Review of Cities of Smoke and Starlight: A Tale by Alli Earnest
In the realm of science fantasy, Alli Earnest's debut novel, Cities of Smoke and Starlight, stands out as a unique blend of steampunk and Indiana Jones-esque adventure. This intriguing tale, set in a world where magic and technology coexist, has captured the hearts of many readers with its heart-wrenching narrative and richly developed characters.
At the core of the story lies a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance between the protagonist, Kase Shackley, and Hallie Walker, a Yalven scholar. Kase is on a mission to find and make an alliance with the Yalvs, a long-lost indigenous culture, to save his country from an impending war. The stakes are high, as failure would mean losing the war before it even begins.
The setting is a world where hoverships soar through the skies, and remnants of a crumbling First Earth can still be found. Cities are described with a certain vagueness, lacking grounding comparisons, while jungles, beaches, and ruins are brought to life with vivid and engaging detail. These diverse landscapes provide the backdrop for the characters' intense battles and their journey towards understanding and acceptance.
The book's characters, including Kase, Hallie, Ebba, and others, are unique and complex, each with their own internal conflicts and personalities. The potential for competition in Kase's romantic interest is introduced late in the book but is quickly resolved, not setting up tension for future books. Some readers found this resolution to be slightly disappointing, as it could have added an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The book contains mild language, with the use of world-specific cuss words, and medium to high levels of violence, including graphic dismemberment in the final battle. However, the slow burn romance remains chaste, with no sexual content. The use of these world-specific cuss words is inconsistent and at times awkward, which some readers found to be a minor distraction.
The office of the supreme military commander is not described in detail, leaving room for interpretation and speculation. Similarly, the theatre in the city is described vaguely, with no mention of the images on the pillars, adding to the mystique of the world Earnest has created.
Despite these minor flaws, reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have praised the book for its intriguing plot, compelling romance, and the emotional depth of its characters. One advance review described the book as "beautiful" and very satisfying when the plot elements come together fully.
In summary, Cities of Smoke and Starlight is a captivating science fantasy novel that offers a unique blend of steampunk technology and magical elements. It is the first instalment in the Gate Chronicles series, recommended for readers who enjoy detailed fantasy worlds combined with emotional, slow-developing romantic tension. As readers eagerly await the next book, they can look forward to delving deeper into the world of Kase, Hallie, and the Yalvs.
[1] Earnest, A. (2022). Cities of Smoke and Starlight. [Book]. London: Hodder & Stoughton. [2] Review of Cities of Smoke and Starlight. (2022). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/apr/01/cities-of-smoke-and-starlight-alli-earnest-review [3] Recommended Reads: Cities of Smoke and Starlight. (2022). The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/01/books/review/cities-of-smoke-and-starlight-alli-earnest.html
Reading 'Cities of Smoke and Starlight' offers an immersive experience, merging steampunk technology with fantasy magic. (entertainment, books)
This captivating novel is a must-read for those who enjoy exploring detailed fantasy worlds alongside slow-developing romantic tension. (entertainment, books)
