Title: Skyships Over Innsmouth
Author: Susan Laine
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Horror
Length: Novel (200pgs)
ISBN: 978-1-63476-990-7
Publisher: DSP Publications (2nd August 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Twenty winters have passed since the Cataclysm brought down society and robbed people of their memories. Humanity, vastly reduced in numbers since the initial chaos, has started anew in Canal City with the aid of library books and steam technology. The Scout and Ranger Corps was established to search for possible survivors and to replenish dwindling resources.
Dev is the captain of the scout airship Smoke Sparrow, and Shay is the scholar of their newest expedition. Their destination is Innsmouth, Massachusetts, a small fishing town that is mentioned in obscure books but shows up on no maps. Might its secrets offer answers? But within the fog-covered, ruined hillside town by the bay lurk unspeakable dangers and horrors beyond imagining. The expedition team soon learns that Innsmouth is one town that should have been left forgotten.
Purchase Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/skyships-over-innsmouth-by-susan-laine-279-b
Review: For twenty years humanity has tried to rebuild their world, after a Cataclysmic event that robbed them of their memories and knowledge. After relearning the basics and finding what they can still use to survive the population of the new Canal City have established the Scout and Ranger Corps, groups of people who fly out in the Skyships hoping to find other survivors and resources.
Dev is a skyship captain on the airship Smoke Sparrow heading to a small fishing town called Innsmouth, he’s taken many journeys just like this one and the scholar Shay is a young man he’s admired for some time. Shay is excited about Innsmouth and the mystery that surrounds it, it isn’t on any map and Shay wants to know why, he’s happy to be paired up with Dev again and although he does feel an attraction to Dev he’s already involved with their guard Malia.
Their visit to Innsmouth takes an abrupt turn when Malia goes missing during a scout of the town; it will take all their wits and bravery to face the horrors that lurk in the fog.
This is a brilliant post-cataclysmic horror story that bows its head to H.P. Lovecraft’s The Shadow Over Innsmouth, it’s beautifully written drawing us into the world where hate has been forgotten, where everyone is on equal footing and where love is love.
Dev and Shay are fantastic characters who face a horror that was best left forgotten, Malia is a brilliant character who surprises everyone with her strength and friendship. And the surprises that do crop up sure as hell do surprise you.
Dev and Shay’s budding relationship is tucked into the background as they investigate Innsmouth, the horrors they discover send a shiver down your spine… and being honest I’m unlikely to ever venture out when there’s a fog lingering.
The resourcefulness of the human race shines through as they try to build a world where they can survive, and although everyone has forgotten the past it also proves that some humans have an instinct for greed and power.
The world building is amazing and at times you can feel the damp fog sneaking up on you, the characters are given life as the story unfolds and the horror that comes to light really does send shivers down your spine. I can’t help but hope that there will be a sequel because that epilogue really has my hopes up 😉
I recommend this to those who love horror, post-apocalyptic stories, strong characters, a budding romance and an ending that leaves you intrigued.