Phantom of StainedSteam is a thrilling dive into a London veiled by fog and filled with magic, secrets, and danger. At its heart, the story follows William Blackwood, a suave investigator with a knack for solving supernatural mysteries, as he confronts a dangerous cult, the Black Thorns. Alongside his eccentric companions, William races against time to unravel a plot that threatens to rip apart the fabric of reality itself. With vivid imagery and rich character dynamics, Sparr weaves a story that’s as enchanting as it is darkly mysterious.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. From the foggy streets of London to the eerie glow of Highgate Cemetery, Sparr creates a world you can almost smell and touch. The opening chapter immediately sets the tone with Lilly Ravenwood navigating a mist-laden street, her sharp eyes catching glimpses of a magical underworld hidden in plain sight. The sense of wonder and menace is palpable. Sparr’s descriptions, like William’s brush with reanimated corpses on a frozen bridge, are so visceral.

That said, the characters are what truly made this book shine for me. William is charming yet layered, with his calm, sarcastic exterior masking a fierce determination. His dynamic with Jaxon Westwood, the scholarly sidekick, is a highlight. Their banter, especially in the scene where Jaxon warns William about the dangers of meddling in the supernatural, adds levity without undercutting the tension. Lilly, with her icy demeanor and fierce independence, is another standout. Her bravery during the docks confrontation, despite her injuries, shows her depth. The supporting characters, from winged cat Midnight to the gruff constable Theo, each leave their mark without feeling like filler.

While I adored the worldbuilding and characters, the pacing occasionally felt uneven. Some chapters, like the extended exposition on the origins of the Black Thorns, slowed the narrative’s momentum somewhat. I found myself wanting to jump back into the action. Additionally, while the villains are suitably menacing, I feel their motivations sometimes veer into cliché territory—power for power’s sake felt underwhelming compared to the rich complexity of the protagonists.

Phantom of StainedSteam is an absolute delight. It’s perfect for readers who love steampunk fantasy, Sherlockian mysteries, or stories steeped in magic and danger. Sparr’s London is a place I didn’t want to leave, and his characters feel like old friends by the end. If you’re looking for a tale of high stakes, rich worlds, and unrelenting adventure, you won’t regret stepping into this fog-laden gaslamp fantasy.

Pages: 738 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CW1GCX1N