The truth is that those who make a difference usually get martyred. What good are you dead?
Ezra Kneebone is most at home in the skies, piloting his airship with his best friend Jazz, even if it doesn’t quite pay the bills or warm Ezra’s empty bed. Those same skies are also the territory of a man known as Icarus, who uses his metal wings to steal from the rich and feed the poor. Icarus and Ezra could be soul mates but for one thing: Icarus has a bounty on his head, and Ezra is desperate for money.
Against the wishes of Jazz and her partner, the formidable Lady Bart, Ezra is determined to get his man... in more ways than one. But when Icarus saves Ezra’s life, Ezra realizes he would be betraying a hero—and his heart—if he turned Icarus in. Unfortunately, the bounty is tempting more than one hunter, and Ezra will find that loving a fugitive may mean becoming one too.
Sean Kennedy lives in the second-most isolated city in the world, thinks there are thylacines still out in the wild, and eagerly awaits the return of Twin Peaks in 2017.
language so jarring and plotting so incoherent this book couldn't have been less pleasant to read if it had been set on fire, stuffed into a cannon, and fired directly at my face.
4.5 stars I read Wings of Equity in one sitting, it’s that much fun. WOE reminds me of the great Joss Whedon short lived series, Firefly, but it is not fan fiction in any way. I’m sorry to bring up the dreaded FF in a review but I couldn’t help but make the connection. For those that love the tv series and want something along those lines but NOT fan fiction, WOE should totally satisfy. It offers the same sense of adventure, action, danger, wry humor, and delight that makes up a great story with interesting characters and a visually stunning setting. Kennedy has written a great steam punk story that sucks you in and simply entertains on all levels.
Ezra Kneebone is struggling to get his fledging business of the ground. He’s got a great prototype of a smaller, faster personal flying ship but he can’t quite drum up the cash needed to produce more. He doesn’t want to take a loan from his chief mechanic’s rich girlfriend so instead Ezra decides he’s going to cash in on the reward from capturing Icarus. Icarus is a thorn in the government’s side as a pseudo Robin Hood. He steals from the trains and always manages to get away due to a clever set of mechanical wings. Although Ezra’s pilot, mechanic, and sole friend Jazz is against the idea, Ezra sets out to capture Icarus. Along the way, Ezra finds himself captured in return.
The plot is filled with action, adventure, fire fights, captures, rescues, escapes, crashes, true love, miracles! Well the last one is a bit iffy but Ezra finding true love could be considered a miracle. A majority of the twists and turns the plot takes may be predictable, but the strongly plot driven story is so well written and so much fun to read I can’t imagine anyone really minding. If anything some of the actions are the obvious ones, even when presented with a wry humor but this is being rather picky and instead focus on the quick action and punchy dialogue. The fight for Icarus brings in a large cast of memorable and truly extraordinary characters and here Kennedy does a truly fabulous job in bringing them all to life.
There is Ezra, the main narrator although the third person point of view is shown through several people. Ezra is desperately yearning for a connection. He’s almost a hopeless romantic but he’s given up most hope of ever finding someone to share a life. He’s witty, sarcastic, funny, loyal, and beyond stubborn. He’s in some ways a classic male character with a do it yourself attitude and too much pride. His actions and comments are often hilarious even though you sometimes want to shake some sense into him. Here the friendship with his mechanic, pilot, and best friend Jazz offers a great contrast. Jazz is an inspired female character in a sea of weak females offered in this genre. Jazz is raw, biting, totally feminist, and absolutely delightful. Though these types of females tend to be militaristic and unattractive, Jazz is written with such subtly and skill that she becomes essential and just as interesting to read as Ezra. She’s not a stereotype and her banter with Ezra is both touching and reminiscent of bickering siblings.
Jazz’s girlfriend, Lady Bart, offers a more feminine and softer female presence but she’s equally delightful. Although featuring a lesbian relationship within an m/m romance is a chance, it’s one that pay offs entirely. There is no onscreen sex so don’t worry. The only sexing is hot and heavy between Ezra and Icarus but the relationship between Lady Bart and Jazz enhances the story in many ways. Not only is Bart instrumental in the action and plot but their caring give and take help shape Ezra and his thoughts on relationships. The great characterization afforded these women creates a wonderful and memorable dynamic. If there is any stumble it is in the characterization of Icarus.
