In Ef Deal's Aeros & Heroes (Twins of Bellesfées), Jacqueline Duval, the Mistress of the Forge, faces her greatest challenge yet. A joyous celebration for her twin sister's wedding descends into chaos when vampires, insurrectionists, and a rogue monarch threaten to unravel everything. Jacqueline, grappling with her own feelings of inadequacy, must summon her inner strength to protect her guests – both invited and uninvited – and safeguard the King of France. This thrilling tale explores themes of vulnerability and strength, asking: can Jacqueline, the skilled blacksmith, overcome the formidable Mistress of the Night and restore order to the kingdom? Prepare for a whirlwind of action, intrigue, and unexpected alliances.
Review Aeros & Heroes
Oh my goodness, Aeros & Heroes completely blew me away! If you loved Esprit de Corpse, prepare for a wild ride because this sequel is even better. I was already a huge fan of Jacqueline Duval – that plucky, resourceful heroine with a knack for engineering – and Ef Deal just solidified her place as one of my all-time favorite characters. The author masterfully weaves together this incredible blend of steampunk, horror, and historical fiction, creating a world that's both utterly captivating and terrifyingly real.
What I appreciated most is how Deal doesn’t just rehash the same formula. While she expertly reintroduces us to Jacqueline and her world – gently reminding us of her past adventures without leaving newcomers feeling lost – Aeros & Heroes ventures into darker, more atmospheric horror. Think classic gothic horror vibes, the kind that chills you to the bone without relying on gratuitous gore. It’s a truly masterful display of suspense building. The dread is palpable, the stakes are high, and the tension is practically suffocating at times. I found myself completely immersed in the story, genuinely on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next.
The plot itself is a whirlwind of action and intrigue. Vampires, insurrectionists, rogue monarchs – it’s a stacked deck against Jacqueline and her guests, and I loved every minute of the chaotic, high-stakes adventure. The world-building is phenomenal; Deal has a gift for creating these richly detailed settings that feel both fantastical and strangely believable. Her writing style is so engaging and effortless; she smoothly transports you into this vibrant, dangerous world, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down.
Beyond the exciting plot and breathtaking world, the character development is superb. Deal delves deeper into Jacqueline’s vulnerabilities, exploring her struggles with feelings of weakness and failure in a way that makes her even more relatable and human. This vulnerability, paradoxically, is what makes her so incredibly strong and inspiring. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate narrative.
Honestly, I’m still reeling from the experience. I've had a bit of a slump lately, struggling to finish books I'd started, but Aeros & Heroes was the perfect antidote. It pulled me out of my reading rut and reminded me why I love books so much. If you're looking for a thrilling, imaginative read that will keep you captivated from beginning to end, look no further. This is a must-read, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the Twins of Bellesfées series!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.54 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 238
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Neoparadoxa