Codex Alera by Jim Butcher is one of my favourite fantasy series, so I honestly don't know why it's taken me so long to read The Aeronaut's Windlass. While the setting and plot are very different, Butcher's writing style felt very familiar and I was hooked right from the beginning. There was a slight dip in the middle of the book, but this was more than made up for by a gripping ending. 

The synopsis makes it sound as if the book has a single (male) main character, but actually this is very much an ensemble piece. I was quickly invested in the characters, with even the ones who were not likeable still being compelling to read about. In the past Butcher has often been criticised for his portrayal of women, but I saw no such issues here. 

The steampunk setting is interesting and unusual, with the worldbuilding largely drip fed rather than explained so that I still have a number of questions concerning the spires and why they exist. Likewise there are plot elements and past events that have me very curious. One benefit of waiting so long to read this book is that at least I can carry straight on to the sequel.