The Sin in the Steel

May 1, 2020
The fate of an empire hangs on the abilities of one girl. Buc and Eld have made names for themselves as investigators who solve uncrackable cases. But now they've gotten themselves into a bit of trouble. Found-surrounded-by-dead-bodies-and-still-holding-a-smoking-gun kind of trouble. And their only way out of that trouble is to help the powerful Kanados Trading Company figure out why so many of their ships carrying precious sugar are disappearing...before shortages bring down the entire empire. Fail, and they'll be executed. Succeed, and Buc wins a seat on the company's powerful board--which means she has a chance to ensure that no other child has to live through the horrors she saw growing up on the streets. The moment Buc and Eld are launched on their seafaring adventure, they're plunged into a world of intrigue and violence, chock-full of pirates; the mysterious Sin Eaters, who draw on the power of their Goddess to communicate mind to mind; and the Sin Eaters' enemies, the priests loyal to the Dead Gods. To succeed and win the power she craves, Buc will have to not only navigate all these uncharted waters, but tame her racing mind, which always sees six steps ahead. Buc's story starts with a bang and never slows down, rollicking through naval battles, sudden betrayals, and plenty of dark magic. Van Loan packs in almost too many twists, turns, and reversals, and the book at times feels overstuffed with supernatural mysteries, but Buc makes for a prickly, interesting heroine, and her relationship with Eld grounds an otherwise highflying story in emotional truth. This fast-paced high-seas adventure will satisfy genre fans looking for swashbuckling fun.

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May 15, 2020
Van Loan's debut starts with a bang and never lets up. Buc, a 17-year old, knife-wielding child of the streets, is brilliant and knows it, irreverent and proud of it. Eld, older but not by much, is former military, extremely talented with a sword, and knows Buc is in charge. Their reputation has gained the attention of a powerful trading company with no qualms about using specious murder charges, death threats, and bribery to gain what they want?and what they want is Buc and Eld. To escape execution, and after some rather clever negotiating, the crafty pair agrees to solve the problem of the company's missing ships and lost sugar revenue. Their investigation will draw them into a war between rival gods who use religion, shape-shifters, mages, pirates, and the undead to conduct their battles. Buc and Eld will have to use every trick they know to survive. Readers will be pleased that their adventures in a tantalizing fantasy world with a sea-faring culture reminiscent of the Spanish Main are just beginning.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

May 18, 2020
Van Loan mixes derring-do and dark intrigue for an action-packed, coming-of-age debut, the first in his Fall of the Gods series. After being accused of murder, brilliant 17-year-old tactician Buc and her partner in adventure, 19-year-old ex-soldier Eld, are coerced into working for the powerful Kanados Trading Company. If they can discover why certain company ships have gone missing of late, and find a way to stop whoever’s behind it, Buc and Eld will be cleared of charges and rewarded quite handsomely. But as their journey takes them to far-flung ports and into the thick of an ancient plot hatched by warring religious factions and enigmatic gods, the duo may not survive to collect their payment. Their swashbuckling adventures pit the Sherlock Holmesian Buc and her best (and only) friend against pirates, zombies, and shape-shifting mages with equal aplomb. Buc and Eld are charmers, and their easy yet still growing camaraderie will make readers feel like they are witnessing a long-established relationship. Though Buc’s own motivations remain hidden for much of the tale, the memorable foes and edge-of-your-seat entertainment more than make up for this minor frustration. This is unadulterated fun. Agent: DongWon Song, Howard Morhaim Literary.

Starred review from July 1, 2020

DEBUT On the verge of being executed for various counts of murder and larceny, Buc and Eld are brought before a representative of the Kanados Trading Company with a deal: solve the mystery of the trade ships that are disappearing--and live. Buc and Eld have made a name for themselves investigating and solving complex mysteries. A surprising duo, 16-year-old genius Buc and discharged soldier Eld support themselves and each other, even as they try to overcome their pasts. When they discover the pirate queen Widowmaker has taken control of the trade routes, they attempt to take down her ship. Yet pirates are just the beginning, as they face off against zombies, magical Sin Eaters, and an artifact that all of the gods, dead and new, are clamoring to control. Interwoven are Buc's and Eld's backstories, which offer a full view of these flawed and witty protagonists, each with a strong emotional story arc. VERDICT Van Loan's debut is an intriguing fantasy, mixing plenty of mystery and magic to create a smart, fast-paced ride across the seas.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

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