I wasnt sure what exactly I was expecting when I started Steel, but I dont think it was this. Let me start by saying the cover is stunning breathtaking and while everyone knows not the judge a book by its cover, we all do it. Including me.
Steel is a very appropriate summer read. It has the Bahamas, pirates, adventure at sea, and a decent female lead. I was fascinated by how much I learned about piracy and sword fighting/fencing while reading. Carrie Vaughn doesnt glamorize pirate life: its smelly, sweaty, and a lot of hard work for a few days of action. I have to commend her for not trying to make this tale a sweeping romance with a lot of flowery scenery, which it could have easily been. She has clearly done her homework on fencing, using the terminology frequently, but not so much as to confuse the reader. I appreciate that.
Unfortunately, the book had its drawbacks. Several times Vaughn used a single sentence to sum up what she should have described over several pages. Instead of explaining the ways the sails were hoisted or how the dynamics of the ship worked when the crew was setting sail, she would sum it up with one sentence. This happened several times. It was almost like being told a story from an actual person: When telling a story, a person wont go into the heavy details, but I want these details when Im reading a book. Another 50 pages of fleshing out these scenes would have gone a long way, in my opinion.
I also felt like Jill was a weak heroine. She tried to be strong, but I just could not connect with her. I couldnt find that spark that would make me adore her. She was pretty, but bland.
Please dont get me wrong: Steel is a fun book that I did enjoy. I just feel like it is more appropriate for the younger YA readers. The romance hinted about in the tagline is really more of a middle school crush that barely lasts past two pages. Blink and you miss it. If youre reading this book hoping for a romance on the high seas, youll be disappointed. If youre looking for a carefree adventure you can read on the beach on sunny afternoon, this is your book.
Steel is a very appropriate summer read. It has the Bahamas, pirates, adventure at sea, and a decent female lead. I was fascinated by how much I learned about piracy and sword fighting/fencing while reading. Carrie Vaughn doesnt glamorize pirate life: its smelly, sweaty, and a lot of hard work for a few days of action. I have to commend her for not trying to make this tale a sweeping romance with a lot of flowery scenery, which it could have easily been. She has clearly done her homework on fencing, using the terminology frequently, but not so much as to confuse the reader. I appreciate that.
Unfortunately, the book had its drawbacks. Several times Vaughn used a single sentence to sum up what she should have described over several pages. Instead of explaining the ways the sails were hoisted or how the dynamics of the ship worked when the crew was setting sail, she would sum it up with one sentence. This happened several times. It was almost like being told a story from an actual person: When telling a story, a person wont go into the heavy details, but I want these details when Im reading a book. Another 50 pages of fleshing out these scenes would have gone a long way, in my opinion.
I also felt like Jill was a weak heroine. She tried to be strong, but I just could not connect with her. I couldnt find that spark that would make me adore her. She was pretty, but bland.
Please dont get me wrong: Steel is a fun book that I did enjoy. I just feel like it is more appropriate for the younger YA readers. The romance hinted about in the tagline is really more of a middle school crush that barely lasts past two pages. Blink and you miss it. If youre reading this book hoping for a romance on the high seas, youll be disappointed. If youre looking for a carefree adventure you can read on the beach on sunny afternoon, this is your book.
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