Book Review: Nick Valentino - Thomas Riley and The Maelstrom - Zova Books

                     

It has been over two years since I last had the pleasure of reading Nick's first book 'Thomas Riley'. Therefore, I was really looking forward to getting acquainted with the characters again and finding out was going to happen next in the story as Nick takes us back into the steampunk realm in this second eventful adventure with Thomas Riley.

After just a few pages, I found my feet really quickly with the characters and ploughed through this story like a whirlpool full of airships. It's still full of advanced steam powered technologies and fantastical science/tech weapons and gadgets that will blow your mind. It's all told in fantastic great detail, which I found very descriptive and amazingly imaginative from the delights of the airships and rampaging battles. It's fuelled by high octane action where stakes are high, it will have you gripped to the airships steering wheel on a straight course to the deadly perils ahead. 

'Thomas Riley and Cynthia Basset's adventures in their steampunk world have turned down a dark path. After an assassination attempt, the West Canvian heroes receive a message from a mysterious woman about the whereabouts of Cynthia's missing suitor and famous sky pirate, Sam Burges. Cynthia insists on pursuing the lead despite great risk, so the two of them take off with a rogue colonial sky pirate and his eclectic crew to find the man that she loves. On their journey, Thomas and Cynthia learn that Sam has joined with their enemies, the Lemurians, under the supervision of the mad man, Doctor Wolfgang Gerhard. To make matters worse, Sam is in a commanding position on board the secret airship, The Maelstrom, that has the ability to control the weather in a most nefarious way. Thomas and Cynthia's loyalty to their country and to each other are laid on the line in this steampunk tale of love, loss and adventure.'

My favourite element of the story included the colonial sky pirate and the eclectic crew. The story lines connecting these characters were particularly colourful and well thought out. Each character could have easily had a greater spotlight with more explanation into their backgrounds. Perhaps these might be further expanded upon through the next story - I would be particularly interested to read more about Cale and his endeavours on the Seychelles Island. 

Perhaps the only slight disappointment of this book was the ending. I have to state that this is only my opinion, and was purely based on the fact that I was hoping for it to be different and end how I wanted it to. This didn't mean that it wasn't appropriate or effective, but it just meant a slight adjustment from the way that I thought it was going to finish.

Unfortunately, this is not a book that you will come across sitting on the shelves of an ordinary bookshop. However, I do strongly recommend that you really try to get hold of a copy through either the publishing company (Zova Books) or a signed copy through the author's website. Here This is yet another fantastic epic tale that will continue to grab your imagination with full throttle. Full Steampunk ahead.....

Book Review: William Alexander - Goblin Secrets - UK Post - Published by Much-in-Little

                                         

I bought this book purely on the book cover as you probably know that I'm a sucker for a good front cover. In fact I was drawn in purely on this alone..... Perhaps a question that might be asked is did the cover live up to the story within? I have to say that it did ...

I didn't know anything about the author or the book before I started reading. Therefore, I was very interested to see how it would read. The first thing that I noticed from the start was its cast of colourful characters that leapt off the page. They were very interesting to read and intriguing to follow. 

The author soon sets out his stall in building a great setting. I immediately became immersed and lost within it. I have not read many books this year that will come close to establishing such a great setting. The author has skilfully dreamt up a place of awe and one that I enjoyed visiting and being apart of very much. 

Equally, I loved the unique and original ideas - these are becoming harder to find as so many books are now being published. However, they really worked within this story. The distinctive language had a style of its own that flowed through the pages. This perhaps holds similarities with the great writer, Catherynne M Valente, who also has a similar style of writing. Every page you read makes you think and evaluate the story. The heart of the book is very complex and at times I wasn't sure whether I was grasping what the author was intending. Therefore, I found myself revisiting certain parts of the book, but it was a good for me to do this as I did not want to miss anything by rushing through the pages.

I was really intrigued by the masks coming to life - this section was fascinating to read as it gave the story a real fantasy element. Look out for the great guest post I have coming up by the author, Thursday 25 July 2013 "The Importance of Masks" which might help you pick up a copy and give it a try.  

The idea of the inhabitants of Zombay running around with clock work parts, gears and sprockets to fix the human body was a particularly cool concept. It injected the story with a slight steampunk theme, and one that I really loved reading. 

