by Liesel Schwarz
Series: The Chronicles of Light and Shadow #3
Genres: Science Fiction, Steampunk
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Set during the Belle Epoque, Sky Pirates is a thrilling and inventive historical fantasy novel, where the myths and legends of Old Europe live side by side with the wondrous creations of modern scientists and aviators. It's also set in a world haunted by vampires, fairies, and other supernatural creatures. And it mixes a thrill-a-minute page-turning plot with a genuinely moving love story. In Sky Pirates, Elle and Marsh escape to the jungles of Cambodia in search of a sacred temple that holds the key to erasing the barrier between Shadow and Light.
I was a little nervous starting Sky Pirates the third book in Liesel Schwarz’s Chronicles of Light and Shadow. The second book, A Clockwork Heart, left me frustrated, but wow Sky Pirates brought back all of the elements I loved in A Conspiracy of Alchemists. Action packed, with lovable characters this steampunk has us traveling the world, and engaging in battles. The heroine Elle Chance is fantastic. She is kick-ass and determined. I don’t recommend crossing her.
Schwarz weaves steampunk, science fiction and myths into this historical fantasy. Her vivid imagination bring us, fleshed out characters and a world that unfolds in Three-D. Fans of the series will be delighted by the growth in Elle and a resolution to the dire consequences of A Clockwork Heart.
The characters are rich and complex from the loathsome Pierce to the dashing Captain Dashwood. I found myself liking Jack, the incurable schemer and I felt torn as their relationships developed. The relationship between Ella and Dashwood was intense, and interesting. Through it, we see Elle come to terms with her grief, even as she searches for a way to reunite with Marsh. The power of being the Oracle is touched upon as Elle experiments and gains more control. I am anxious to see what powers she will come into as the series progresses. While the current thread is resolved, the battle has only begun.
Sky Pirates take us into the world of air pirates and deep into the jungles as we search for Angkor War a lost temple. Schwarz has a gift for creating new steampunk elements and explaining the worlds of Shadow and Light. She was able to grab my attention from page one and immerse me in the world until I closed the last page. Sky Pirates has the perfect balance of detail and action. In my humble opinion this novel was the strongest to date in the overall series. I am anxious to return to this fascinating world.
Fans of steampunk, adventure, travel and a side dish of romance should add Sky Pirates and the entire Chronicles of Light and Shadow to their bookshelves.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Terri M.
*heads over to GoodReads and adds more books to the TBR list*
Terri M.
Second Run Reviews
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! Enjoy Terri 🙂
Lily B
ahh steampunk, air pirates? >.< me want! Glad you gave this one a chance besides being frustrated with the second book, seems like it panned out.
kimbacaffeinate
It did, and I am so glad Lily 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon }
Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed Sky Pirates as much as I did. I was surprised by the slight turn of events with Dashwood, and once again I loved all the fun globe trotting and seeing old characters. Are you missing Marsh like I am? *sigh* I need my Marsh 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I miss Marsh, but glad at where this episode left us. I had such fun reading this!
Katherine
I’ve only read one steam punk book and while it took me awhile to get the whole steam punk thing I ended up really enjoying it. I haven’t read anything else from the genre because I haven’t really been sure where to start but this series sounds like it might be a good place!
kimbacaffeinate
I Love steampunk from the gadgets to the world.I hope you try these 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I read the first book a long time ago, I do love that it was set in France and everything else that went with it. I’m so happy to see it’s still going good, I should add this to my Steampunk Sunday roster.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo goodie, I look forward to your thoughts!
Berls
I’ve only read one steam punk so far, but it definitely fascinates me as a genre. I’ll add this one to my tbr, since the heroine sounds like my kind of girl and and I like going into already finishes series. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
It’s not over Berls..but still a good one to read!
Melissa (Books and Things)
That is why I usually give a series book another chance if I’m not enthralled with a book. Sometimes the middle books just muddle along… but then *bang* back to the magic. I’ll have to remember that when I start this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly Melissa and why I accepted it..so glad I did!
