The Flying Barons of Negriponte by James Calbraith

The Flying Barons of Negriponte by James Calbraith

Release: September 20, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Flying Squid
Source: Pumpup your Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

They killed her father. They took her ship. But nothing will stop Ikaria’s vengeance.
Forty years since Constantinople fell to the Venetian flying citadels, high-altitude Aether racing is the favoured pastime of bored, wealthy Latin nobles. Ikaria, proud daughter of a legendary Aether engineer and one of the best racing pilots in the Aegean, is determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious disappearance at the end of the last Grande Regatta of Negriponte.

Driven by the thirst of vengeance and pursuit of engineering excellence in equal measures, Ikaria vows to win the next Regatta herself – and to find out what really happened to her father. But there’s a catch: a new Imperial edict bars her, and anyone not of noble blood, from taking part in Aether races. To her rescue comes Sire Mikhael of Chiarenza – an enigmatic handsome young Greek turncoat in the service of new Latin masters. His motivations unclear, the source of his funds and supplies a secret, Ikaria nonetheless agrees to accept his help: together, they set out to challenge the supremacy of the six Hexarchs, the infamous Flying Barons of Negriponte.

About the Author:

James Calbraith is a Poland-born Scottish writer of history-adjacent novels, coffee drinker, Steely Dan fan and avid traveller.

Growing up in communist Poland on a diet of powdered milk, “Lord of the Rings” and soviet science-fiction, he had his first story published at the ripe age of eight. After years of bouncing around Polish universities, he moved to London in 2007 and started writing in English. Now lives in Edinburgh, hoping for an independent Scotland.

His debut historical fantasy novel, “The Shadow of Black Wings“, has reached Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finals in 2012. “The Year of the Dragon” saga sold over 30,000 copies worldwide.

His new historical fiction saga, “The Song of Ash” has been on top of Amazon’s Bestseller lists in UK for months.

The Flying Barons of Negriponte Review:

“The Flying Barons of Negriponte” took me on an unexpected adventure through a steampunk universe, and despite not being a regular reader of the genre, I was hooked from the start. Ikaria, a protagonist with a relentless drive to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance, is at the heart of the story. Her journey is about unraveling mysteries and navigating complex relationships, particularly with Mikhael, where trust and hints of romance keep things intriguing. I particularly liked how mysterious the author made Mikhael, where you don’t know his true intentions.

Moreover, the novel is a rollercoaster of action, with Ikaria and her allies facing a myriad of dangers. From the suspenseful encounters with Gavrilo and Irene to the heart-pounding Regatta challenges, especially The Three Peaks, the narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat. One of my favorite moments is when she races with Dandolo. The world-building is seamless, incorporating elements like Quintessence and the Seraphim Wing. However, it may take some time to fully grasp the intricacies of the fantastical technology.

Similarly, Baron and Guy Cicon, the unforgettable William Villehardouin, and other supporting characters bring depth and color to Ikaria’s journey. Their presence, along with the mix of high-octane escapades and introspective, character-driven moments, creates a perfect balance that keeps the story moving forward.

Overall, James Calbraith’s novel offers a captivating blend of steampunk charm, daring exploits, and well-crafted characters. Once I got the hang of the technical details, I found it hard to put down, making “The Flying Barons of Negriponte” a delightful read for anyone looking to lose themselves in a world where bravery and curiosity reign supreme. I look forward to revisiting these characters again!