Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L. Busse
Steampunk. 272 Pages. 4 Stars
Synopsis:
What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…
In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.
Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.
The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what’s left of humanity into the undead.
My Review:
Um, may I first say that I’m a lil upset right now!
Okay, so this was the first Morgan Busse book I’ve read, but it will certainly not be the last. This was a fairly easy, fairly quick read. I spent a few evenings reading to wind down and then finished the last third this morning because it was my day off.
I have to say the book was beautifully paced. I was really surprised that it felt more like an adventure than a thriller. There was a slow, steady build toward the climax and it was really pleasant to unfold the world and story a layer at a time. It felt like I got to explore the story and the book, which was kind of a new experience for me. I guess I heard there were zombies (which I must note, I don’t love zombies, but these were okay and I’m suspicious that there’s more going on there so I’m curious and hanging in there!) and a massive cliffhanger so I just expected it to be some page-turning, suspenseful whirl of a steampunk ride. But it was calmer than that with a few tense scenes that definitely spiked the heartrate, and for some reason, I really liked that.
The world was interesting and fleshed out really naturally. I really liked how Cass stumbled upon stained glass for the first time. (I may or may not be partial to stained glass myself XD) I really fell in love with Cass’s view of the world and felt like I grew with her as she grew to trust and love her captain, crew, ship, and new life. Theo was a pleasant surprise, too. (Confession: I didn’t read the blurb; I just bought the book because I heard the author speak and decided I needed to get to know her characters!) I didn’t realize the book had two povs and his character was such fun. I loved the bookish, noble-hearted hero and it was a joy to see him step out in courage and deal with his own difficult feelings. I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing more of these two as they navigate the world in the next book.
And since we’re here, I just have to address that cliffie in a non-spoilery way: WHAT THE HECK?! Okay, so I told y’all I had heard there was a jaw-dropping cliff hanger before hand (actually part of why I bought the book was because it came so highly recommended). I spent the last third of the book trying to prepare for it, coming up with every possibility I could think of, and she still managed to do something unexpected! Also, I was sure I could be okay with any of the other options I came up with–I’d be upset, but I could deal with it–and what she did just kind of ripped my heart out a little. Like, what now? This was a blow I was not prepared for and I am. U.P.S.E.T.
Content: there isn’t any swearing and there’s not a lot of graphic violence (there is a little fist fighting and some gunfire, but it’s pretty PG). The description of the Turned (zombie creatures) is a little gruesome here or there, but it was well balanced and not really disturbing (to me personally, anyway). There’s not much romance, but there is a little potential ship developing and some shy interactions between the two MCs, and there is one scene where you can imagine some thugs didn’t have good intentions, but nothing happens. I’d probably say the book is safe for an early teen or a pre-teen.
More:
Book 2 in the Skyworld duology is Blood Secrets (4 Stars)
Blood Secrets isn’t out yet, but I will update after I’ve read it! For now, check out the link for more info on Goodreads. This duology definitely needs to be read in order!