Reality Bypass

“Wednesday” Review: Airs of Night and Sea March 19, 2009

Well it turns out this is actually the last book of a trilogy, which I didn’t realize when I picked it up off the shelf. Regardless I didn’t find it difficult to get into the plot or follow the story, but I might have understood the motivations of the villian a little better. Airs Beneath the Moon and Airs and Graces are the first two novels of the series, and I’ll certainly be reading them. The strengths of Toby Bishop’s novel are an engaging writing style and a swift moving plot. There’s the intrigue of kidnappings, political problems and near war. Also the idea of incorporating flying horses into an otherwise classic fantasy world is a unique and interesting twist. The protagonist, Larkyn, is intriguing and likeable. Some of the characterizations feel a little flat, particularly with the Ultra Evil Duke Villian. His motivations and cruelty are a little hard to take, because there’s little redeeming to his personality. He’s motivated with power lust and hatred, and often acts irrationally. Another secondary character, Amelia, seems to have inconsistent characterization but as the book progresses she becomes more likeable; and fits her persona as the calm and wise daughter of a politician. All together it’s a good series, and I wish I had read them in order. Take some of the reviews with a grain of salt because I may have missed back story. Bishop is good at hinting at previous events but not leaving readers lost who do not pick up the trilogy in order.

Genre:  Fantasy
Age: Preteen, teen, adult
Content: Mild Violence, obscure references to a rape/incest
Overall:  Buy or Borrow

Airs of Night and Sea

Driven by insane jealousy, Duke William is determined to found his own flying school, where the valuable flying horses of Oc will learn to bond with well-born young men—instead of arrogant women. Now, Larkyn Hamley and her beloved Black Seraph must gather all of their allies from the air to the ground. For if they do not soar now, none will ever see the skies again.