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mbs1236's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A weaker installment than the previous one though with a strong beginning and end. Though, I will admit the book did lose my attention in the middle. Still looking forward to what adventures Frey and the crew of the Ketty Jay are embroiled in the next two installments.
galidar's review against another edition
4.0
I gave myself one night's rest after finishing Retribution Falls...and when I looked for a new book the next morning, discovered I had bought the sequel at the same time and forgot about it as well. So, with a satisfied heart, I began reading The Black Lung Captain. I'm pleased to say I was not disappointed.
Taking place a year after the events of the first book, the steampunk world is just as detailed and well written. The action and adventure are kept at a good pace to match the short length of the book (clocking in around four hundred fifty pages). Where there isn't someone getting shot or stabbed, we are treated to a much deeper look at the back story of many of the Ketty Jay's crew. And with the war between a rattled pilot and a very territorial cat to throw in some amusing side notes, the story came away even better than the original. My only complaint is that I can't find the third book right now and start reading.
Taking place a year after the events of the first book, the steampunk world is just as detailed and well written. The action and adventure are kept at a good pace to match the short length of the book (clocking in around four hundred fifty pages). Where there isn't someone getting shot or stabbed, we are treated to a much deeper look at the back story of many of the Ketty Jay's crew. And with the war between a rattled pilot and a very territorial cat to throw in some amusing side notes, the story came away even better than the original. My only complaint is that I can't find the third book right now and start reading.
iswendle's review against another edition
2.0
While not as magical and fairy tale-like as its predecessor, the Black Lung Captain still feels like an action packed pirate (and space alien) adventure. The book follows a set of outcast pirates on a zepellin like pirateship, chasing after a magical sphere said to be worth millions. It turns out the sphere summons space pirates called "manes", and the story unfolds as a treasure hunt turns into a save-the-world-and-the-crew hunt.
Definitely would recommend the book as its funny and never stops to captivate the reader. The rating really only reflects my feeling towards the first book, as it offered a more lively world for the reader
Definitely would recommend the book as its funny and never stops to captivate the reader. The rating really only reflects my feeling towards the first book, as it offered a more lively world for the reader
bookwormreflections's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-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
2.0
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is the second book in a fantasy series with airships and daemons. As before, the perspective shifts between the misfit crew members of the Ketty Jay. Their captain, Darian Frey, is no morally-upright hero -- the book begins with his attempt to rob an orphanage -- and I don't like him very much. But I do like his crew, and I like the repeated times they go out on a limb for each other. The plot romped along, following their latest misadventures. I was entertained, and, on occasion, unexpectedly moved(*). Even Frey has his better moments.
Three and a half out of five cat-in-a-cockpit stars.
(*) Most notably, for those who have also read this, about three quarters of the way through the book, at the end of chapter thirty-two.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Three and a half out of five cat-in-a-cockpit stars.
(*) Most notably, for those who have also read this, about three quarters of the way through the book, at the end of chapter thirty-two.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
glamorise's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cass_mcd_235's review against another edition
4.0
“Not for the first time, he wished he commanded a highly trained bunch of soldiers instead of a ragtag mob of rejects in varying stages of alcoholism.”
If I had to describe this in one word, it would be: fun. This book was incredibly fun. The basic formula is much the same as the first book. The crew of the Ketty Jay is hired for a lucrative job, the job goes wrong almost immediately, they chase a MacGuffin through a variety of skeezy settings, betrayals ensue, and then everything ends in a massive dogfight. A little predictable, maybe, but listen very carefully: who cares? It's fun. A weaker cast would have made this a 3-star book, but the characters are excellent and often laugh-out-loud funny.
"Frey went pale. He remembered Hengar rather well, since he'd accidentally killed him when he accidentally blew up the Ace of Skulls , accidentally. It was an accident, though."
After Retribution Falls, Cap'n Darian Frey has grown to care about his crew (the aforementioned 'ragtag mob of rejects'), but in this second installment he finds himself struggling to keep everyone together. Frey has developed good intentions, but his avoidant tendencies keep on keeping on, and he has to learn to directly address the crew's emotional needs (read: baggage). While numerous backstories were revealed in the first book, the characters continue to struggle with and grow from their issues. Crake, the ex-aristocratic daemonist, spirals into alcoholism as his past mistake weighs on him. Jez fears losing control to her... affliction (
Spoiler
is being dead considered an 'affliction'?Retribution Falls had a better plot, in my opinion, but The Black Lung Captain steps it up with the characterizations. The characters' sexism, which in the first book earned an eyebrow raise or two, is more explicitly frowned upon by the narrative. Also, it's funny. Ex. when Pinn insists that his sweetheart, who he left five years ago and regularly cheats on, is still waiting for him.
"'I,' Pinn declared indignantly, 'love her.'
'You,' replied Malvery, 'left her.'"
Yup. Very fun. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on book three.
dawn_marie's review against another edition
4.0
Ancient civilizations, shipwrecks, mysterious hidden treasure, dogfights, long lost loves, and did I mention pirates? The Black Lung Captain continues the story of Darian Frey and his ragtag crew as they search for a mysterious mystical artifact. While the plot is full of action, twists, humor, sorrow, and double crosses, the second offering of Chris Wooding’s Jetty Kay series is more character driven. A very enjoyable read.
assassinslover's review against another edition
5.0
Moved my soul and had me grinning and close to tears. I love these guys.
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
4.0
The story kicks off with the crew of the Ketty Jay robbing an orphanage. Six men, one woman (kind of), a golem and a cat.
They’re then recruited to accompany an expedition to find a downed aircraft full of treasures rumoured to be of the Azryx - a lost civilisation with highly advanced technology.
Only thing is, it’s in a rainforest in Kurg - the vast island off Vardia's north-eastern coast. Impenetrable. Hostile. Populated by beasts so horrible that the mere mention of them made the local wildlife scatter.
There’s a lot of individual character growth as each person tries to overcome their inner fears. This sees them breaking away, withdrawing, and their presence being missed by the rest of the crew.
Even the cat has a perspective!
The crew of the Ketty Jay were a finely balanced group. Individually, each man and woman was a mess, but together, somehow, they'd found a way to work.
If that doesn’t scream idiots who slowly become a kinda functioning (that’s arguable), maniac found family, then I don’t what does!
Pinn whooped. ‘Watch out, boys! It's dyin' time!' he yelled.
Frey presumed he was addressing the enemy.
It’s whacky, it’s fun, it’s a joyride.
This was my favourite of the series!
If you want a steampunk book that gives you Indiana Jones vibes, read this!
They’re then recruited to accompany an expedition to find a downed aircraft full of treasures rumoured to be of the Azryx - a lost civilisation with highly advanced technology.
Only thing is, it’s in a rainforest in Kurg - the vast island off Vardia's north-eastern coast. Impenetrable. Hostile. Populated by beasts so horrible that the mere mention of them made the local wildlife scatter.
There’s a lot of individual character growth as each person tries to overcome their inner fears. This sees them breaking away, withdrawing, and their presence being missed by the rest of the crew.
Even the cat has a perspective!
The crew of the Ketty Jay were a finely balanced group. Individually, each man and woman was a mess, but together, somehow, they'd found a way to work.
If that doesn’t scream idiots who slowly become a kinda functioning (that’s arguable), maniac found family, then I don’t what does!
Pinn whooped. ‘Watch out, boys! It's dyin' time!' he yelled.
Frey presumed he was addressing the enemy.
It’s whacky, it’s fun, it’s a joyride.
This was my favourite of the series!
If you want a steampunk book that gives you Indiana Jones vibes, read this!