Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L. Powell

Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L. Powell, is a cleverly plotted and thoroughly immersive alternative future in which you believe a monkey can fly a spitfire. With its well-drawn characters, page-turning intrigue, and clever plot twists—never mind, several neat surprises I never saw coming—it will have you chugging back the strong coffee way into the wee small hours of night, just to finish it.

This is one of those reads that, just when you think the stakes couldn’t get any higher, Powell dials up the adrenalin and ups the ante. All the while leaving you breathlessly rooting for the good guys, as they battle against not only the odds, but their own insecurities and doubt. Thankfully, Victoria, Merovech and, of course, the monkey of the moment himself, Ack-Ack Macaque, throw themselves into the fray determined to change the outcome, no matter the personal cost. And with guns blazing, take the reader on an action-packed, roller-coaster ride of fun and adventure.

A clever hybrid of SF, with a dash of alternative history, melded with a fabulous helping of Steampunk. Powell skilfully blends genres all without missing a single beat. Putting Ack-Ack Macaque up there with the best of them and one you’ll find yourself talking about long after you’ve finished reading the last page.

In short, Powell shows us his prowess and proves he is fast becoming a master storyteller.