Jennifer Jackson – Literary Agent

The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires 1) by Jim Butcher

“Jim Butcher long ago proved that he had what it takes to write long, complex, but wildly readable series. The Aeronaut’s Windlass is the start of a new one of wider scope and more detail, and reads like more of an adventure than a lot of the stories classed with it in the category of Steampunk. It is also a new and interesting spin on the genre that takes all the trappings of Steampunk–­goggles, copper as the metal of choice, airships–­and has them make sense in a new context, so they are not just props and settings like they are in a lot of Steampunk tales, but vital to the story. And he doesn’t stop there. What Butcher has done, essentially, is take the visual trappings of Steampunk and make a whole other world that is rather Victorian, but not bound to actual Earth history. It makes sense in ways that a strict reliance on history and science wouldn’t allow, opening up all kinds of new story options that Aeronaut’s Windlass doesn’t hesitate to run with. The story is about the start of a war based on complicated social and trade alliances and grudges, and is handled in such a way that those potentially dry facts are never a drag on the momentum or the clarity of the text. Aeronaut’s Windlass is a complete story, with a clear end, and yet it also effectively sets up for so much more action, adventure, and worldbuilding. It’s exciting to think what future books could bring.” — New York Journal of Books

The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires 1) by Jim Butcher

“VERDICT: The author blends familiar steampunk and fantasy elements (airships, wizardry, and heroes from a monarch’s guard) in a fresh and wonderful way that results in a fantastic ride. This should well satisfy fans of fantasy, sf, or their stepchild steampunk.

With this novel, Butcher (“The Dresden Files” series) launches a new fantasy series, and it is a splendid beginning indeed. After throwing a carefully calculated tantrum, Gwendolyn Lancaster, heir to one of the most powerful families in Spire Albion, enlists in the Spirearch’s Guard in which she meets her cousin Benedict, a warriorborn who has the blood of lions in his veins, and Bridget Tagwynn, last daughter of a fallen house and her guardian cat, Rowl. Adding to the mix is Captain Grimm and his airship Predator; the ensemble cast is completed with etherealist Master Ferus and his apprentice Folly. These characters’ individual concerns are soon washed away by an invasion of the spire and a call from the Spirearch himself for their unique talents. Like many a Butcher novel, once the setup is complete, the action is nonstop to the end.” — Library Journal, Starred Review

The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires 1) by Jim Butcher

“Butcher, the best-selling author of the Dresden Files, now launches the Cinder Files, a new epic fantasy, steampunk hybrid series that has shades of both Naomi Novik and Cherie Priest, set in a world where people live in highly developed societies housed in spires that protrude into the sky. Each spire has its own guard and fleets of airships to use for trade and defense—fleets made up of Master and Commander–style ships that float through the mist-shrouded skies, powered by magical crystals. A disgraced fleet captain and a group of young guardsmen and women loyal to Spire Albion are forced together after a surprise attack by Spire Aurora, but, as they soon learn, this attack is much more than a simple war between Spires. With shifting points of view, short chapters, fast-paced action, and awesome battle scenes, the large cast of characters, elaborate world building, and intricate plot are revealed quickly and realized fully. It all reminds readers of when they first fell for Harry Dresden. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The Cinder Spires will be sure to attract Butcher fans new, old, and even lapsed, increasing interest as well in all of his novels.” — Booklist, Starred Review

The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires 1) by Jim Butcher

“Butcher (the Dresden Files series) opens the imaginative Cinder Spires series with this sweeping fantastical epic with pseudo-Victorian sensibilities. In this strange realm, some cataclysm has left the surface world uninhabitable, but the ancient Builders created spires that stretch miles into the sky. Transportation, trade, and warfare are conducted by way of airships. The AMS Predator is captained by Francis Grimm, formerly of the Albion Fleet, and when Grimm’s quick action saves his spire from a devastating attack, he and several members of the Spirearch’s Guard are sent on a secret assignment to prevent disaster. After a slower-paced start that sets up a multitude of story lines and viewpoint characters, each of those threads is woven into a fascinating, adventurous, and intricate story. Butcher brings a fresh and exciting perspective to secondary-world steampunk, giving the reader a thrilling ride.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires 1) by Jim Butcher

“Butcher’s first installment in the Cinder Spires series is a rip-roaring adventure! Revealing the story through the perspective of a variety of characters, Butcher expertly breathes life into a vastly intriguing ensemble of players. Heart-stopping action, dangerous magic and plenty of evil chills make this a tale of the first magnitude!” — RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars, Top Pick!