Written by contributor Marley B
Looking for a book to take you out of your seat and straight into the action? Look no further than Bond of Brass by Emily Skrutskie! It is a delightful blend of science fiction, fast-paced action, and filled with classic tropes such as friends to lovers and hidden identities. As an adult science fiction with crossover YA appeal, it bridges the gap between YA and adult and so is a satisfying read for fans of both genres.
Ettian and Gal are on the run from a power hungry governor after Gal’s status as heir to the Umber Empire was revealed and some classmates from their military academy tried to assassinate Gal. They must find a way to get Gal back to safety, but first they need to stay alive and keep their relationship intact; after all, Gal is heir to the empire that colonised Ettian’s home world, and there’s maybe something more between them. And Ettian has secrets of his own, secrets that could change everything.
The plot was fast moving and kept the stakes high, but didn’t hurtle at breakneck speed throughout the whole book. The action and suspense was well balanced with moments of stasis and planning, allowing the reader time to recover from the intensity while still maintaining the metaphorical sword hanging above the head of the characters. The plot itself is fairly standard, but uses plot twists very well, though at times they are predictable. However, even when the plot twist is predictable, Skrutskie manages to have it revealed in such a way as to make it still seem a shock, the mark of a truly adept writer.
This being said, the main issue I had with the plot is that it doesn’t always make sense in terms of motivation. The reader is expected to go along with the fact that Ettian is perfectly willing to keep his home system in the hands of an empire that tore everything and everyone from him, even when there is hope for it still. This was slightly off-putting at times, however in the end things did come together for a fairly satisfying ending.
Bonds of Brass is a fairly standard example of a subgenre of science fiction called ‘galactic empire’, which does exactly what it says on the tin. The Umber Empire has made its way to the top through bloodshed and invasion, but the conquering aspect is not the only part of the Umber expansion that is developed. The aftermath of said invasion, including the lack of infrastructure and the people who slip through the system, was something that isn’t often discussed in galactic empire stories and very interesting to see. There were also some really cool naming conventions, and overall Skrutskie did a really good job with the development of the setting.
No story is complete without the main characters. Ettian was a very driven character, and while his motivations were often not very clear, he was still a compelling character to follow, always calculating and seemingly in control. Gal was both lovable and slightly off-putting; there was an aura of confidence around him but a cool, steel shell inside, which made him a very fascinating character to read about, especially through the eyes of Ettian. And of course, there was Wen Iffran, the third member of the trio: a stray who had battled her way to survival in the streets, Wen was a supremely likeable character even when she messed up. She was the perfect balance of non-quite-perfect to balance out the training and ambitions of Gal and Ettian.
And of course, there was Ettian and Gal. Roommates, to friends, and then to something else as they ran in a rickety spaceship. At times, the tension between them was so thick you could feel it through the pages, and at other times, it felt like I ought to be throwing the book or shouting at them. While there was undeniably something going on between them, which they both acknowledged, Skrutskie build up the interpersonal conflict between the two of them and made it feel like there was something more than just a few plot devices keeping them apart. While not the centre of the story, their relationship was an interesting layer and made the plot points far more interesting.
The writing itself isn’t embellished, but it is still detailed and accurate. As the plot itself was so well-paced, the style was conducive to providing all the information necessary while also keeping some tantalisingly out of reach. Ettian’s voice was honest and effective as a narrator, with a good compromise between show and tell that kept things suspenseful without making them vague to the point of being unenjoyable. It was easy to read and easier to like, and pulled the story through even when there were the inevitable bumps that come with conflict in a story.
Bonds of Brass is the perfect read for fans of action packed science fiction who want to be sucked into a book in one sitting. It’s captivating, well-paced, and keeps you stuck on the edge of your seat and up later than you should be, with an ending that will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Bonds of Brass is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore!
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Synopsis | Goodreads
A young pilot risks everything to save his best friend–the man he trusts most and might even love–only to learn that he’s secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire.
Ettian Nassun’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal Veres–his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the Academy feel like a new home.
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised Academy unscathed, rattled both that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule. As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
