard an unusual craft. Built in a secret location and having no iron permitted among the crew, it has a strange aura of power moving as it does without benefit of Steam or Sail. It has been built to engage and destroy an adversary of similar power that appears to be fuelled by blood and cruelty.
This is a book that I read in one afternoon and evening. It is one of those fantasy books set in an alternative Earth. There must be many similarities as the action is set in America during the War between the States in 1862
The novel follows the fortunes of several Union supporters through their reports and diaries. The writing style being in the first person for each character. Principal of them is Lieutenant John Nevis, and Miss Colombia Abrams. Other entries are from letters and reports.
It is an interesting way of writing a novel where characters are seen through their own and other person's eyes as are events.
The premise that forces of Nature such as Elementals are still present and can be harnessed to work for Man is an interesting concept but one that could do with far more development. The story refers to Savants who had hidden knowledge that was discovered by one man is not a new one. I feel that it could have been better explored. The two main protagonists are mostly present as off stage. I must admit that I did not find either a very attractive person. They are based on real life characters and even in life I possibly would not have found them attractive.
The issue of slavery is briefly touched upon. I am aware that it is regarded as a major issue of the War, but again my readings suggest that there were many other factors that are not referred to in this book. It may not be necessary to go into the whole background of a war to tell a story unless one is trying to get a definitive history. Again I feel somewhat lacking in sympathy for such abolitionists, a noble cause somewhat marred by bigotry.
The cover of the book states" An Epic alternative history, of duelling ships-and the ultimate war of Dark magic and destiny" Frankly I didn't find it an epic. I feel that this is a good idea that could have been better handled. There was a lack of detail of the magic and the duelling ships were not well crafted. I have read far better.
This is a recent American publication. One that you may find if browsing among the more specialist bookshops. I would not expect to see this on the shelves of normal U.K. distributors like Smiths or Waterston's.
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Eos (Dec 2006) Language English ISBN: 0060819197 Priced £4.23 at Amazon.co.uk.
Final comment. Unless you are a real fan of alternative worlds with some magic, I would leave this on the shelf.
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