Review of Cities of Smoke and Starlight, a work penned by Alli Earnest
Embark on an immersive journey with Alli Earnest's debut novel, "Cities of Smoke and Starlight", the first installment in the captivating series, "The Gate Chronicles". This steampunk-fantasy romance, reminiscent of the slow-burn romance in *Anastasia* and the adventurous world of *Treasure Planet*, promises a character-driven narrative that blends personal stakes with a larger, epic quest.
Set in a post-cataclysmic world, the story unfolds in a landscape of hoverships and crumbling remnants of "First Earth" artifacts, where advanced technology and mystical forces coexist. The narrative revolves around Kase Shackley, a bitter hover pilot haunted by personal tragedy, and Hallie, a spirited scholar. Together, they embark on an epic mission to forge an alliance with the enigmatic Yalvs, a long-lost indigenous culture, to defend their world against the impending threat of a kingdom wielding both dangerous technology and ancient magic.
The world-building in "Cities of Smoke and Starlight" is rich and intricate, with diverse cultures and histories shaping the characters' choices and the unfolding crisis. The setting, a blend of steampunk technology and high fantasy, creates a unique atmosphere where battles are fought with electropistols and the like against dragons and ancient magical people.
Earnest's prose is both emotional and immersive, with a strong focus on character development and relationships. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance is a defining feature, indicative of a deliberate pacing in emotional arcs. Kase, portrayed as deeply flawed and haunted, drives much of the narrative tension, suggesting a preference for complex, layered protagonists who evolve over the course of the story.
Reviewers have praised the novel as "intriguing and wonderful", with a strong recommendation for future installments. The plot is described as high-stakes: if the protagonists fail, "the war will be lost before it even begins". The novel seems to particularly appeal to fans of character-driven narratives, steampunk aesthetics, and fantasy adventures set against a backdrop of crumbling civilizations and urgent political stakes.
With vivid descriptions of jungles, beaches, and ruins, "Cities of Smoke and Starlight" offers an engaging reading experience. However, some readers may find the occasional use of inconsistent and mal-fitting world-specific cuss words a minor distraction. Overall, this book is a strong recommendation for fans of genre-blending stories and slow-burn romance.
In summary, "Cities of Smoke and Starlight" stands out for its emotional depth, intricate world-building, and compelling dynamic between its protagonists. Alli Earnest's writing style balances heartfelt character arcs with a vividly realized steampunk-fantasy world, making the novel a captivating read for fans of adventure, romance, and fantasy.
Books offering captivating entertainment can be found in the form of Alli Earnest's debut novel, "Cities of Smoke and Starlight", which combines the allure of a slow-burn romance with the thrill of a high-stakes adventure. This book, set in a unique blend of steampunk technology and high fantasy, offers an immersive reading experience with its rich world-building and character-driven narrative.
