Nicholas and Olivia Atwater entertain in this “rollicking and deeply satisfying steampunk adventure” (Jacquelyn Benson), which acts as an introductory prequel novella to the Tales of the Iron Rose.
The Ebon Warden is about to execute the wrong goblin.
The Ebon Warden has sentenced Captain William Blair to hang for another goblin’s crime. Thankfully, he’s got his sharp wits, his loyal crew, and a long history of dubious behaviour on his side. When the man who’s supposed to hang next to Wil offers his help, however, the crew of the Iron Rose is unexpectedly drawn into local politics. Soon, the stakes are far higher than any one goblin… and the only way out of a dreadful disaster is to steal from the Ebon Warden herself.
I’m kicking of novella season with a novella that was sadly a bit too big to feature in this year’s Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship, but that’s only because it’s so full of charm! A Matter of Execution by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater is the beginning of a new series of steampunk adventure stories featuring goblin captain William Blair and his crew.
And it starts with an execution, as per the title. Our goblin captain has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit (this time) because the Ebon Warden has caught the wrong man, err, goblin. But Wil isn’t one to be deterred from a challenge, and as he looks death in the eye, his master plan comes together with a dramatic rescue that introduces the Iron Rose’s crew and adds another member to their team with a mysterious background, a fair few secrets, and a mission of his own…
This then kicks off a rescue mission and part heist where Wil and his crew must think on their feet and use their wits and brains as well as their brawn. The unfolding mission was a lot of fun as Wil makes for an exceptionally witty captain who puts his experience to good use. The Iron Rose crew are also a group of charming misfits brought together in a wonderful found family dynamic. Each have their own strengths that aids Wil and the mission, and it’s not all fisticuffs, though there’s plenty of swashbuckling action, naturally!
I especially appreciate the diversity amongst the crew members, featuring queer characters, older characters, and those with a disability. Wil himself, as a goblin, is an inspired choice for an airship captain.
As the story unfolds, we’re treated to hints of a greater story to come involving the Wardens and Wil’s part in the empire’s history. This world has a touch of magic that you’ll discover, and I’m eager to learn more about it. This certainly isn’t your usual steampunk fantasy and I can’t wait to read more tales of the Iron Rose.
Final Words:
An exciting sky-faring adventure with the goblin Captain Blair and his diverse and lovable crew.
