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Veridon, City of Cog, is about to be rocked by a conspiracy taking in the highest levels of the Council, the Church and its founding families. Heart of Veridon marks the start of a superb new trilogy from an exciting new trilogy from an exciting new author, set in an exotic fantasy world
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fast, fun action in a great steampunk city,
By
This review is from: Heart of Veridon (Burn Cycle) (Paperback)
_Heart of Veridon_ is an enjoyable pulp crime story that takes place in an excellent steampunk fantasy setting.
At first, it isn't clear how the fantasy aspect matters. When an artifact of unknown significance falls into the hands of downfallen ex-pilot and small-time criminal Jacob Burn, people start trying to kill him. He doesn't know why. He doesn't understand who is after him. He's not sure whom he can trust. And for a while, it doesn't particularly matter that he is a steampunk cyborg in a city full of steampunk cyborgs, steam-driven trams, mysterious religions, and at least a couple of intelligent non-human minority populations. He's just a tough guy on the run, doing whatever it takes to escape and figure out what's going on. But long before the end, hidden truths about Veridon open up, and the fantasy elements begin to make a difference in how the story unfolds. While some of Veridon's secrets are foreshadowed a little too heavily, others are completely surprising. The linkage of plot and setting turns out to be very solid and, along with some fairly engaging action, makes the story worth reading. There are a few rough spots, though. It's hard to like the way that the main character antagonizes his own friends and acquaintances. Several supporting characters aren't developed as strongly as their roles in the story probably merit. The names for people and things, given the exotic quality of the setting, are sometimes absurdly mundane (I had to assume I was reading names translated into English equivalents). And the ending is abrupt and feels slightly implausible based on facts established within the story--it works, but the poignancy the author aimed at is undermined by questions about whether it should work.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Veridon, Book One. The flavor of Pulp Fantasy has not tasted this rich in a long time.,
This review is from: Heart of Veridon (Mass Market Paperback)
Jacob Burn is the fallen son of a noble founding family within the ancient city of Veridon. Where once he brushed shoulders with the elite social classes, now he mingles with the criminals. Jacob was on the "Glory of Day" zepliner when it crashed. He had been handed a strange artifact, a Cog, from a former acquaintance just before it happened. In the aftermath, Jacob is the only survivor. If not for the biotics within him, Jacob would be dead. Should still be dead! However, unknown to Jacob, the bionics within his chest are not what he believes they are. Jacob had gone into the Academy to become a Pilot. It should have been a Pilot Engine placed within him. He is about to learn otherwise.
The city of Veridon is mainly comprised of machinery. The technology which makes up the city comes from up the river. Pieces often float down the river and they are salvaged. The people of Veridon cannot create the brilliant technologies they find, but they have learned to use them. A couple of years ago an expedition had been sent up the river to find the source. None returned ... until now. The only thing brought back is the Cog, on the zepliner that ends up falling from the sky. And something has followed the Cog back to Veridon. Jacob finds himself on the run. The Badge (law), Council and Church are all trying to either possess Jacob or kill him. Friends and family abandon and/or betray him. At the center of it all is an angel. A sentient technological creation in the form of a metal angel, seeking the return of the Cog. The Council has split between the old Families and the Young Seats. Each side yearns for control of the Cog, and Jacob if they can get hold of him. As an array of machines, two-faced friends, and strange creatures pursue Jacob, he must stay one step ahead as he tries to figure out what the Cog is, who and what HE is, and how to live long enough to see tomorrow. ***** FIVE STARS! This is the first of a trilogy and I wish that I could get my hands on the next two books quickly. I did not simply read this book, I all but inhaled it. I could not read fast enough to see what would happen next. Twists and surprises lurk behind every corner, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The flavor of Pulp Fantasy has not tasted this rich in a long time. Recommended! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The New Noird,
This review is from: Heart of Veridon (Mass Market Paperback)
Heart of Veridon is a wonderfully mixture of urban fantasy, steampunk, and crime-noir, and Akers hits the tones perfectly. It's full of haunting imagery, set pieces in a very compelling plot. I kept thinking the entire time I was reading it what a great Alex Proyas film it would make. I hope, now that the publisher has changed hands, the new Solaris will sign the sequel up ASAP. Because although the book is a stand-alone, I really want to know more about this fascinating world.
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