This book review was part of a podcast discussion.
Listen to the episode here.
Steel Crow Saga, by Paul Krueger, is an emotional story that takes a shadow of real history and gives us the start of a world that I hope to see more of. You’ll find a lot recognizable in this series if you’re a fan of things like Avatar: the Last Airbender or some of the more fantasy-driven anime of the last few years. Fantastical powers and nail-biting action combine in a tale of empire-shattering size feels new, but still familiar.
The two paths of Steel Crow Saga combine in the postwar era of another world where magic seems to be alive in everyone, but exhibited differently by different people. Jimuro, heir apparent to a shattered empire, is trying desperately to get home so that he can negotiate the end of a finished war and save the last bits of his nation’s dignity. Tala is his guardian and his jailer, tasked with getting Jimuro to his destination. She must bring all her power and martial skill to bear as disparate the forces hunt for the missing Jimuro.
Xiulan and Lee are some of those forces. Xiulan, a princess disguised as a pipe-smoking detective, travels with small-time criminal Lee in the search for the prince, the perfect bargaining chip in the game of royalty she plays with her family. These rogues and royals should be enemies, but they unite to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. In this battle, they forge unexpected bonds of friendship and love that change their lives—and begin to change the world.
The setting of the story shines, a pastiche of 1920s technology and culture mixed with magic and intrigue. The politics of the postwar, post-colonial era make for great reading and thoughtful dialogue as the characters must come to terms with the actions of all sides and struggle to stop hating each other—or at least stop killing each other—long enough to face their common enemy. The magic system is full of heart and creates great moments of empathy and fun as the author gives us an exciting pace and wonderful story.
I give Steel Crow Saga by Paul Kruger four stars out of five.
Chicago, IL
A preacher's kid from the South who went North a long time ago. I'm an Engineer by day trying desperately to enjoy my day job. I love fantasy and sci-fi and I'm always looking for new worlds to explore.
DanielEavenson.com is my author site.
