Genre: Steam Punk
Setting: Victorian England, 1997 AD
First Sentence: The jangling of the doorbell rang through the echoing space of the entrance hall.
This novel is the first in the author's Pax Britannia series which contains several novels and short stories.
In this novel the author has created a unique version of the steam punk genre. The time is 1997 AD. The place is London, England. Queen Victoria has been on the throne for 160 years. The British Empire controls most of Earth as well as colonies on the Moon and on Mars.
Our main character, Ulysses Quicksilver, has returned to London after having been presumed lost and dead for over a year. Almost immediately he is tasked by the British government to solve a murder.
The night watchman of the Natural History Museum has been killed. The offices of a prominent scientist have been ransacked. And the scientist's difference engine, which contains vital research has gone missing.
Ulysses soon discovers a plot which puts the Queen and the Empire itself at risk. Will Quicksilver find a way to defeat the criminals and save the Empire?
I enjoyed this novel. The author's unique vision of a twentieth century steam punk England piqued my interest and made this novel great fun to read.
Showing posts with label Steam Punk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steam Punk. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Driftmetal, Segment One by J. C. Staudt
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
Genre: Steam Punk
Setting: A Steam Punk version of Seattle.
First Sentence: Unpaved, uneven trails pretended to be roads; they tied the nation's coasts together like laces holding a boot, binding it with crossed strings and crossed fingers.
In her novel Priest has brought Steam Punk to the Pacific Northwest. Here we have all the classic elements of this genre: a toxic poisonous fog, the ravenous undead rotters, evil geniuses, and advanced machinery powered by coal, oil, electricity, and steam.
Sixteen years ago, Briar Wilkes was a very young bride married to Dr. Lividicus Blue. Dr. Blue was an inventor. He was hired by the Russians to design an excavating machine capable of reaching gold buried deep under the frozen tundra of the Yukon. Dr. Blue invented the Boneshaker. On its initial test run, Dr. Blue's invention unleashed a poisonous chemical cloud from deep within the earth: the blight gas.
The blight gas is lethal to most. Those who do not die are doomed to become rotters. Rotters are undead beings whose minds are only focused on finding living flesh to consume.
In order to contain the gas, huge walls were built to surround the areas most affected by the gas. Incredibly, there are people who have found a way to survive within the walls.
Dr. Blue is blamed for the destruction his machine caused. For years his wife and their son have had to live with his tarnished reputation.
Now Briar's fifteen year old son, Zeke, wants to find out the truth about his father. So he finds a way under the wall and into the toxic, dangerous city. When Briar discovers where Zeke has gone, she too finds her way over the wall.
Can Briar save her son from the dangers of the walled in city?
Will Zeke discover the truth about his father?
I liked this book. Priest has a writing style that is easy to read. I enjoyed all of the interesting characters that the author used to people her steam punk Seattle.
If you are a fan of steam punk, I encourage you to check out this American version of the genre.
Only one complaint: the edition of the novel which I read was printed in sepia ink. The tan letters were a strain on these sixty year old eyes.
Setting: A Steam Punk version of Seattle.
First Sentence: Unpaved, uneven trails pretended to be roads; they tied the nation's coasts together like laces holding a boot, binding it with crossed strings and crossed fingers.
In her novel Priest has brought Steam Punk to the Pacific Northwest. Here we have all the classic elements of this genre: a toxic poisonous fog, the ravenous undead rotters, evil geniuses, and advanced machinery powered by coal, oil, electricity, and steam.
Sixteen years ago, Briar Wilkes was a very young bride married to Dr. Lividicus Blue. Dr. Blue was an inventor. He was hired by the Russians to design an excavating machine capable of reaching gold buried deep under the frozen tundra of the Yukon. Dr. Blue invented the Boneshaker. On its initial test run, Dr. Blue's invention unleashed a poisonous chemical cloud from deep within the earth: the blight gas.
The blight gas is lethal to most. Those who do not die are doomed to become rotters. Rotters are undead beings whose minds are only focused on finding living flesh to consume.
In order to contain the gas, huge walls were built to surround the areas most affected by the gas. Incredibly, there are people who have found a way to survive within the walls.
Dr. Blue is blamed for the destruction his machine caused. For years his wife and their son have had to live with his tarnished reputation.
