Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre

July 8th, 2013 Kimberly Review 74 Comments

8th Jul
Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre
Bronze Gods
by A.A. Aguirre
Series: Apparatus Infernum #1
Genres: Steampunk
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be. Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside. That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad. Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city. But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…

Hell and Winter Bronze Gods was good! A.A. Aguirre blends together noir, steampunk, a pinch of fantasy and paranormal with a generous portion of mystery and suspense and then she adds brilliant characters. All of which create a tale that quickly captured my attention and allowed me to slip into the pages. Three word review: suspenseful, charming, and impressive.

Criminal Investigators Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko are partners at the CID Dorstaad branch. Years ago the Architect closed the door to Hy Breasil after a war between humans and Ferishers. This has left unwelcome elements of magic within the city. They been assigned an unusual murder case, but when a second body is found and an infernal device was used they quickly realize they have a madman on the loose.  With their careers and more at stake the tale that unfolds is action-packed, suspenseful and filled with delicious banter.

I abso-freakin-lutely love the dynamic duo Aguirre created with Mikani and Ritsuko. In a way they are exact opposites and it creates this dynamic team that feeds off of each other. Ritsuko dots her I’s, is organized, detail oriented and is constantly working to prove herself as the first female in her division.  She is also quite clever at thinking outside the box and good at the politics and toe side stepping necessary in their field especially as Mikani’s partner. He can be brass at times and a tad too forward as he reads people.  Mikani from his appearance to his actions seemed unorganized but he works on instinct and some Fae abilities in his bloodline. He can be a real charmer, and while not quite a rake he isn’t interested in commitment. His abilities cause him to suffer from excruciating headaches and he self medicates. I loved their partnership; they trust each other, make the other one better and stand up for one another. This makes them the perfect crime solving team. Their banter is charming, hilarious and has a little romantic edge to it. Each isn’t willing to cross the line, but ooh it created moments and I so wanted it to happen.  Which caused me to suffer verbal fits of, “Kiss her!” “Tell him!” and, “You idiot” It was delicious and I cannot wait to see how things develop. The characters are wonderfully fleshed-out even the secondary characters creating a world I slipped into.

Aguirre’s world-building is exceptional from the period to the characters. She gave a panoramic view and her attention to detail made me not only see but taste the world she created. The characters were so fleshed out that they literally came to life in my mind’s eye. I could see them fully from their style to mannerism. The mystery itself was intense, fascinating and had moments where I held my breath as it unfolded. The gadgets and magic were filled with steampunk goodness and so true to this genre. I loved the reference to Hy Breasil the mystical island and am anxious to learn more. The threads of the investigation were solid and the author weaved them all together slowly building to the climatic ending which had my heart racing. The villain and suspects were dark and intriguing and while I began to suspect who the villain was it wasn’t until the reveal that all the pieces clicked together. This isn’t a book you read it one sitting as you will want to savor it and absorb all the complexities of the world.  I closed the book with a smile and then felt sadness as I will have to endure the wait for book two.

Fans of noir, steampunk and epic world building with fleshed-out characters will adore Bronze Gods and the duo writing team of A.A. Aguirre. Silver Mirrors is the next book in the Apparatus Infernum series and there is at this time no news on its expected release *sigh* * FYI for those who have difficulty reading small print the paperback version uses a really small font and even with my reading glasses it was difficult to read. I ended up buying the eBook version so that I could change the font.

Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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74 Responses to “Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre”

  1. Marlene

    This one was absolutely awesome. I just hope they don’t make us wait forever for Silver Mirrors!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, and her tour was one of the best I’ve ever been apart of earlier this year.

  2. Michelle

    Oh I definitely want to read this! It sounds so good! I love that there is a mix of steampunk and magic, and the partnership sounds like it really works! Great review Kimba!

  3. Samantha

    I really enjoyed this one too! It had a bit of a slower start for me but by the end I was hooked. And I loved the chemistry between Mikani and Ritsuko 🙂 I just cannot wait for book two!

  4. kimbacaffeinate

    I was gifted a signed copy which was lovely, but no even with my sexy librarian glasses it was driving me insane..get the ebook and it is so good!!

  5. Pabkins

    Ok I’m glad I didn’t buy the paperback then – I’ll be sure to pick up the ebook instead. I hates tiny print!

  7. kimbacaffeinate

    ooh I think so:) or if you don’t want to step too far out of YA, you could try the novella The Strange Case of Jayne Finley by Kady Cross

  9. Andrea

    I used to read a good bit of Steampunk, but have gone away from it lately. This does sound good and I’ve heard great things about Aguirre.
    Great review, Kim!

  11. Jenea Whittington

    The steampunk in tis sounds awesome and so does the mystery. Wonderful review. This definitely has my attention.

  12. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I agree! I so enjoyed this book and the world as well! I have to admit I wasn’t totally on board with Mikani and Ritsuko being more than partners, but by the end I was so with you! So cheered them on! 😀 I also can’t wait for the next book.

  13. Heidi

    I am glad you loved this one. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the duo as well. It was like Mulder and Scully, I wanted it to go into the romantic territory but it just teeters there and drives you nuts!

  14. Debbie Haupt

    thanks Kim, great cover love the Steampunk covers, great review!!

  15. Trish Hannon

    Love that cover. I still have to read a steampunk book but I love the sound of them. The worldbuilding in this one sounds strong, something I always appreciate.

  16. candacerobinson

    I agree about the print, it was REALLY small. I think that’s one thing that made it difficult for me to read straight through, I was squinting the whole time. I really enjoyed this one too, I just had a hard time sticking with it. It’s a bit heavier read and I’ve gotten use to all the YA books lately, I guess it’s ruined me for adult books. But I’m so glad you enjoyed this too!