Although he is a main driving force of the plot and action, Icarus himself remains a mystery. His motivations are told through stories and interactions with other people and the lack of any viewpoint from his perspective is obvious and disappointing. While his reasons and his character are slowly uncovered over the course of the book, his attraction to Ezra and ultimately how and why they fall in love feels almost one sided from Ezra’s perspective. We see why Ezra makes his decisions, how he changes, evolves, and falls in love. We see how Ezra changes his life and becomes a different person, perhaps not better but different. The converse to that is that Icarus clearly changes and evolves as well but we only see the affects filtered through the views of other people. I’d have really liked to know more about the man and see his actions and choices from his perspective.
Yet for the few missteps, in my opinion, the world building and great writing simply shine. The fascinating world of steam punk comes alive with numerous details that culminate in an intricately crafted setting. Steam punk is a great genre when done right and here the author has delivered a wonderful addition. From the bleak, dusty hills of barren outposts to the gadgets, buttons, bobs, and bits which create everything from the small to large pieces, the story never forgets the setting first and foremost. This is truly a visual feast for those that love complex world building but written in such a way as you never feel bogged down in details. The world building is subtle but constant and combined with great characters; this is a fully entertaining, well written romp.
If you’re a fan of steam punk, definitely get this offering. You absolutely won’t be disappointed. If you’re new to the genre, WOE is a great introduction. It has all the classic elements but mixed with romance, action, hot sex, and entertaining banter. I hesitate to say Sean Kennedy can do no wrong but so far that’s kind of how I’m feeling. Get this today!
Two stars is a little mean for this book. Two stars equates to "It was ok" here on Goodreads. I didn't like it, but it doesn't mean to say it wasn't well written. I love Sean Kennedy's other works, but Science Fiction really is not my thing. This was the first book in a very long time that I almost came close to abandoning before the end. It took me over a week to get through, there were more important jobs to get through rather than sit down and read this story, cleaning out the cupboard under the sink, descaling the kettle, clearing the drain in the carpark (Yawn). Regardless of my dislike for Science Fiction, the story was well broached, the characters on the whole were well developed and it was possible to picture that "Wacky Races" style planet though the prose. Sorry Sean Kennedy, just not my genre even though it was M/M and F/F themed.
A steampunk romantic adventure taking place in a Wild West type setting, Wings of Equity tells the tale of down-on-his-luck dirigible captain Ezra Kneebone, and his stint as a bounty hunter in search of the elusive winged Icarus. When he finally hunts down Icarus, however, he discovers that not only is he stealing from the rich to give to the poor, but that Ezra isn’t really ruthless enough to capture anyone, let alone someone he’s so attracted to…
There’s a lot to enjoy here, though. Ezra’s interaction with his mechanic and pilot, Jazz, was entertaining, and the adventure tears along at a good pace. I think it would be perfect for readers who love adventure stories, and fancy reading one with a good bit of m/m romance thrown in there.
Poorly plotted. I wanted to love the book so much more than I do. Some scenes were superfluous, even to character development, while others were simply omitted and the pacing suffered substantially. The world building and imagery were indistinct; Hard to manage with the robust flavor of Steam Punk backing you up, in my opinion.
I give it 3 stars only because it's m/m, steam punk, and a bit adventurous.
As you walk through that road you call life you get to do many things and meet many people. They are all around you and it’s a never-ending sea of experiences. Some of those are rare and their memories hold onto you for a long time. Such is the “love in first sight” where you experience a surreal feeling that is almost instinctual. As such is the case I fell in love with Sean Kennedy’s writing from the very first lines of the very first book I read. I had no doubt that Wings of Equity, though quite different a genre from the other books, would bring me very satisfactory emotions in the end. What I didn’t expect was the rollercoaster I experienced that had me laughing, excited, giggling, gasping, terrified, near tears, exasperated and many, many more. One thing is certain; I lost track of time and space, found myself living the book and feeling every emotion the author wanted as if I was a character in this story and not an outside reader. For me this is what makes a bloody good story.
Now this story might remind you that of Robin Hood since the antagonist is an outlaw, coming from a wealthy family and stealing the rich to help the poor. He is Icarus and like the myth he has man-made wings and flies in the sky. But, though he might be the hero of the story he is not the protagonist. That role belongs to Ezra Kneebone.
