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The Great Iron War #1-3
The Great Iron War: Books 1 - 3
The first three books in the Great Iron War steampunk dystopian fantasy series, collected together in a digital box set for the first time.
1. HOPEBREAKER
In the world of Altadas, there are no more human births. The Regime is replacing the unborn with demons, while the Resistance is trying to destroy a drug called Hope that the demons need to survive.
Between these two warring factions lies Jacob, a man who profits from smuggling contraceptive amulets into the city of Blackout. He cares little about the Great Iron War, but a chance capture, and an even more accidental rescue, embroils him in a plot to starve the Regime from power.
When Hope is an enemy, Jacob finds it harder than he thought to remain indifferent. When the Resistance opts to field its experimental landship, the Hopebreaker, the world may find that one victory does not win a war.
2. LIFEMAKER
The Regime is on the hunt, forcing the Resistance to take refuge aboard the Lifemaker, an advanced submarine that houses a special cargo: a handful of women who can still give birth to human children.
To evade the Regime's own submersibles, all parties must work together, but tensions are high, and not everyone on board is looking out for the greater good.
As they descend into the deeps, they quickly learn that not all monsters work for the Regime.
3. SKYSHAKER
The Resistance takes to the clouds aboard the Skyshaker, the newly-completed airship aimed at dominating the heavens, when the land far below has become a hellish place ruled by demons.
General Rommond fixes his attention on the city of Blackout, the old capital of the world, controlled by the Treasury, who are themselves controlled by the ruthless Regime. The skies above that city will no longer hide in smog; fire and fury will light up the sky. That centre of the old civilised world will either shift allegiance to the Resistance, or it will burn to the ground.
Yet there are always others who will resist the attempted change of power. From sky pirates and mob bankers to the feared mechanical men of the Iron Guard, Jacob and his new family of freedom fighters will face greater challenges than they have ever faced before. As bombs drop from the sky like the iron tears of gods, there are other revelations that will shake the foundations of everyone struggling to save humanity.
1. HOPEBREAKER
In the world of Altadas, there are no more human births. The Regime is replacing the unborn with demons, while the Resistance is trying to destroy a drug called Hope that the demons need to survive.
Between these two warring factions lies Jacob, a man who profits from smuggling contraceptive amulets into the city of Blackout. He cares little about the Great Iron War, but a chance capture, and an even more accidental rescue, embroils him in a plot to starve the Regime from power.
When Hope is an enemy, Jacob finds it harder than he thought to remain indifferent. When the Resistance opts to field its experimental landship, the Hopebreaker, the world may find that one victory does not win a war.
2. LIFEMAKER
The Regime is on the hunt, forcing the Resistance to take refuge aboard the Lifemaker, an advanced submarine that houses a special cargo: a handful of women who can still give birth to human children.
To evade the Regime's own submersibles, all parties must work together, but tensions are high, and not everyone on board is looking out for the greater good.
As they descend into the deeps, they quickly learn that not all monsters work for the Regime.
3. SKYSHAKER
The Resistance takes to the clouds aboard the Skyshaker, the newly-completed airship aimed at dominating the heavens, when the land far below has become a hellish place ruled by demons.
General Rommond fixes his attention on the city of Blackout, the old capital of the world, controlled by the Treasury, who are themselves controlled by the ruthless Regime. The skies above that city will no longer hide in smog; fire and fury will light up the sky. That centre of the old civilised world will either shift allegiance to the Resistance, or it will burn to the ground.
Yet there are always others who will resist the attempted change of power. From sky pirates and mob bankers to the feared mechanical men of the Iron Guard, Jacob and his new family of freedom fighters will face greater challenges than they have ever faced before. As bombs drop from the sky like the iron tears of gods, there are other revelations that will shake the foundations of everyone struggling to save humanity.
708 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2015
96 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Dean F. Wilson
31 books2,097 followersUSA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Dean F. Wilson was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1987. He started writing at age 11.
