Arthur’s impossible mission pulls them all into his inescapable orbit, threatening to shatter the Odolian establishment and tear apart the lives of his few remaining friends. Set in a Dickensian world of flintlocks, airships, class warfare, and colonialism, this swashbuckling steampunk adventure is packed with action, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters who will stay with you long after the final page.

Review

The Heart of Resistance is a richly imagined steampunk odyssey set against the backdrop of imperial tyranny and crumbling rebellion. As someone who thrives on character-driven narratives and deeply layered world-building, I found this novel thoroughly immersive, even when it treaded familiar thematic ground.

Told in a multi-POV structure, the story braids together the lives of Janna—a disillusioned rebel mechanic; Elsie—a workhouse orphan desperate for a life beyond servitude; and Arthur Pendington—a once-loyal imperial captain turned insurgent. Each voice brings a distinct texture to the story. Janna’s inner turmoil, especially, stood out to me—her gritted realism, biting wit, and the slowly unraveling weight of her past were brilliantly done. There’s a raw, authentic edge to her arc that reminded me of classic literary rebels, but with a modern grit.

The prose walks the line between efficient and occasionally ornate, particularly in describing the cityscapes of Gorand or the infernal machinery of dreadnoughts. The scenes involving airships and skydocks were kinetic and cinematic, and the combat sequences (especially the boarding and escape scenes) had real tension. I appreciated how the authors avoided glamorizing war; they instead chose to emphasize the psychological wear and the slow erasure of ideals, which felt honest.

If I had a critique, it would be about pacing (my old nemesis). The novel begins with a sharp hook and builds well, but midsections—especially the early Elsie chapters—sag slightly. I found myself yearning for a tighter edit in parts to match the intensity of the opening and climax. Some emotional beats also felt rushed when they could have been lingered on for greater impact. That said, the world itself never falters—it feels lived-in and vividly rendered.

Overall, this is a strong debut from the Griffeys. It carries the weight of classic resistance literature while still feeling timely. For readers who love character-driven science fantasy with rebellion, found family, and just the right amount of grit, The Heart of Resistance is well worth your time.

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