I've finished: Gund of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky
At this point I'd read anything by Tchaikovsky. But Guns of the Dawn is the Tchaikovsky novel most likely to disappoint his fans.
It is mostly British nobles tying themselves up in knots pride and prejudice style. I get frustrated and just want to slap them and yell and them to snap out of it and allow themselves to be happy.
Strange animals are hinted at but never explored. There is combat, but I found the portrayal of musket combat to be lacking. Muskets in a swamp, and checking if the powder is dry is mentioned only when back home in "England". No bayonets? Most shots are accurate and fatal. It seems that narrative necessity overruled Tchaikovsky's usual diligent portrayal of weapons and combat. (See shadow of the apt).
However, the characters are compelling, and the anti war sentiment is pervasive and I appreciate it very much.
Despite its flaws, it is a good novel and I read it from start to finish without switching to other works. It was a grate companion during a stressful week when I found it hard to give all my attention to the audiobook.
Emma Newman was a great choice as narrator.
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/238d98e0-c326-4d13-bb77-1a4c981ae160
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