He is the author of the Children of Telm epic fantasy trilogy, the Great Iron War steampunk series, the Coilhunter Chronicles science-fiction western series, the Hibernian Hollows urban fantasy series, and the Infinite Stars space opera series.
Dean previously worked as a journalist, primarily in the field of technology. He has written for TechEye, Thinq, V3, VR-Zone, ITProPortal, TechRadar Pro, and The Inquirer.
Dean F. Wilson was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1987. He started writing at age 11.
He is the author of the Children of Telm epic fantasy trilogy, the Great Iron War steampunk series, the Coilhunter Chronicles science-fiction western series, the Hibernian Hollows urban fantasy series, and the Infinite Stars space opera series.
Dean previously worked as a journalist, primarily in the field of technology. He has written for TechEye, Thinq, V3, VR-Zone, ITProPortal, TechRadar Pro, and The Inquirer.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 28, 2016
Absolutely enjoyed Books 1-3 in the series this far. Steampunk was a new concept for me but The Great Iron War series books were the perfect route for me to peek into this different kind of world. Plenty of action, lots of characters you'll grow to like or dislike and you won't get bored reading those books. Very well written and structured.
I absolutely love the cover art for this series as well- it's simply beautiful and fits well with the story. I would definitely recommend!
I absolutely love the cover art for this series as well- it's simply beautiful and fits well with the story. I would definitely recommend!
March 1, 2016
Die Ausgangslage in den ersten drei Büchern der Reihe The Great Iron War ist nicht besonders rosig. Mit der Machtübernahme der sogenannten Dämonen, im offenen sowie im schleichenden Prozess, verkümmert die Welt schnell. Zwar sehen die Dämonen den Menschen täuschend ähnlich, doch sie benötigen Eisen zum Überleben - und dieses wird mit allen Mitteln besorgt. Menschen werden versklavt und in Fabriken bis zu ihrem Tod ausgebeutet. Aus unbekannten Gründen werden nur noch Dämonen geboren und mit Rebellen wird kurzer Prozess gemacht. Kurzum: die Menschheit wird assimiliert.
Die letzten Kräfte der Menschheit geben jedoch nicht kampflos auf. Widerwillig wird auch der Schmuggler Jacob Opfer dieser Zeiten und schließlich Mitglied bei den Rebellen, die mit letzten Mitteln versuchen, dem eisernen Imperator die Stirn zu bieten. Der Autor schafft es, einen guten Überblick über das noch bestehende Militär und die eingesetzten Maschinen, ohne zu sehr in Fachjargon zu versinken. Auch bei den Charakteren bleibt der Autor bei einem Grenzwert zwischen Übersichtlichkeit und Durcheinander. Die Charaktere an sich mal mehr, mal minder interessant, haben aber nahezu alle eine Daseinsberechtigung. Nur in seltenen Fällen wirkten die Auftritte von Figuren leicht aufgezwungen. Ferner wirkten manche Enthüllungen von Charakteren vom Zeitpunkt her sehr unpassend, wodurch unfreiwillig komische Situationen entstanden sind.
Im Zentrum der Handlung steht der Krieg in seinen verschiedenen Phasen, eine wichtige Funktion übernimmt dabei stets das Vehikel im jeweiligen Titel und auf dem jeweiligen Cover. In seinen Grundfesten ist der Plot interessant und kann gut mit zahlreichen Wendungen unterhalten, wenngleich manche Stellen für zu lange Zeit zu ruhig daherkommen, was manchmal einen zu starken Bruch der Spannung zur Folge hat.
Insgesamt hat mir die Reihe bislang trotz der kleinen Abbrüche gut gefallen, gerade was die grundsätzliche Rahmenhandlung anbelangt.
