Title: Wings of Equity
Author: Sean Kennedy
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M Steampunk
Length: Novel / 260 pages
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
A guest review by Kassa
THE BLURB:
The truth is that those who make a difference usually get martyred. What good are you dead?
Ezra Kneebone is most at home in the skies, piloting his airship with his best friend Jazz, even if it doesn’t quite pay the bills or warm Ezra’s empty bed. Those same skies are also the territory of a man known as Icarus who uses his metal wings to steal from the rich and feed the poor. Icarus and Ezra could be soul mates but for one thing: Icarus has a bounty on his head, and Ezra is desperate for money.
Against the wishes of Jazz and her partner, the formidable Lady Bart, Ezra is determined to get his man… in more ways than one. But when Icarus saves Ezra’s life, Ezra realizes he would be betraying a hero—and his heart—if he turned Icarus in. Unfortunately, the bounty is tempting more than one hunter, and Ezra will find that loving a fugitive may mean becoming one too.
THE REVIEW:
I read Wings of Equity in one sitting, it’s that much fun. WOE reminds me of the great Joss Whedon short lived series, Firefly, but it is not fan fiction in any way. I’m sorry to bring up the dreaded FF in a review but I couldn’t help but make the connection. For those that love the tv series and want something along those lines but NOT fan fiction, WOE should totally satisfy. It offers the same sense of adventure, action, danger, wry humor, and delight that makes up a great story with interesting characters and a visually stunning setting. Kennedy has written a great steam punk story that sucks you in and simply entertains on all levels.
Ezra Kneebone is struggling to get his fledging business of the ground. He’s got a great prototype of a smaller, faster personal flying ship but he can’t quite drum up the cash needed to produce more. He doesn’t want to take a loan from his chief mechanic’s rich girlfriend so instead Ezra decides he’s going to cash in on the reward from capturing Icarus. Icarus is a thorn in the government’s side as a pseudo Robin Hood. He steals from the trains and always manages to get away due to a clever set of mechanical wings. Although Ezra’s pilot, mechanic, and sole friend Jazz is against the idea, Ezra sets out to capture Icarus. Along the way, Ezra finds himself captured in return.
The plot is filled with action, adventure, fire fights, captures, rescues, escapes, crashes, true love, miracles! Well the last one is a bit iffy but Ezra finding true love could be considered a miracle. A majority of the twists and turns the plot takes may be predictable, but the strongly plot driven story is so well written and so much fun to read I can’t imagine anyone really minding. If anything some of the actions are the obvious ones, even when presented with a wry humor but this is being rather picky and instead focus on the quick action and punchy dialogue. The fight for Icarus brings in a large cast of memorable and truly extraordinary characters and here Kennedy does a truly fabulous job in bringing them all to life.
There is Ezra, the main narrator although the third person point of view is shown through several people. Ezra is desperately yearning for a connection. He’s almost a hopeless romantic but he’s given up most hope of ever finding someone to share a life. He’s witty, sarcastic, funny, loyal, and beyond stubborn. He’s in some ways a classic male character with a do it yourself attitude and too much pride. His actions and comments are often hilarious even though you sometimes want to shake some sense into him. Here the friendship with his mechanic, pilot, and best friend Jazz offers a great contrast. Jazz is an inspired female character in a sea of weak females offered in this genre. Jazz is raw, biting, totally feminist, and absolutely delightful. Though these types of females tend to be militaristic and unattractive, Jazz is written with such subtly and skill that she becomes essential and just as interesting to read as Ezra. She’s not a stereotype and her banter with Ezra is both touching and reminiscent of bickering siblings.
Jazz’s girlfriend, Lady Bart, offers a more feminine and softer female presence but she’s equally delightful. Although featuring a lesbian relationship within an m/m romance is a chance, it’s one that pay offs entirely. There is no onscreen sex so don’t worry. The only sexing is hot and heavy between Ezra and Icarus but the relationship between Lady Bart and Jazz enhances the story in many ways. Not only is Bart instrumental in the action and plot but their caring give and take help shape Ezra and his thoughts on relationships. The great characterization afforded these women creates a wonderful and memorable dynamic. If there is any stumble it is in the characterization of Icarus.
Although he is a main driving force of the plot and action, Icarus himself remains a mystery. His motivations are told through stories and interactions with other people and the lack of any viewpoint from his perspective is obvious and disappointing. While his reasons and his character are slowly uncovered over the course of the book, his attraction to Ezra and ultimately how and why they fall in love feels almost one sided from Ezra’s perspective. We see why Ezra makes his decisions, how he changes, evolves, and falls in love. We see how Ezra changes his life and becomes a different person, perhaps not better but different. The converse to that is that Icarus clearly changes and evolves as well but we only see the affects filtered through the views of other people. I’d have really liked to know more about the man and see his actions and choices from his perspective.
