Saturday 29 August 2009

Dragon Master by Chris Bunch

This is actually a trilogy of three previously published books: "Storm of Wings", "Knighthood of the Dragon" and "The Last Battle".

Bunch's work can be described as military fantasy. The first two books read like a first World War novel with magic substituting for artillery and fledgling squadrons of dragons taking the role of untrusted bi-planes. A familiar theme is that of incompetent generals clinging to outmoded beliefs failing to grasp how new developments have changed war.

Good stuff. An enjoyable read.

Wednesday 19 August 2009

The Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt

Interesting steampunk fantasy set in a three layered world. Rogues and other misfits live underground beneath the normal world while the secretive court of the air flies overhead. The court watches over all and pulls strings behind the scenes to keep their territory in good shape.

Hunt's steampunk writing probably sits about half way between the lightweight Neil Gaiman and the morbidly heavyweight work of Mieville. All in all its not a bad compromise. Entertaining.