relatively likable character shows some personal growth. OK world building, ok consequence model, nothing spectacular but a fun read ( )

Astonishingly awful fantasy. It's so badly written that I thought the first chapter was a parody or a play within the book--here's a sample line from the first page. "'Hook, me old friend, you've been complaining about storms for as long as I've known you. Here, take this to warm your salty bones,' said the friend while handing Hook a tankard of hot rum." The friend's name is Pegleg. Pegleg and Hook, I kid you not. They exchange a few lines of dialog about how they're hearty sea dogs, and then they meet (and are incredibly impressed by) Halycon Blithe, the newest midshipwizard in the Arcanian fleet. Here's what his dialog sounds like: "'I know I'll have to serve a few years to earn the respect of such men,' Halycon said to himself. 'But earn it I will, because I'm an officer with prospects, no doubt about it.'"

Ye gods! Published by Tor, horribly enough. ( )

In a world where ships of the line are carved from the body of living dragons and where officers wield magic comes Midshipwizard Halcyon Blythe. He came into his magic late in life and now has to try and catch up. This does cause him problems with his peers and he also has issues with understand his power and some of the implications.

I enjoyed the read, it did have room for improvement but I did find it an interesting read with characters I cared for. ( )

This is a great first book it combines classic high seas adventure story with fantasy elements. The stories are fast fun and different. It is an interesting re-imagining of the the British navy at the hight of its power . . . if they had ships carved into the backs of dragons. Any one who loves the Hornblower novels , some of my favorite books, needs to read this series as well. ( )

The novel shows Ward’s in-depth knowledge of seamanship, fencing, and fantasy. While the majority of the book is spent in world-building and character development, the reader won’t feel that it is oppressive or in any way slows the book’s pacing. The story is vibrant and exciting. It would make an excellent young adult novel as well as being appealing to adults.

Conceptually, there are no books like it out there. It has a smattering of Patrick O’Brien, a dollop of Forester’s Hornblower, and a good helping of fantasy elements to make a delightful read.

Full Review at Grasping for the Wind ( )