  18. Jan

    Oh, this sounds good. I’ve been on the fence about this book so I really appreciate this review. Thanks for the review!

  21. kimbacaffeinate

    Seriously! Right and I had on reading glasses, it made it tedious and after about 50 ish pages I bought the eBook, but I was gifted the paperback and will just be sure I get ebooks for the rest of the series.

  28. Lauren

    Haha – I had the same problem! The book I had hurt my eyes (that doesn’t normally happen, either), so I bought the ebook version and it’s fine. I’m still reading it, and loving it so far. I agree, the relationship between Mikani and Ritsuko is wonderful. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ann Aguirre, and I have a feeling this series is going to be one I stick with. Awesome review!

  30. kimbacaffeinate

    I am so glad I was not the only one..i even had on my sexy librarian glasses! The font is 1/2 the size of a regular paperback..should have been made over-sized in my humble opinion. Heck yes I cannot wait for the next ebook!

  31. Pnrurbfantasyreviews

    This sounds really great! I love your verbal rant, sounds just like me! Of course everyone thinks I’m nuts, yelling at my book, but 😛 who cares! LOL I’ll be picking this one up for sure! Fantastic review, cupcake!

  32. Darlene's Book Nook

    I’ve been wondering about this one, and yours is the first review I’ve seen. Steampunk genre has been a bit of a hit and miss for me; I’ve really like some and wasn’t too thrilled with others. This one does sound intriguing!

  34. kindlemom1

    I so want to read this one, I have heard nothing but great things about it and it has been forever since I have read a really good steampunk novel. This is a must read for me, I am all about the great characters and good world building! Lovely review Kim!!

  35. Danny Bookworm

    I’m all for epic worlds and maybe this is finally the book that gets me into the Steampunk genre! I want to read more outside my comfort zone so maybe it’s this one? 🙂

  36. Jennifer Bielman

    If anybody, you could convince me to read a book. But I just can’t help but be weary of steampunk. I have such a bad history with it. Happy you enjoyed this book though.

  37. Anna

    LOL “You idiot” left me giggling. Sounds like a great read and a wonderful relationship. I hadn’t seen this one but might have to pick it up now. Loving the cover on it too.

  38. Naomi Hop

    Oooh…. wonderful review!! You have me curious to find out more! The characters sound great and how you said “closed the book with a smile and then felt sadness” cos you have to wait for the next one, makes me want to get it to see exactly why you feel that way. It seems you fell deep into this story!

  39. Vilia

    I’m glad someone else enjoyed the partnership and the world as much as I did.

  40. karina

    Ookay… *wiping the drool* I’m absolutely dying to read this one but waiting when it’s available as an ebook on Amazon UK which should hurry the eff up! Thanks for a fantastic review, K.! 🙂

  41. thegeekyblogger

    I actually bought this for a gift to a friend. Steampunk may not be for me but I am so glad these stories are out there. I think it appeals to the inner science nerd 🙂

  43. Jenny

    YAY YAY YAY YAY! I was so hoping you’d love this one Kimba! I still have to read it, but it’s coming with me on vacation soon and I have such high hopes for it. Ann always writes such brilliant characters so I know I’ll fall madly in love with these too. And I love that there’s that romantic tension between them, I’m sure I’ll be yelling KISS HER as well:) Can’t wait!

  44. Nick

    I’m happy that you loved this too, Kim! I know Maja adored it as well. I’m not the biggest fan of steampunk, but I like Aguirre’s writing, so I might give this one a try.
    Plus, to this : “Which caused me
    to suffer verbal fits of, “Kiss her!” “Tell him!” and, “You idiot”” AMEN!
    That’s probably me half the time I’m reading a book where the couple has so much chemistry but they refuse to give in!
    Fab review, Kim!

  53. Aurian

    Great review Kim, one day I will start reading her books …

  54. Toni

    This sounds incredible!! I’ve had it on my TBR list for a while now. I would definitely need to buy the ebook (which I do most of them time anyway) because, even though I “fake it” for my Kids Corner vlog, lol, I can’t read without my glasses, and small print wouldn’t work for me. Really awesome review, Kim. Mikani and Ritsuko sound like my kind of dynamic duo, like Booth & Brennan (Bones). Hehe.

  55. Christa

    This sounds like exactly my kind of book! And I haven’t picked up a steampunk novel in forever. Immediately added to the TBR

  56. Heather

    I have GOT to check this one out! Your’s is the second glowing review of this book, and the other comes from one tough cookie of a reviewer. Love Steampunk and noir and lots of sexual tension:) Great review!

  59. kimbacaffeinate

    I only need my reading glasses to read things like the sides of pill bottles but can read a normal paper back fine…this font was 1/2 that size..so yeah once I got a eBook version I was good to go:)

  64. Melissa

    Oo, oo., oo! I have this one. Won it. And ssoooooo can’t wait to read it. 😀

  65. GRgenius

    Alas, a bit too involved for me but I’ve a friend who’d adore it. Passing on the rec…thanks and also thanks for the font warning! ^-^

  68. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I have loved everything I have read by Ann Aguirre but steampunk tends to be hit or miss for me but you have me intrigued about Mikani and Ritsuko and the epic world building which is always a big plus. I’ll have to give this one a try.

    A fabulous review! 🙂

  70. Danielle Chapman

    This does sound interesting but I am not sure it is something I would enjoy. Thanks for the review! 🙂