Charmed Vengeance (The Aether Chronicles #2)

There’s nothing like a good steampunk that mixes magic and history, Charmed Vengeance by Suzanne Lazear is exactly that. I love most things that have fairy lore because there are so many variations on it but there are always the basic elements. The fairy courts, the wlydwood and Tiana. I really like the world that Suzanne creates because it’s an alter version of history. If you read her author note at the end she mentions how she took some liberties with it. Which of course how else would do you a history that includes steampunk? You are not going to find airships in your history book. It’s such a great blend though. There is something awesome about mechanics and corsets.

Let’s just say I have always loved airships, have always loved pirates and have always wanted to be a female captain of a pirate airship. Enter Vix, full of awesomeness. I think if I was in the book I would be looking at her with awe. Seriously I almost clapped my hands with excitement while reading when she came on the scene. She is one tough lady and her relationship with Jeff is adorable. I liked how they portrayed them as partners in their endeavors in a world where women are meant to be in their place. She is not the only female air pirate though. There is also the Hayden Follies crew of all girls.

I love the three different journeys that the book is divided into. How you keep thinking oh they are going to cross paths and then they don’t. That whole anticipation factor of that happening is one of my favorite things when I read. It helps propel the book forward because you're anxious to see when and if it will happen. Although I found Noli and Kevighn’s the most interesting and V’s questing was just okay. Although it got James up and moving and the banter between the brothers is always amusing. I think if the book was solely focused on their quest then more could have been done with it but even though I think it wasn’t my favorite of the three storylines I did find it to be appropriate amount of detail.

Noli’s dedication to V warms my heart. She never doubts him, even when others look at her like she should. I love that about her character and it makes her stronger because of it. She misses V and because of some of the circumstances she is in a lot of emotional pain. We don’t see her moping around feeling sorry for herself. She also has to deal with sprite in her head and as much as I would worry for her getting committed, her conversations with the sprite were amusing. I thought her and the sprite started to really jive together.

So Kevighn, sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t like him but I really do. I love how cute he is when he talks about Noli. I mean I love V and all but sometimes he can seem like a spoiled prince, where Kevighn has this strangely attractive dark roughness about him. I really wanted him to see Noli again, even though he probably is bad for her.

The whole book has such a sad undertone. Just from events that occurred in the previous book. I mean seriously the prologue right off the bat cinches your heart. Plus everyone is dealing with some rough waters.

The plot and the pacing of the book are great. I thought dividing the story into the three parts really kept it moving. I easily read this in a day because it captivated me that much. I enjoyed it and it didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome. I felt like it did a great job setting up for book number three and I’m excited to continue on with the series.