A review by xkrow
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding

3.5

 

Probably because I DNF’d the book back in November before picking it up again now, and because its world inspired me to write something of my own, it feels like I’ve been with this much, much longer than I actually have. The world and its character feel familiar; the tech, intimate and fun; the initial plot-beats studies and understood. Cannot believe a random library find would have this much an impact for me. 

Now, you might be puzzled then as to why the book isn’t five-stars, or even four. Well, firstly, it’s because the Goodreads system sucks, but second, the story itself doesn’t always come out the strongest. This was particularly the reason I had paused my initial read, the flow of the tale. As it goes on, I actually did come to like the overall tale being told here, and it can even be exciting in parts, but it also feels bloated in many cases, unnecessarily slowed down to delve on particular points. 

Another reason would be the characters. Or, well, let me rephrase: the backstories of the characters. There are about 7 crew members (8, if you count the cat, slag), and each of them get an opportunity to exposit about their backstory at one point or another. This isn’t always bad. Frey’s story in particular comes out through a major conflict (well, half of it at least), and Crake’s as well. But the others feel really forced. The narrative in many parts just takes a break to have flashback sequences, or to have a character explain the history of Vardia. Again, all this stuff is interesting and they’re all well thought out and cool and fantastical, but it’s the delivery of them that leaves a lot lacking. 

But that’s enough complaining. Though I said the character backstories are a con, the characters themselves are really, really good. Each crew member has an extremely distinct personality that flows off the page. Whether it be Frey’s initial douchebagery, Silo’s silence, or Pinn’s pathetic personality and stupidity, each stands out in this tale. It was really fun to read how they interacted with one another and what sorts of feelings they held towards their Captain and how they all come closer across the story. There are decent arcs in there for Frey and Jez as well. 

The best part, for me, though, is absolutely the world. Airships have always fascinated me – maybe it was reading Amulet, but this pseudo-steampunk world immediately sucked me in. The fights after the resource, the exact mechanics of float. There is also present my other love: pirates. The aesthetics of the setting also draw widely with really distinct descriptions. 

On that, despite complaints, it’s clear from the first chapter that Woodings is a very competent author. The action draws us in from the first line and he’s quick to set up both Frey and Crake, their situation, and how one feels about the other. The supernatural also comes into play early here, giving us a hint of the wider world. He also really knows how to stretch a moment, getting to know a place intimately with vivid descriptions. Also, so many lines made me laugh out loud, which rarely happens with books, so that deserves a compliment as well. 

So, yeah, mixed feelings in parts, but overall an enjoyable read.