Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
The subtitle proclaims the book to be a "high fantasy novel set in an era of steam". Personally, I am rather uncertain as to the amount of steam involved, at least as far as the figurative sense of the word is concerned. A more precise, albeit less exciting version would be "a love story in a fantasy setting".
The fantasy is right there and it is reasonably original (no tragic love between an elf and a dwarf, no), but it is full of hints at the romantic side of things. You know, the kind where one of the characters can't quite figure out they are sweet on one of the others for 22 consecutive chapters. Fortunately, the author draws the line at hints and mildly sexist remarks (a part of the medieval ambiance, obviously) and does not go into details regarding the less sublime aspects of human relationships, so the book is perfectly appropriate for younger readers. Well... provided said readers are accustomed to the fact that no hero, however pure of heart, can possibly overcome their antagonist(s) without cutting a few agents of the opposing party into very small pieces and creating a moderately-sized lake of blood.
Overall, the book has a feel of an american novel well done, with much suspense, unexpected turns, bits of humor and whatever else it takes to keep the reader engaged. More sophisticated readers may feel uneasy at the lack of logic and substance in the plot and particularly disgusted by the fact that the good guys win in the end against overwhelming odds (sorry if you consider that a spoiler).
P.S. The audio version is also professionally done and I think it was a good idea to offer is as a teaser.
The fantasy is right there and it is reasonably original (no tragic love between an elf and a dwarf, no), but it is full of hints at the romantic side of things. You know, the kind where one of the characters can't quite figure out they are sweet on one of the others for 22 consecutive chapters. Fortunately, the author draws the line at hints and mildly sexist remarks (a part of the medieval ambiance, obviously) and does not go into details regarding the less sublime aspects of human relationships, so the book is perfectly appropriate for younger readers. Well... provided said readers are accustomed to the fact that no hero, however pure of heart, can possibly overcome their antagonist(s) without cutting a few agents of the opposing party into very small pieces and creating a moderately-sized lake of blood.
Overall, the book has a feel of an american novel well done, with much suspense, unexpected turns, bits of humor and whatever else it takes to keep the reader engaged. More sophisticated readers may feel uneasy at the lack of logic and substance in the plot and particularly disgusted by the fact that the good guys win in the end against overwhelming odds (sorry if you consider that a spoiler).
P.S. The audio version is also professionally done and I think it was a good idea to offer is as a teaser.