The character development is excellent and the above-mentioned members of The Stone Cloud really grow and shine and they are no longer merely side characters in 'The Thomas Senlin Show.' We are introduced to these characters' personal thoughts and feelings which adds heightened affinity and I truly cared about each of these very different individuals.īancroft writes an exquisite mix of fantasy and steampunk. Written in the 3rd person, the characters we follow in addition to Senlin are the one-armed and trustworthy first mate Edith, the inquisitive and adventurous Voleta, her engineer and perhaps untrustworthy brother Adam, and finally, Iren who previously acted as a bouncer/bodyguard within one of the Ringdom's seedy criminal underworld. There are a larger number of point of view perspectives in the Arm of the Sphinx than in the previous entry. Throughout the novel, there are frequently quality and original set pieces, intense thrilling moments, and a few well-placed twists.

I won't mention too many details about the narrative itself apart from two of my favourite scenes included a Golden Zoo and a Bottomless Library. After this brief stage, my memory and knowledge of previous events and the world were reignited so I could then focus on the important part - the story and what happens next in Senlin's misadventure. Bancroft reintroduces the ensemble expertly and cleverly reminds readers of previous happenings without dumbing down the opening chapters. It had been a while since I completed Senlin Ascends and excluding the fact that Thomas hasn't been successful in locating his wife Marya I couldn't completely recollect exact details regarding certain parts of the story, the other main characters or their motives. This is all a means to an end however as Senlin's key objective is to re-enter the Tower at his earliest convenience and continue searching for his missing wife. Following on from Senlin Ascends, Thomas Senlin and his handful of colourful acquaintances find themselves living a life of piracy outside the tower onboard their commandeered airship The Stone Cloud. Bancroft's second outing in The Books of Babel series was originally self-published in 2015 and has recently been re-released through Orbit. I would like to thank Josiah Bancroft and Orbit Books.

I received an advance reader copy of Arm of the Sphinx in exchange for an honest review.

Senlin ascends book 2