selenak

This is the second book of a series called The Order of the Air; I had read the first one, Lost Things, and enjoyed it, but this second one, which just got published, I am really in love with. In both cases, you have an adventure set in the 20s and now early 30s respectively, with both "realistic" and supernatural elements and an ensemble of characters who all in different ways went through the shattering experience that was WWI and came to form a family of choice afterwards. (Which means it pushes several of my reader buttons.) I'm not sure what made the difference that pushed from like to love: maybe it's that the pacing, the balance feels surer this time around - and maybe it's the addition of a new character to the already enjoyable team of Alma (owner of Gilchrist Aviation, mechanic), Lewis (pilot, her lover ), Jerry (archaelogist, Alma's friend and the lover of her first husband Gil; they had a agreed upon marriage a trois) and Mitch (pilot and ace): Stasi, con woman & thief extraordinaire. Stasi brings an additional element of humor into the narrative, and also I like her pragmatic approach to being a medium (it would be spoilery to tell just how she manages to track someone down, but the method was one of those "why didn't anyone think of doing this before?" chuckling moments for me.

The plot combines a coast-to-coast air race which Gilchrist Aviation, hit by the Depression like everyone, has to win, with a cursed necklace, a lot of banter, and friendships tested. There is a bit of the atmosphere of the Indiana Jones films there - but more of an ensemble story, and with a female team leader. (One of the things I deeply appreciate about both books is that there is no big soul searching in the male characters about this whole working for a woman; it's a given, though it's also clear that in the world at large, which is changing, it's not yet the norm.) But for all the rollicking adventure spirit, the characters have depth; as I said, they're all in their individual ways marred by their previous losses, and have been rebuilding their lives. (My fondness for this theme is probably why of co-author Jo Graham's other series, I like Stealing Fire best.) Lastly: I also like the way the plots match the period - an archaeological discovery kicks of the plot in the first one, fitting the 20s and the "King Tut" craze, and there is distinct feeling of early 30s Howard Hawks directed screwball comedy in all the Stasi scenes in the second one. It's a book that gives you a really good time, and makes you look forward to the next adventure.