marinda91's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
teastories's review against another edition
5.0
Epic! A truly epic story with the vibe of Game of Thrones during an industrial revolution error. Absolutely superb and I look forward to getting the next book in the series.
naomielaine's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing, page-turning adventure full of dragons and magic - I absolutely loved it! The three main POV characters were all so unique and I really appreciated the strong female characters.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
1.0
Don't appreciate the way sexuality was used. One of the main characters Clay uses it as a slur to rile up someone in a fight. And one of the other main characters Hilemore is with this male islander character who mentions having both wifes and husbands and Hilmore's reaction is that the islanders are strange in their ways and he rather not just ask. These two things are bad enough except then it is the only two instances that being gay is brought up.
I found it funny that this is a high fantasy world where technology is being advanced expected all they were creating was the same things as we have now. Oh look a steam engine along the tracks, a train. A carriage that is operated purely mechanical, a vehicle. A gun on wheels, a cannon. I just expected to see something different.
The world was nothing interesting, the characters were meh, the plot was confusing at first before levelling out, all in all it was just a not so great book. I won't continue, I just have no interest nor care to. The more I spend away from the book, the more I'm like why did I give it two stars? There is nothing I remotely enjoyed about the book though I didn't hate it yet a book needs to be something decent to get two stars and this wasn't.
I found it funny that this is a high fantasy world where technology is being advanced expected all they were creating was the same things as we have now. Oh look a steam engine along the tracks, a train. A carriage that is operated purely mechanical, a vehicle. A gun on wheels, a cannon. I just expected to see something different.
The world was nothing interesting, the characters were meh, the plot was confusing at first before levelling out, all in all it was just a not so great book. I won't continue, I just have no interest nor care to. The more I spend away from the book, the more I'm like why did I give it two stars? There is nothing I remotely enjoyed about the book though I didn't hate it yet a book needs to be something decent to get two stars and this wasn't.
garciaga's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
3.75
If you like the big battle scenes of How to Train your Dragon, Pirates of the Caribbean, and steampunk, flintlock, capitalist corporate worlds, read this!
Claydon is an unregistered Blood-blessed, able to channel the powers contained in the blood of wild drakes. As his life as a thief unravels, he is forced to join a venture to find the legendary fabled White Drake.
Lizanne is a trained spy and assassin sent into enemy territory to retrieve information essential to the Ironsmith’s growth and survival.
Hilemore is a naval officer, suddenly thrust into a war that seems impossible to win alongside rouges and pirates.
The Blood-blessed gain superhuman powers for short periods when imbibing refined drake’s blood with each species giving its own unique power:
Blue for the mind. Green for the body. Red for the fire. Black for the push.
Ryan Pitt’s capitalism against monarchy and the idea of freedom and slavery in this epic world of drakes, ships, pirates, and flintlock steampunk fantasy.
“Besides, the pursuit of profit can be quite liberating, whilst ideologues often find themselves enslaved by their dogma.”
This is extremely different to his other books I’ve read to far and makes me reminiscent of Brian Stavely’s books!
Whilst there is philosophical and political gandering like his other books (Blood Song, The Pariah), the focus primarily stays on the action and the fate of each faction.
However, this may change as the series progresses as normally all his first books are more fast-paced but then take a turn in the subsequent books.
I do question why Hilemore had a point of view as he didn’t seem to move the plot along or add anything to the main story. Rather, he just added another dimension and outlook.
Whilst the ending completely ramped up on the action and fighting sequences (think How to Train your Dragon final battle against the big bad dragon), this was probably my least favourite part as huge chunks were dedicated to things blowing up and being shot. That’s just a personal preference though.
django947's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
dylan_harney's review against another edition
4.0
Each viewpoint had a distinct voice and perspective. The world is imaginative, well thought out and unique. Writing style was engaging with an enjoyable amount of flourish. Book criticises corporatism without being overly didactic with its messaging. Tells an interesting story that seems like it will fit well into the overarching trilogy.
Excited to read the next one.
Excited to read the next one.
heilmjoelk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75