bridgets_books's review
4.0
The Raven and the Pig by Lou Kemp is a continuation of the Celwyn series. The prequel is The Violins Played Before Junstan and Music Shall Untune the Sky is book one. While it’s not actually required to read the books in order, I always recommend that if possible you read a series in the author’s preferred order. I think this provides a nuance to the characters and storyline that the reader might otherwise miss.
Book two continues the adventures of Celwyn, Professor Kang, Bartholomew, Captain Nemo, Jules Verne, and a host of other characters we’ve previously met.
The author’s descriptive writing style places the reader deep in the story. You can see the exotic fish through the aquatic window of the submarine, Nautilus. You’ll marvel at the sight of Atlantis. But, most importantly, the reader feels intimately acquainted with the cast of characters.
I think Steampunk is a unique fantasy genre. With flying machines, mechanical birds, and automats you know you are in the midst of steampunk genius while reading this book.
I highly recommend The Raven and the Pig to all readers who enjoy a technology inspired steampunk tale with relatable characters and a superb storyline.
Book two continues the adventures of Celwyn, Professor Kang, Bartholomew, Captain Nemo, Jules Verne, and a host of other characters we’ve previously met.
The author’s descriptive writing style places the reader deep in the story. You can see the exotic fish through the aquatic window of the submarine, Nautilus. You’ll marvel at the sight of Atlantis. But, most importantly, the reader feels intimately acquainted with the cast of characters.
I think Steampunk is a unique fantasy genre. With flying machines, mechanical birds, and automats you know you are in the midst of steampunk genius while reading this book.
I highly recommend The Raven and the Pig to all readers who enjoy a technology inspired steampunk tale with relatable characters and a superb storyline.
scostner's review
4.0
If you are looking for a book that takes you into a world of magic and fascinating characters, then open the pages of The Raven and the Pig. Don't be led astray by the unassuming title, this is not a book on animals. Instead, readers will encounter figures such as Captain Nemo and his ship Nautilus, author Jules Verne, magicians, witches, vampires, and other amazements. The adventure begins with one of the party lying near death and the rest determined to save him. Celwyn the magician is slipping away and only a legendary healer can restore him, so the group prepares to journey in search of the immortal Thales. But finding a way to save their friend is only part of the story. The group also must deliver an invitation to a mad magician, parlay with vampires, travel underground rivers, and complete their work on a marvelous new flying machine - all while avoiding thugs from the Mafioso and a centuries-old warlock.
The author has woven together existing characters such as Nemo, legends such as the ravens from the Tower of London, and the visitation of aliens to ancient Earth with new material to create an intriguing world. Could magicians be the descendants of aliens with powers (picture Ra from "Stargate" or demigods from "Percy Jackson")? Could Verne have written about things he actually saw, such as an incredible submarine? Along with all the fanciful elements, there are friendships, complicated sibling relationships, flirtations, descriptions of exotic ports of call and delicious meals. The skirmishes with their enemies show off various skills within the group - magical, tactical, and physical. And there are also hints of humor to offset the darker moments; Pelaez magically has a pig swimming the backstroke around the Nautilus and Celwyn decides to disguise a visiting scientist as a floozy in a floppy wig among other things.
There are many other bits of history and literature worked into the story; the Silk Road, Atlantis, the use of diving suits and sonar on the Nautilus, and the suggestion that once flying machines have been perfected the next step will be trips to the moon. Dryden's poetry and Shakespeare are referred to, and Verne seems particularly jealous that another character is reading the work of Lewis Carroll.
The story of Celwyn began with The Violins Played before Junstan and Music Shall Untune the Sky , and several more books are forthcoming. Part historical fiction, part magical mystery, and part steampunk - this series has something to offer readers of all sorts.
The author has woven together existing characters such as Nemo, legends such as the ravens from the Tower of London, and the visitation of aliens to ancient Earth with new material to create an intriguing world. Could magicians be the descendants of aliens with powers (picture Ra from "Stargate" or demigods from "Percy Jackson")? Could Verne have written about things he actually saw, such as an incredible submarine? Along with all the fanciful elements, there are friendships, complicated sibling relationships, flirtations, descriptions of exotic ports of call and delicious meals. The skirmishes with their enemies show off various skills within the group - magical, tactical, and physical. And there are also hints of humor to offset the darker moments; Pelaez magically has a pig swimming the backstroke around the Nautilus and Celwyn decides to disguise a visiting scientist as a floozy in a floppy wig among other things.
There are many other bits of history and literature worked into the story; the Silk Road, Atlantis, the use of diving suits and sonar on the Nautilus, and the suggestion that once flying machines have been perfected the next step will be trips to the moon. Dryden's poetry and Shakespeare are referred to, and Verne seems particularly jealous that another character is reading the work of Lewis Carroll.
The story of Celwyn began with The Violins Played before Junstan and Music Shall Untune the Sky , and several more books are forthcoming. Part historical fiction, part magical mystery, and part steampunk - this series has something to offer readers of all sorts.
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