Title: The House of Shattered Wings
Author: Aliette de Bodard
First published August 18, 2015
402 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781473212558 (ISBN10: 1473212553)
Rating: 3.4
Overview
Within the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Seattle, the city’s Great Houses are locked in a bitter struggle for power, each vying to become the ruling force in this new world. Amidst the chaos, House Sunburst, once a shining beacon of hope, now lies in ruins with its magic fading away.
Its leader, the enigmatic and powerful Sunlord, has been missing for years. And now, a dark force is creeping its way into the House, threatening to destroy it from within.
Three unlikely allies must come together to save House Sunburst: a rebellious young sorceress, an exiled thief haunted by his past, and a fallen angel with a dark secret. As they delve deeper into the House’s mysteries, they soon realize that their fate is intertwined with that of House Sunburst’s survival.
But with each passing day, their chances of success grow slimmer, and they may be the last hope to save the House or the very cause of its downfall.
About the Author
Paris-based author Aliette de Bodard has garnered numerous awards for her work, including three Nebula Awards, an Ignyte Award, a Locus Award, a British Fantasy Award, and four British Science Fiction Association Awards. She was also a finalist for two Hugo Awards in 2019 for Best Series and Best Novella.
Her latest book, Fireheart Tiger, published by Tor.com, is a romantic fantasy set in pre-colonial Vietnam. The story follows a princess who must make a decision that will determine the future of her nation as well as her own fate.
In addition to Fireheart Tiger, de Bodard has also written Seven of Infinities, a space opera that centers on a sentient spaceship and a scholar who team up to solve a murder and ultimately fall in love.
De Bodard has also penned two fantasy books, Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders, and its standalone sequel, Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances, both published by JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc. The novels are set in an alternate 19th century Vietnamese court and explore themes of manners and murder.
Editoral Review
The House of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard is a captivating novel that delves into a fantastical universe steeped in urban elegance and gothic horror. De Bodard, who has won numerous awards in the science fiction and fantasy genres, demonstrates her skillful storytelling abilities by leading readers through a twisted plot with characters that are both intriguing and flawed.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris, the book focuses on the aftermath of the Great War between magical Houses. The Fallen House, once a powerful force in the city, is now a shadow of its former self.
The Houses, led by various powerful beings, compete for control of Paris and the rare magic that keeps them alive. De Bodard introduces readers to several complex characters, including Selene, a Fallen House survivor who must navigate the tenuous politics of the city in the hopes of reuniting with her former House, and Philippe, a down-on-his-luck mortal who must find a way to survive in a world full of terrifying magic.
The setting and characters in the novel are expertly crafted, and readers will quickly find themselves immersed in this unique universe. De Bodard blends historical elements and modern themes to create a magical, yet dark world.
The story is a mixture of political intrigue, parental relationships, and bloody battles, all of which are sure to keep readers turning the pages. The author’s writing style is poetic and descriptive, as she masterfully weaves in French phrases and mythology.
Despite its strengths, The House of Shattered Wings is not without flaws. Some readers may find it difficult to keep track of the vast cast of characters and follow the complicated plot at times.
Additionally, some of the themes, such as the exploration of motherhood and the impact of colonialism, feel underdeveloped. Overall, The House of Shattered Wings is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and gothic horror.
The novel explores themes and ideas that are incredibly relevant to today’s world, such as the impact of war and political upheaval on ordinary people. De Bodard’s writing is majestic, and the novel’s characters are mesmerizing.
Readers will appreciate the stunning world that the author has created, and the complex, multifaceted characters who inhabit it.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
