Title: Retribution Falls
Author: Chris Wooding
First published June 18, 2009
380 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780575085152 (ISBN10: 0575085150)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
The Ketty Jay is not your ordinary crew, led by the infamous Captain Frey, they thrive on the wrong side of the law. These misfits make a living off of smuggling, robbing airships, and causing chaos wherever they go.
When they receive a tip about a valuable cargo freighter, they jump on the opportunity for an easy heist. But things go awry when the freighter explodes, and Frey becomes the number one enemy of the Coalition Navy.
Framed for the explosion, Frey must use all his cunning and criminal talents to clear his name. He’ll have to navigate treacherous lies, dangerous love affairs, and even supernatural beings to catch the real culprit.
Get ready for a wild ride full of dogfights, gunfights, and unexpected twists and turns. Retribution Falls will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Chris Wooding, a successful author, grew up in a quiet town in Leicestershire. To combat the boredom of his surroundings, he began writing novels at the young age of sixteen.
By the time he was eighteen, he had an agent, and by nineteen, he had signed his first book deal. Since then, he has been writing professionally and has published over twenty books in twenty different languages.
His work has won various awards and has been published around the world.
In addition to writing books, Chris also writes for film and television and has multiple projects in development. He has explored the world extensively, backpacking through Europe, North America, Scandinavia, South East Asia, Japan, and South Africa.
He even lived in Madrid for a period. During his twenties, he toured with bands and saw the UK and Europe from the back of a van.
Interestingly enough, Chris recently discovered that his family tree can be traced back to John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. Although it has no impact on him, he finds it intriguing.
Chris currently resides in London.
Editoral Review
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding is a thrilling adventure novel that follows the exploits of the crew of the airship Ketty Jay. Set in a world where airships and magic coexist, the novel blends classic elements of steampunk and swashbuckling adventure with a modern sensibility and a healthy dose of humor.
Wooding’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions of action sequences and a wry, self-aware tone that keeps the story from taking itself too seriously. The crew of the Ketty Jay are a ragtag group of misfits and outcasts, thrown together by circumstance but bonded by loyalty and a sense of familial camaraderie.
The main character, Captain Darian Frey, is a roguish antihero with a troubled past and a penchant for getting into trouble. He leads his crew on a series of daring heists and dangerous missions, each of which brings them closer to uncovering a dark conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their world.
Wooding’s world-building is top-notch, with richly detailed settings and a fully realized magic system that adds depth and texture to the story. The characters are also well-drawn, with distinct personalities and backstories that lend weight and nuance to their interactions.
The pacing of the plot is brisk and action-packed, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. One of the strengths of Retribution Falls is its thematic depth.
Despite its swashbuckling exterior, the novel tackles serious issues of identity, trauma, and redemption. Wooding explores the moral complexities of his characters’ actions and the consequences of their choices, all while keeping the story entertaining and engaging.
However, one weakness of the novel is its reliance on genre tropes. While Wooding subverts some of these expectations, there are still moments where the plot feels a bit formulaic or predictable.
Additionally, some readers may find the humor a bit too forced or cheesy at times. Overall, Retribution Falls is a fun and exciting adventure novel that will appeal to fans of steampunk, fantasy, and action.
Its engaging characters, richly detailed world, and thematic depth make it a standout in its genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy fast-paced, humorous adventure stories will find much to love in Chris Wooding’s work.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