Die letzten Kräfte der Menschheit geben jedoch nicht kampflos auf. Widerwillig wird auch der Schmuggler Jacob Opfer dieser Zeiten und schließlich Mitglied bei den Rebellen, die mit letzten Mitteln versuchen, dem eisernen Imperator die Stirn zu bieten. Der Autor schafft es, einen guten Überblick über das noch bestehende Militär und die eingesetzten Maschinen, ohne zu sehr in Fachjargon zu versinken. Auch bei den Charakteren bleibt der Autor bei einem Grenzwert zwischen Übersichtlichkeit und Durcheinander. Die Charaktere an sich mal mehr, mal minder interessant, haben aber nahezu alle eine Daseinsberechtigung. Nur in seltenen Fällen wirkten die Auftritte von Figuren leicht aufgezwungen. Ferner wirkten manche Enthüllungen von Charakteren vom Zeitpunkt her sehr unpassend, wodurch unfreiwillig komische Situationen entstanden sind.
Im Zentrum der Handlung steht der Krieg in seinen verschiedenen Phasen, eine wichtige Funktion übernimmt dabei stets das Vehikel im jeweiligen Titel und auf dem jeweiligen Cover. In seinen Grundfesten ist der Plot interessant und kann gut mit zahlreichen Wendungen unterhalten, wenngleich manche Stellen für zu lange Zeit zu ruhig daherkommen, was manchmal einen zu starken Bruch der Spannung zur Folge hat.
Insgesamt hat mir die Reihe bislang trotz der kleinen Abbrüche gut gefallen, gerade was die grundsätzliche Rahmenhandlung anbelangt.
October 17, 2016
This is a fantastic series. This is an interesting new world that keeps you drawn in and wanting to know more. Dean F Wilson writes detailed scenes that make you feel as if you are there along with the characters. Jacob and Taberah are wonderfully developed characters and you can't help but want to root for them and see more of them. This steampunk series is a must read for everyone and I highly recommend reading it and joining in the fun.
February 19, 2016
Excellent really enjoyed these books
such a good page turner has all you need good vs bad and the bit in the middle looking forward to the next book
such a good page turner has all you need good vs bad and the bit in the middle looking forward to the next book
March 2, 2016
I enjoyed all three of these sci fi books! Can't wait for the fourth book coming out April 16. I pre-ordered it.
October 17, 2021
Somehow Hopebreaker had came across my recommended list on Audble several weeks ago. It sounded interesting, the cover art looked good, and everyone loves RC Bray. I added it to my wishlist, but a few weeks later I managed to get a review promo code for the omnibus of the first three books and decided to check them out.
I haven't really read anything in a steam/dieselpunk setting before, so I can't really compare, but I am familiar with this type of dystopian setting. The blend was very well done, and the -punk setting was very well described. I felt like I could taste the grime and exhaust that must permeate the world. I thought the writing improved as the story went on. In Hopebreaker, the characters felt a little one dimensional, but as they got fleshed out in the latter books, I felt like it was done that way for a reason, and I ended up liking the character writing. I expected Lifemaker to be boring giving how it was set on a giant submarine, but realized the first parts of it were being used to flesh out characters more, and the story gets going in the latter part it got better. Skyshaker felt like a blend of the two. A nice mix of action scenes and character development. the characters are based on some clear archetypes, but the are unique enough for the major ones to be memorable. The worldbuilding was just enough to keep me informed and interested for me. but not enough to feel like I was being overloaded with useless facts and figures.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how these books turned out. I think it woudl make a good introduction to steampunk and dieselpunk settings, and I would recommend them to anyone who likes that, or likes dystopian resistance stories. I will definately continue the series.
