Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War - Richard Ellis Preston Jr.

Swash-buckling, dirigible-dashing Steampunk adventure

 

 

First things first. If you're going to read "Romulus Buckle and the Engines of War", read "Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders" first. "The Chronicles of the Pneumatic Zeppelin" series builds. The books don't stand alone. Read them in order and you'll enjoy the characters a whole ton more, and the world building gets an added richness.

 

I found this second book in the series to be of a slightly different flavour. The action was just as fast-paced and daredevil heart-stopping, but it seemed to me that where Book 1 laid out the challenges of the world, "Engine of War" added depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was time for complications in character relationships, some background on events and ... no I won't include spoilers. But I did enjoy the twists and turns clearly laid out for Book 3. I love a good complication :)

 

"The Chronicles of the Pneumatic Zeppelin" has a swash-buckling gritty style that suits a world that is halfway between steampunk and SF.

 

***I loved Book 1 and intended to add Book 2 to my kindle when the author, Richard E Preston, offered me a review copy. Not being a fool (and honoured by the offer), I said YES!