I deeply enjoyed this book. A magic-less (or exceptionally low magic) secondary world full of airships and muskets and trains, still dealing with issues of imperialism and sexism is very much "my kind of thing" and the fast pace and well developed main characters made it even better.

It's a military fantasy without being overly gritty, but doesn't shy away from the realities of war, and it's a story about an unlikely friendship that we actually get to see unfold, rather than just hearing about how two fast friends are so unsuited for each other.

You could certainly read this for the fast paced aerial battles and witty, sarcastic banter, and I loved those aspects, but the underlying topics of sexism, family dynamics, the meaning of heroism and redemption, and imperialism all make it worth taking a bit more time with.

I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel, because while this book wraps up the episode fairly well, I'm not satisfied with the resolution of character motivations and development. Hence 4 stars out of 5.

Lieutenant Josette Dupris has just been given the command of an airship and is the first woman to to so. That command is the bane of the General commanding the troops so he sends his nephew as his spy to bring her down. Lord Bernat, a foppish aristocrat, is the spy. Josette know why he is there and what happens is a story full of laugh out loud lines wrapped into the blood and guts of battles. I loved how Bernat changes his attitude but not his personality as the story progresses. Josette seems to stay the same while overcoming incredible odds. I really loved this story and hope it is the first of a series. Following Josette and Bernat was such fun I want more.