abigcoffeedragon's review
4.0
I won't say that I loved this but I won't say that I hated it - this got a three star rating because it added one thing that wasn't in the book prior - romance - now, I am a happily married man, so I believe in love, but NOT in my adventure stories - I mean, that is when TV shows go down hill, is when they start to pair of characters - I enjoyed the story itself, and the use of airships and even the new characters - but I could do without the part of people opening to take in the warmth of their romance - just give me the story - save the love for romance novels please - this makes me hesitate for book three -
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Just when the romance is starting the book ends......but I truly like this genre. I can't wait for the next book, and any book by this author.
kblincoln's review
4.0
So here's my problem...Devon Monk is a phenomenal writer with an amazing ability to craft characters who tap into archetypes at the same time as seeming one-of-a-kind.
So what's the problem? Well, I think it's just not always my cup of tea. In Tin Swift, we get the continuation of the story of Cedar Hunt (cursed by Pawnee to shift into a wolf and hunt the Strange) Rose Small (a girl of the wild who likes to tinker) and Mae Lindson (witch).
They are traveling towards Kansas with the Madder brothers to both hunt a Strange weapon and to bring Mae back to her sister-coven before a binding on her drives her crazy.
There are just plain awesome descriptions, like this one of an airship landing in the middle of a gunfight:
"The Swift's fans roared, flattening the smoke into heated whips."
And the characters are just plain cool (the villain, Mr. Shunt, is the creepiest villain I've come across since Mr. Croup from Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere). And it has just the right kind of romance that satisfies my romance novel hunger without overpowering the steampunk gadgets and adventure plot.
But....sometimes my attention wondered. I'm not sure if it was because of some slow pacing, or if the way certain descriptions of the characters were reiterated throughout the text in a way that didn't seem to matter much to the storyline. For example, Cedar Hunt often wrangles with the werewolf aspect of himself "..The killing need of the beast rose in him." But after a while, just hearing that without it having much implication on Cedar (he never turns to a wolf at an inappropriate time nor does he harm a main character inappropriately) made it less impactful.
However, don't get me wrong. This is one very well written, steampunk-lovely book. Totally worth your time if you like airships or alternate history or romance or adventure. (cause it's got it all)
This Book's Snack Rating: cheddar kettle chips for the solid crunch of steampunk airships/ideas with a non-spicy flavor of plot
So what's the problem? Well, I think it's just not always my cup of tea. In Tin Swift, we get the continuation of the story of Cedar Hunt (cursed by Pawnee to shift into a wolf and hunt the Strange) Rose Small (a girl of the wild who likes to tinker) and Mae Lindson (witch).
They are traveling towards Kansas with the Madder brothers to both hunt a Strange weapon and to bring Mae back to her sister-coven before a binding on her drives her crazy.
There are just plain awesome descriptions, like this one of an airship landing in the middle of a gunfight:
"The Swift's fans roared, flattening the smoke into heated whips."
And the characters are just plain cool (the villain, Mr. Shunt, is the creepiest villain I've come across since Mr. Croup from Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere). And it has just the right kind of romance that satisfies my romance novel hunger without overpowering the steampunk gadgets and adventure plot.
But....sometimes my attention wondered. I'm not sure if it was because of some slow pacing, or if the way certain descriptions of the characters were reiterated throughout the text in a way that didn't seem to matter much to the storyline. For example, Cedar Hunt often wrangles with the werewolf aspect of himself "..The killing need of the beast rose in him." But after a while, just hearing that without it having much implication on Cedar (he never turns to a wolf at an inappropriate time nor does he harm a main character inappropriately) made it less impactful.
However, don't get me wrong. This is one very well written, steampunk-lovely book. Totally worth your time if you like airships or alternate history or romance or adventure. (cause it's got it all)
This Book's Snack Rating: cheddar kettle chips for the solid crunch of steampunk airships/ideas with a non-spicy flavor of plot
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
Not a bad sequel, especially for an Endeavour read and a western steampunk. I liked the adventure and the peril and the characters and the weird science including lightning gun and other assorted gadgetry. A relatively lightweight but breezy read. Though not sure if this series truly has legs - seems like a bunch of character are about to be left behind as well.
rclz's review
5.0
This was very good. Lots of excitement, great characters and a good solid plot. Add a bit of romance and you've got a good book. I can't wait for the next one in July.
billiegoat's review
4.0
I loved it so much I had troubles putting it down. Loved the new characters and thrilling happenings that had me on edge and in shock. I laughed out loud and cheered for my favorite travelers, Cedar, Wil, Rose May, Captian Hink and his crew and the Madder brothers. Can't wait to start the next book.
cmbohn's review
4.0
A very exciting and dramatic conclusion. Those witches! Loved Rose's romance though. Can't wait for the final book.
suzrae73's review
4.0
what a great adventure!!!! Sorry I waited so long to read this one after Dead Iron, but was good to see Cedar and Rose and Mae again..... Can't wait for the next one and won't wait near as long to read it.... :)
mmelibertine's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book. I did. It has more of the beautiful world building I love, and somewhat more of the characters I've become so invested in. But there's less of the adventure I've enjoyed and far more of the romance I anticipated but wasn't especially looking forward to. There's a noticeable and jarring amount of repetition particularly where the romance is concerned. (If I never again have to read about someone ~feeling something they never thought they'd feel again~ it'll be too soon.) Monk's writing shines better elsewhere: in the Strange, in combat, in the details of the steampunk world and the airships themselves. I hope the third book is a return to that form.