Fall of Sky City by S. M. Blooding Published by Blooding Books on May 3, 2013
Genres: Science Fiction, Steampunk
Format: eARC
Source: Provided as part of book tour
Goodreads
In a world governed by the opposing forces of the mystical House of Tarot and the tribal Great Families, Synn is caught in the crossfire. He witnesses the slaughter of innocent people, and the devastating murder of his father. This act awakens his Mark of power, a Mark greater than any the world has seen in a very long time.
Queen Nix thought she won a great prize when she destroyed Synn’s father, the leader of the strongest Great Families. She had no idea she’d be doubly blessed by capturing his son. However, before Synn can become her treasured weapon, before she can use him to bring the rest of the world to its knees, she must break him and bind his soul to hers.
She does her job with brutal brilliance. Synn’s mind is broken and his soul is seared to hers in an unbreakable bond.
That doesn’t stop him from wanting to be free. She may have broken his mind and claimed his soul, but he will find a way to destroy her.
Experience a world of ships that sail the clouds and cites buried beneath the ocean, and survive the fiery battle brought forth by those who control the forces of nature!
Julie’s Review
I’ve only read about a handful of “steampunk” novels so I’m still a newbie and struggling with the world building. This novel was definitely a struggle for me and I wished I had a dictionary to help me keep up with the types of families and their names and languages. I admit that this was out of my comfort zone and was one of the most complicated worlds I’ve read. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the giant creatures that they built the cities on/in. I also thought the chapter titles were a bit spoilery.
I did enjoy it though. I really liked the unique “magick” that these characters have through their Marks. There was a lot of action and adventure to keep the plot moving and keep you guessing.
This novel also has some really great takeaways. One is that we are strong as individuals but as a team we are even stronger. Another, don’t underestimate the power of friendship and trust.
“We, as leaders of our Families, have a huge responsibility. We are responsible for the life and safety of our Family members. Our actions—all of them, big and small—have great impact on the world around us.”
“This is all happening because I was selfish, because I decided to run instead of stand up for myself. How much carnage will be too much?”
Varik stepped into my line of sight, slipping his long leather trench coat off his shoulders and letting it fall to the ground, his shirt sleeves missing, his Mark trailing up both of his forearms.
Impressive. Well, if I was going to buy time, this might be the way.
“Synn,” Varik barked. “Come out of hiding.”
I swallowed. I could do this.
“Are you scared, little boy?”
Why, yes. Yes I was, but I had to stop thinking that way. I’d practiced for this day. I knew what I was capable of. I had one of the strongest Marks ever known, and he had no idea the potential I held.
“Your queen wants you back, boy!”
“She’s not my queen,” I growled, ripping the shirt over my head and baring nearly all my Marks.
Varik stood in the middle of the platform. His eyes flared as he evaluated my Mark.
It was just a fancy tattoo without the power to raise it. I closed my eyes, turning my fear to hate, morphing my doubt into a driving force. I didn’t have the luxury to be weak. The people of Egolda City needed my Mark. It flared in lightning fire like lava, lifting from my arms, back and chest.
The guards flinched, backing away.
“You’ve grown, boy,” Varik said quietly. “Your queen will be pleased.”
I let out a long breath, letting the rage fill my heart, allowing reason to fill my head.
Varik popped his neck. “Well, let’s just see how much you’ve learned, shall we?” His Mark flashed from his arms in whips of orange fire.
The lightning lava prancing around me was just for show and distraction. What I really needed was water. Good thing we were surrounded by it. I reached out with my power source, keeping my element pointed at Varik. I heated the ocean waters, drawing them up in swirls of wind and clouds to hover above us.
He lashed out with his fire.
I let loose a whip of lava.
His little spark caught me across the cheek.
He fell backward, his knees crumbling as my lava found its target. Contempt rippled across his face as he reached into his pocket.
The detonation device! I rushed him, a chill running through me.
But before I could get to him, he pulled something silver and cylindrical out of his pocket.
I stopped, my Mark ready to launch.
A cold smile slithered across his lips. “I win this time, Primus.”
I ground my jaw, trying to calculate how fast I could knock the remote from his hand. Not fast enough. “I’m no Primus.” I could only hope that I’d bought enough time to save most everyone.
“Yes.” He raised the remote, his thumb hovering over the end of the device. “You are, more than you know.” His thumb mashed down on the button.
Explosions sounded all around us.
About the Author
SM Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, and Jack the Bird. She’s taking a break from the piano, which Ms. Bird is quite happy about, and now knows more than one word in Arabic. Basically, she can say hello, good-bye, give it to me, and hurry up! SistaPITA is her teacher, which explains everything.
She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories.
She’s also an investigator with a local paranormal investigation group, Colorado Paranormal Rescue!
Find out more about her at: Amazon – Kindle | Amazon – Paperback | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Book tour brought to you by The Crazy Bookworm.
