Review: Great stakes with much to learn
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 9, 2013
"The Lost Dragoneer" expands and deepens the antediluvian world set up by book one in the series. Sutherland adds layers of political intrigue and malevolent machinations that dash Susah's hopes for a straight shot to glory and the history books. While she may be the most talented young dragoneer in history, she discovers that her raw ability does not make her career--and her life--take perfect shape on its own.Sethica has repelled an invasion, but the war isn't over. Leadership is faltering. By and large, the citizens of Sethica don't understand the momentum is turning against them, and they are not prepared to defend themselves should the military falter. In fact, little of the city and its people could be described as embodying the potential of Seth's progeny, the last pure descendants of Adam.  I find these familiar dimensions that resonate with our times today which, together with other features too numerous to mention here, account for this story's likely classification as a steampunk sub-genre."The Lost Dragoneer" is a fine story in its own right and an excellent sequel to "The Dragoneers." It may be centered on a young woman, but this book is not just for girls and teens. It is the work of an expansive and daring imagination that would not, and perhaps could not, create something that does nothing more than entertain.