The Court Of The Air
In two separate threads this book tells the story of two orphans. Molly, a child of a poorhouse and too smart for her own good and Oliver, raised by his uncle but effectively under house arrest as he’s suspected of having been infected by the feymist.
The book is set in an alternative, steampunky, version of Victorian era Britain. Hunt twists the past and traditions of Britain and continental Europe so effectively as to create a very different, yet believable, world.
Of course this being a fantasy the two orphans are vital to the future of a free world under threat from an insane ‘communityist’ under the thrall of ancient evil gods. Their trials and tribulations take place in wonderfully conceived locations with entertaining, if cut out, characters.
I really rather enjoyed this book. It has it’s flaws, to be sure, with weak pacing at times, the lack of character depth, and a couple of loose threads forgotten come the end but it is very much worth a read if you like fantasy novels.