Yet for the few missteps, in my opinion, the world building and great writing simply shine. The fascinating world of steam punk comes alive with numerous details that culminate in an intricately crafted setting. Steam punk is a great genre when done right and here the author has delivered a wonderful addition. From the bleak, dusty hills of barren outposts to the gadgets, buttons, bobs, and bits which create everything from the small to large pieces, the story never forgets the setting first and foremost. This is truly a visual feast for those that love complex world building but written in such a way as you never feel bogged down in details. The world building is subtle but constant and combined with great characters; this is a fully entertaining, well written romp.
If you’re a fan of steam punk, definitely get this offering. You absolutely won’t be disappointed. If you’re new to the genre, WOE is a great introduction. It has all the classic elements but mixed with romance, action, hot sex, and entertaining banter. I hesitate to say Sean Kennedy can do no wrong but so far that’s kind of how I’m feeling. Get this today!
Great review, Kassa. I’ve never read steampunk but have to admit I’m curious, for there was a point in my life when I’d never read m/m either. It’s hard to imagine that time now. This is being added to my ever-growing TBR pile. Thanks for bringing this intriguing work to my attention.
Steampunk is a great genre but tricky. There are a lot of bad books out there that seem to miss the point entirely. Plus I think it’s still a small subgenre as well. So this is a perfect introduction that entertains while giving you a great idea about what steampunk is exactly.
I know everyone’s TBR is huge but this is worth making space for.
You had me at Firefly. The rest was just icing on the cake. Plus, I liked all Sean Kennedy’s stories so far. Thank you for the review!
I know right! I love Firefly and honestly there’s a bar scene in a distant outpost in here that had me thinking “omg that’s like that episode.” Not enough that the story is based off it of course but just enough that it has the same humor and entertainment. I think you’ll really enjoy this…
I tried not to read this too closely so I can be totally surprised. I’m not sure I’m a steampunk fan or not. I’ve not really read enough to really say I don’t think. But I’m definitely giving this one a go.
Well if you’ve read Ginn Hale’s Wicked Gentlemen, that’s steampunk as well. Either way WOE is kind of win-win. On the first hand you get to experience steampunk in an authentic but low key manner so it won’t overwhelm. And even if you dislike the setting, it’s a Sean Kennedy book.. so still win!
I haven’t read Wicked Gentleman but I think I might be on a list to get it. LOL I’ve heard amazing things though and as you said, it’s SK, so hey, I’m good with that. 🙂
Cripes Tam
You haven’t read Wicked Gentlemen? What are you waiting for? It’s now in ebook. It’s one fantastic book and I believe that Ginn is writing the sequel as we speak.
I totally agree, Kassa. This was just such a great rollicking read :).
Fantastic review!
This site hates me but you’re absolutely right. I love that I never know where SK will take me but it’s always an entertaining ride.
Plus I love that word.. “rollicking” .. so fab.
I can think of one steampunk by jet mykles and another, the last book by Sarah Monette. besides Ginn Hale mentioned above can anyone else name a few steampunk like novels?
When I think of steampunk, I think of things like Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker or Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan. Both of which are good books or even older – The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers or The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson.
As for m/m … great question. I know Phaze is doing a m/m steampunk anthology, not sure on the release date.
The blurb hooked me at
Those same skies are also the territory of a man known as Icarus who uses his metal wings to steal from the rich and feed the poor. Icarus and Ezra could be soul mates but for one thing: Icarus has a bounty on his head, and Ezra is desperate for money.
and then your review reeled me in. 🙂
Plus, I like Firefly. Without even having read the story yet, I’m wondering if the Firefly episode you’re referring to that the bar scene reminds you of is the 7th episode, Jaynestown? That episode was so funny, at least in the beginning! (Jeez, could I possibly be more nerdy?)
Thanks especially for clarifying the whole thing with Jazz’s character and Lady Bart. A lot of us m/m readers might be thinking, “Um … lesbians?” It’s careful, analytical reviewers like you that help out the authors by steering us readers past any misconceptions we might jump to.
Great review, Kassa! I’m definitely going to pick this one up.
YES! That’s the exact episode. You’ll totally recognize it. I remember vividly making the connection (though I had thought it was Firefly-esque before that but that scene cinches it). Glad to know I’m not the only geek hehe…
While I’m sure a lesbian couple prominently featured may scare some m/m readers, they really do add to the story. There is no sex so as not to worry anyone but it adds some strong female characters that are a lot of fun to read (which is almost non-existant in m/m).
