Thoughts on: Fables of the Flying City Ep 8-11

Fables of the Flying City

By:  Jared Axelrod

Genre:  Steampunk

Episode:  8 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 12:46 minutes

Synopsis:
Bitter Brew

In which the Provost is argued with, an Empire is flown over, the capability of the Guard is judged, tea is requested, what Vrussian do with their time is considered, no interest in debating theoretical topics is shown, and engine is described, as well as the horror it evokes.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We are in the Provost of the flying city's cabin with Elderheim.  The flying city is coming to fly over Vrussian land.  They discuss whether the Aerial Guard will, or won't - more like it, be able to protect against the powerful Vrussian Army.  Amperstam is an independent city but the Vrussians may want to make the city their own citizens.

We get hints to the engine of the flying city being a big secret.  So much a secret that only the Provost and a few Engineers know about the engine.

We get a view of the city through other eyes, and that there is a great mystery to this wondrous flying city called Amperstam.  Also, we get a feel for the harsh world moving by under the city.  This episode makes me curious about the city and the leader.  I like seeing more of the "world" outside Ashe's eyes and mind.  Some may not like different views but I like it because I get a feel of the city and it's powers holding it up...of which Ashe does not know, or that we know of her knowing.

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Episode:  9 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 17:18 minutes

Synopsis:
Games For Liars

In which a plane roars to life, launchings and landings are comanded, stomach contents are released, a specific spleen is mentioned, beer is drunk, the escalation of revenge is discussed, rules are given, and a conclusion is reached.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ashe and Tolban practice flying.  Someone is sick from repeated launches.  In their down time Ashe learns of a new gambling game - knuckles.  Cerannah plays and excels at the game, Ashe believes she knows how to beat Cerannah.

We learn some of Tolban's past, that he had to leave home.  But not all of the past.  There is something else there, and I am curious to learn the rest.

Ashe seems determined to beat Cerannah at everything.  She is a challenge for our daring Ashe, who is always looking for something of a challenge.  But I think that Cerannah being a bit of a bully type helps Ashe pick her as a challenge as well.  We, and Ashe, learn of the name she has earned herself, fearless.

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Episode: 10 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 10:32 minutes

Synopsis:
Grand Reveal

In which friends are implied, wagers are made, liars are called, an immense pot is procured, mugs are slammed, guesses are made, and a grand reveal is witnessed.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We see Cerannah playing knuckles with Bug, and she is intimidating with looks and tough yet pushing talk.  Ashe comes to the table, bringing a new rule and upsetting Cerannah's way.

I love how Ashe reads and off sets Cerannah's emotions.  I kind of figured Cerannah was doing what Ashe called her on , and loved the results.  Cerannah is getting what she dishes out, but I think is not going to take Ashe putting her on the spot and showing her up for long.  I just have a feeling Cerannah is going to try something with Ashe, sooner or later.

Ashe is helping others though.  Cool girl.  But in doing so she is digging a hole where she is making a strong enemy.  I will say Ashe's take with Cerannah is fun, in a vindictive kind of way (for me anyway).

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Episode: 11 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 19:47 minutes

Synopsis:
Fall To The Edge

In which a city is viewed from an unlikely point of view, the cost of flying is weighed, an exception is requested and denied, a push is enacted, a flight is plotted, a neighborhood is envied, a razor is clipped, an observer is netted and an armada arrives.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Everyone is high at the top of the Provosts Tower with a training session.  The only way off, is by glider.  Cerannah has a few words for Ashe and pushes Ashe right off the highest building in the city.  Ashe falls and gets her glider arranged to fly however a little low to glide over the buildings, so through the streets she goes trying to beat Cerannah back to the barracks.

We get to see different parts of the city here as Ashe flies through the streets, as she has fallen to low.  The Throws, Brickstone, Market District, Crumbelton.  All different sections and different takes of life in the flying city.  This is nicely done to show how big Amperstam is and the people here.

Then as Ashe crashes her glider, she realizes others are looking...past her to the sky.  One massive battle ship with the Vrussian coat of arms present on it flies toward the city.  Then 20 more appear across the sky.  Amperstam is being invaded and Ashe will have to fight.  Oh, now the guard position looks like it's about to get real serious for Ashe.




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.