Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War by Richard Ellis Preston

Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War (The Chronicles of the Pneumatic Zeppelin, #2)

by Richard Ellis Preston

The frozen wasteland of Snow World—known as Southern California before an alien invasion decimated civilization—is home to warring steampunk clans. Crankshafts, Imperials, Tinskins, Brineboilers, and many more all battle one another for precious supplies, against ravenous mutant beasts for basic survival, and with the mysterious Founders for their very freedom.

Through this ruined world soars the Pneumatic Zeppelin, captained by the daring Romulus Buckle. In the wake of a nearly suicidal assault on the Founders’ prison city to rescue key military leaders, both the steam-powered airship and its crew are bruised and battered. Yet there’s little time for rest or repairs: Founders raids threaten to shatter the fragile alliance Buckle has risked everything to forge among the clans.

Even as he musters what seems a futile defense in the face of inevitable war, Buckle learns that the most mysterious clan of all is holding his long-lost sister in a secret base—and that she holds the ultimate key to victory over the Founders. But rescuing her means abandoning his allies and praying they survive long enough for there to be an alliance to return to.

Reviewed by Beth C. on

4 of 5 stars

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Romulus Buckle is back, and I can say that I think this book is even better than the first one. In it, we find Romulus finding proof of who attacked the stronghold, gaining a Princess, and starting a war. Oh, and gaining what he hopes is some credible information regarding his sister. All in a days work for the high-and-mighty Romulus Buckle!

This book started moving in the beginning and never really let up. I had a hard time putting it down, and the revelations (no spoilers) have only increased my excitement for the third book in this fantastic series. My curiosity knows no bounds as I think of the possibilities.

I look forward to reading the next book, and will be keeping this book on my shelf. Highly recommended for a fast-paced, swashbuckling good time.
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  • Started reading
  • 25 September, 2013: Finished reading
  • 25 September, 2013: Reviewed