Christa
I’ve really enjoyed this series so I’m excited to see what will happen next but sad to see it come to an end.
kimbacaffeinate
This is a series not a trilogy..
Christa
Ah! Excellent! I’m just too used to trilogies haha
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
Welcome as always..enjoy your Halloween!
Sarah
This cover. STUNNING. I would buy this for the cover alone!
Okay, probably not. Still… PRETTY!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I have picked up books or one clicked because of the cover.
Candace
I think I bought the first book and I’m really curious as this sounds like a series that I should really love!
Lauren
I remember your review of the last book and I’m so glad that Sky Pirates puts the series back on track and renews your love for this world! I am much more excited to get into this series now that I know book three is such an improvement. Love the sound of the relationship between Elle and Dashwood! Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I love this world, and yes Sky Pirates is the strongest to date. I hope you read them!
Georgia B
Wow this sounds like a really cool series, I don’t read much steampunk but by the looks of things I might have to start.
kimbacaffeinate
I love all the gadgets and that the plots usually have action, mystery, quests and suspense
Amber Elise
Oh, I hadn’t heard of this series! I’ve been meaning to check out a good steampunk (gotta love the crazy fashion!) I’m happy this book made up for the previous books’ frustrations!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
kimbacaffeinate
It really did, and it was icing on the cake that it was even stronger than book one!
Rita
What a creative set-up for a series! Glad you enjoyed it. My eldest would probably enjoy this one, so thanks.
kimbacaffeinate
The world is fantastic Rita, hope she tries them 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Yay Kimba, so glad this one rocked your Steampunk ship LOL
It looks very good and I am a fan of said genre so it’s going on my wishlist
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy and yes it rocked my steampunk ship!
kindlemom1
Glad the third book could help restore to you why you like the series. I love when that happens. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So do I Ali, and this was the best yet!!
Stephanie Faris
I feel bad that I don’t even know what the Belle Epoque is. Is that a real thing that I should know about or part of the fantasy world?
kimbacaffeinate
Yes it refers to a period in French and Belgian history that began in 1870 or 71 and ended when WWI began 1914 but don’t quote me…LOL
Glass
I haven’t heard about this series before, it looks good, but I must admit that I am a little bit afraid. I didn’t have much luck with steampunk novels so far.
Great review, Kimberly.
kimbacaffeinate
Well bummer, her world is fascinating Glass.
Carmel
I’m psyched that this series managed to bounce back with this third installment because it’s been slowly inching its way up my to-read pile. From your review I gather that Schwarz works her magic once again in combining so many great elements into one book. Steampunk FTW!
kimbacaffeinate
I was delighted too and really it is the strongest book thus far, I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.
Nick
I’m glad to hear that this was a stronger book than the previous one, Kim. I need to try this series out. I like steampunk but haven’t read many in the genre.
kimbacaffeinate
I love the main characters and the world building. I hope you try them.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Ooh steampunk! I’m adding this one to the mental list, now. 😀
Great review, Kimba! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Oh my mental lists use to be awesome, now I write it all down. It still comes back to me but usually at 3 am. :snort:
Red Iza
Just put “Conspiracy of alchemists” on my list 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Woot! Enjoy the ride 🙂
Jeann
Wow, a steampunk pirate story, definitely sounds like this one is a true adventure! What I love about this genre is that it seems to be very adventure based and take us to different locations. Must look out for more! Thanks for the review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, they usually have some mystery, quest or suspenseful plot to them that require gadgets..lots of glorious gadgets 🙂
blodeuedd
I never read book 2 :/
kimbacaffeinate
That happens to me too….so many books, so little time
Melliane
Oh yes I finishes this one a few days ago and I really liked it as well. I think it was my fave of the series and I’m really curious to read more now.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad to hear you loved it too!