Thoughts On: Fables of the Flying City Ep 4-7

Fables of the Flying City

By:  Jared Axelrod

Genre:  Steampunk

Episode:  4 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 15:31 minutes

Synopsis:
Soldiers' Mess

In which the Merits of deserts are discussed, uniforms are described, gentlemen are introduced, a rival makes her presence known, a fight is broken, and soup is flung.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ashe receives her uniform and to the dinner she won with the Officers.  We learn Ashe is a legend now, as no one hits the barrel the first time out and only one person has hit the barrel at all.  Ashe meets a not so nice tall woman, who tells Ashe she made all the others look bad, and punches her.  Ashe hits this woman with a bowl of porridge in the face!  And to boot, this woman is the legend Ashe has replaced, AND her commanders daughter!

We have meet Cerannah Hindinu, and she is the classic top dog getting knocked down a notch by the new girl.  She doesn't like it.  Ashe has made herself a new enemy on her first day, after being whipped as well.

I had to give the old whoop and Oooohh, (as if I was pointing like a kid) when Ashe hit Cerannah with the bowl of porridge.  Oh, I know but it was funny, even if Cerannah deserved it. lol  Now I'm curious as to how far and fast word will spread, and if Commander Hindinu will say anything.

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Episode:  5 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 11:54 minutes

Synopsis:
A Time of Extreme Reality

In which a new world is entered, a sharp woman is introduced, the longevity of legends in discussed, a pilot is noticed, a warning about knives and body parts is given, and lies are not told, despite what one may wish.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Into the Officers Dining Room Ashe goes, from the fire to the frying pan, but there might be a kind friend there to help.  Ashe is introduced to Hanner Gatling, a printer (journalist).  Tolban finally appears, though shyly, for dinner.  Hanner is taken by Ashe and gives a small piece of advice/warning.

We see Hanner again, but this time in Ampersam and with the Officers.  She is rather eccentric with the terms and phrases, rather colorful descriptions, and makes me smile with the crazy comparisons.  Hanner does give Ashe an almost vague prolific kind word and warning.  Which is nice to see some one has an eye out for Ashe.  This episode makes me curious about Hanner's length of time here and what she thinks of Ashe.

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Episode: 6 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 14:08 minutes

Synopsis:
The Consequences of Soup

In which a cavalcade of good in paraded, smoking is finally allowed, where to place blame is considered, Ashe's future is discussed, the usefulness of consequences are questioned, and how much soup forgets is revealed.

My Thoughts and Summary:
So much savory food!  We are now to the dinning table and mesmerized by the food present.  Commander Hindinu questions Ashe on the broken propeller and gives her the speech as to why she should not be in the air, but will keep her as she is curagious.  Captain Sarawasu gets into a little bit of trouble as well, thanks to Ashes pointing out, about not training for first flight.  Hanner hears of the spilling of soup and makes a comparison as to how it never forgets.

Ashe and Captain Sarawasu get told how they were wrong, but that is their disciplined moment here, and we are done with dinner.  Hanner makes a big to-do with the spilling of soup on Cerannah.  And the comparison she makes by saying soup never forgets, is really about Cerannah, and I think is a warning to Ashe.  But she makes me laugh at her big to-do over soup as well.  Hanner makes a big claim that Ashe is someone!  A Someone.

So, I'm ready to see what Hanner will do to help Ashe be known, and what will Ashe do to make her name known, more than what it is now.

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Episode: 7 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 11:10 minutes

Synopsis:
On My Blood

In which a night visitor calls, a pilot is defended, the wisdom of Consaguine is expressed, healing is given, a tale is suspended, a kiss is planted, a lack of beer is lamented, and a pillow is weaponized.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ashe is assigned to tent with Mari.  Jobrani makes a nightly visit to Ashe, to bring her salve for her lashes.  But Jobrani is Tolban's bunk mate and talks badly of Ashe's pilot, whom she thinks highly of thanks to his flying with the broken propeller.

We get to see more of Jobrani here, and how he kisses ass to Ashe when told her thoughts on her pilot. LOL.  There is one comment Jobrani makes that I really liked.  He mentions Consaguine and a saying: "On my blood."  Which means, 'the only thing one can own that's worth anything, their blood.'  I really like this.  We also see Jobrani has a sense of humor and edge for danger, he has received several lashings himself.  Jobrani hits on Ashe, and when Ashe brushes him off, she is curious about him.  Jobrani seems to maybe be a flirt?  From what Mari says to Ashe as well.

The cast is growing!  And I'm enjoying meeting each one as we go.




If you would like to Listen to the stories about Ashe, you can find Fables of the Flying City free on the site for Fables of the Flying City: http://www.fablesoftheflyingcity.com/  There are links to iTunes and RSS feed.  You can also see the list of episodes in their order on Jared Axelrod's site.


If you are curious about the Graphic Novel, it is now available!  The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod and Steve Walker.  You can view a sample of the first 20 pages on Tor's site.