The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher

*** Review ***

Jim Butcher’s The Olympian Affair is a thrilling continuation of the Cinder Spires series, promising readers more of the complex characters, harrowing adventures, and heroic battles that made its predecessor, The Aeronaut’s Windlass, such a captivating read. As a fan of the series, I eagerly delved into this latest installment, and while it had its ups and downs, it ultimately delivered a satisfying adventure that leaves us yearning for more.

The story in The Olympian Affair takes place in a world where humanity clings to life on massive spires above the deadly surface. These spires are home to aristocratic houses, each with their own secrets and ambitions. As tensions rise and war seems inevitable, the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of the Spirearch, Lord Albion, who dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and his crew on a diplomatic mission to secure alliances.

One of the highlights of this series has always been the vibrant and diverse cast of characters, and The Olympian Affair doesn’t disappoint in this regard. We’re reunited with familiar faces like Gwendolyn Lancaster, Bridget Tagwynn, and Captain Grimm, each of whom brings their unique perspective to the story. Butcher also introduces new POV characters like Colonel Renaldo Espira and Duchess Abigail Hinton, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

However, one element that might polarize readers is the prominence of talking cats, particularly Rowl, the Prince of the Silent Paws. While Rowl’s witty dialogue and unique personality add humor to the story, there are moments when the narrative seems to lose its focus on the main plot due to these feline adventures. As a fan of the series, I enjoyed Rowl’s presence but can understand how others might find it distracting.

The pacing of The Olympian Affair can be a bit uneven, especially in the early and middle portions of the book. A subplot involving the cats and a surface trip feels somewhat tangential to the overarching conflict, leading to moments of frustration. However, once the story gets back on track, it becomes a page-turner filled with high-stakes action and unexpected twists. Butcher’s ability to subvert expectations and deliver gripping duels and airship battles shines through in the latter part of the novel.

One aspect that both intrigues and frustrates me is the worldbuilding. While The Aeronaut’s Windlass introduced us to the fascinating concept of the Spires, their history, and the etherealists, The Olympian Affair offers only glimpses of these elements. Jim Butcher keeps his cards close to his chest, leaving many questions unanswered. The final scenes and the epilogue promise a deeper and more intricate world, but the series seems to maintain a narrower focus on characters and events in this initial trilogy. It remains to be seen whether the final installment will provide the desired depth.

Despite its flaws, The Olympian Affair is a swashbuckling steampunk fantasy adventure that will please fans of the series. Butcher’s exceptional pacing, well-crafted characters, and thrilling action sequences make this a worthwhile read. The book leaves us with a cliffhanger ending, ensuring that readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment.

In conclusion, Jim Butcher continues to craft an engaging and intriguing world filled with memorable characters and epic potential. The Olympian Affair is another step in the journey towards what promises to be an epic series. So, if you’re a fan of high-stakes adventure, complex characters, and the promise of an unfolding mythology, this book is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared to embrace the talking cats and trust that the series has more secrets to reveal in due time.