There is a lot going on within so few pages. In fact once the story comes to an end, you will want to start the book all over again. This book is like a clockwork automaton as it runs on its very own magic right up to the end. This is a book for the reader who enjoys the power of words and a great story. A recommended book for definite, now published in the UK.

• Publisher: Much-in-Little (18 July 2013)

Book Review: Liesel Schwarz - A Conspiracy Of Alchemist - Book Review

                                               

On a recent trip to Paris, I visited my favourite Parisian bookshop, Shakespeare & Company, situated in the breath-taking region of Notre Dame Cathedral. It was an especially welcomed visit on a particularly cold and rainy day. This was the first book that I selected fron the vast shelves of books. The cracking book cover first drew me in. However, it soon turned out to be a book that I particularly liked the sound of. Interestingly, the book begins in Paris in 1903 - that'sfate if you ask me! It will come as no surprise that I really needed to read this book during my wonderful stay. 

This is the first book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. It is a brilliant debut book that encompasses so many fantastic elements into one book. It is based around a nineteenth century gothic setting which is particularly mesmerising to read. It has so much distinctive details that it will take your breath away. The fantastic steampunk elements are set in the golden age of steam with spark reactors powering nearly everything from airships to the coffee machine on the Orient Express. 

The Light and Shadow realms are weaved into the real world - spirited fairies mingling with the Nightwalkers. This brings a much needed supernatural element to the book that will give readers a lot of enjoyment. Blood-thirsty in nature, they roam the dark hours of the night and walk openly among the unsuspecting populace reeking havoc.

The mysterious Mr March is a human Warlock who lives for centuries. However, he showed no particular magical powers throughout the book and, in my opinion, needed perhaps a little bit more spark to do the role justice. The Alchemists on the other hand were great fun to read about as they plotted to unleash a magical apocalypse.  Stylishly written in a particularly imaginative and creative way they really add to the story. 

Elle Chance is the main character - she shares her perspectives and feelings throughout the story. She creates an inner glow that is radiated through every page and leaves you feeling very content. She's a particularly feisty female in charge of her own business - a small flight freight service. However, one day, a cargo that was supposed to be delivered sends her life through a changing set of events. These prove to be pretty spectacular events that hold some punchy twists and turns.

The books attention to detail really makes it stand out and makes for a fantastic reading experience. The only thing that perhaps let this book down was the romantic liaison between the two lead characters. It got a little too much towards the end of the book. I would have preferred to have seen a different approach as it spoilt it a little bit. Nevertheless, this book is a fantastic read full of surprises. As part of a series, I hope that the next book will deliver another eclectic mix of all things good. 

Published February 7th 2013 by Del Rey

Sharon Gosling - The Diamond Thief - Book Review - Published By Curios Fox

Today for review is one of the first books to be published by Curious Fox. This is a new imprint offering young readers, of all ages, creative and jaw-droppingly enjoyable books. These books promise to take readers on a journey of new adventures and experiences. Therefore, with this statement in mind, can these books deliver that promise or not?

With curiosity stated as a focus of the publishing company, The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling is my first opportunity to test the waters. Overall, the production of the book sparkles to match the title. It shines out to the potential reader through the very attractive book cover. However, is the content equivalent to a shiny gem or a bit of rusty old copper in need of a polish? 

The start of the book is particularly good - it wastes no time in setting up the murky waters of the Thames and the smoky hard times of Victorian London. Sharon has the great ability to paint a picture for you to visualise.

Remy is the main protagonist in the book; she is fantastically written and very likeable. Plucky in spirit, she is portrayed very well by making the reader want the best for her. As a result, we are treated to some interesting twists and turns, and some fantastic reading moments.

At points in the book you are hit with little steampunk elements. Whilst the great action scenes will have you lapping up the pages. The introduction of the mysterious Professor and his amazing lab certainly starts to get the ball rolling. In fact one of my favourite scenes involves the Professor and his gas pistol. The idea of the micro transmitting/tracking device that he uses not only creates a great effect, but is also really cool! 

From this point on the book goes into overdrive - making for a more gripping and imaginative read. Abernathy's plotted scheme comes to light. The underground chambers and an array of crazy metal monsters are well thought out. Although they could have perhaps had a little bit more focus at times. Nevertheless, the story still weaves its magic on the reader and will leave you wanting more.

