The Black Lung Captain
Chris Wooding
Spectra, Jul 26 2100, $16.00
ISBN: 9780345522504
It has been a tough year on the crew of the Ketty Jay even with their fame growing from the Retribution Falls' success and failure; much of both their victory and defeat was caused by the dysfunctional relationship between Captain Darian Frey and his former fiancée Captain Tranica Dracken of the Delirium Trigger.
After an embarrassingly failed attempt to rob an orphanage where Crake the tortured (over his niece’s death and reincarnation as a Golem) demonologist warned Frey they shoot back, the captain discusses a deal with the Storm Dog Captain Harvin Grist. Explorer Rodley Hodd found a downed aircraft filled with treasure on the dangerous isle of Kurg where killing beasts run amuck. After choking on his beer, Frey accepts the commission as he wisely assumes the lethal monsters in the hostile barrier island’s rain forest can’t be any worse than orphans who shoot at thieves.
The second Tales of the Ketty Jay pulp fantasy is a terrific quest thriller starring rogues and thieves. Backstabbing and double crossing are survival techniques. The story line continues some subplots from Retribution Falls as readers learn more about the inept crew especially Crake that cleverly tie into the prime theme of The Black Lung Captain. Ironically, all the swashbuckling on land, in the air and at sea brings plenty of exciting action; but also predictable expectations in a sort of Indiana Jones’ style. Still fans, especially those who read the opening act, will enjoy joining Frey and his motley crew on their latest adventures; just watch your back as anyone else doing so likely will stab you.
Harriet Klausner
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment