The Wake of the Dragon: A Steampunk Adventure

The Wake of the Dragon follows the events directly following a large air-pirate heist. While this provides an interesting back-drop for an adventure story, it feels as if it could be just any old day at the office for the people involved. There is no feeling that this is "the big one' or 'the final one' or extra important in any way and therefore worthy of note. I was a little disappointed about that. But the writing is very good (if repetitive at times), the steampunk technology interesting, and the characters relatable. I especially liked the pirates dedication to their goddess. There is also some appreciable humour and wit, especially in poor Dudley's discomfort and the captain's relations with his first officer.

While The Wake of the Dragon might not be all heart stopping action, it is very good and well worth a read. If you like steampunk in the slightest I would recommend picking it up. I'm definitely up for reading more of Hawkins' writing.

This one had me laughing on the first page. As Steampunk writing goes this is what it should be, an airship pirate adventure in the opium trade where a convoluted series of thieves, spies and corrupt businessmen form a fast moving tale that keeps the pages turning and the reader both intrigued and amused. The story can be engrossingly serious at one moment and delightfully comedic in the next.

The characters are well defined and form an interesting tapestry of opposites. A businessman's clerk who suffers from travel sickness is an unlikely companion for a gentleman pirate captain with a mystical proclivity who thrives on the thrill of danger at storm's edge. A farm girl, a hired spy and a mechanoid pirate crew add both flavor and comedy to a story that has been notably historically researched, even giving the date of a significant earthquake in England that really happened.

The aspects of alternative technology that define good Steampunk are handled well and the writer's skill with the story teller's art makes me curious about her other books. I hope her future releases will include more Steampunk. A sequel to this one would be great as I would like to see more adventures with some of these characters.

In a steam punk world reminiscent of Victorian London, a world where steam powered airships roam the sky and it would seam everyone and his mother succumb to the tempting embrace of opium and rum, a robbery sets the story for an adventure around the skies.

The thieves head off in their airship, captained by the incredible Captain Bonny, while the luckless Dudley, clerk of the dubious victim, Mr Wyatt gives chase.

The character of Captain Bonny is extremely well developed as he tempts the faits with his flirtations with Aide, goddess of the storm winds, always sailing a little too close to a storm so that he might feel a connection with her.

I thought this was a really well put together story that drew me along entertaining all the way. I look forward to exploring other books by this author.