Tales of the Ketty Jay by Chris Wooding

[Werthead]

Book 3: The Iron Jackal

The crew of the Ketty Jay, fresh from defeating an incursion of the nefarious Manes, have been hailed as heroes and have become minor celebrities across the lands of Vardia. Avoiding notoriety and seeking their next job, Captain Frey and his crew have relocated to Samarla to undertake a train heist. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a straightforward caper turns into a major crisis, with Frey's life on the line and a supernatural force hunting the crew, known as the Iron Jackal...

The Iron Jackal is the third book in the Tales of the Ketty Jay series, following on from the excellent Retribution Falls and The Black Lung Captain. As before, the novel follows the crewmembers of the airship Ketty Jay as they get into various scrapes. Once again, Chris Wooding has delivered a tight narrative which mixes in humour, adventure, character development and worldbuilding in a near-perfect mix, but done it with even more flair and panache than the previous volumes.

The book is built around an escalating series of adventures: after the initial train heist, the crew have to take part in a dangerous aircraft race through a maze of canyons, break into the Archduke's palace and finally cross a burning desert to find an ancient city. The pace is fast and relentless, but Wooding finds time to give every character a moment to shine as each one faces his or her own challenges (internal or external). This also extends to some newcomers (the Ketty Jay acquires a new crewmember in this novel) and recurring characters as well. Frey himself ends up as the best-developed character in the book and manages to gain the reader's sympathy as his plight worsens with every passing chapter.

Wooding introduces a sense of weirdness and horror to the series that wasn't as prevalent in previous volumes. The Iron Jackal itself is a sinister, threatening creation, and the showdown in an ancient city is an appropriately nightmarish (though a titanic enemy introduced in the last few pages feels a little unnecessary). There are also intriguing hints about the distant past of the world that could fuel discussion on internet message boards for a while. At the same time, Wooding lightens things up with an appropriate level of humour (Pinn's decision to become an inventor and his attempts to experiment on the ship's psychotic cat provides a rich seam of comedic moments) and expertly maintains a precarious balance between the darker and lighter elements of the novel.

There's also the feeling of an expanding scope in this novel. A third war between Vardia and Samarla seems to be brewing and there's a sense of greater geopolitical events going on in the background which the crew of the Ketty Jay occasionally brush against the fringes of. Wooding also seems to be laying pipe for future novels, with mentions of distant, newly-discovered landmasses where colonisation efforts by Vardia seem to be going wrong. Intriguing stuff, which adds elements of depth and richness to the world not present in earlier books (though there isn't a map, as Wooding wants to retain the freedom to change things or add in new locations for future novels).

With near-perfect pacing, strong characterisation and an addictive mix of adventure, good humour and flashes of dark horror, The Iron Jackal (*****) will likely emerge as the most purely enjoyable, fun SFF novel of the year. Heavily recommended. The novel is available now in the UK and on import in the USA.

 

[Haliax]

I have only finished the Weavers of Saramyr, but I can already tell the series will be one of the highlights of the year for me. There's a lot to like : the oriental setting, the magic system, the characters so far. Maybe I could do with less politics.
I am also pleased by the change in tone from big epic in Braided Path to campy adventure in Ketty Jay : I like it when an author is able to leave one favorite setting and try something new (I'm thinking Erikson here)

I finished it last night, and I'd say it is definitely one of the highlights of my fantasy reading this year. I might only put Rothfuss' Wise Man's Fear ahead of it in terms of enjoyment, personally. I liked the politics in the books, and while the second one was a little more lengthy than it might have needed to be, I still found the trilogy to be quite well paced.

Going to get started on the Iron Jackal right shortly- and after that score from Wert, I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Odd this, but The Iron Jackal isn't available on Barnes and Noble's website but is available on Amazon. BTW I'm going with a toss-up for best book I've read this year between Retribution Falls and The Red Wolf Conspiracy. Both are fantastic in completely different ways. Wonderful books both. It's a nice dilemma to have two new (to me) authors who are so excellent at their craft.

 

[Rob B]

Odd this, but The Iron Jackal isn't available on Barnes and Noble's website but is available on Amazon.

I think that's because amazon sells imported books and B&N does not.

 

[Michigan]

Don't want to go back and read the whole thread but wanted to chime in that I am almost done with Retribution Falls and have been pleasantly surprised. Was a little apprehensive at first, worried that maybe the book was trying to hard to be fun and wouldn't have much substance but it did a pretty good job of delivering a solid story and made me laugh at times. Already purchased The Black Lung Captain (both were Borders closeout blind buys) and will start in on it soon as I finish up RF.

 

[Kazz Wylde]

Does anyone know the name of the next book, after Iron Jackal?

 

[Chris Wooding]

Current working title is The Ace Of Skulls. Some of you may remember that was what I was going to call the first book, but the sales team at Gollancz had a problem with it for some reason I don't recall. Anyway, since it's now the fourth book in the series, I can do what the hell I like with my titles

It all ties up very neatly with the theme and all that. Now if only I can get all this other stuff off my plate so I can get on with actually writing it!

*shovels stuff off plate*

*plate refills immediately*

*Chris and Sisyphus share a beer then get back to work*

 

[Kazz Wylde]

Ace of Skulls huh? I like it, that's cool. Good to see you on here, Chris.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Current working title is The Ace Of Skulls. Some of you may remember that was what I was going to call the first book, but the sales team at Gollancz had a problem with it for some reason I don't recall. Anyway, since it's now the fourth book in the series, I can do what the hell I like with my titles

It all ties up very neatly with the theme and all that. Now if only I can get all this other stuff off my plate so I can get on with actually writing it!

