Ship of Smoke and Steel

Django Wexler — 2019

Ship of Smoke and Steel is the launch of Django Wexler's cinematic, action-packed epic fantasy Wells of Sorcery trilogy. In the lower wards of Kahnzoka, the great port city of the Blessed Empire, eighteen-year-old ward boss Isoka enforces the will of her criminal masters with the power of Melos, the Well of Combat. The money she collects goes to keep her little sister living in comfort, far from the bloody streets they grew up on. When Isoka's magic is discovered by the government, she's arrested and brought to the Emperor's spymaster, who sends her on an impossible mission: steal Soliton, a legendary ghost ship—a ship from which no one has ever returned. If she fails, her sister’s life is forfeit. On board Soliton, nothing is as simple as it seems. Isoka tries to get close to the ship's mysterious captain, but to do it she must become part of the brutal crew and join their endless battles against twisted creatures. She doesn't expect to have to contend with feelings for a charismatic fighter who shares her combat magic, or for a fearless princess who wields an even darker power. “Truly epic, fierce, and exhilarating, Ship of Smoke and Steel will capture you and lock you away. With magical combat sequences fit for the big screen, the action is almost as breathtaking as the intrigue.” —Morgan Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Reviews

Tace@bookedonstarlight

Jun 6, 2023

I loved the setting of this book and the incredible cast of characters Wexler created. A ghost ship running around the ocean collecting children? Honestly what an odd premise, but it’s done so well.

There’s a bit of romance woven in, and a little bit too much of that classic main character energy with overwhelmingly unnatural skill, but the writing is wonderful and the world is absolutely fascinating. I devoured this book and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I can’t wait to see how the world grows, learn more about the magic system, and to hear the story from Tori’s side! Perhaps she’s not quite the damsel in distress she’s portrayed to be…

✓ Dark Fantasy
✓ Ghosts and Spirits
✓ Queer representation

Manon van Heumen@womanon

Aug 27, 2021

This wasn't for me. The story didn't draw me in, and I couldn't connect with the characters.

Lisa Beasley@carefulofbooks

Aug 18, 2021

I didn't expect much when I went into it but I really enjoyed it. The ship setting was intriguing and I really liked the descriptions of everything. The characters were interesting and well developed and I adored Meroe so much.

Neeti Choudhari@readabookhoe

Aug 13, 2021

I love the world Wexler has built! It has ghost ships, spirits, monster animals, wells of sorcery and other exciting elements! The characters are amazing and the narration will hook you to the book right away. Very well written. Can't wait to check out his other series! Thank you, fantasy writers, for writing amazing books and helping me maintain my sanity. P.S. This series needs a map. For the Ghost ship and the rest of the world. Edit: Well, after re-reading, I realize it's kinda sexist, it has a male gaze, kinda homophobic in the beginning, a little racist also I think lol. It's written by a western straight author, also set in Asia(?), and has queer leads. Hmm, I wonder what could go wrong. LOL. Why do I like this book? xD