Review: Who Can You Trust?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2011
Liberator's Ruin is the first novel by P.J. Johns.  I received a copy for review by request.  The book is listed as fantasy/science fiction but I was thinking in the back of my mind that it had hints of the steam punk genre.  I haven't read much from that genre but from what I know of it this book had some of the steampunk qualities like airships, alchemy, Victorian style dress, technological inventions etc.I chose to read this book for a change from my normal reading preferences.  This book offered a variety of characters and each of them were so different from each other.  Each character had their own agendas and at first it seems they are all separate but somehow the author leads the story in such a way that the characters all come together towards the end to give an intriguing conclusion.  I was captivated by this story line.  It was an alternate world where the Rhivillians have conquered much of the territory.  Anna is a former princess who wants to get her homeland back at any cost. Her determination at any cost had me disliking her.  Nathaniel is captain of an airship that is used in the trade business and a little adventure on the side.  He also wormed his way into my heart to become my favorite character.  Thomas is a high inquisitor for the Rhivillian empire who has been sent to Illium for engaging in some rather indiscreet behavior. I didn't have any strong feelings about him but I liked him a lot after reading the epilogue.  The author wove together a story of colorful characters that made the story worth reading.I read this book in a matter of days.  When I wasn't reading I found myself wondering about the characters and what was coming next.  The betrayals in the story were from unexpected characters.  I really enjoyed that I hadn't figured it out.  I was kept guessing and that made the story more delicious.  Another plus for this book is that the author wrapped it up with no loose ends.  I felt like the author did a great job with details.  He was very descriptive with the settings, characters, wardrobe, weapons and story events.I was looking for something different from my normal reading preferences and I was pleased with what I found.  I took a chance, stepped out of my bubble, and lived to tell about it.  I recommend this book for any fantasy/science fiction lovers.