The Dragons of Dorcastle is about a world where Mages and Mechanics get to throw their weight around and treat everyone who is not in their guild like trash. It’s not even like the two major guilds get along, in fact the Mages and Mechanics hate each other. There is a lot about Mages not understanding technology and the Mechanics not understanding or believing in Magic. Each guild perpetuates lies and rumors about the other to the point that nothing said about each has any real truth. Any contact between the two is not encouraged and to a certain point could mean death.

It is with this knowledge that Mari, a Master Mechanic, and Alain, a Mage run into a conflict where both reluctantly have to work together; Mari being on a caravan that Alain is contracted to protect.

This book was interesting. At first I was not really paying attention until I became aware that, hey this is actually good… I really liked Campbell’s world and how he described the Mages. They are described as being taught to not display or feel any emotion and reminded me of robots. I’ve never read about mages like that.

It’s kind of steampunk and it’s just neat to see a world where mechanics and magicians are so important and are in conflict. Also a plus is that both protagonists are likeable in their own way, with Alain being brutally honest and not quite sure about the gamut of emotions he is experiencing, and Mari trying to live and fight for respect in a world where she is being looked down upon from every angle. There is a mystery and it’s fun trying to figure out what and who is behind all the trouble.

Perhaps I liked this book not just for the world building, but also because there is some romance. In The Dragons of Dorcastle the romance it isn’t trying to knock you over the head all the time. It’s mostly just sweet awkwardness here and there amidst the plot.

Having never read any of Jack Campbell’s science fiction books I don’t really know what to expect of his writing, but I think it is great that he wrote this YA fantasy. He did a really great job and I will definitely look into his Lost Fleet series.

Now, this is an Audible exclusive so I don’t think this is even published as a physical book yet. You can probably only hear it through Audible. If you already have an account I think it is worth a credit. If you are not sure then check out some more reviews before buying or getting a membership. Also check your local library to see if they carry the audiobook.

It is worth noting that MacLeod Andrews does a great job narrating and his voice is not irritating in the slightest. Audible lets you listen to some of it before buying.

The Dragons of Dorcastle Published December 2nd 2014 by Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins ( )

Decent world building, decent characters, not bad adventure fiction, though it could have done more adventuring. Of course, this is the set up book, the introduction to the characters and the world they live in. However, the writing though OK is not enough to make me want to come back to the world right now.

Mr. Campbell should do himself a favor in the future though - steer clear of romance because you really cannot write it, at all. These characters would be so much better if they'd just stay friends. ( )

Really fun set up for a series with excellent world building. ( )

The two power organizations don't think much of each other and forbid contact. It's the mages and the mechanics who run the world and commoners aren't valued or allowed to be part of the decision making process. But there's anarchy stirring. And a mage and his mechanic girlfriend will be involved in it regardless of the rules of their respective guilds. ( )

This originally came out as an audio book only but has since been released as an ebook. The premise is there are two guilds in this world. One is the Mages and the other is the Mechanics. Neither guild has anything to do with the other stating that each uses tricks and lies and that they are the only ones doing real work. The common folk are treated lesser by both groups with the Mages the worse of the two since they will take anything they want without paying for it and even raping someone if they feel like it. The rape point I felt was a bit odd since the Mages are taught to be emotionless. The Mechanics will pay for things but will still order a common person around when the need arises.

Alain is a mage on his first assignment of guarding a caravan to another city. They are ambushed and the only survivor is a Mechanic named Mari. They agree to team up to make it through the desert to their destination. This causes no end of grief for the both of them from their respective guilds. And things are not what they seemed at either guild when they do arrive. Interesting world building in the story with more details about the world coming out near the end.

Digital review copy provided by the agent through NetGalley ( )