I haven't really read anything in a steam/dieselpunk setting before, so I can't really compare, but I am familiar with this type of dystopian setting. The blend was very well done, and the -punk setting was very well described. I felt like I could taste the grime and exhaust that must permeate the world. I thought the writing improved as the story went on. In Hopebreaker, the characters felt a little one dimensional, but as they got fleshed out in the latter books, I felt like it was done that way for a reason, and I ended up liking the character writing. I expected Lifemaker to be boring giving how it was set on a giant submarine, but realized the first parts of it were being used to flesh out characters more, and the story gets going in the latter part it got better. Skyshaker felt like a blend of the two. A nice mix of action scenes and character development. the characters are based on some clear archetypes, but the are unique enough for the major ones to be memorable. The worldbuilding was just enough to keep me informed and interested for me. but not enough to feel like I was being overloaded with useless facts and figures.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how these books turned out. I think it woudl make a good introduction to steampunk and dieselpunk settings, and I would recommend them to anyone who likes that, or likes dystopian resistance stories. I will definately continue the series.
June 28, 2021
My first venture into the steampunk genre, and what a pleasant surprise. I requested, and was provided a no strings attached, complementary copy of an audiobook version by the author.
All three books are great. R.C. Bray's performance is an absolute treat. The characters are well-developed and come to life with Bray's interpretation. Some of the characterizations are so well done (especially the pirate) that I laughed out loud at the antics. I'm smiling right now as I recollect one scene in particular, as only R.C. Bray could bring to life.
All three stories hold together and move forward at an enjoyable pace. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of metaphors, some very colorful--all original. That's not to say there are no plot holes, but they are minor and don't distract from the entertaining story.
Although there are scenes of death and destruction (some not for the faint of heart), the story has a positive undertone, with characters that work through issues for a common cause. The characters are all flawed but likable, making it easy to root for them.
The audiobook is worth the listen.
All three books are great. R.C. Bray's performance is an absolute treat. The characters are well-developed and come to life with Bray's interpretation. Some of the characterizations are so well done (especially the pirate) that I laughed out loud at the antics. I'm smiling right now as I recollect one scene in particular, as only R.C. Bray could bring to life.
All three stories hold together and move forward at an enjoyable pace. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of metaphors, some very colorful--all original. That's not to say there are no plot holes, but they are minor and don't distract from the entertaining story.
Although there are scenes of death and destruction (some not for the faint of heart), the story has a positive undertone, with characters that work through issues for a common cause. The characters are all flawed but likable, making it easy to root for them.
The audiobook is worth the listen.
August 12, 2019
This isn't that great literary book that you will say changed your life but it is a good and highly readable example of its genre, a steampunk, Sci-Fi novel. Perhaps I should say collection of novels. THe changing of living modes in the three books talks a narrative that could get tedious and keeps it fresh. The basic scenario isn't really fully developed or explained but the characters are well drawn and the story is engaging. If it were a little earlier in the Summer, I'd suggest it as a beach read. It is light enough to be able to jump in and out of without too much trouble but still enjoyable.
November 30, 2021
3.5 stars for me as a series.
Took me a while to get into this series and felt I had only really starting to get attached to the characters by book 2 or 3.
Some twists and turns, particularly in book 3, that I almost saw coming but not quite!
The technology confused me a bit initially as found some elements were really advanced (submarines and cyborgs) and then others not at all (no phones or tvs or decent sized cameras) so wasn't sure how futuristic or not the place was. Once I allowed myself to just accept it's steampunk, I was grand 😂
Listened to this on Audible (was graciously given a copy by the author)
Took me a while to get into this series and felt I had only really starting to get attached to the characters by book 2 or 3.
Some twists and turns, particularly in book 3, that I almost saw coming but not quite!
The technology confused me a bit initially as found some elements were really advanced (submarines and cyborgs) and then others not at all (no phones or tvs or decent sized cameras) so wasn't sure how futuristic or not the place was. Once I allowed myself to just accept it's steampunk, I was grand 😂
Listened to this on Audible (was graciously given a copy by the author)
May 8, 2019
Not bad...
... but not great either. I'm having trouble figuring out how to review this part of the series. There are some c!ever things going on, and some decent characters, enough to get me to read the second half. I guess I mostly have a problem with the writing style - it's too simple for my tastes. My apologies if this is considered a YA series.
