Review of Cities of Smoke and Starlight: Masterpiece penned by Alli Earnest
New Book Releases: "Cities of Smoke and Starlight"
Alli Earnest's debut novel, Cities of Smoke and Starlight, is a captivating steampunk science fantasy adventure that blends elements of Indiana Jones and slow-burn romance.
At the heart of the story are two main characters, Kase Shackley and Hallie Walker. Kase, a troubled hover pilot, is on a secret mission to save his country from war with the neighboring Cerulenes. Hallie, a disillusioned scholar, is drawn into the mission out of necessity, seeking to secure a future for herself.
Their journey takes them and a ragtag crew to a dangerous, lost land in search of the elusive Yalvs, an ancient indigenous culture. The fate of the impending war hangs in the balance, as they must secure an alliance with the Yalvs to defend their world against a kingdom wielding dangerous technology and ancient magic.
The world-building in the book is rich and intriguing, with a combination of steampunk technology, ancient magic, and political intrigue. The reader is transported to a world of hoverships and ancient First Earth artifacts, with vivid and engaging descriptions of jungles, beaches, and ruins that the characters must fight through.
However, the descriptions of cities, inhabitants, and their surroundings are often vague, making it difficult for the reader to visualize the setting. The theater in the city, for example, is described with no clear details about the images on the pillars, leaving the reader wanting more.
The book's characters are unique and well-developed, each with their own internal conflicts and personalities. Kase, the protagonist, is haunted by the death of his sister and faces charges after an accident. Hallie, on the other hand, is a complex character who has lost the promise of a future in society.
The romance between Kase and Hallie is a slow burn, with no explicit sexual content. The tension between them is palpable, as they are initially enemies who must learn to trust each other in order to succeed in their mission. The potential for romantic competition is introduced late in the story, only to be immediately squashed.
The book also contains medium/high levels of violence, with graphic dismemberment in the final battle. Some elements of the story pull the reader out of the story, and one plot nugget doesn't get expanded upon.
Overall, Cities of Smoke and Starlight is a fast-paced adventure that is fun to read. The pacing is great, and the story keeps the reader engaged until the very end. The book contains mild language, with the use of world-specific cuss words that are not used by other characters.
If you're a fan of steampunk, science fantasy, or adventure novels with a touch of romance, then Cities of Smoke and Starlight is definitely worth a read.
This book seamlessly integrates the genres of steampunk, science fantasy, and slow-burn romance, offering a unique tale that captivates readers with its blending of Indiana Jones-like action and intricate character development. For those intrigued by engaging narratives and seeking to delve into captivating worlds, a wide variety of books that cater to lifestyle preferences such as travel guides, self-help books, and cookbooks, can be found in your local bookstore or library.
