The Aeronaut’s Windlass Book Review
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The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher
Published by New American Library
Genres: fantasy, steampunk
Pages: 751
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5
Summary
Tension between the spires have been building and after an attack on Spire Albion’s shipyard, the Spirearch of Albion forms a secret group of unlikely heroes to find the enemy before they strike at the heart of their spire.
Thoughts
The Aeronaut’s Windlass is a high-octane adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat. This story never slows down and something is always happening—making it very difficult to put down. It has a vibrant cast of characters and the banter had me laughing out loud. The progression felt like a role-playing video game like Final Fantasy or Tales of Destiny.
“I would, however, submit to you that another repetition of pedantry seems unlikely to correct the situation, and that therefore the least frustrating course of action for all involved would be to abort the attempt.” - Gwendolyn Lancaster
The prologue opens with an argument between a mother and daughter of one of the High Houses. After taking down the guards, the daughter escapes to join the Spirearch’s Guard. The dialogue between the two is a great example of how the entire tone of the story feels. The dynamic between characters are often comical, sarcastic, and witty.
“I simply described him in accurate terms. If he finds himself insulted by the truth, it’s hardly my concern.” - Bridget Tagwynn
The World of The Aeronaut’s Windlass
The Aeronaut’s Windlass is a fantastical world full of floating ships, an interesting magic/physics system, and a dynamic society. There is also the mystery of what lies on the “surface” and how the spires came to be. With the monsters we do come across, it is no wonder that the inhabitants avoid venturing out of the spires unless it is by airship.
“Fear was really quite tedious. She wanted to be rid of it as soon as possible.”
The society is made up of the humans, the warriorborn, and, informally, the cats. Amongst the humans and warriorborn, there are implications of varying cultures and customs. Even the cats have their own hierarchy amongst their clans. Descriptions are never overdone and there is a sense of being fully immersed into the world.
"We will be better served by immediate aggression than by too much caution. Let us hunt and destroy them before they have a chance to nest.” - Rowl
The difference between those privileged to live in the upper echelon of society—and those who are not—is easily spotted through the architecture of the spire. The spire is divided into the upper half of Habble Morning, and the lower half of Habble Landing. Habble Morning is open and spacious, whereas Habble Landing is more akin to a slum—packed like a can of sardines with low ceilings and dark narrow streets. Guilds run the streets and you are more likely to get mugged in the lower levels of Habble Landing.
“Being incompetent was surprisingly draining upon one's confidence. And annoying.”
Who Would Like The Aeronaut’s Windlass
You will like The Aeronaut’s Windlass if you enjoy:
a fast-paced adventure
a dynamic cast of misfits
witty banter
nautical adventures, pirates, or ships
steampunk aesthetic
Rating Breakdown
Entertainment (5 of 5)
Plot (5 of 5)
Character Development (5 of 5)
Worldbuilding (5 of 5)
Execution (5 of 5)
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Tension between the spires have been building and after an attack on Spire Albion’s shipyard, the Spirearch of Albion forms a secret group of unlikely heroes to find the enemy before they strike at the heart of their spire.