... but not great either. I'm having trouble figuring out how to review this part of the series. There are some c!ever things going on, and some decent characters, enough to get me to read the second half. I guess I mostly have a problem with the writing style - it's too simple for my tastes. My apologies if this is considered a YA series.
March 15, 2019
The Great Iron War ( 1-3 )
This trio of stories make a good read. The author has put a re twist on sci-fi adventures by making what seems to be post apocalyptic adventures (never really stated as such) and doing a fine job of it.
This trio of stories make a good read. The author has put a re twist on sci-fi adventures by making what seems to be post apocalyptic adventures (never really stated as such) and doing a fine job of it.
October 17, 2019
Not worth my time.
September 16, 2021
Steam punk machinery jam!
Great story, glad it was omnibused tho.
Great story, glad it was omnibused tho.
February 27, 2017
A new to me genre and author, Dean Wilson doesn't disappoint. Being taken into a dystopian world post-civilization, the action starts right off the bat. You've got "good" and "evil" with the Regime and the Resistance. The characters are complex yet easy to relate to. It was very easy to immerse myself into Jacob and Whistler's antics and in Taberah's dealings with them. I'm not too sure about Rommond but being that this is a series, the few details that left me hanging I'm sure will be taken care of in the next books.
October 13, 2016
When I first started this book, I had my doubts. The story line wasn't something that would normally catch my eye, but the book was well written and it definitely kept me interested in what was going to happen next.
Taberah annoyed me to no end, she was all gung-ho about fighting for what was right, but I also felt she was standoffish and a bit of an arse. Jacob was awesome, especially when it came to Whistler
I personally enjoyed this book more than Hopebreaker. The outcome of certain events in this book had me happy and cheering for the Resistance as internally I condemed the Regime for their tactics and lack or moral.
Taberah annoyed me even more so in this book, I felt like she meant well, but she just executed certain tasks and conveyed certain feelings/thoughts in a crappy manner. Jacob only got better in my eyes when it came to Whistler and some of his choices, even if he was conflicted.
In book 3, The Resistance has shown they can wage battle and come out stronger whether by land or sea and in this installment, they take to the sky in hopes of surviving and reaching Blackout.
A new battle rages in the city of Blackout. Jacob, Whistles and Sousa are sent to sabotage structures that can aid the Regime. Some things go in the favor of the Resistance while other plans go awry.
You won't want to miss out on all the action and surprises this series has to offer.
Jacob and Whistler are by far my favorite characters and I still find myself questioning Taberah
My hope for the Resistance is stronger than before and I'm sure that 4th book won't disappoint! I am extremely glad I took a chance with this series
Taberah annoyed me to no end, she was all gung-ho about fighting for what was right, but I also felt she was standoffish and a bit of an arse. Jacob was awesome, especially when it came to Whistler
I personally enjoyed this book more than Hopebreaker. The outcome of certain events in this book had me happy and cheering for the Resistance as internally I condemed the Regime for their tactics and lack or moral.
Taberah annoyed me even more so in this book, I felt like she meant well, but she just executed certain tasks and conveyed certain feelings/thoughts in a crappy manner. Jacob only got better in my eyes when it came to Whistler and some of his choices, even if he was conflicted.
In book 3, The Resistance has shown they can wage battle and come out stronger whether by land or sea and in this installment, they take to the sky in hopes of surviving and reaching Blackout.
A new battle rages in the city of Blackout. Jacob, Whistles and Sousa are sent to sabotage structures that can aid the Regime. Some things go in the favor of the Resistance while other plans go awry.
You won't want to miss out on all the action and surprises this series has to offer.
Jacob and Whistler are by far my favorite characters and I still find myself questioning Taberah
My hope for the Resistance is stronger than before and I'm sure that 4th book won't disappoint! I am extremely glad I took a chance with this series
February 12, 2017
A Steampunk Masterpiece!
