Who Would Like This Book:
If you're after a fast-paced YA fantasy with a fresh magic system and unique worldbuilding, this one is a treat! The story is set on a haunting, labyrinthine ship filled with monsters, danger, and jaw-dropping secrets. Isoka, the bisexual, tough-as-nails main character, will appeal to anyone who loves complex heroines with vulnerable sides. The book features great LGBTQ representation, intricate politics, monster hunting, and action-packed scenes. If you enjoy stories with morally grey leads, mysterious settings, creative magic, and high stakes, you'll be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book might not be for everyone. Some readers found the atmosphere a little confusing and the setting hard to picture at times, especially with the sprawling, metallic ship and its odd geography. There's a fair bit of violence and sexual content, which might make it less suitable for younger teens or readers sensitive to these themes. A few felt that the focus on variant sexual expression felt forced, and others thought the magic system, while cool, could be a little uneven in its application (with the main character shining a bit too brightly compared to others). If you prefer friendlier protagonists or more traditional fantasy tropes, this might not fully hit the mark.
About:
Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler follows Isoka, a powerful and confident protagonist who is caught by the Empire for being a mage adept and is tasked with stealing a ghost ship named the Soliton to save herself and her sister. The story is set on the mysterious Soliton, an enormous haunted ship full of ancient technology and dangerous creatures, where Isoka navigates through political intrigue, mystery, and danger to unravel the goals and methods of the ship's creators. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and features a unique magic system called Wells, with a focus on strong female characters, LGBTQ representation, and intricate world-building.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include references to violence, sexual activities, and themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Has Romance?
The book includes a significant but not overly dominant romantic subplot, focusing on a relationship between two female characters.
From The Publisher:
Ship of Smoke and Steel is the launch of Django Wexler's cinematic, action-packed epic fantasy Wells of Sorcery trilogy.
A FIERCE WARRIOR. HER DEADLY MAGIC.
AN EPIC MISSION TO STEAL A GHOST SHIP.
In the lower wards of Kahnzoka, the great port city of the Blessed Empire, eighteen-year-old ward boss Isoka enforces the will of her criminal masters with the power of Melos, the Well of Combat. The money she collects goes to keep her little sister living in comfort, far from the bloody streets they grew up on.
When Isoka's magic is discovered by the government, she's arrested and brought to the Emperor's spymaster, who sends her on an impossible mission: steal Soliton, a legendary ghost ship-a ship from which no one has ever returned. If she fails, her sister's life is forfeit.
On board Soliton, nothing is as simple as it seems. Isoka tries to get close to the ship's mysterious captain, but to do it she must become part of the brutal crew and join their endless battles against twisted creatures. She doesn't expect to have to contend with feelings for a charismatic fighter who shares her combat magic, or for a fearless princess who wields an even darker power.
"Truly epic, fierce, and exhilarating, Ship of Smoke and Steel will capture you and lock you away. With magical combat sequences fit for the big screen, the action is almost as breathtaking as the intrigue." -Morgan Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series
Ratings (2)
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (17):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
Not a huge fan of mc
What can you read after
Ship of Smoke and Steel?
About the Author:
DJANGO WEXLER graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in creative writing and computer science, worked in artificial intelligence research and as a programmer/writer for Microsoft, and is now a full-time fantasy writer. Django is the author of The Shadow Campaigns, an epic fantasy series for adults, and The Forbidden Library, a classic fantasy series for middle-grade readers.
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