*shovels stuff off plate*

*plate refills immediately*

*Chris and Sisyphus share a beer then get back to work*

I think you need a bigger shovel. I absolutely love Ketty Jay. Even ordered Iron Jackal from the UK because I couldn't wait for the US edition. The only problem I have with Ketty is that once it comes out, I can't get anything done while I'm reading it. That's actually a good thing and a reminder of why I love books.
Keep up the great work!

 

[Drunkagain]

When does the US version get released? Anyone know?

 

[Chris Wooding]

Still no date. I gather Spectra are waiting to see how the first two do in the US first. Buy it from Bookdepository, it probably works out cheaper than the US version anyway

 

[Hobbit]

Wow: a slight revision of those covers: http://www.gollancz.co.uk/2012/02/the-ketty-jay-novels-%E2%80%93-the-exclusive-new-cover-reveal/ which emphasises the Firefly comparison and removes the SF context.

They look great, but personally I'm disappointed they've taken that approach. Could be Cowboys and Aliens, or even Louis L'Amour based on those covers.

But I do understand the marketing reasons for it.

Mark

 

[Chris Wooding]

I should point out that those covers are for the new YA editions of the Ketty Jay books: the originals will still be on sale and the 4th book will follow the existing cover scheme, likely with another Martiniere cover if he's available.

Gollancz felt that that KJ books would also appeal to a slightly younger audience due to the amount of swashin' and bucklin' involved - presumably they were also sold by that bit where Bess tears someone's arm off and clubs them to death with the soggy end - so they've been rejacketed and are being rereleased on Indigo, Gollancz's new YA label. YA in this case meaning the very upper end of the teen market. They're totally uncut. Basically it just gets them to an audience that may not have been aware of them before: the originals will carry on just as before.

For what it's worth, I like 'em. They're doing a job. They don't really reflect the content of the book, but they're very striking and they'll stand out on the YA shelves.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Wow: a slight revision of those covers: http://www.gollancz.co.uk/2012/02/the-ketty-jay-novels-%E2%80%93-the-exclusive-new-cover-reveal/ which emphasises the Firefly comparison and removes the SF context.

They look great, but personally I'm disappointed they've taken that approach. Could be Cowboys and Aliens, or even Louis L'Amour based on those covers.

But I do understand the marketing reasons for it.

Mark

I get the Firefly ref since you brought it up, but they look more like some of the Dresden covers.

 

[Kazz Wylde]

I should point out that those covers are for the new YA editions of the Ketty Jay books: the originals will still be on sale and the 4th book will follow the existing cover scheme, likely with another Martiniere cover if he's available.

Gollancz felt that that KJ books would also appeal to a slightly younger audience due to the amount of swashin' and bucklin' involved - presumably they were also sold by that bit where Bess tears someone's arm off and clubs them to death with the soggy end - so they've been rejacketed and are being rereleased on Indigo, Gollancz's new YA label. YA in this case meaning the very upper end of the teen market. They're totally uncut. Basically it just gets them to an audience that may not have been aware of them before: the originals will carry on just as before.

For what it's worth, I like 'em. They're doing a job. They don't really reflect the content of the book, but they're very striking and they'll stand out on the YA shelves.

Thats cool they're gonna keep doing the Martiniere covers. I am going to buy Retribution Falls as soon as I finish the book I'm on.

So, Mr Wooding, Whats next after the KJ books? Care to share?

 

[Michigan]

Not a huge fan of those alternate covers, they strike me as YA, which is of course what they are, and they reminded me also of the Dresden covers, which has also been mentioned and which I have yet to read, probably mostly because of the YA look to the covers.

Good to hear they are just alternates, would have never blind bought the first two books with those covers.

 

[Hobbit]

I get the Firefly ref since you brought it up..

LOL: the reason I brought it up is because every review seems to mention it. Always thought it was a bit of a lazy comparison myself.

but they look more like some of the Dresden covers.

I'm sure that's part of the thinking.

I totally get why they might want a revamp: I'm just a little disappointed that the SF angle's been downplayed to sell the books, when they are so much of the tale.

I would have never blind bought the first two books with those covers.

But I guess that's the point: we're not the target demographic. These are meant to sell to those who normally wouldn't try, or have yet to try, Chris's books.

But if it sells more books, and Chris is happy, then what have I got to complain about?

Mark

 

[Chris Wooding]

So, Mr Wooding, Whats next after the KJ books? Care to share?

A holiday

4th KJ book is not necessarily the last, I'm gonna take that decision when I come to it. After that I'm contracted for another YA book with Scholastic. And I'm rolling in film/tv projects at the moment which sponge up what little time I have remaining.

After the KJ series ends, I have a couple ideas of what to do next but I honestly don't know how I'll feel in 18 months time when I might actually have a chance to get to them.

But I guess that's the point: we're not the target demographic. These are meant to sell to those who normally wouldn't try, or have yet to try, Chris's books.

Yeah. They just scream 'THIS IS AN ADVENTURE WITH BADASSES!' which to be fair the first lot don't do. If I was a teenager I'd be all over that.

 

[Kazz Wylde]

A holiday

4th KJ book is not necessarily the last, I'm gonna take that decision when I come to it. After that I'm contracted for another YA book with Scholastic. And I'm rolling in film/tv projects at the moment which sponge up what little time I have remaining.

After the KJ series ends, I have a couple ideas of what to do next but I honestly don't know how I'll feel in 18 months time when I might actually have a chance to get to them.



Yeah. They just scream 'THIS IS AN ADVENTURE WITH BADASSES!' which to be fair the first lot don't do. If I was a teenager I'd be all over that.

That's cool, TV/Movie projects for KJ?

 

[Bastard]

The Iron Jackal was the last book I read in 2011, and I have to say that I couldn't have closed the year with a better book. It was awesome, probably my favorite read of the year.