Review: A charming tale that's sure to have a sequel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2011
Meet Stig and Isabelle and take a ride with them on the good (if tatty) airship 'Fenris'.We first meet Isabelle, alone on the streets of a city in winter with the rumblings of war in the air. Chapman sketches Isabelle's plight with a deft hand and has us wondering what Isabelle's background might be. Enter the good ship 'Fenris' and Stig, a slightly seedy adventurer in the best traditions of Han Solo. Of course you know he'll be stuck with her and he is, as well as with a very strange cargo.Chapman's writing is easy to read and descriptive. She takes you there, to the city of Gureyev and its alleys and markets, then to the airship with its sounds and smells and movement. Both characters are sympathetic and we see their relationship grow from mistrust and obligation to a certain mutual attraction.I'd guess this book is aimed at a mixed YA/adult audience and I'm sure younger readers will enjoy the story. I particularly liked the references to Norse mythology within the context of Steam Punk.I think my one reservation would be with respect to the cargo. I was left with many unanswered questions and did not get the impression they'd be answered in a subsequent story. But there clearly will be a subsequent story so maybe I'm wrong.