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A review by spinesinaline
Lifemaker by Dean F. Wilson
5.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Great Iron War series and picks up almost exactly where the last book left off. Jacob and the gang are packed onto the Lifemaker, a giant submarine, to hide out from the Regime and plan their next attack. A lot is carried over from Hopebreaker, even in the details, so it will be easier if readers read the two close together.
I really, really loved this book, maybe more so than the first! It felt like we were able to delve more into the characters and the action because it all took place in one setting under the sea, rather than spread out in various locations like the first book. It was also easier to understand as we had already been introduced to the basic plot and characters so now we were able to focus more on how the story developed. With everything constrained to one area, the events felt like they moved very fast, which contributed to the suspense. In parts, I felt genuinely scared for the characters and was on the edge of my seat. It was hard to put this book down!
Lifemaker fits into the steampunk genre and I’ll admit I still don’t really understand what that is. It seems similar to the dystopian trend currently popular in literature but the series brings something new to the table. It takes a mature spin on the genre as the majority of the ‘cast’ are older rather than teenagers so adult readers have more of a chance to feel connected to them and their experiences. That’s not to say other ages won’t enjoy the books; Jacob is immature enough for any reader!
A few loose ends were tied up in Lifemaker but a lot was left open so you know there will be a lot more action in the final book. Skyshaker is sure to be just as exciting and nerve-racking as the first two books and I for one am really looking forward to it! I loved getting the chance to engage with the characters again and the plot was really enjoyable. Despite being the second book, which usually entails that it just sets up the finale, Lifemaker felt like it had a life of its own and a story worth telling.
This is the second book in the Great Iron War series and picks up almost exactly where the last book left off. Jacob and the gang are packed onto the Lifemaker, a giant submarine, to hide out from the Regime and plan their next attack. A lot is carried over from Hopebreaker, even in the details, so it will be easier if readers read the two close together.
I really, really loved this book, maybe more so than the first! It felt like we were able to delve more into the characters and the action because it all took place in one setting under the sea, rather than spread out in various locations like the first book. It was also easier to understand as we had already been introduced to the basic plot and characters so now we were able to focus more on how the story developed. With everything constrained to one area, the events felt like they moved very fast, which contributed to the suspense. In parts, I felt genuinely scared for the characters and was on the edge of my seat. It was hard to put this book down!
Lifemaker fits into the steampunk genre and I’ll admit I still don’t really understand what that is. It seems similar to the dystopian trend currently popular in literature but the series brings something new to the table. It takes a mature spin on the genre as the majority of the ‘cast’ are older rather than teenagers so adult readers have more of a chance to feel connected to them and their experiences. That’s not to say other ages won’t enjoy the books; Jacob is immature enough for any reader!
A few loose ends were tied up in Lifemaker but a lot was left open so you know there will be a lot more action in the final book. Skyshaker is sure to be just as exciting and nerve-racking as the first two books and I for one am really looking forward to it! I loved getting the chance to engage with the characters again and the plot was really enjoyable. Despite being the second book, which usually entails that it just sets up the finale, Lifemaker felt like it had a life of its own and a story worth telling.