I’m so glad that I don’t have to beat you up for not liking WOE, Kassa. 🙂 It’s such a terrific read.
The Perth section scares me… *stays very very very far away*
Thanks for the great review, Kassa!
I think you’re right about Icarus, but I always planned this as a trilogy and his backstory will be explored more in the sequel – so I hope he seems a bit more developed then.
I’m thrilled about your thoughts on Jazz and Lady Bart though. Friends of mine wanted lesbian characters, so they came from there but really took a life of their own. I loved writing them so much. Maybe I’ll have to take a dip in the pool of true f/f. Lesbians aren’t scary, m/m readers!
Don’t go too far here… not sure everyone’s ready for it! You already expand horizons by *gasp* including a f/f couple and giving them a POV. It’s like hollowed ground you’re breaking.
I can’t wait to read more and I think a trilogy is a great idea. Especially if Icarus gets his own POV in an upcoming book. That’d be fabulous.
Kassa
>>I hesitate to say Sean Kennedy can do no wrong but so far that’s kind of how I’m feeling. Get this today!<< Please don't say this in print or he'll get a swelled head (the big one) 🙂 This sounds like a truly delightful tale and I can't wait to read it. I really wanted to review it but I thought you would do a much better job and I was right (but not by much) 🙂 A lesbian relationship? I'm glad you mentioned that there was no f/f sex because then I would never have read it and obviously would have missed a great story. I loved Joss and the crew of the Serenity so if this is anything like it I'll love the story. I saw Sean's comment about this being the first book of the series so I guess we'll have to look forward to Icarius's story then. Great job Kassa. Sean, hear this, if you have a lesbian romance in the next book it won't be reviewed on the site no matter how much I love you. No girl cooties!!!!!!!!
Well I tried to knock his head down by scaring him earlier so hopefully he’s not too swelled. *coughs*
I do think the lesbian couple in this is really great but I can see why it’d scare some readers if confronted with it. The women are intimate and the story isn’t shy – though I repeat, no f/f sex – but there is sensuality and intimacy. It’s really an important addition though.
Overall a great read, so thank you 🙂
I bought this book earlier because I have enjoyed this authors other work and WOE was on sale now after reading this review it looks like I am going to have a great nights reading.
I hope you enjoy it! I almost envy people when they get the experience of reading it for the first time…
I’m so glad that you loved the book and the lesbian couple. I love the sure equality and trust of their relationship. It’s so equal, which is what I think is the allure of m/m or f/f relationships (in a completely idealized, romantic way, of course. Not RL) Jazz and Lady Bart are delightful. Jazz is so strong and independent, but she has absolutely no doubt of Lady Bart. The adventure was so riveting, I read it in one sitting and was gasping from swooping all over the place, in addition to wanting to beat Ezra’s pride in a couple of times. I liked that Icarus was mysterious; in his trade of Robin-hooding, I would imagine it pays to keep quiet about yourself just in case, and I wouldn’t expect him to just open up like a sunflower because Ezra ambles by. One thing we know about Icarus, he has rare taste because Ezra can be difficult. Heh. Understatement. I also think Kennedy can do no wrong, so his head will probably grow three sizes today.
Catt
I think you captured it really well. I really liked Jazz and Bart period, but I also got the idea they could all survive each other. No one wants to loose each other but if something happened, all of these characters are strong enough to survive. Jazz could live without Ezra or Bart if she had to – which applies to all. Just well rounded, great characters with a ton of sensuality and romance *le sigh* makes me want to read again already.
Fran was my favorite character in T & D, so I’m especially excited to meet Jazz and Lady Bart. (off to buy…)
I think Jazz and Bart have outshone poor Ezra here. *pats him*
I really liked this book. But I love anything steampunk. (ask Kris about my coffee machine LOL) I wear bustle skirts and mini top hats and think that its normal LOL!
Back to this book…. it’s a gentle introduction into the whole steampunk genre. (Gail Carriger m/f paranormal is the best example of mainstream steampunk) I agree with comments about how Jazz and Bart overshaddowed Ezra sometimes but didn’t over-power the story. It was nice to meet a couple whose own love is prominant but not over the top. Also having a female couple in an m/m book where the woman wasn’t a third wheel or a bitch was also refreshing. I wanted to know more about Icarus and that was the only bad thing I can say about this book. Like I said before a gentle introduction to steampunk and really good read for those that want to try a new genre and don’t want to be overpowered trying to work out whats what.
tish
Okay…This one I HAVE to get! Thanks Jessewave!