★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Really, the case for you (or anyone) reading this book is simply and convincingly made in 13 words:

Firefighters vs. Dragons in an Urban Fantasy novel set in a futuristic dystopia.

I'll just wait here while you open another tab to put in your order. There's really nothing more that I need to say, is there? What if I throw in robot dogs?

Since you're here anyway, I'll talk a little more about the book. In the early 22nd century, dragons show up (technically, come back) and everything changes over night -- cities burn, non-urban areas burn, geography changes, societies change, political/governmental realities change. And so on. Where there are dragons, there's fire; and where there's fire, there are firefighters. A special division of firefighters soon develops -- Smoke Eaters -- who specialize in dragon fighting, while the rest take care of fires, saving lives and property, etc. You know, the basic everyday hero stuff.

One such hero is Captain Cole Brannigan. After decades of fighting fires, he's a week away from retirement when disaster strikes and he finds himself without his air supply in a dragon smoke-filled room, which it turns out that he can breathe. Which means he's one of a select few people naturally immune to the stuff and is basically pressed into service as a Smoke Eater. Instead of commanding a squad and their respect, he's a trainee -- worse, a trainee who used to be a fire fighter. I'm not really sure I get the level of antagonism that exists between the two groups, but it's pretty intense. No one respects his expertise, his experience, his perspective. He's tolerated at best -- and that's really only because of the whole smoke immunity thing.

I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this dynamic -- stories about someone learning their way through a new reality, or new abilities, etc. are a staple of the genre. But a fully-realized adult, in a long-term, stable marriage (as stable as they can realistically come), successful already and sure of his place in the world being thrown into a new situation like this is unique. Cole spends as much time fighting his instincts about assuming leadership roles (and assuming people will follow) as he does trying to understand his new teammates and duties. Naturally, his perspective and experience will prove important to understanding a new challenge facing the Smoke Eaters.

I'm not going to get into everyone else, because this is Cole's story, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's the most interesting character (he probably is, though, your mileage may vary). The rest of the characters aren't quite as well drawn -- mostly because we see everyone through Cole's eyes -- but most are close enough that you don't notice.

I should probably mention that when he's not writing about fire-breathing lizards, Grigsby's an actual firefighter. So he knows his stuff -- when he says fire behaves a certain way, it's not because he's read a lot about that or watched Backdraft a few dozen times (well, both of those may be true, but neither is the primary reason he can say that fire behaves a certain way). The authenticity about this kind of thing shines forth and adds a layer of reality to this novel. He knows guys just like Cole -- and probably most of the other firefighters and Smoke Eaters -- he knows the devastation that fire leaves behind (both to structures and people), and what it takes to keep pressing on in the face of that.

There is a lot more that I want to try and cover, but this is one if those books that if I said everything I wanted to, it'd take a week to write and an hour to read - so let me wrap this up (man, I didn't even talk about Grigsby's Canada...the book is worth a look just for that). This is full of action, and some of the ways a gentleman of Cole's age keeps up with the action are pretty smartly conceived, but there's some thinking involved, too. Still, you'll be kept leaning forward in your seat. It's a good story; with great, developed characters; a wonderful concept; all executed like a seasoned pro was behind it all. There are some little details that will make you chuckle as you read them (the misunderstandings of barely remembered 20th century culture, for example). Smoke Eaters is going to be one of the best UF reads you find this year.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from the good folks over at Angry Robot via NetGalley in exchange for this post and my honest take on the book -- thanks to both for their generosity and this rockin' read.

I received an advanced copy of Smoke Eaters by Sean Gringby; from NetGalley and Angry Robot Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
First off let’s start with the cover; this cover is an eye catcher, not for the colors (merely because it is mostly red, silver, and blue) but for the context. A dragon, with smoke coming from its mouth/nostrils on a fireman’s shield, with two crossing lacings. I think this is the perfect cover for this amazing book, subtle but filled with jems!
This book sweeps you into the future world of 2100’s were dragons have emerged and are wreaking serious havoc on what is left of the United States, which is divided into a series of nation states. Canada has built a wall to keep Americans out, and robots are taking everyone's jobs.
Smoke Eaters offers up action from page one, and does not let you lose until the end. For me this book read almost like an 80’s buddy cop film if you were to throw it into the future and instead of cops use firefighters and dragons. Which for me worked really well. The authors knowledge of the firefighter’s terminology and procedures, as well as the camaraderie and family that forms from that kind of work is evident and felt throughout the whole of the novel. This adds a real authentic feel to this piece of fantasy/sci-fi.
A fair number of the characters are not overly fleshed out, but the main characters I feel were developed well. I found the main character very likeable and was able to empathize with him, which I feel was important for this book. The world building is quick and well done but not overwhelming. There were points in the narrative where I felt like the author used action to get out of developing characters further, but then again I feel like they could easily turn itself into a series, and if that is the case, then leaving some room for growth and future developed of the characters is not a problem.
Overall I’d say an amazing debut novel for Sean Gringby and I look forward to seeing more from him in the futre. Good recommendation for anyone who enjoys a easy fantasy/sci-fi story.

Dragons, fire fighters, robotic dogs, cool future technology and good world building. This book has all of hose things and more. Overall I enjoyed reading this, the writers fire fighting background shows in the descriptions of the fires which makes the whole thing come to life so much more. I enjoyed the story - dragons have returned to Earth, burrowing up from underground in a sudden unexpected emergence. Who on earth can stand against these fire breathing monsters - why the fire department of course and more specifically a newly made department of Smoke Eaters who have all the cool kit you'd hope they would, laser swords, foam shooters, magic blue healing gel to name a few.

Cole Brannigan is in his last week as a standard fire fighter before his retirement when circumstances force him to enter a house where a dragon has emerged. Discovering he has what it takes to be a Smoke Eater the mysterious department co-opt him in with no choice. What follows is Cole finding his feet as a rookie after having been in command of his own team.

I gave this 4 stars as I feel that in places the authors in experience shows - some of the dialogue was a bit clunky with our 60 year old protagonist sometimes sounding more like a 15 year old boy. There were also a few moments that made me a little uncomfortable with the casual sexism (although this was absent most of the time as Cole took orders from women with no problem and there were plenty of kick ass female characters.)

Overall an enjoyable read and I'd like to see how this author develops in the future. Also who wouldn't like a Robo Dog?

Killer dragons, fireman and menacing droids = a fast paced, hilarious book you need to have in your life . The antics and camaraderie of Cole Brannigan and the other rookies had me laughing out loud frequently on my bus commute. I sincerely hope there are follow up books that will give us closer looks at the other team members. I get the feeling that Renfro must have some hidden secrets I just need to know more of.
*Received an ARC from NetGalley & Angry Robot Books for an honest review.

This is a mash-up of science fiction and fantasy. It's a blazing debut, well worth your time. The Smoke Eaters fight dragons and dragon-fires with high-tech gadgets in a post-collapse 22nd century America. It's a bleak future vision. Firefighter captain Cole Brannigan is pressed to take up service with the Smoke Eaters after 30 years in the fire service because they discover that he can breathe dragon smoke without choking on it. He'd been planning his retirement with his wife, but now his future looks very different. Dragons emerge from below, destroying neighbourhoods and eating the population. They've destroyed the infrastructure, made travel by road too dangerous to contemplate, and turned the USA into a collection of autonomous, isolated city states. And then there are the wraiths, ghosts of the consumed who manifest electrically and attract dragons like I attract mosquitos in summer. Brannigan goes from being a seasoned firefighter to a Smoke Eater rookie as he has to learn the job all over again, but he brings with him thirty years of firefighting experience, a stubborn attitude and a deep hatred for the mayor who seems to be intent on sacking public servants and replacing them with droids and drones. Brannigan is a great character. Strong on attitude but weak of bladder. How nice to have a sixty year old hero who gets the job done out of sheer cussedness and commonsense. The author is a firefighter and it shows in the detail and the knowledge – and very probably the attitude. Loved it. NOTE: I had this as a pre-release review copy from Netgalley.

Dragons have returned, and they...aren't friendly. The US has virtually collapsed into separate states with no overall governing body, and Canada has closed it's border with us. People are dying, and the only help available - are the Smoke Eaters. Those few folks who can, for whatever reason, inhale dragon smoke and not die. Now, Cole Brannigan - on his last week of work before retirement after 30 years as a firefighter - is discovered to be a Smoke Eater. And whether he wants to or not, he will become one officially. What the Smoke Eaters don't know is that they will never be the same.

Such a fun, engaging story - with a few actual laugh-out-loud moments. Characters are drawn pretty well, and the idea of a special fire department in the future specifically to fight a nemesis from stories in the past? Unique and enjoyable, all the way through. I would definitely be happy to return to this world in the future, should the author choose to do so!

https://solothefirst.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/review-smoke-eaters-by-sean-grigsby/

This book absolutely lives up to its hype. Well written, clever, unique and just a damned fine read. It’s out in March of this year (2018). I got my hands on an advanced copy and all I can say is, buy this book!

Sean Grigsby has come up with a unique story idea that simply jumps off the page. Dragons and Firefighters? Sign me up. I wanted the book straight away and it didn’t disappoint. Sean’s experience as a firefighter shows in every beat of each fire scene. (I was wondering by the end if he also has experience with fighting dragons!) Set in the future, the technology is very cool but the threat that comes with it is way too scary! And then there are the dragons. Dragons have returned to the world and they are pissed!

The main character Cole Brannigan is not your typical hero… he’s nearing retirement age, an experienced firefighter and full of attitude to boot. To find out he is a Smoke Eater is not what he wants to hear. Getting drafted into the brotherhood is also not in the plan. I loved this character from his crotchety behavior to his experience and inability NOT to help when he can. I want to see more of this character. Sean has created an amazing world that is fully believable and as scary as hell. And I want more of it. Great book Sean.

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Angry Robot (03/06/2018)
Paperback: 336 pages
Audiobook: TBD, but narrated by T. Ryder Smith (Sander Cohen in Bioshock)

5/5 Stars
First things first: Thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC for review. Being provided this ARC in no way, shape, or form influenced my thoughts on this novel.
I also want to thank Peter McLean for his advanced praise of Smoke Eaters. His words definitely influenced this novel being at the top of my TBR when I received the ARC and held true throughout my reading experience.
Think Ghostbusters meets Reign of Fire…
Cole Brannigan has only one thing on his mind: retirement. Thirty years as a firefighter has taken its toll not only on his body, but his mind. Not to mention that, over the past decade, most of the fires he is tasked with extinguishing were started by dragons. Yeah, you heard that right: DRAGONS. Not the glorious winged beasts you see flying around in Game of Thrones; these are flightless lizards that come up from beneath the ground, laying waste to homes and entire neighborhoods.
On what Brannigan thought would be his last fire call, he becomes oddly aware that he can breathe dragon smoke without all of the disgusting, and sometimes fatal, side effects. Well, he can go ahead and kiss retirement goodbye because he is now being recruited as a Smoke Eater: a fighting force endowed with the same ability and equipped with some of the latest in high-tech weaponry.
Now on the bottom of the pecking order, he must quickly learn how to combat these beasts with his fellow company before his goose is cooked, literally.
Smoke Eaters is a crazy AF, edge of your seat thrill-ride that will have you begging for more. Dragons, wraiths, laser weapons, and fire… LOTS OF FIRE. What more could you ask for?
Grigsby does a fantastic job drawing the reader into the story with his introduction to Brannigan on his last fire call. Brannigan is officially one of my favorite characters of all time and, IMO, Smoke Eaters is prefect for those looking for a hangover read after Kings of the Wyld because of this fact. Think grizzled old vet, coming out of retirement to do something completely BA in a post-apocalyptic world. Just don’t expect world-building here as a majority of the story takes place in Ohio. Come for the dragons, stay for the character building. You won’t regret it.
Smoke Eaters releases on March 6th of this year and needs to be at the top of your TBR.

Sean Grigsby makes a scorching debut with Smoke Eaters, a fun sci-fi romp set a hundred years hence in the ashes of America's Midwest.

It's the early 2100s and dragons have returned, these massive creatures of myth churning their way up from the Earth's core to wreak firey havoc all across the world. The US is divided into a series of nation states, Canada has built a wall to keep Americans out, and robots are taking everyone's jobs. In Ohio, an elite team of dragon fighters, known as Smoke Eaters, are attempting to keep the peace despite an unsympathetic populace. After responding to a fire, firefighter Cole Brannigan is confronted by a dragon, discovers he's immune to smoke, and quickly gets drafted into the Smoke Eaters.

Grigsby, an Arkansas firefighter, does an excellent job depicting the chaos of firefighting, as well as the mundane, sometimes comical, calls of false alert. Although there's plenty of dragon-fighting action with power suited Smoke Eaters going mano-a-mano with various species of scalies, one of my favorite scenes involved Brannigan and his team responding to an emergency call from a distraught woman whose home has been invaded by a decidedly non-dragon creature.

While there's a few cliches (Brannigan was supposed to retire before getting roped into his new calling, a well tread plot device that had me waiting for Danny Glover to remind us all that he's too old for this shit) and some moments of silliness that didn't quite work for me, Grigsby makes the story as a whole work well. The various plot threads of political corruption, dragon invasions, and robotic workers all come together in an exciting and violent climax of pyrotechnics.

If you're looking for some fun, action-heavy, big-screen ready SFF, or if the premise of firefighters versus dragons appeals to you (and let's face it, it is a freaking awesome premise that should be appealing to everyone with a pulse), Smoke Eaters is an enjoyable way to go. This is a solid debut, and one that leaves me hoping I'll get to take another ride-along through Parthenon City with Brannigan and his company of dragon slayers.

[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for a digital galley of this novel.

Captain Cole Brannigan, firefighter, almost 60 years old, retiring at the end of the week. Remember all of that because you are going to be seeing a lot about Brannigan if you pay attention to books and chatter about books. This is one humdinger of a fantasy novel. There is practically an adventure on every page. When I finished reading I was huffing and puffing from the non-stop action so much you would have thought I had been running in a race.

Okay, so the story starts like this: Brannigan goes into a burning house to rescue his crew members who should have already made an exit from the house because it's obvious now that there is a dragon in there. They don't come out so Brannigan goes in to get them. That's when he survives breathing the toxic dragon smoke, that's when he finds out he is a smoke eater. Oh, did you get that bit about dragons? Well, these are mean and nasty dragons who prefer humans as their tidbit of choice. Brannigan finishes up with his firefighter career only to begin all over again working in his new career as a smoke eater. They get all the cool toys!

Absolutely an adventure on every page. At some point I was wishing for a little less action so I'll tell you now not to hold your breath waiting for that. This debut story by Sean Grigsby features an adventure junkie in the form of Cole Brannigan and all kinds of futuristic goodies Grigsby's imagination invented and made realistic for Parthenon City, Ohio, in 2121. There are fire-breathing dragons and wraiths and corrupt politicians and a robot dog that is programed to speak Korean and that's just some of the things this novel is packed with. There is also more profanity than I'm used to seeing in fantasy novels but, hey, this is dangerous work so I just ignored it. This is going to be BIG down the road so get your copy of the book and read it now. Then you can be all smug when your friends try to tell you about it because you read it before they did. Soon to a toy store and motion picture theatre near you. Oh, and surely there will be book two, right?