Sadly, I have encountered just a couple of issues with the story. Firstly, I felt that in some places the author took a slightly safe route. For example one of the characters is trapped and suddenly develops a magical and mysterious ability out of nowhere. Interestingly, the character is able to help them escape in the nick of time. Finally, the relationship between Rémy and another leading character, Thaddeus Rec, was also an issue for me. I think the author managed to focus on this too much at the end of the book, and it just became too overpowering for me. I felt that it stole, what could have been, a really brilliant ending.

I really enjoyed reading this book and actually didn't want to stop reading it in order to go to work. It has shiny amounts of storyline and a sparkle of creative ideas which are full of promise. The ending perhaps needs a little bit of polish. However, this author is certainly one to watch in the future.

Published By Curios Fox, 14 February 2013 - ISBN-13: 978-1782020134

Gareth L. Powell - Ack-Ack Macaque - Book Review

                                          

Warning: This book contains graphic scenes of violence and language which is definitely not suitable for anyone under the age of sixteen.

From time to time I dip my toes into the pond and when the waves ripple then you will occasionally find me reading a book written for adults. On even rarer occasions, you may even find that I actually like it. Therefore, when this happens, I feel that I should rightfully review it; tapping the keys at this very moment I shall summarise my thoughts and feelings about this particular book. It will then be put to rest in the archive of book reviews (otherwise known as Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books library!)  

I have actually read a slightly different version of Ack-Ack Macaque a few years ago. At the time, I felt that it needed a little bit more personality and meat to it. If you're not familiar with the short story (Interzone - fiction magazine) then you may not have realised or understand why I would say this. Especially as this newer version is absolutely amazing and fantastic; the book title is also ingenious and, just like the author, I love to say it out loud. It just rolls off the tongue and makes you smile - just like the book itself. 

I love books that are firmly set in a Sci-fantasy world. This story begins in the futuristic world of 2058, where power has shifted to a stronger European commonwealth due to a merger in the late 1950's. Nuclear-powered Zeppelins, the threat of world war and the total destruction of the world is all in existence. There is a mad cult named the Undying and a twisted, power-crazed woman named Celeste, who is behind a manic plot to rule a new world. What more do you want? Well, I could begin to mention Ack-Ack Macaque and his life through the virtual world, but I really don't want to say too much more about this at this point.

The main character, Ack-Ack Macaque, is written particularly well and each scene has been very well planned and thought out. He is definitely unique when it comes to being an all action-hero. He is one that you will love to read about - a cynical, one-eyed, cigar-chomping monkey who particularly likes to kick ass whenever he gets the chance. He's a Spitfire pilot, who has a penchant for daiquiri and bananas, and shoots down anything from German aircraft to parachuting Ninjas. You may think that this sounds really cool and you'd be right...! 

Equally, you might be thinking at this point that this sounds a tad cheesy, but Gareth really has written a belter of a plot. It really does leave you gripped - there is certainly more to this story then just Ack- Ack. Although for me, he really does play a crucial and innovative part. Nevertheless, the story is also plagued with evil - characters such as Berg, who steals brains and electronic soles. He injects a particularly darker side to the story; he really will make your skin and flesh crawl. Parts of the story are very graphic in detail - an element that captivated me as it gave the story a hearty punch in the right direction.   

This is an action-packed story full of colossal ideas and a host of great characters - some that you will instantly love and others that you really won't. The story is very detailed; it quickly thumps along to its own rhythm. It has originality in spades and buckets full of tension; it's a fantastic world in what could be. I really connected with this book and loved every minute of it. It has a great ending which does not let you down. Instead it lets the mind stew on what may happen next, if anything. This is the best book that I have read in a very long time from the adult Sci-Fi world - I look forward to visiting this world again in the not to distant future. 

Published by Solaris - Jan 2013

Alex Keller - Why I decided to write a steampunk series: Guest Post

I'd just like to thank Alex again for spending time writing another blog post.  I hope this insight of his journey into writing a steampunk genre-esk novel may tempt people to read it. Especially for those people who may not have read either of the first two books in this exciting new series.

I had never intended to write a “steampunk” book when I started to plan what eventually would become Haywired.  I think at the beginning I wasn't even aware of what steampunk even was!  What I wanted to do was write a story that, at least for me, felt different to other children's books I had read.

When I began writing, my aim was to write a fantasy novel but not include some of the more common ideas you find in fantasy stories.  I didn't want a boy with some kind of prophecy attached to him as the main character, or a system of magic that required simply the uttering of some words for miraculous things to occur.  I don't have any problem with these ideas in general, but they have been used a lot and I didn't think I could do anything with these ideas that would make my stories different from what what already out there.  

So instead I decided to have magical elements appear in my stories in the form of machines and technology.  I had always liked the idea of the mad scientist and using machinery meant I could have some incredibly strange and wondrous things happening while the characters remained very much human.  The inspiration for this came from authors like Philip Reeve, but at the time I had no idea what genre I was writing in.  It was new and different for me and that was good enough. 

As time went on I learned that the type of story I was writing sometimes came under a genre called “steampunk”. When I learned this, I did a bit of research into what steampunk was and I liked what I saw.  I didn't change the book particularly to make sure it fitted the “steampunk” genre (there are no airships and it's not an alternative history), but I was more than happy to have Haywired placed in this genre if others were happy to label it as such. For me, Steampunk is elaborate, intricate, weird, and ridiculous all at the same time and I think Haywired reflects those themes well. 

                              

Please check out the author's new web site for more information on the Haywired books and signings http://alexkellerbooks.com/

Alex Keller - Re:Wired - BK2 - Book Review

          

• Pages - 166
• Publisher - Mogzilla
• Date - 7 April 2011
• Age - 10+
• Isbn - 9781906132347 

An old family, torn from power, wants to rule again. But their heir is dead, and only one man can give them a new one: Mandrake von Guggenstein. In the thrilling sequel to Haywired, brothers Ludwig and Hephaestus are once again drawn into their father's machinations as they hunt for "Grilsgarter", a strange creature and harbinger of a nightmare future. It has come to collect on their father's promises. As the ghosts of von Guggenstein past catch up with the present, the brothers find themselves at the ends of the earth, desperate to stop a terrible war that will tear their home apart.

It's another book packed full of explosive encounters and fast paced action. It has lots of exciting twists and turns to keep any reader hooked. The author slowly reveals all of his cards by the end of the story. However, he doesn't always take the easy options - he certainly makes some major decisions towards the end, but at this point I'll say no more.

As I was reading this book, I got the sense that the author was particularly well read. I felt that the imaginative plot line that he has developed may have been influenced by some of the books that he has read over time. The author has a great foot in the fantasy world door with each book blossoming into a real winner. However, I would really like to see the author write a longer novel - maybe around the 300 page mark and not the current 160 page mark, so that the reader can really get their teeth stuck into it. Whilst I recognise that the writing is aimed at the 8-12 year age bracket, I feel a longer story would also enable more detail to be included and a greater complexity of plot to be experimented with. This would then appeal to an older audience, although many young and old fans are already enjoying this series.

For anyone who enjoys a good story with an abundant amount of imagination and some of the most interesting characters you'll find, then this is the book for you. It incorporates some great action and 'crazy' fighting scenes, and some fantastically strange machines that will keep you intrigued right to the very end. Please pick up a copy of this book, read it and then pass it on to your friends - you won't be disappointed. 

Watch out for the guest post coming soon from Alex. In the meantime, check out my book review for the first book 'Haywired'. Thanks for reading this post, and as always, I look forward to your comments.                          

Arthur Slade - The Dark Deeps:The Hunchback Assignments - Book Review

  

We find ourselves back again for the second book in this series. In this book, Modo sets off on another mission as a British secret agent, he is their secret weapon. He has the power to change his face and appearance, this enables him to become a special member of "The Association"- formed to protect Britannia from outside enemies. The start of this book finds Modo heading straight into action, it begins well for the first three chapters. However after this, the story starts to go little flat but incredibly this actually enhances the story! I'm not sure if this was a clever ploy on behalf of the author but when you actually get to the heart of the story, it turns into a brilliant piece of storytelling.

The book takes a rapid turn of events when Modo falls overboard; the ship he is sailing on comes under attack. At this point the story is injected with amazing detail, in fact this would not be out of place within a Jules Verne adventure.  I found this book to be a very enjoyable read - Arthur has brought lots of traditional ideas together such as an underwater city and an invisible man. He has used these to great effect by creating a unique world that takes you back in time.

The book still runs on a smarting of steampunk snippets - the Clockwork Guild leaps back into the fray allowing the story to become an action packed sea exploration. The detailed descriptions of the gadgets and gizmo's in this book are very engaging. Whilst the eclectic mix of characters show a diverse range of personal traits and emotions which enable the reader to interact with them.

This series is getting better with each book - I would love to see it published in the UK as I feel it would do really well. The next book due to be published is the Empire of Ruins which has an amazing book cover. In fact keep your eye on this website, as this cover could easily find its way into the 2010 'Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars'.

Please vote on heat one of Mr Ripley's Echanted Book Cover War's at the top of the page.  All your votes  are important to me and the author,and you could win a signed copy of Charlie Higson book "The Enemy". by leaving a comment.
Can anyone remember who won it last year?

Cherie Priest - Clementine - A Novel of the Clockwork Century - Book Review

                                      
I first came across Cherie's writing after reading 'Boneshaker', which I really loved. Apparently, I'm not the only one who did, as it has been nominated for a Hugo award, which I believe is well deserved . Therefore, I had to get myself a copy of her new book, so I pre-ordered one well in advance from the publisher - Subterranean press in the U.S. I was delighted when I finally managed to get my excited little hands on one.  

The first thing about Subterranean press is that they, in my opinion, publish some of the best books which have been written by exceptionally great writers. The finished copies are extremely well put together, and at times, could be described as an object of beauty.

If you are able to, I would recommend tracking down this book. However, it is written for the older reader, and at times, contains some strong content. 

The book has a mild Steampunk theme but not as much as in 'Boneshaker'. It is written in the same vain but is much shorter in page content and with less detailed background content. The storyline is compact, keeping the reader focused on the story of the main characters. One of these is Maria, who is a triumph within the book. She's a great feisty female, that no-one wants to mess with, but she's a very enjoyable character to read about. However, I would have liked to have a read a slightly longer book, so that Cherie could have explored the world she really loves to write about in more detail. This would have given the extra edge that fans of this genre so long for. Perhaps they will find this within her other book 'Dreadnought', which will be published later this month, through Tor Books.

The book is definitely another great read. Cherie delivers another fantastical book, bringing adventures full of wild imagination to the forefront. A rush of air blows through your ears, as the airship battles are unleashed on the unsuspecting reader. Another great Steampunk adventure that packs a punch on paper.

Another book you may like is John Scalzi - The God Engines - Published last year.

Book Synopsis:

Maria Isabella Boyd's success as a Confederate spy has made her too famous for further espionage work, and now her employment options are slim. Exiled, widowed, and on the brink of poverty...she reluctantly goes to work for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago.

Adding insult to injury, her first big assignment is commissioned by the Union Army. In short, a federally sponsored transport dirigible is being violently pursued across the Rockies and Uncle Sam isn't pleased. The Clementine is carrying a top secret load of military essentials--essentials which must be delivered to Louisville, Kentucky, without delay.

Intelligence suggests that the unrelenting pursuer is a runaway slave who's been wanted by authorities on both sides of the Mason-Dixon for fifteen years. In that time, Captain Croggon Beauregard Hainey has felonied his way back and forth across the continent, leaving a trail of broken banks, stolen war machines, and illegally distributed weaponry from sea to shining sea.

And now it s Maria's job to go get him.

He's dangerous quarry and she's a dangerous woman, but when forces conspire against them both, they take a chance and form an alliance. She joins his crew, and he uses her connections. She follows his orders. He takes her advice.

And somebody, somewhere, is going to rue the day he crossed either one of them.

Alex Keller - Haywired - Book Review

It has been some time since I have had the opportunity to read a book published by Mogzilla, so it was great to be able to read this one. Especially as I had had my eye on this book for a little while. The book cover that has been illustrated/designed by Rachel is absolutely fabulous; it starts a guessing game as to what the story is going to be about. The central image is quite bizarre but very intriguing - it certainly catches the eye. In the quiet village of Little Wainesford, Ludwig Von Guggenstein is about to have his unusual existence turned inside out. When he and his father are blamed for a fatal accident during the harvest, a monstrous family secret is revealed. Soon Ludwig will begin to uncover diabolical plans that span countries and generations while ghoulish machines hunt him down. He must fight for survival, in a world gone haywire. Once you start reading this book you immediately find yourself immersed in a steampunk bubble. I personally, love the steampunk genre, so it had a hard act to follow and yet in someways it actually exceeded the precedence already set. The characters in the book are extremely well developed - the author's imaginative creativity really brings them to life. The monstrous creatures, known as HELOT's in this book, are a fine example as to what the future may bring. These machines were invented for war and therefore crush any enemy that gets in their way; making some great murderous and memorable encounters.They have you quaking in your boots.  The book has lots of great twists and turns - the story is cranked up to various levels but threads beautifully together. The fight for survival brings out the darker side of the story, which keeps you on the edge of your robotic pants. Themes of science and superstition run throughout the story adding yet another layer to the story, which worked really well for me. As the book came to an explosive end I was wanting more, in fact it could have done with a little more detail in some places and perhaps a period setting - this may help in appealing to a wider readership as at the moment I feel it is perhaps limiting itself. This is a great start to this adventure series, the next instalment is entitled Rewired. I will be looking forward to it next spring when it it is due to be published. Suggested age range is 11+ Published by http://www.mogzilla.co.uk -  1 September 2010

Philip Reeve - A Web Of Air (Mortal Engines) - Book Review

Book Review

It's always a pleasure to read any book by Philip Reeve, and even more so when it's the sixth novel in the amazing Mortal Engines series - a stunning sequel to Fever Crumb. I'd like to say a big thank you to the lovely people at Scholastic for sending me this book. I felt incredibly privileged to have been able to read this book so early on in it's publishing life.

The book certainly lived up to my expectation, and even exceeded it. However, I don't want to give too much away regarding the story, as I definitely wouldn't want to spoil your enjoyment of reading it first hand. 

The story contains all of the non-stop action and detail that you would expect. Elements of SteamPunk are still evident throughout this book,but not as much as the other books.

The book is beautifully written and has a slightly different approach to that of the other five books. It has a poetic feel which places more emphasis on the different character relationships, an aspect that hasn't really been explored previously.

I love the incredibly detailed writing that Phillip uses to describe the funiculars. These are whole neighbourhoods which slide up and down crater walls - mansions which rise each evening into sunlight and clear air, before descending once more (at dawn) back into the city's heart. What a great idea.

The story is written against the breathtaking backdrop of Mayda, a place steeped in culture and tradition, making the foundations for a great epic slice of fantasy. The story unfolds with ease - but I wouldn't expect anything less from one of the finest writers at the moment in children's literature. I was gripped by every page until the very end, as this is an amazing book and one I shall visit again and again. I  recommend this book to everyone, even if you have not read any other of the books, as it will still work as a stand alone. All that I need now is a new book in the Larklight series - that will make my year!

Published by Scholastic Children's book April 2010

Arthur Slade - The Hunchback Assignments - Steampunk Adventure

MR Ripley Say's
A gripping new series combines Steampunk, spying, and a fantastic Victorian London. WOULD LIKE A REVIEW FOR THIS. My copy has been lost in a victorian post office in London on a clockwork gizmo,waited to be delivered by an automated robot. Hopefully I will get my copy for that festive time called "PUNKMAS".

"You will always be ugly," Mr. Socrates had regularly reminded him over the years. "Always. But you are better able to adapt than any chameleon. Be thankful for it."

More about this author at www.arthurslade.com




Synopsis The mysterious Mr. Socrates rescues Modo, a child in a traveling freak show. Modo is a hunchback with an amazing ability to transform his appearance, and Mr. Socrates raises him in isolation as an agent for the Permanent Association, a spy agency behind Brittania’s efforts to rule the empire. At 14, Modo is left on the streets of London to fend for himself. When he encounters Octavia Milkweed, another Association agent, the two uncover a plot by the Clockword Guild behind the murders of important men. Furthermore, a mad scientist is turning orphan children into automatons to further the goals of the Guild. Modo and Octavia journey deep into the tunnels under London and discover a terrifying plot against the British government. It’s up to them to save their country.

Cherie Priest - Boneshaker - (A Steampunk Adventure) Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This is a new author to me and I was interested to read the book after visiting another website. The synopsis sounded very good and I loved the last 'SteamPunk' adventure I read.

The book is set in the civil war period where a machine goes on a malfunction underground rampage and brings down Seattle's Banking District, causing mass destruction. In the process it uncovers a vein of 'Blight Gas' which turns everyone who breathes it into the living-dead; intent on killing and eating human flesh. A great build-up to some magical 'SteamPunk' adventure. 

The world Cherie has depicted is one of immense quality and every page read leaves you wanting more. This is a boneshaker of a ride with airships, Zombies and colourful characters that are all well written. The gruesome and gory scenes are depicted realistically and in a terrifying way. 

It's fast paced with lots of action, it has great imagination and I really recommend this book to older readers who might be seeking another outing in the fantasy world of Steampunk. I give this book five out of five - a darn skippy read!

Cherie has a second novel in the series entitled 'Dreadnought' which is coming in 2010 with Tor. Also to come is Clementine which is expected to be published by Subterranean Press 2010.

To find more about the author and her books please take a look at her web site. cmpriest.livejournal.com.

Also you may want to try Paolo Bacigalupi - The Windup Girl published by Night Shade Books (September 15, 2009)

Book Synopsis
In the early days of the Civil War, rumors of gold in the frozen Klondike brought hordes of newcomers to the Pacific Northwest. Anxious to compete, Russian prospectors commissioned inventor Leviticus Blue to create a great machine that could mine through Alaska’s ice. Thus was Dr. Blue’s Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine born.

But on its first test run the Boneshaker went terribly awry, destroying several blocks of downtown Seattle and unearthing a subterranean vein of blight gas that turned anyone who breathed it into the living dead.

Now it is sixteen years later, and a wall has been built to enclose the devastated and toxic city. Just beyond it lives Blue’s widow, Briar Wilkes. Life is hard with a ruined reputation and a teenaged boy to support, but she and Ezekiel are managing. Until Ezekiel undertakes a secret crusade to rewrite history.

His quest will take him under the wall and into a city teeming with ravenous undead, air pirates, criminal overlords, and heavily armed refugees. And only Briar can bring him out alive.

Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan - Illustrated By Keith Thompson - Book Review

Book Review

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld is a novel of alternate history, bringing 'steampunk' to younger readers where he successfully blends the future and past incredibly well. Fact and fiction has been used cleverly throughout this book, making the story a memorable read.

The story follows the lives of Deryn and Alek. Deryn is a young woman desperate to join the Air Men of the Darwinists Army (British Empire/France). With the help of her brother, she disguises herself as a boy and joins the fight. She has excellent Air Sense, which is a must for the Darwinists, since their main type of weaponry are flying airships made of living animals, with each animal in the ecosystem playing its part. The Leviathan is an airship made up of a countless number of animals - from the smallest microscopic animal to a giant whale that contains everything. In this world, the Clanker Powers (Germany) use machines we would just about recognise today - except that lots of them have legs. The Darwinists (Britain) use DNA-fabricated animals. So the war is recast as mechanics against biotech. We have two central characters - Aleksander, son of the murdered archduke and on the run from his own Clanker people, and Deryn, a girl who's disguised as a boy in order to join the British Air Service so she could work with beasties, and who has crash landed where she shouldn't. From completely different backgrounds, they're forced to fight together against a surprisingly common enemy.

The world buildingis some the best I have read, with spectacular machinery and  a fabulous imagination  - all brought to life with wonderful Keith Thompson illustrations which add amazing depth to the journey.

The book doesn't quite end with a bang and it leaves the reading wanting answers and looking forward to the next book. I give this five out of five please can I have the next book please.

Other books you may like are Philip Reeve's - Mortal Engines and Larklight.

Book Synopsis 
The year is 1914 and Europe, armed with futuristic machines and biotechnology, is on the precipice of war. Prince Aleksandar is fleeing for his life, having discovered that his parents have been assassinated and that he is now a target for the Clanker Powers, a group determined to take over the globe with their mechanical machinery. They will stop at nothing to get what they want, so Alek knows his only choice is to keep on running. When he meets Deryn Sharpe, an orphan girl who has disguised herself as a boy so she can to join the British Air Service, they form an uneasy, but necessary, alliance. But the pair will soon discover that their emerging friendship will dramatically change their lives and the entire course of the Great World War... 

Book Published by Simon & Schuster Children's (1 Oct 2009)

About the Author

Scott Westerfeld is me. I’m the author of five science fiction novels for adults. I’ve also been an occasional ghost writer, which is like driving someone else’s car really, really fast for lots of money. (I could tell you what famous authors I ghost-wrote for, but then I’d have to kill you.)