A review by nigellicus
Fair Rebel by Steph Swainston
5.0
Gunpowder has come to the Fourlands, courtesy of an arrogant but brilliant ex-artist fro the newly acquired island. So now there are muskets and rifles and massive traps packed with enough explosive power to wipe out waves of Insects. Or it would, if at the last minute it wasn't discovered that most of the gunpowder has been stolen. This causes horrible problems at the front, but that's nothing compared to the havoc that ensues when the thieves out the gunpowder to uses of their own. Terrorism has come to the Fourlands.
Brilliant, thrilling, horrifying breakneck action as an ossified social order acting as bulwark against an existential external threat comes under attack from centuries of built-up anger and resentment, harnessed by one driven genius consumed with hatred and a desire for revenge. But surely no-one could or would threaten the Emperor himself?
Brilliant, thrilling, horrifying breakneck action as an ossified social order acting as bulwark against an existential external threat comes under attack from centuries of built-up anger and resentment, harnessed by one driven genius consumed with hatred and a desire for revenge. But surely no-one could or would threaten the Emperor himself?