The first book in the Turrim Archive series is finally HERE! And you don’t want to miss this equal parts cozy and exciting gaslamp fantasy adventure.

Ever since Jenelle Schmidt first shared about a steampunk series in the works, I have been itching for its release. I MEAN. Airship pirates? Political intrigue? Mysterious magic? Friendship? All set in a vast, intricate steampunk world? Sign me up!

Now the first book, The Orb and the Airship, is out in the world, and you are not going to want to miss it!

SYNOPSIS

A rogue airship captain. An ambitious youth. A clash of powers beyond their imagination.

With scholarships to a prestigious military school, Grayden and Wynn are thirsty for adventure. But the night before they leave, they discover the mysterious Dalmir and his arcane orb in the forsaken tower outside of town. The old man, who seems to have a wealth of knowledge of what came before and yet so little of the now, insists on accompanying them as they travel to the academy.

Meanwhile, all pirate Captain Marik wants is to keep to the skies, take his due, and care for his crew. Then a straightforward pillaging mission on a ship of fresh academy students leads to betrayal from one of his own and an unlikely friendship forged by necessity.

Yet this new alliance stirs up ancient foes and a conflict too terrible to ignore. Despite Grayden’s inexperience and Marik’s skepticism, working together with Dalmir is their only option.

The fate of the world depends on it.

A clean steampunk fantasy adventure filled with steadfast friendship, brotherhood, twisty politics, and epic airship battles.

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REVIEW

First, let’s talk about the sheer coziness of this story. Schmidt has such a beautiful way of transporting the reader into her intricate worlds but making us feel at home. Much in the way of Tolkien, there is a familiarity to her worlds despite being utterly fantastical. From the start, I felt as if I was right there with the characters, soaking in their familiar village and then experiencing the wonder of the world beyond alongside them.

This story felt so much like the classic fantasy novels of my childhood while still being utterly unique and appealing to a modern audience.

Now as for the plot, it was quite a delightful ride. The beginning starts slow and thoughtful as we get to know the characters and learn about the world but it builds up momentum bit by bit and by the second half plunges us into an adventure of excitement and intrigue.

From perilous flights in airships to betrayal to mysteries around every corner to nasty villains and unlikely heroes, it held everything one could hope for in a steampunk fantasy.

(Did I mention the airships? Because AIRSHIPS.)

As with any good story, the characters were the true heartbeat of this exciting tale, and I grew to love each and every one. (Except for the villains who were properly nasty and interesting in turn.)

Grayden and Wynn, both brave and intelligent young men, are embarking out from their humble hometown to join the notable military academy, though not without an understandable amount of apprehension on both their parts at such a huge change.

I loved Grayden’s take-charge attitude and willingness to do the brave and right thing, even when doubts and fear plague him. Meanwhile, Wynn’s absentmindedness and excitement over technology and science totally stole my heart. They were both so different and yet unfailingly loyal to one another, and I adored it. I am always here for healthy friendships!

Then we have Beren, the young giant who Grayden and Wynn befriend. I just want to gush over this boy but it’s really best to meet him yourself. Let’s just say, he surprised me in so many ways and I loved every second of it. Definitely one of my favorite characters!

But my top favorite character had to be Marik himself. Captain of a small crew of pirates, Marik takes on life with all the charm, bravado, and touch of madness you could ever hope for in a pirate captain, but there is so much more beneath the surface. There is goodness and brokenness beneath the devil-may-care attitude, and I greatly look forward to learning more about him.

Dalmir held the delightful role of the mentor-like character and was engulfed in so much intrigue. I loved how the elderly man kept his cool during the most hazardous of moments, and also constantly confused everyone with his vague remarks and mysterious aura, as any good mentor should. He was great, and that whole bit at the end involving him had me flying through the pages and so anxious for book #2!

It was such a wonderful cast of various personalities, and I cannot wait to return to them.

The world itself fully sucked me in. From a cozy village to a great city to flying high in the sky in airships to mountain ranges to strange ruins, we got to experience so many amazing places all while being promised much more ahead.

One of my favorite things was how this felt like a classic fantasy and yet took place in a steampunk world. I don’t know if there is anything like it! We need more steampunk stories AND tales that transport us back to good ol’ fantasy, and this series provides both.

The world and technology was very unique and tied so deeply into the plot itself. Though it came to a satisfying conclusion, this is very much just the beginning of the story. Those last few chapters had me reeling and asking so many questions, and I anxiously await book #2!

CONTENT CAUTIONS

This entire tale is refreshingly clean! Schmidt highly appeals to lovers of Tolkien and Narnia with her cozy writing style, lovable characters, and family-friendly narrative. Though there are definitely plenty of perilous moments, none of it goes too far and it is cushioned with victories and humor. This is the type of story easily enjoyed by the whole family, young and old alike.

CONCLUSION

I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one! From the coziness to the building excitement and the mystery and intrigue sprinkled throughout, it was a downright fun read. I greatly look forward to the next one in the series!

If you love classic fantasy or steampunk-style worlds or political intrigue or mysterious wizards and brave youth and swashbuckling pirates that are more than they seem or ALL of the above, I highly recommend this delightful, family-friendly read!

Have you read this one? Or are you going to? (Obviously, you should.) And who else thinks we need more steampunk stories? *waves hand in the air*