Hello there travelers, and welcome to another stop along our Otherworld journey. Today, we’re going to look at a fantasy with a bit of a steampunk vibe that ought to be a lot of fun. If that sounds like it’s your style, read on to learn more about The Wind Walker.
Author Simon Shugar has a passion for worlds that have their own rules, and for mechanics that are well-conceived and enjoyable to the reader. Thus, in his stellar debut, The Wind Walker (Children of the Sky Book 1), we see his literary universe take shape. It’s lofty and you can certainly see many components of the world, as Shugar hasn’t left any stone unturned when it comes to creating rich histories and backstories. But his tale is also a bit more focused in some places. It’s character-driven, with excellent dialog, and interactions that are easy to imagine played out. Even if you were just interested in either the characters or the stories, you’d have a good time here. Shugar, however, leads both to great effect.
To avoid his fate as a Breaker Boy – Children forced to work the mines – Zephyr must find a way to earn enough coin to buy his freedom and escape the city of Crater. Yet there are only so many options afforded to a young boy with no family. Thievery is one.
At the same time – Captain Bacchus and his eccentric crew have been tasked with finding the whereabouts of a treasure, which they know little to nothing about. Yet with a reward of over fifty times their normal going rate; How can they turn the opportunity down?
Those who like their stories not to linger or prattle on are in luck. The Wind Walker is a tale well-spun with entertaining prose that moves the reader forward at an even pace. It’s a story with real momentum and gusto, and its praises will no doubt feel earned. While a sequel is on the horizon, this story is powerful enough on its own to be self-contained and thoroughly enjoyable. For those who are into fantasy adventures with a bit of swashbuckling, there’s no need to wait. Check out The Wind Walker (Children of the Sky Book 1) on Amazon today!
