Warlord of the Air

by Michael Moorcock
Warlord of the Air cover
Good Books rating 3.45
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6924
  • Added: 2025-12-06
  • Updated: 2025-12-06
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
fantasyliterature.com · Unknown · 2025-12-16
good 3.50

The Warlord of the Air is an entertaining steampunk adventure with a unique time travel premise, exploring themes of imperialism and anti-racism. While the story is engaging and thought-provoking, the rushed ending and caricatured characters slightly detract from its overall impact.

The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock is a captivating steampunk novel that follows the adventures of Oswald Bastable, a Victorian captain who finds himself in an alternate 1973. The story is set in a world where imperialism is still prevalent, and technology is steam-powered. Bastable's journey is both physical and ideological as he grapples with the realities of a utopian empire that masks deep-seated racism and oppression. The novel is packed with action and intriguing ideas, making it a highly entertaining read. However, the ending feels rushed, and some characters are somewhat caricatured, which slightly diminishes the overall impact. Despite these minor flaws, the book is a must-read for steampunk enthusiasts and those interested in the genre's history. The themes of anti-imperialism and anti-racism are well-expressed, even if they are simplistically handled. The unique time travel premise adds a fresh perspective to the steampunk genre, making it a valuable addition to any steampunk library.

Quick quotes

    In this London there were no ugly billboards, no illuminated advertisements, no tasteless slogans and, as we climbed into the steam-brougham and began to move along one of the ramps, I realised that there were no seedy slums of the sort found in many parts of the London I had known in 1902. Poverty had been banished! Disease had been exiled! Misery must surely be unkown!

    The desperation of Bastable’s bizarre fate runs deep, for an unpredictable time warp thrusts him into strange worlds, all parallel to his own, and yet different.

    The trilogy has been collected in a one volume edition, which has finally, been given a cool cover.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-12-16
intriguing 3.80

The Warlord of the Air is praised for its steampunk setting and political commentary, with readers appreciating its influence on the genre and its immersive world-building. Some find the plot a bit rushed, but overall, it's seen as a must-read for steampunk fans.

The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock is a steampunk novel that has garnered significant praise for its unique setting and political themes. Readers have noted that the book's steampunk elements are well-executed, with a richly imagined world that feels immersive and engaging. The political commentary, which includes critiques of colonialism and white supremacy, adds depth to the story and makes it stand out. Some reviewers have mentioned that the plot can feel a bit rushed at times, particularly in the third quarter of the book. However, the overall consensus is that this is a must-read for fans of the steampunk genre. The book's influence on the genre is evident, and its themes and ideas continue to resonate with readers today. The characters, particularly Oswald Bastable, are well-developed and loveable, adding to the enjoyment of the story. Despite some minor criticisms, the book is highly recommended for those interested in steampunk and alternate history.

Quick quotes

    Hey man! Yeah! Moorcock can write more than just really good dark fantasy, he can write killer steampunk too.

    I would also think it's fairly influential, so if you're digging something like Alan Moore's steampunkian stuff, then maybe this is where he got some of those ideas.

    This is a short book at 222 pages and therefore couldn't spend too much time building up the world we were roaming around in, but even with that I still felt very much immersed, I could picture, feel, being there.

matthewjconstantine.com · Unknown · 2024-04-02
mixed 2.50

The Warlord of the Air is an alternate history novel with airships and political satire, but its message is unclear and the characters are underdeveloped. The book's influence on steampunk is noted, but the execution falls short of its potential.

The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock is an intriguing blend of alternate history and political satire, featuring airships and a world where colonial dreams have come to fruition. The story follows Captain Oswald Bastable, who wakes up in a 1970s where the world is dominated by airships and a semblance of utopia. However, the book struggles to deliver a clear message, and the characters, including Von Bek and Una Persson, feel underutilized. The novel's attempt to satirize and moralize on themes like empire and colonialism is commendable but ultimately falls flat. While the book is considered an influence on the steampunk subgenre, its execution is marred by a muddled narrative and underdeveloped characters. The reviewer appreciates the weird alternate history twists and the steampunk elements but finds the book's message to be unclear and its philosophical dead-end uninteresting.

Quick quotes

    The book often feels like Moorcock is trying to make a point, but I’m not sure he ever really does.

    On the one hand, I love weird alternate history twists, and of course, airships and whatnot.

    If it’s a message book, which I think it is, either I’m not clever enough to get it, or (and I think this is closer to the truth) Moorcock felt himself so clever, that the message is muddled past the point of being especially useful or interesting.

borg.com · Unknown · 2012-12-29
excellent 4.00

The Warlord of the Air is a proto-steampunk classic that offers a thrilling adventure with a mix of historical and futuristic elements. The novel's exploration of themes like imperialism and technology is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The Warlord of the Air is a standout in the proto-steampunk genre, blending historical and futuristic elements seamlessly. The story's adventure and action are compelling, making it a thrilling read. Beyond the excitement, the novel delves into deeper themes such as imperialism and the impact of technology, which adds a layer of complexity and thought-provoking commentary. The characters and their journeys are well-crafted, making the reader invested in the outcome. The book's unique setting and imaginative world-building make it a memorable experience. While some might find the pacing uneven, the overall narrative is engaging and keeps the reader hooked. The Warlord of the Air is a must-read for fans of steampunk and those looking for a novel that combines adventure with social commentary.

Quick quotes

    The Warlord of the Air is a proto-steampunk classic that offers a thrilling adventure with a mix of historical and futuristic elements.

    The novel's exploration of themes like imperialism and technology is both engaging and thought-provoking.

    The characters and their journeys are well-crafted, making the reader invested in the outcome.

Appears in Lists