Now Briar's fifteen year old son, Zeke, wants to find out the truth about his father. So he finds a way under the wall and into the toxic, dangerous city. When Briar discovers where Zeke has gone, she too finds her way over the wall.
Can Briar save her son from the dangers of the walled in city?
Will Zeke discover the truth about his father?
I liked this book. Priest has a writing style that is easy to read. I enjoyed all of the interesting characters that the author used to people her steam punk Seattle.
If you are a fan of steam punk, I encourage you to check out this American version of the genre.
Only one complaint: the edition of the novel which I read was printed in sepia ink. The tan letters were a strain on these sixty year old eyes.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Constantine Affliction by T. Aaron Payton
Genre: Steampunk
Setting: London, 1864
First sentence: He called himself Adam, and all he wanted was love.
From the creative mind of the author we are transported to a unique version of steampunk London. Queen Victoria is on the throne. Throughout London are the many technological marvels created by harnessing steam, magnetism, electricity, and alchemy.
And, there is the Constantine Affliction.
A strange plague has swept through London. The Constantine Affliction is spread by those who are not careful with their intimate relations. Many of those stricken die. Those who survive suffer the horrible embarrassment of having their bodies change genders.
How did the Constantine Affliction arise?
Is it a product of the natural evolution of microbes?
Or is it a genetically altered germ created by a mad genius?
To be sure, there are scientists who are capable of engineering such a disease.
Lord Pembroke Halliday, known as Pimm by his friends, dabbles in criminology. He is known to be successful in aiding Scotland Yard in their investigations. When several prostitutes are murdered, Pimm is asked to discretely investigate the crimes.
During his investigations, Pimm meets Ellie Skyler. Ellie is a female reporter for a London paper. Ellie is a progressive woman who doesn't let her gender get in the way of her career.
Pimm and Ellie, along with Pimm's "wife" Winifred, join forces to solve the mystery. Will they discover the identity of the murderer, and the source of the Affliction?
I really enjoyed reading this book. Payton transported me to a fantastic version of steampunk England. His great voice made this novel great fun to read. For me, it was a real page turner.
I look forward to reading the next book of the series.
Setting: London, 1864
First sentence: He called himself Adam, and all he wanted was love.
From the creative mind of the author we are transported to a unique version of steampunk London. Queen Victoria is on the throne. Throughout London are the many technological marvels created by harnessing steam, magnetism, electricity, and alchemy.
And, there is the Constantine Affliction.
A strange plague has swept through London. The Constantine Affliction is spread by those who are not careful with their intimate relations. Many of those stricken die. Those who survive suffer the horrible embarrassment of having their bodies change genders.
How did the Constantine Affliction arise?
Is it a product of the natural evolution of microbes?
Or is it a genetically altered germ created by a mad genius?
To be sure, there are scientists who are capable of engineering such a disease.
Lord Pembroke Halliday, known as Pimm by his friends, dabbles in criminology. He is known to be successful in aiding Scotland Yard in their investigations. When several prostitutes are murdered, Pimm is asked to discretely investigate the crimes.
During his investigations, Pimm meets Ellie Skyler. Ellie is a female reporter for a London paper. Ellie is a progressive woman who doesn't let her gender get in the way of her career.
Pimm and Ellie, along with Pimm's "wife" Winifred, join forces to solve the mystery. Will they discover the identity of the murderer, and the source of the Affliction?
I really enjoyed reading this book. Payton transported me to a fantastic version of steampunk England. His great voice made this novel great fun to read. For me, it was a real page turner.
I look forward to reading the next book of the series.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder
Genre: Steampunk
Setting: an alternate version of nineteenth century England.
First Sentence: "By God! He's killed himself!"
FYI: some adult language, some minor references to Sadism.
Victorian England was the center of technological progress during the last half of the nineteenth century. But the England described by Hodder in his novel, is not the England we know from history. The author describes fantastic forms of mechanized technology, unique types of motorized vehicles, and strange applications of genetic science.
For years, there had been reports of a strange creature accosting young women. This creature was called Spring Heeled Jack. These stories had been passed off as myths. Then, our main character, Richard Francis Burton, became a victim of Spring Heeled Jack.
Burton, a noted adventurer was appointed as a special agent for the government. His orders were to seek out Spring Heeled Jack and end his attacks.
Burton's investigations uncover strange goings on in London. Spring Heeled Jack seemed to be connected with weird experiments being performed by some of England's greatest scientific minds.
Just as Burton gets close to solving the mystery, the author changes our point of view. Seeing the story from a different perspective reveals Spring Heeled Jack's motivations to us.
The novel ends with a rousing battle. Jack, the scientists, and some of their creations versus Burton and the constables of Scotland Yard.
Who is Spring Heeled Jack? Why is he making his attacks? How has his appearances changed the world?
This novel was a fun read. Not only did it have a creative plot, but the book itself had a unique look. The outside cover and the chapter headings evoked the Victorian/Steampunk nature of the novel.
I liked this book, it was a good read.
Here are links to the books in the series.
Setting: an alternate version of nineteenth century England.
First Sentence: "By God! He's killed himself!"
FYI: some adult language, some minor references to Sadism.
Victorian England was the center of technological progress during the last half of the nineteenth century. But the England described by Hodder in his novel, is not the England we know from history. The author describes fantastic forms of mechanized technology, unique types of motorized vehicles, and strange applications of genetic science.
For years, there had been reports of a strange creature accosting young women. This creature was called Spring Heeled Jack. These stories had been passed off as myths. Then, our main character, Richard Francis Burton, became a victim of Spring Heeled Jack.
Burton, a noted adventurer was appointed as a special agent for the government. His orders were to seek out Spring Heeled Jack and end his attacks.
Burton's investigations uncover strange goings on in London. Spring Heeled Jack seemed to be connected with weird experiments being performed by some of England's greatest scientific minds.
Just as Burton gets close to solving the mystery, the author changes our point of view. Seeing the story from a different perspective reveals Spring Heeled Jack's motivations to us.
The novel ends with a rousing battle. Jack, the scientists, and some of their creations versus Burton and the constables of Scotland Yard.
Who is Spring Heeled Jack? Why is he making his attacks? How has his appearances changed the world?
This novel was a fun read. Not only did it have a creative plot, but the book itself had a unique look. The outside cover and the chapter headings evoked the Victorian/Steampunk nature of the novel.
I liked this book, it was a good read.
Here are links to the books in the series.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Cold Copper by Devon Monk
Genre: Steam Punk
Setting: A steam punk version of the Western United States in the late 19th century.
First Sentence: There were plenty of good ways to die.
This novel is the third in Monk's The Age of Steam series.
There is a power in the world. It is called the Strange. The Strange possesses terrible power which could destroy mankind.
There are unscrupulous humans who can control the Strange and use it to gain power and wealth. To control the Strange, evil humans have created a device called the Holder. Their goal is to overthrow the U.S. government and control the world. The Holder has been broken into seven parts. Our intrepid band of characters are following the trail of one of the pieces.
Our main character is Cedar Hunt. Cedar and his brother have been cursed by the Pawnee to destroy the Strange and find the Holder. To keep him true to the cause, on the night of the full moon, Cedar transforms into a wolf and roams the countryside looking for Strange to kill.
Travelling with Cedar is an eclectic group of people. Each has a unique talent for casting spells, inventing devices of sensing unseen phenomena.
In the dead of winter, Cedar has followed the scent of the Holder, and led his fellow travelers to Des Moines. The mayor of Des Moines, Killian Vosbrough, has used his family's wealth and influence to gain control of the city. There he has been amassing metal, machines, and even the power of the Strange, for some nefarious purpose.
Somehow connected with this gathering of evil is the mystery of the missing children. Many of the children of Des Moines have simply vanished. It is up to our intrepid protagonists to find the Holder, solve the mystery of the children, and to defeat the evil Mr. Vosbrough.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is lots of action in every chapter. In each chapter the characters are taking chances, defending themselves, or running for their lives. For me, from the first page, it was suspend disbelief and hang on for the ride!
Although this novel could be read by itself, most readers would enjoy it more if it were read in sequence. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: A steam punk version of the Western United States in the late 19th century.
First Sentence: There were plenty of good ways to die.
This novel is the third in Monk's The Age of Steam series.
There is a power in the world. It is called the Strange. The Strange possesses terrible power which could destroy mankind.
There are unscrupulous humans who can control the Strange and use it to gain power and wealth. To control the Strange, evil humans have created a device called the Holder. Their goal is to overthrow the U.S. government and control the world. The Holder has been broken into seven parts. Our intrepid band of characters are following the trail of one of the pieces.
Our main character is Cedar Hunt. Cedar and his brother have been cursed by the Pawnee to destroy the Strange and find the Holder. To keep him true to the cause, on the night of the full moon, Cedar transforms into a wolf and roams the countryside looking for Strange to kill.
Travelling with Cedar is an eclectic group of people. Each has a unique talent for casting spells, inventing devices of sensing unseen phenomena.
In the dead of winter, Cedar has followed the scent of the Holder, and led his fellow travelers to Des Moines. The mayor of Des Moines, Killian Vosbrough, has used his family's wealth and influence to gain control of the city. There he has been amassing metal, machines, and even the power of the Strange, for some nefarious purpose.
Somehow connected with this gathering of evil is the mystery of the missing children. Many of the children of Des Moines have simply vanished. It is up to our intrepid protagonists to find the Holder, solve the mystery of the children, and to defeat the evil Mr. Vosbrough.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is lots of action in every chapter. In each chapter the characters are taking chances, defending themselves, or running for their lives. For me, from the first page, it was suspend disbelief and hang on for the ride!
Although this novel could be read by itself, most readers would enjoy it more if it were read in sequence. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tin Swift by Devon Monk
Genre: Steampunk, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Setting: The American Western Frontier after the Civil War
First Sentence: Cedar Hunt stared down at his blood covered hands.
This novel is the second in Monk's The Age of Steam series. In this series Monk transports the Steampunk genre to the Old West. There are incredible machines. There are people with mystical abilities. A mysterious substance called Glim floats high above the Earth.
An evil power called the Strange in infiltrating the world. The Strange can turn the dead into unstoppable zombie-like killers. A device called the Holder can focus and control the Strange. The Holder is divided into seven parts. If all of the Holder's parts are assembled it would bestow upon its possessor terrible evil power.
Fortunately, there are those who are working to prevent the Holder from falling into the wrong hands. Cedar Hunt has been cursed with the power to sense the Holder. He strives to control a wolf-like power which threatens to control him. His brother Wil has been transformed into a wolf. When the moon is full, he returns to his human form. Captain Hink is a federal marshal who has been sent by the president to discover the whereabouts of the Holder. The Madder brothers, who can devise unique machines and weapons, search for the Holder, but they need Cedar Hunt's senses to find it.
Unfortunately, there are those who wish to control the Strange with the Holder. Mr. Shunt is one of these. Mr. Shunt is part human and part machine. Almost impossible to kill, he craves the Holder to maintain his evil existence.
Will Cedar Hunt, and his companions, find the Holder and prevent Mr. Shunt from controlling its power?
This novel was a slow read for me. The first half of the plot had many episodes which added characters but did not seem to advance the plot. When the crucial battles finally arrive, the pace picks up and the plot resolves in an entertaining manner.
It was an OK second book of a series, but not as good as the first. Hopefully, the next book will be better.
Tin Swift
Check out my new e-book!
Setting: The American Western Frontier after the Civil War
First Sentence: Cedar Hunt stared down at his blood covered hands.
This novel is the second in Monk's The Age of Steam series. In this series Monk transports the Steampunk genre to the Old West. There are incredible machines. There are people with mystical abilities. A mysterious substance called Glim floats high above the Earth.
An evil power called the Strange in infiltrating the world. The Strange can turn the dead into unstoppable zombie-like killers. A device called the Holder can focus and control the Strange. The Holder is divided into seven parts. If all of the Holder's parts are assembled it would bestow upon its possessor terrible evil power.
Fortunately, there are those who are working to prevent the Holder from falling into the wrong hands. Cedar Hunt has been cursed with the power to sense the Holder. He strives to control a wolf-like power which threatens to control him. His brother Wil has been transformed into a wolf. When the moon is full, he returns to his human form. Captain Hink is a federal marshal who has been sent by the president to discover the whereabouts of the Holder. The Madder brothers, who can devise unique machines and weapons, search for the Holder, but they need Cedar Hunt's senses to find it.
Unfortunately, there are those who wish to control the Strange with the Holder. Mr. Shunt is one of these. Mr. Shunt is part human and part machine. Almost impossible to kill, he craves the Holder to maintain his evil existence.
Will Cedar Hunt, and his companions, find the Holder and prevent Mr. Shunt from controlling its power?
This novel was a slow read for me. The first half of the plot had many episodes which added characters but did not seem to advance the plot. When the crucial battles finally arrive, the pace picks up and the plot resolves in an entertaining manner.
It was an OK second book of a series, but not as good as the first. Hopefully, the next book will be better.
Tin Swift
Check out my new e-book!
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Hidden Institute by Brand Gamblin
Genre: Science Fiction, Steampunk
Setting: Earth of the future
First Sentence: Lord Wheylan Simmons was not in attendance when his valet was murdered.
Brand Gamblin has created a unique universe for this interesting novel. There is advanced technology such as automatons and vehicles called jumpers. There are lunar colonies. However, the rich and powerful ride in carriages.
In Gamblin's world, the upper class consists of nobles: dukes, earls, princes and a king. The nobles' disdain of the lower class is so complete that even their servants and laborers must be of noble blood. There is no legal way for someone of the lower class to advance into the ranks of the nobles. For a lower class person to impersonate a noble is treason.
The Hidden Institute trains youths of the lower class in the ways of the nobles. They call it regentrification. Students learn how to eat, walk, and talk like a noble. When they graduate, students infiltrate the ranks of nobility as servants and skilled laborers although it is illegal to do so. Even the lowest noble servant makes significantly higher salary than a lower class worker.
In this novel, we follow the adventures of a lower class youth named Cliffy. Being a streetwise kid, Cliffy knows how to make the best of an interesting situation. By being in the right place at the right time, Cliffy gains entry to the Hidden Institute. There he learns to polish his language and behavior. He also learns about a secret society of assassins that use the institute to train its killers.
Can Cliffy successfully use his training to enter the noble class, and avoid the revenge of the assassins?
I enjoyed this novel. Cliffy's streetwise lingo reminded me of the youth gang slang in "Clockwork Orange." The Institute put me in mind of Hogwarts Academy. And, the steampunk counterpoint of technology and Victorian society is fun to read. Gamblin's universe is so unique that it could form the basis of a longer more complex novel.
It's a fun read, but it could have been better.
The Hidden Institute
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Earth of the future
First Sentence: Lord Wheylan Simmons was not in attendance when his valet was murdered.
Brand Gamblin has created a unique universe for this interesting novel. There is advanced technology such as automatons and vehicles called jumpers. There are lunar colonies. However, the rich and powerful ride in carriages.
In Gamblin's world, the upper class consists of nobles: dukes, earls, princes and a king. The nobles' disdain of the lower class is so complete that even their servants and laborers must be of noble blood. There is no legal way for someone of the lower class to advance into the ranks of the nobles. For a lower class person to impersonate a noble is treason.
The Hidden Institute trains youths of the lower class in the ways of the nobles. They call it regentrification. Students learn how to eat, walk, and talk like a noble. When they graduate, students infiltrate the ranks of nobility as servants and skilled laborers although it is illegal to do so. Even the lowest noble servant makes significantly higher salary than a lower class worker.
In this novel, we follow the adventures of a lower class youth named Cliffy. Being a streetwise kid, Cliffy knows how to make the best of an interesting situation. By being in the right place at the right time, Cliffy gains entry to the Hidden Institute. There he learns to polish his language and behavior. He also learns about a secret society of assassins that use the institute to train its killers.
Can Cliffy successfully use his training to enter the noble class, and avoid the revenge of the assassins?
I enjoyed this novel. Cliffy's streetwise lingo reminded me of the youth gang slang in "Clockwork Orange." The Institute put me in mind of Hogwarts Academy. And, the steampunk counterpoint of technology and Victorian society is fun to read. Gamblin's universe is so unique that it could form the basis of a longer more complex novel.
It's a fun read, but it could have been better.
The Hidden Institute
Check out my eBook!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy Fiction
Setting: New York in the 1880s.
In this steampunk novel, the City of New York has been protected for years by a group of superheroes called the Paragons. The Paragons use the power of mechanics and steam to enhance their physical abilities. Professor Dennis Darby is the genius behind their incredible steam powered machines. The members of the Paragons include the Industrialist, the Sleuth, the Iron Clad, the Submersible, and the Turbine. Working with the Paragons is Professor Darby's most incredible invention: the mechanical man called the Automaton. The Paragons have two major problems: they are getting on in age and at least two of them are traitors.
While inspecting the the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Professor Darby is assassinated. With him is Sarah Stanton, the daughter of the leader of the Paragons, and the Automaton. Sarah soon discovers that Professor Darby has been killed by members of an evil group called the Children of Eschaton. Members of this group include Bomb Lance, Rapid Fire, Doc Dynamite, and the enigmatic Lord Eschaton.
Sara wants to take an active role in investigating the crimes of the Children of Eschaton. However she is hindered by the common beliefs about how women are supposed to behave in the 1880s. Sara befriends the Automaton and together they begin to uncover the mystery of Lord Eschaton.
This is the first novel of a planned series of novels. The author introduces us to the characters and the setting. The plot lines are begun, but there are no resolutions. If this novel were a movie, it would end with "To Be Continued."
I enjoyed this book. I might even look for the second installment of the series to see what happens next. If you are into steampunk, this American version of the genre might be of interest.
The Society of Steam, Book One
The Falling Machine
The Society of Steam, Book Two
Hearts of Smoke and Steam
Setting: New York in the 1880s.
In this steampunk novel, the City of New York has been protected for years by a group of superheroes called the Paragons. The Paragons use the power of mechanics and steam to enhance their physical abilities. Professor Dennis Darby is the genius behind their incredible steam powered machines. The members of the Paragons include the Industrialist, the Sleuth, the Iron Clad, the Submersible, and the Turbine. Working with the Paragons is Professor Darby's most incredible invention: the mechanical man called the Automaton. The Paragons have two major problems: they are getting on in age and at least two of them are traitors.
While inspecting the the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Professor Darby is assassinated. With him is Sarah Stanton, the daughter of the leader of the Paragons, and the Automaton. Sarah soon discovers that Professor Darby has been killed by members of an evil group called the Children of Eschaton. Members of this group include Bomb Lance, Rapid Fire, Doc Dynamite, and the enigmatic Lord Eschaton.
Sara wants to take an active role in investigating the crimes of the Children of Eschaton. However she is hindered by the common beliefs about how women are supposed to behave in the 1880s. Sara befriends the Automaton and together they begin to uncover the mystery of Lord Eschaton.
This is the first novel of a planned series of novels. The author introduces us to the characters and the setting. The plot lines are begun, but there are no resolutions. If this novel were a movie, it would end with "To Be Continued."
I enjoyed this book. I might even look for the second installment of the series to see what happens next. If you are into steampunk, this American version of the genre might be of interest.
The Society of Steam, Book One
The Falling Machine
The Society of Steam, Book Two
Hearts of Smoke and Steam
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dead Iron by Devon Monk
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy
Setting: Oregon Territory in the age of steam.
Steampunk is one of the most exciting sub genres of fantasy fiction. Generally, these novels are set in Victorian England in the late 1800's. Steampunk novels envision a time when when steam engines powered by burning wood and coal are the dominant energy source. In these novels there are steam powered trains, airships, mechanical computers, and automatons. Often there are elements of the occult, alchemy, dark magic, and supernatural powers and beings.
Monk transports the steampunk genre into the American West. In her novel she combines the elements of steampunk and the Western. In the main character Cedar Hunt, we have the outsider with a tortured past. He has been burdened by an awful curse. And he is a hired gun. He is looked down upon by the people of the town. Yet they go to him when they need someone or something to die. His innate sense of honor forces him to undertake a dangerous mission that probably will cost him his life, without pay.
The railroad is soon to arrive in town. It comes with strange machines, strange goings on, and strange beings. The rail tycoon, Shard Lafel, has his own curse to deal with. Within days he must orchestrate the deaths of a witch, a wolf, and a child. If he is successful, he will control incredible evil power.
In the town there are other outcasts: the odd orphan girl who can hear nature and devise machines, the three brothers who work in a mine and suddenly appear at the most opportune times, the witch who vowed her soul to the town's only a black worker, and her husband who was killed three times yet wouldn't stay dead. Can all these outcasts with different powers find a way to defeat the evil that has invaded the town?
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series of novels which will explore the Old West through a steampunk lens. I liked Monk's writing style. She skips back and forth between her characters and moves the plot forward. The novel was a real page turner and I finished it too fast. I am going to watch for the next books in the series.
Dead Iron
Setting: Oregon Territory in the age of steam.
Steampunk is one of the most exciting sub genres of fantasy fiction. Generally, these novels are set in Victorian England in the late 1800's. Steampunk novels envision a time when when steam engines powered by burning wood and coal are the dominant energy source. In these novels there are steam powered trains, airships, mechanical computers, and automatons. Often there are elements of the occult, alchemy, dark magic, and supernatural powers and beings.
Monk transports the steampunk genre into the American West. In her novel she combines the elements of steampunk and the Western. In the main character Cedar Hunt, we have the outsider with a tortured past. He has been burdened by an awful curse. And he is a hired gun. He is looked down upon by the people of the town. Yet they go to him when they need someone or something to die. His innate sense of honor forces him to undertake a dangerous mission that probably will cost him his life, without pay.
The railroad is soon to arrive in town. It comes with strange machines, strange goings on, and strange beings. The rail tycoon, Shard Lafel, has his own curse to deal with. Within days he must orchestrate the deaths of a witch, a wolf, and a child. If he is successful, he will control incredible evil power.
In the town there are other outcasts: the odd orphan girl who can hear nature and devise machines, the three brothers who work in a mine and suddenly appear at the most opportune times, the witch who vowed her soul to the town's only a black worker, and her husband who was killed three times yet wouldn't stay dead. Can all these outcasts with different powers find a way to defeat the evil that has invaded the town?
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series of novels which will explore the Old West through a steampunk lens. I liked Monk's writing style. She skips back and forth between her characters and moves the plot forward. The novel was a real page turner and I finished it too fast. I am going to watch for the next books in the series.
Dead Iron
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Osiris Ritual by George Mann
Genre: Steam Punk, Science Fiction
It is early in the twentieth century. London is a city of clockwork automatons, steam powered vehicles, airships, and strange human-machine hybrids. Not to mention revenents infected with an exotic disease.
Queen Victoria is being kept alive by a mixture of science, chemicals and machines. Sir Maurice Newbury serves the Queen as a secret investigative agent. Newbury has some personal issues. Amongst these is an addiction to opiates. He is given the assignment of bringing in a rogue agent who died five years ago, but is still somehow alive. The clues he follows include an Egyptian mummy, missing women, the occult, and a mad scientist.
Newbury works with his trusted assistant, Veronica Hobbs. She too has secrets. Unknown to Newbury, she is also an agent of the Queen. And her sickly sister has visions of the future.
This book is the second of the Newbury and Hobbs Investigations series by George Mann. Mann moves the plot forward with plenty of action. He creates a London that is dismal with fog and coal smoke. Steam powered trains serve as urban rail. Mann's steam punk London is a mixture of advanced steam powered technology and horse powered Hansom cabs. The story, and the setting, make for a great read.
The first book in the series is The Affinity Bridge, also a great read.
It is early in the twentieth century. London is a city of clockwork automatons, steam powered vehicles, airships, and strange human-machine hybrids. Not to mention revenents infected with an exotic disease.
Queen Victoria is being kept alive by a mixture of science, chemicals and machines. Sir Maurice Newbury serves the Queen as a secret investigative agent. Newbury has some personal issues. Amongst these is an addiction to opiates. He is given the assignment of bringing in a rogue agent who died five years ago, but is still somehow alive. The clues he follows include an Egyptian mummy, missing women, the occult, and a mad scientist.
Newbury works with his trusted assistant, Veronica Hobbs. She too has secrets. Unknown to Newbury, she is also an agent of the Queen. And her sickly sister has visions of the future.
This book is the second of the Newbury and Hobbs Investigations series by George Mann. Mann moves the plot forward with plenty of action. He creates a London that is dismal with fog and coal smoke. Steam powered trains serve as urban rail. Mann's steam punk London is a mixture of advanced steam powered technology and horse powered Hansom cabs. The story, and the setting, make for a great read.
The first book in the series is The Affinity Bridge, also a great read.
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