The Aeronaut’s Windlass

Jim Butcher starts a new series with The Aeronaut’s Windlass.  I’ve long been a fan of Butcher and he continues his tradition of good storytelling with this book.  In this world of what seem to be essentially floating city states we have likewise floating ships that make up state operated navies & privateers and include pirates.  As the book begins one of the rival city states attacks Albion.  A group including the captain (& crew) of a privateer, a trio of neophyte guards, an etheralist (essentially magician) and his apprentice, and a cat begin a quest to find the enemy.  Much adventure follows including some spectacularly described battles between air ships.  I am left looking forward to the next volume in the series.

If you enjoyed Butcher’s Codex Alera series then this will be just your cup of tea.   If you like trying to figure out what the possible backstory is for a world that seems to be a very different future Earth and you enjoy a good maritime adventure with a seasoning of the fantastical then you’ll enjoy this.  Recommended.