3.3
Part of "Jackelian" series
"The Court of the Air" by Stephen Hunt is a thrilling and imaginative work of steampunk fiction that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and romance. The story is set in the sprawling, fantastical world of Jackals, where airships fill the skies and steam-powered machinery is the norm. The novel follows the intertwining stories of several characters, including Molly Templar, an orphaned girl with a mysterious past, and Indigo Springs, a street urchin with a talent for thievery. When Molly's father is murdered and Indigo is framed for the crime, the two join forces to clear Indigo's name and uncover the truth about Molly's heritage. As they journey through the dangerous streets of Jackals, Molly and Indigo encounter a host of strange and intriguing characters, including the enigmatic Captain Lansdale, a member of the elite Court of the Air, and the ruthless Lord Pharaoh, a powerful noble who will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power. Hunt's world-building is exceptional, with intricate details and a richly imagined history that will transport readers to a time and place unlike any they have experienced before. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. One of the standout features of "The Court of the Air" is Hunt's use of steampunk technology, which is seamlessly integrated into the story and used to great effect. From airships to automatons, the machinery of Jackals is both fascinating and terrifying, adding an extra layer of excitement to the narrative. Overall, "The Court of the Air" is a must-read for fans of steampunk, adventure, and mystery. Its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and gripping plot make it a standout addition to the genre, and a book that readers will not be able to put down...
Michael Swanwick
The Iron Dragon's Daughter
A captivating blend of fantasy and steampunk, this book follows the journey of a young girl, an orphan of the war, who is adopted by a dragon and must navigate a world of airships, magic, and intrigue. Like 'The Court of the Air', it features a richly detailed world and a fast-paced, thrilling plot.
Learn MoreEkaterina Sedia
The Alchemy of Stone
In a city powered by coal and steam, and inhabited by humans, mechanical beings, and alchemists, a sentient automaton named Mattie fights for her independence and understanding of her own identity. This book, like 'The Court of the Air', combines elements of fantasy, steampunk, and political intrigue to create a unique and thought-provoking world.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
The Difference Engine
This novel, set in a Victorian era where Charles Babbage's mechanical computer, the Difference Engine, was successfully built, explores the political and social consequences of the information age arriving a century earlier. A classic of the steampunk genre, it shares the same sense of wonder and adventure as 'The Court of the Air'.
Learn MoreGeorge Mann
The Osiris Ritual
In an alternate 1900s London, where magic and technology coexist, a detective is called upon to solve a series of murders that seem to be linked to an ancient Egyptian curse. This book, like 'The Court of the Air', combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and adventure.
Learn More