Ezra first saw a flying machine when he was a young boy and that moment marked his future for all his thought revolved around the sky and the many ways he could stay up there forever. Now a grown man his dreams are just within reach. He has developed plans for a small ship and along with his best friend/partner/mechanic Jazz they have created the Lilliput, their prototype. Their dream is to create a fleet of mini ships that will be reachable for every man or woman. There is one thing standing between their dream; money!
As it happens there is a large reward for the most wanted man on earth, or sky depending on how you look at it. Large enough to get Ezra started and although the idea of taking a hero away from those who need him is against Ezra’s principles, one must do whatever it takes to accomplish one’s dreams. What Ezra never counted though is how it would affect him knowing the man hiding behind the myth.
A series of events cause Ezra turning from having Icarus in his mercy to literally being in his mercy and owing him his life. To add injury to the insult a kiss in the middle of the insanity turns his views upside down. Both men attracted to each other, both stubborn in their ideas, both men’s life constantly altering and behind them all pride will get in the way of what could be a happy future. Moments of sheer bliss will get spoiled in a bloodbath and the pain of loss will probably take your breath away.
It is the way this author works, using so very humane characters, flawed within their passions and making you fall for the very essence of life instead of unrealistic princes in shining armor. I love all characters in this book, I love the multitude of characters that are used here, all their unique personalities that give such depth to this book.
In the end I think I’ve said too much even as I feel I could go on and on. My only wish is that I could have seen Ezra and Icarus together for a bit longer. So, bottom end, and yes I know I’m repeating myself, I loved this story.
Ezra Kneebone (wildest name ever) and his female partner Jazz run a transport service using their small dirigible. Ezra has dreams of mass production for the common man but refuses to take money from Jazz's lover Lady Bart. He decides the best way to get the funds is to capture Icarus, a Robin Hood type figure who robs from the government and gives the money away. Things don't quite go according to plan and eventually both he and Icraus are shot and held captive. Ezra is finding himself more and more interested in Icarus personally and the adventures to rescue Ezra, and Icarus and Jazz begin. It's hard to describe because there is so much action. There are fights with other big ships in the sky, Jazz being rescued by Lady Bart when their ship is shot down, Ezra being rescued by Icarus and Jazz, Icarus being rescued by Ezra and Jazz. Chock full of adventure, with crashing burning ships, gun fights, the works. Jazz and Lady Bart are no mere sidekicks, they are smart and resourceful and snarky which I loved. The descriptions of all of the gadgets are really detailed and let you envision the ships and all of the Steampunkery. Hopefully we'll see more of the whole gang including Lee who has me curious. Another great read from Sean.
I don't think I can classify this as M/M romance (though there is a M/M and -- yes F/F action, though very tender and not in your eyes blatant :p). I think I can classify this as adventure fiction. I don't think I have read anything like this before. The story is filled with adventure in the sky -- pilots, planes, chasing out wanted man, bullets firing, and interesting characters, including intriguing winged-boy who acts like Robin Hood :). It's a story like none-other. Each characters shine ... and I definitely fall in love with Ezra and his partner, the ever witty/best pilot slash technician, Jazz. I feel like watching a movie about aviation and Indiana Jones. It's a satisfying read, once again, Mr. Kennedy :)
My inner boy was jumping with joy while reading WoE. Action, chases, fights, flying, danger, heroic deeds - you name it, it's there. It's very obvious Sean had much fun writing this and this joy is contagious. The novel is fast-paced, maybe too fast sometimes because we could use more information about characters. Not that somethin's missing, it's just greed on my side. :-) I totally fell in love with Lady Bart and the dynamics of her relationship with Jazz. Do I mind F/F element in this predominantly M/M novel? Heck no! Jazz and Bart are great characters and without them WoE wouldn't be what it is.
Action, adventure, quirky characters, this played in my head just like a good movie. The romance was sweet without being sappy, the story made sense and was beautifully written.
May we hope for a follow-up? I would dearly love to know how it went for these guys, particularly for Lee, a few years down the road. There's got to be some mischief for Harding to get into with Ezra and Co., right?
For M/M Romance purists, a warning: there's some F/F, tough subtle and very well done. Other than that, highly recommended.
