HoodedHawk

This is book one of Virga. The story takes place inside a planetoid-sized balloon world called Virga. We don’t know much about the outside, but inside Virga is a world of wooden “ships” and swordfights. Some tech does remain (the “suns” are small fusion reactors that give off light for simulated daylight) but most of the story involves intrigue and “naval” battles. Since the people are inside a sphere, there is no gravity unless they create some by spinning their habitats.

Hayden Griffin is a main character, from the nation of Aerie. He is orphaned when Aerie is attacked and taken over by the neighboring nation of Slipstream. Keep in mind that nations are more like city-states, and consist of various wooden habitats all strung together (usually around one of the artificial suns). They all free-float in the world of Virga, and so their absolute position within Virga changes. Hayden’s parents had been trying to build an artificial sun for Aerie when they were attacked. Hayden grows up, and has only revenge on his mind – to kill Admiral Chaison Fanning, who led the expedition that killed his parents.

Venera is the admiral’s scheming wife, and throws a spanner into Hayden’s plans. Eventually Hayden gets a job as Venera’s driver, and they both travel on the admiral’s ship, Rook. Lots of adventures ensue. This is a fun read, once you accept the premise of a balloon world with wooden ships (and just where does all this wood come from?). It would be interesting to learn more about the outside world, but perhaps in a sequel (which is already out). One of the characters – a beautiful armorer, Aubrie – is from the outside. She has made a deal with the admiral to help him with his plan to defeat a neighboring state that is about to invade.

I didn’t particularly like the ending, but then, I’m more of a romantic. I’m not rushing out to read the sequel, but it is in my queue, so I’ll get to it someday.