I have been absolutely riveted by this series (pun intended)! Dean F. Wilson has created a well- balanced adventure against an seemingly unstoppable foe.
I have been absolutely riveted by this series (pun intended)! Dean F. Wilson has created a well- balanced adventure against an seemingly unstoppable foe.
May 21, 2016
Heroes of the Resistance - Steampunk Style
Fun, rambunctious and explosive, The Great Iron War books twist Steampunk into a foreign war between humans and high tech ( relatively speaking ) humans from another reality, called the Iron Empire. Big guns, lots of inventions, many battles, a cast of desperate soldiers, spies and saboteurs - along with a truly evil Overlord and a General driven to save humanity.
NOTE: This is pulp fiction with scenes of melodrama. Extended whining and woe is me, weaves throughout all three books. Severe wallowing actually, while those who deserved to wallow refrained. Contrived. Minus stars. Just remember the name Brooklyn. I don't expect it to continue with the fourth book, unless circumstances intervene.
Most of the time, the Resistance is shooting, exploding, killing and taunting the Iron Empire's armies. It is a good time. Patch them back together, give them new, armed transportation and a plan; they kick butt, take names and charge ahead toward survival of the human race.
This includes Hopebreaker, Lifemaker and Skyshaker. The next in the series is EarthQuaker.
Fun, rambunctious and explosive, The Great Iron War books twist Steampunk into a foreign war between humans and high tech ( relatively speaking ) humans from another reality, called the Iron Empire. Big guns, lots of inventions, many battles, a cast of desperate soldiers, spies and saboteurs - along with a truly evil Overlord and a General driven to save humanity.
NOTE: This is pulp fiction with scenes of melodrama. Extended whining and woe is me, weaves throughout all three books. Severe wallowing actually, while those who deserved to wallow refrained. Contrived. Minus stars. Just remember the name Brooklyn. I don't expect it to continue with the fourth book, unless circumstances intervene.
Most of the time, the Resistance is shooting, exploding, killing and taunting the Iron Empire's armies. It is a good time. Patch them back together, give them new, armed transportation and a plan; they kick butt, take names and charge ahead toward survival of the human race.
This includes Hopebreaker, Lifemaker and Skyshaker. The next in the series is EarthQuaker.
February 5, 2017
This set was the first time reading Dean F. Wilson and anything from the Dystopian steampunk fantasy genre. I'd come across Wilson in a giveaway from a group of authors, The Great Iron Wars peaked my interest to the genre. I read a lot and now I'll have a whole new genre!
Right from the start I was hooked, the writing is so well developed and just gets better through the series. I've been hard pressed to put them down! I have picked up the next set as I saw they were on sale!!!!
Right from the start I was hooked, the writing is so well developed and just gets better through the series. I've been hard pressed to put them down! I have picked up the next set as I saw they were on sale!!!!
February 7, 2017
Eh. I was really excited to combine two of my favorite genres into one - steam punk and end of the world... But... this didn't really execute either really well. I just had a difficult time connecting with any of the characters... Won't be reading the 4th book in the series.
March 11, 2016
Aliens acting like us!?
New (or perhaps not new) take on how aliens might replace humans on a planet.
Those who have seen the movie Braveheart might remember how the local British nobles were allowed to deflower Scotch ladies on their wedding night. Led to Wallace's revolt against the "alien" conquerors.
New (or perhaps not new) take on how aliens might replace humans on a planet.
Those who have seen the movie Braveheart might remember how the local British nobles were allowed to deflower Scotch ladies on their wedding night. Led to Wallace's revolt against the "alien" conquerors.
September 19, 2016
I've read and left reviews for each installment in this series but felt an overall review of the series to date was necessary. Expect page-turning action, superb character development, and a gripping tale for fans of Steampunk and Sci-Fi alike.
July 27, 2018
Another case of two-dimensional characters. I only finished it because I cannot stand leaving a book unfinished.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews