Troubled Waters

I really, really loved the worldbuilding in this, though the gas-powered vehicles did take me aback at first. Lots of rich description and fun characters, which I always enjoy. My problem (and it's a pretty ridiculous problem) is that the male protagonist (the king's right-hand-man, hatchet man, you name it) reminded me so much of Agent Coulson that after a while I was permanently picturing Agent Coulson as the character, dark suit, boring tie, and all. Can you imagine a formal faux-oriental-medieval royal ball, with everyone in elaborate silks and furs and jewels, and Agent Coulson in his Coulsonwear? And Agent Coulson love scenes? (Though this may have already happened on "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; I gave up watching.) And even once I realized this, I couldn't get it out of my head. I'm not sure if it added to, or distracted from, my enjoyment of the book.