I'm not generally into steampunk, but I felt Wings of Equity was much more accessible than previous steampunks I've read. It had more of a Western feel, with dirigibles and occasional electronics added in. This is really as much of a swashbuckling adventure story as it is a romance, with an ensemble cast that I really came to like.
This was a fun read. The characters were likeable and the romance wasn't sappy or overdone. The action was pretty decent and the plot moved along at a brisk pace. The bad guys were a little too cookie cutter without any real motivation, just popping up to give Ezra a hard time. And though he's mentioned quite a bit, Tobias's father never makes an appearance. Still enjoyable. I think I liked Jazz better than Ezra though. Heh. Better than Ezra. Sorry. Unintentional.
I feel like a may have missed a book in this universe and if I did I apologize for this next statement because this is what really made it 3 stars rather than 4 for me- the world and the technology were not explained at all. There's enough world building that I get the idea that this is in some kind of quasi-frontier America with airships. Okay. I can deal with that without much explanation. It's pretty standard. But then BAM there are computers. And wrist communicators. With NO explanation. So now I'm wondering if this is post-apocalyptic. Some of the tech is leftovers? They have guns and bullets. No problems there. Lasers! They have laser pistols and ship-mounted lasers. No explanation. See how I feel like I'm missing something. Another book in the series perhaps. Again, my apologies if I did. (I just checked. I didn't.)
Still a fun read despite the lack of even minimal explanation. Definitely worth a look.
Sean Kennedy has done it again and impressed me!! This book was great! this novel explores a steampunk world that is a mix between victorian England and the wild west with the desert and shootouts. Ezra Kneebone is a man wanting to start a business and in order to get the money must capture the bandit and legendary Icarus- who is a robin hood like character who Ezra is drawn too. Ezra doesn't really have the guts to hand in Icarus especially as he saved his life and their is desire lingering under the distrust. I loved Ezra and Icarus and I immediately wanted them to get together and live happily ever after (which they do but with a lot of bumps before they get there.) I read this novel really fast because I could not put it down I saw the pages disappearing and wanted to distract myself to make it longer. I would love a sequel but the novel was finished nicely and i think its just wishful thinking as I want more from Icarus and Ezra. Normally I can think of an aspect I didn't like but with this book its hard, in my mind you get a great written story filed with romance and action what more could you want? Would recommend it to anyone who has just read Ginn Hale's 'Lord Of The White Hell," and Langley Hyde 'HIghfell Grimoires' and wants more Steampunk as I certainly do. Also If you loved 'Tigers and Devils' you will love this novel by Kennedy too.
OMG - I think this is the first time I've ever read a steam punk novel, with a gay themed romance.
AND as you can see from the stars, I loved it..
It totally blew me away. With the excellent character building and a rolling storyline...
Another thing that earnt my love for this book is that it's not just gay male characters. It's got gay female characters. While the story is definitely directed at gay males (and those who like m/m), if you skip the sex scenes, ANYONE could enjoy this story. :)
But why would you skip some fairly well written and not particularly indepth sex scenes just enough to make it rated above PG13 (is that an M rating with a tinge of X).
I have GOT to tell you now that Sean Kennedy NEEDS to be on your TBR list...
As a famous person here used to say, "Do yourself a favour!"
How I love Sean Kennedy! After reading Tigers and Devils I wanted to read more Sean Kennedy. I have, and Wings of Equity is one of the follow up books by Kennedy that I've read...so far. Wings of Equity doesn't have the scope of Tigers and Devils, but it is still an outstanding story. I loved the characters and their unique contribution to the overall story. I hope to read more from Sean Kennedy.
An imaginative setting - though I have to admit I'm still trying to get to grips with steampunk and am wondering if this is it? Certainly this book appears to be tagged as steampunk in various places.
It was a quick and easy read, but it's the world, rather than the romance, that has left more of a lingering impression.
This is the first steampunk I've read and for the most part I enjoyed it. Nicely written with entertaining characters although at times it dragged a bit. This may not be a genre I'll be reading a lot of but I do look forward to more stories from this author.
This steampunk fantasy is a little light, and lacks the richness of detail that Sean brings when describing his hometown and passions, as in Tigers + Devils / Tigerland / Dash and Dingo.
This isn't the most tightly woven plot I've ever read and the romance is a bit predictable. The story was entertaining and I liked the 'steampunk' feel it had.