I had no idea I needed a book about pirate-alchemists battling Lovcraftian monsters, but apparently I did!
Between the emersive writing and phenomenal narration, I felt like I was right along side the action. The POV / time shifts were done wonderfully… evil at times, but wonderful all the same. While I didn’t feel notable moments of crazy “plot twist” shock, I did feel a LOT of well-done Hitchcockian suspense!
The characters all felt so real, and their dialogue had a sort of… tangibility, if that makes sense. No character felt wasted, and I can only imagine that being more and more true in the companion novel.
If I had one hesitation about the story, it would be that the author absolutely throws you in the deep end with terms and names. It’s likely less of a problem when physically reading, but I had a hard time keeping up with some of the crew and the magic as I listened. Nonetheless, I made it out fine and appreciate the faith the author puts in us, the reader, to figure it out.
Now for the hardest decision of my week… which path do I travel down next!? Companion novel or linear sequel!?!
I get the feeling I’ll enjoy either one!