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peonypang's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
Have to admit that while this book is fairly enjoyable, it doesn't manage to be truly exciting or compelling, at least for me. The idea is to merge the classic "age of sail" European adventure story with the science fictional aspects of space travel, and the problem for me was that there was never any great effort to make sense of this combination - it's just accepted as the way of this universe that there are nobles and commoners in a spacefaring navy who use cutlasses and four-shot pistols while at the same time traveling on vessels that have airlocks and "solar sails", not to mention antigravity technology (!), occasional laser weapons, and even missiles (which they conveniently have to avoid using in favor of traditional "cannons" in order to keep a low profile for plot-related reasons). There are also at least four occasions of the incorrect use of the word “sheet” in the nautical sense (pp. 10, 23, 89, 96) - which admittedly occurs in probably 90% of all books involving sailing vessels, but remains irritating - and one bizarre use of the word “lanyard” (p. 200).
Anyway, I understand that there's a suspension of disbelief needed when reading speculative fiction, but for me it just doesn't work in this case. The interesting thing is that in spite of the blurb from friend-of-the-author Steven Erikson, who says "Coles may well have invented a whole new subgenre... Steam Space?" it actually has been done before, with the best example, in my opinion, being David Levine's Arabella series, in which the incongruous mixture of genres managed to seem not nearly as disjointed and unbelievable as this book. Much of the emphasis here is on the interactions among the characters, and this is probably the most effectively written aspect of the book, but even here things get implausible... for example, the attitude and motivations of Highcastle are all over the map, to the extent that the use of this character to suit the author's purpose is a bit too transparent. Given Riverton's too-secretive behavior, it seems unfair to blame Highcastle for trying to do the right thing in a suspicious situation, and in fact too charitable of Blackwood and the others to automatically accept her commands. The plot is not bad, and with a different approach to the writing style I can imagine this story being a bit more of a winner for me.
Anyway, I understand that there's a suspension of disbelief needed when reading speculative fiction, but for me it just doesn't work in this case. The interesting thing is that in spite of the blurb from friend-of-the-author Steven Erikson, who says "Coles may well have invented a whole new subgenre... Steam Space?" it actually has been done before, with the best example, in my opinion, being David Levine's Arabella series, in which the incongruous mixture of genres managed to seem not nearly as disjointed and unbelievable as this book. Much of the emphasis here is on the interactions among the characters, and this is probably the most effectively written aspect of the book, but even here things get implausible... for example, the attitude and motivations of Highcastle are all over the map, to the extent that the use of this character to suit the author's purpose is a bit too transparent. Given Riverton's too-secretive behavior, it seems unfair to blame Highcastle for trying to do the right thing in a suspicious situation, and in fact too charitable of Blackwood and the others to automatically accept her commands. The plot is not bad, and with a different approach to the writing style I can imagine this story being a bit more of a winner for me.
leahmaybelle's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Love it! This is a great example of women bring written well!
I'm immediately diving into the second book right now!
I'm immediately diving into the second book right now!
srredd5's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jacquibear's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
Found it slow to become engrossed in the story as I was trying to understand all the terms.
A glossary and chart of military/nautical hierarchy wouldn't go amiss.
A glossary and chart of military/nautical hierarchy wouldn't go amiss.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
4.0
With war on the horizon, the Empire must discover who is passing inside information to the pirates, helping disrupt their commerce. The HMSS Daring is sent in to gather intelligence, hiding their true allegiance under a false flag.
Sub-commander Liam Blackwood will be second-in-command, eager to gain enough prize money to perhaps buy his own ship, tired of being overlooked by his superiors. He gathers the best people from his former ship, including Amelia Virtue, now the Daring's quartermaster.
Deep in the pirates' territory, Liam and Amelia become closer as they build the ship's cover story and gather intelligence about the pirates, searching for their base of operations. Things are going well despite the danger. Then Commander Sophia Riverton makes a series of questionable actions that endanger the crew's loyalty. Especially with another lord disputing every action taken without reason or experience to back his complaints.
The author brings a deep level of knowledge and authority to this tale thanks to his background as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and his degree in naval history. Coles has taken that knowledge and turned it into a combination of 19th Century British Empire's Navy and space adventure.
There's a really nice pacing here, from the action packed scenes to the quieter, more introspective moments, keeping the most casual reader's interest and engagement. The mission itself develops at a slower pace, allowing the reader time to know the various members of the crew, as well as how they fit together or not.
AS to those characters, I found all of them intriguing, even that self-entitled twat, Highcastle. Maybe it is due to my love and fond memories of the Horatio Hornblower series, both the books and the A&E television series (back when A&E stood for Arts & Entertainment instead of Aliens & Eww), not to mention many other military seafaring book series, but I was hoping for redemption and change. It could happen. Sometimes. Maybe.
Then there is Riverton. Tough, closed-off, secretive. She forces the reader to pay attention, to delve deep into her story, making us demand to know more. We hope she isn't dangerous to the ship, the crew, or the mission. She honestly would steal scenes she was present in, and lurk in the shadows of scenes she wasn't. Fascinating a character.
A magnificent tale of spies and rollicking adventure, of mysteries and love, of pending war and unexpected allies. The book synopsis references MASTER AND COMMANDER, but while there are similarities, I found myself harking back to HORATIO HORNBLOWER instead. A wonderful read that, while the start of a series, can also be read as a standalone. Fantastical adventure from start to finish. 4.5 out of 5.
Sub-commander Liam Blackwood will be second-in-command, eager to gain enough prize money to perhaps buy his own ship, tired of being overlooked by his superiors. He gathers the best people from his former ship, including Amelia Virtue, now the Daring's quartermaster.
Deep in the pirates' territory, Liam and Amelia become closer as they build the ship's cover story and gather intelligence about the pirates, searching for their base of operations. Things are going well despite the danger. Then Commander Sophia Riverton makes a series of questionable actions that endanger the crew's loyalty. Especially with another lord disputing every action taken without reason or experience to back his complaints.
The author brings a deep level of knowledge and authority to this tale thanks to his background as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and his degree in naval history. Coles has taken that knowledge and turned it into a combination of 19th Century British Empire's Navy and space adventure.
There's a really nice pacing here, from the action packed scenes to the quieter, more introspective moments, keeping the most casual reader's interest and engagement. The mission itself develops at a slower pace, allowing the reader time to know the various members of the crew, as well as how they fit together or not.
AS to those characters, I found all of them intriguing, even that self-entitled twat, Highcastle. Maybe it is due to my love and fond memories of the Horatio Hornblower series, both the books and the A&E television series (back when A&E stood for Arts & Entertainment instead of Aliens & Eww), not to mention many other military seafaring book series, but I was hoping for redemption and change. It could happen. Sometimes. Maybe.
Then there is Riverton. Tough, closed-off, secretive. She forces the reader to pay attention, to delve deep into her story, making us demand to know more. We hope she isn't dangerous to the ship, the crew, or the mission. She honestly would steal scenes she was present in, and lurk in the shadows of scenes she wasn't. Fascinating a character.
A magnificent tale of spies and rollicking adventure, of mysteries and love, of pending war and unexpected allies. The book synopsis references MASTER AND COMMANDER, but while there are similarities, I found myself harking back to HORATIO HORNBLOWER instead. A wonderful read that, while the start of a series, can also be read as a standalone. Fantastical adventure from start to finish. 4.5 out of 5.
elementchaos's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is pretty brainless fun. Excellent space navy sci-fi with that steam-punk-don’t-think-about-it-too-hard action. The romance I didn’t buy into, but half of the characters were women and most of them were leaders and problem solvers and hero’s. Such a nice surprise in a mil-sf. Will pick up sequel and keep an eye out for this author in the future.
shays's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this title from the publisher.
While Blackwood is portrayed as competent and experienced, I was more interested in Virtue and Riverton. Though Riverton has more experience as a diplomat than a military commander, it was clear from the beginning that she was thinking about the bigger picture in a way that Blackwood was not, and I was rooting for her to find her feet as a commander and realize her vision in a way that I was not engaged by Blackwood as a character. For his part, Blackwood never seems to consider that as Captain, she might have information he is not privy to. I was similarly interested by Amelia, who is figuring out her new role as an officer rather than a common sailor. When we see Amelia from Liam’s point of view, it is often intended to be admiring, yet somehow manages to come off as a bit condescending: “Liam was disgusted at how these men so completely objectified Virtue, but actually found himself admiring how nonchalantly she handled them. It was both painful and fascinating to watch.” Captain Riverton, for her part, easily sees Blackwood’s feelings for Amelia, and is rightfully protective of her. Winds of Marque is clearly set up for a series, and I would be most interested to see how things develop between Sophia and Amelia as they gain in mutual respect and understanding. more
While Blackwood is portrayed as competent and experienced, I was more interested in Virtue and Riverton. Though Riverton has more experience as a diplomat than a military commander, it was clear from the beginning that she was thinking about the bigger picture in a way that Blackwood was not, and I was rooting for her to find her feet as a commander and realize her vision in a way that I was not engaged by Blackwood as a character. For his part, Blackwood never seems to consider that as Captain, she might have information he is not privy to. I was similarly interested by Amelia, who is figuring out her new role as an officer rather than a common sailor. When we see Amelia from Liam’s point of view, it is often intended to be admiring, yet somehow manages to come off as a bit condescending: “Liam was disgusted at how these men so completely objectified Virtue, but actually found himself admiring how nonchalantly she handled them. It was both painful and fascinating to watch.” Captain Riverton, for her part, easily sees Blackwood’s feelings for Amelia, and is rightfully protective of her. Winds of Marque is clearly set up for a series, and I would be most interested to see how things develop between Sophia and Amelia as they gain in mutual respect and understanding. more
tome15's review against another edition
3.0
Coles, Bennett R. Winds of Marque. Blackwood and Virtue No. 1. Harper, 2019.
Bennett Coles is an ex-navy man who decided naval battles would be cooler if they were fought in space. Which is OK. Just ask David Weber or Robert Heinlein. I don't mind C. S. Forester-style naval battles in space, but a writer must be careful not to overwork the sailing metaphors. There are times in Winds of Marque when a reader can forget it is set on an interstellar spacecraft. When the solar winds hum through the rigging and threaten to break the mast, I think the characters should to an EVA to make sure their hull is not made of wood. In other words, I wish there were a little more science and a bit less nautical meme.
Bennett Coles is an ex-navy man who decided naval battles would be cooler if they were fought in space. Which is OK. Just ask David Weber or Robert Heinlein. I don't mind C. S. Forester-style naval battles in space, but a writer must be careful not to overwork the sailing metaphors. There are times in Winds of Marque when a reader can forget it is set on an interstellar spacecraft. When the solar winds hum through the rigging and threaten to break the mast, I think the characters should to an EVA to make sure their hull is not made of wood. In other words, I wish there were a little more science and a bit less nautical meme.
literary_tayed's review against another edition
3.0
This book was alright. Nothing worth remembering a couple years from now. The author could of described scenes better and characters. It felt slow sometimes and oddly enough I noticed the author really likes the word astonishing.