The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

The Aeronaut's Windlass (Cinder Spires, #1)

by Jim Butcher

Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.

Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy's shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion-to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.

And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity's ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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The Aeronaut's Windlass shares the story of Cinder Spire as it enters the cusp of a war between the Spire Albion and the Spire Aurora. Filled with airships, steam powered and crystal technology Butcher paints a vivid world and introduces us to characters from all occupations within Cinder Spires. We enter the story as the war begins and Butcher allowed me to easily immerse myself in their story.
Butcher shares the story using third person limited perspectives of multiple characters. While Captain Grimm mentioned in the synopsis above is a focus, he is not the only key character. We also spend significant time with Cadets- Bridget Tagwynn, a butcher’s daughter and Gwen Lancaster, a daughter of privilege who is hilarious without trying to be. Then there is Lieutenant Benedict Sorellin-Lancaster, Gwen’s cousin. Two of my favorite perspectives came from Folly the Etherialist apprentice and from those of Rowl a member of the house of Nine Claws. Rowl is a smug, hilarious, brilliant cat. Yep, you heard me, a cat. He is quite the little hero and travels with Bridget as her protector. He is also heir to his clan. They all find themselves working together as a team and I enjoyed all the different dynamics they brought to the table.

The world Butcher has built is complex, beautiful and home to many unknowns. Cinder Spires is located in the mist above a planet that is uninhabitable by humans and overrun with monsters. *shivers* I will not spoil it for you, but these monsters are sure to make you freak out. Butcher does not subject the reader to large information dumps, instead we learn through the characters. When we find out about the surface of the planet and the monsters, we are out with Bridget, Folly and Rowl. Butcher effortlessly weaved it into the conversation leaving my jaw hanging. While I am unsure of where we are, the world is vaguely familiar to Victorian London particularly with the social classes.

The Aeronaut's Windlass with its steampunk goodness and colorful character was an excellent beginning to this new series. Things are not completely revealed to us, but Butcher drop hints about characters, the past, of darkness to come and the economy. While I still have many questions in particular what prompted the war itself I was satisfied with the world and the knowledge we are given even as I crave more. The tale ended well, but the last few lines hinted at the darkness to come!

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 September, 2015: Finished reading
  • 19 September, 2015: Reviewed