Started: 22/02/22
Finished: 28/02/22
Spoilers: No
This will be a shorter review. Besides simply raving and saying, 'this book series is brilliant from start to finish, please go read it,' there's not much I can say really. That pretty much says it all.
Characters
Undeniably, the book's strongest asset is its fantastic characters. This one takes a slightly darker turn for some of them than previously seen, handling some very deep topics such as grief and mortality. It was wonderful to get a closer, more personal look at the crew. I think it's safe to say Jez and Crake absolutely shine in this novel.
This was so fun. I honestly don't know how Chris Wooding managed to squeeze so much character growth around an engaging plot.
We get a huge chunk of Jez's backstory involving the Manes, while Crake, quite literally, faces his demons. Pinn and Harkins also both face and overcome their own biggest fears.
I think Malvery was the only one who didn't have an arc but that's fine, can't be trying to cram too much into one book.
I loved how things are progressing between Frey and Trinica.
The slow-burn romantic tension between them is kiiiiillling me.
I love this crew so much. I can't get enough of them. Even though they're not really the good guys, being thieves and, when they have to be, killers, but they're such an endearing cast of characters and I've already grown so fond of them after just two books.
Plot
This time Frey and his crew of misfits are hired to accompany a fellow pirate on a dangerous expedition across the world to retrieve an ancient artefact from the wreckage of a long crashed aircraft.
These books always start with a bang, chucking us blindly into the action without any context, followed by a job offer to steal something very valuable. For the crew of the Ketty Jay, things are never quite that easy. Sweeping adventures ensue, death-defying shoot-outs, and exciting plot twists.
I don't want to reveal too much because of spoilers. Structurally, this is very similar to book one. But I loved book one so I'm not complaining. If you enjoyed the first book, there's not a single reason you'd dislike this one. It's much the same, but wacky, with bigger world-building and deeper character development. There's never a dull moment.
The action sequences, such as shoot-outs and aircraft chases are excellently paced and exciting to read. The occasional piece of crew banter thrown in during these intense moments really helps to bring balance and lighten the mood when things are at their heaviest.
Setting
We get to visit new countries and even the north pole. It was a lot of fun to explore wider within this world. It feels so huge and full of many wonders and cultures to be explored. I really hope each book explores somewhere new. I think Wooding does an excellent portraying the rest of the world.
Also loved getting a deeper look at the Manes race, who they are, what they want, how they communicate. They're a fascinating inclusion within this world.
Writing Style
The writing is fantastic. Just the right amount of humour within the narrative to not feel gimmicky, and the dialogue swings between hilarious and heartfelt. It's truly something special. Like I said before, I'm just raving at this point and there's little I can say that I haven't already said about this series.
Final Impression
I've already started book three and really enjoying it already. I can see this easily becoming one of my favourite series ever.
Comments