Free-Wrench: Volume 1

Joseph R. Lallo

Jul 2014 · Free-Wrench Book 1 · Joseph R. Lallo

About this ebook

The islands of Caldera are a shining jewel in a rather bleak world. A terrible calamity in the past had blanketed much of the world with a toxic "fug." Those who survived were forced to take to the mountains and the skies in wondrous airships. Life has since been a struggle, with only the most ruthless and crafty able to survive. To spare themselves the same fate, the Calderans erected a battery of guns to fend off the airships of the mainland. They isolated themselves from the madness of the world, choosing instead to focus on the pursuits of art and creativity. Few believe the technologically advanced but socially barbarous outsiders have anything to offer. Amanita Graus, though, is hoping that they do.

Nita's mother has lost her livelihood and perhaps soon her life to a terrible disease. Already the black sheep of the family for embracing engineering rather than art, Nita resolves to leave the safety of her home and do whatever it takes to find a cure. For a price, the bizarre crew of an airship called The Wind Breaker are willing to grant her a meeting with their mysterious benefactors, and thus a chance to procure the one thing with a chance to save her mother.

Free-Wrench follows Nita’s adventures in a steampunk world of airships and lunatics. Helping her in her journey are an eccentric crew of smugglers; the gruff Cap’n Mack, the simple but enthusiastic Lil and Coop, the arrogant marksman Gunner, the surly surgeon Butch, and the irritable mascot Wink. To survive and find what she seeks she’ll need to earn their trust, follow their rules, and meet face to face with the people who pull the strings of their society.

Ratings and reviews

Good little romp in a steampunk world. The characters get better later in the series. Main reason this book got only 3 stars from me, is the length... All the "books" in this series seem to be novellas, some short enough to be finished in one sitting wile charging the same price as full length novels.

A fun, fast romp through the Steampunk genre. True, it touches on a lot of the tropes associated with the genre, but never in a way that feels trite or overly cliche. The story also pulls in a few odd elements you really don't expect, hitting you from out of left field. Thankfully the story is good at both not just following the obvious paths, as well as leaving you with questions- the good "What if...?" and "I wonder..." kind, not gaping plot holes.

The author has, what can only be described as, an open style of writing. Easy to read, interesting and quite comforting in it's own way. I have purchased now the next book as I enjoyed this one so much. A little in the style of Terry Pratchett. I hope the author isn't offend. It is meant as a compliment.

About the author

Joseph Lallo, though having written several novels, was slow to consider himself an author. Educated at NJIT, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering, the world of Information Technology is where most of his bills were paid until Sept of 2014 when he finally became a full-time author. When not writing, he owns and operates BrainLazy.com along with two friends. There he posts random rants and editorials regarding the world of humor, entertainment, and technology. He made his home in Bayonne, NJ, where he had lived all of his life until the success of his books allowed him to buy a home in Colonia, NJ.