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Cuttlefish
by
Dave Freer (Goodreads Author)
The smallest thing can change the path of history.
The year is 1976, and the British Empire still spans the globe. Coal drives the world, and the smog of it hangs thick over the canals of London.
Clara Calland is on the run. Hunted, along with her scientist mother, by Menshevik spies and Imperial soldiers, they flee Ireland for London. They must escape airships, treachery...more
The year is 1976, and the British Empire still spans the globe. Coal drives the world, and the smog of it hangs thick over the canals of London.
Clara Calland is on the run. Hunted, along with her scientist mother, by Menshevik spies and Imperial soldiers, they flee Ireland for London. They must escape airships, treachery...more
Hardcover, 299 pages
Published
July 26th 2012
by Pyr for the Young Adult reader
(first published July 1st 2012)
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In an alternative history, the secret to the mass production of ammonia is still a secret to humanity as of 1953, and so the main fuel used is coal. Supplies are starting to run low, and the amount of soot and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has led to the Great Melt, which has raised sea levels high enough to make most of London a city of canals. The British Empire still runs the world, but its hold on power is growing tenuous as various famines and resource wars spring up. Enter young Tim, wh...more
Though written for the YA (Young Adult) crowd, this 53 year-old thoroughly enjoyed it. Having said that, I have a weakness for the steampunk genre as many of you know. Still, I think that the book makes for an entertaining Summer-time read.
Britain dominates a world suffering from global warming as the result of its use of coal. At a certain point the leadership decided that it is better to rule a watery hell than to serve the people, a very Paradise Lost mentality. I guess that they are plenty o...more
Britain dominates a world suffering from global warming as the result of its use of coal. At a certain point the leadership decided that it is better to rule a watery hell than to serve the people, a very Paradise Lost mentality. I guess that they are plenty o...more
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Mr. Freer is a former Marine Biologist and was conscripted (at 17!) as a Medic in the Angdan/South African conflict. He's done all sorts of interesting (sometimes weird) jobs and you can read all about him on his website: www.davefreer.com. Oh yeah, don't be startled by the burly wild man in the photos - that's Mr. Freer!
CUTTLEFISH is a steampunk novel set in 1976. There has been a disastrous global warming and much of the world...more
Mr. Freer is a former Marine Biologist and was conscripted (at 17!) as a Medic in the Angdan/South African conflict. He's done all sorts of interesting (sometimes weird) jobs and you can read all about him on his website: www.davefreer.com. Oh yeah, don't be startled by the burly wild man in the photos - that's Mr. Freer!
CUTTLEFISH is a steampunk novel set in 1976. There has been a disastrous global warming and much of the world...more
I personally haven’t read many “Steampunk” books so I never really know what to expect when it comes to a genre I haven’t read much of, I know that sounds pretty obvious but you will be surprised just how often you can read something and feel like you’ve been reading it forever. With that said, I have really come to like the whole Steampunk thing.. It’s different and actually pretty interesting. I wouldn’t say that Cuttlefish is overly Steampunk or anything if that makes sense, but it is pretty...more
Dave Freer's Cuttlefish is absolutely astonishing! It's 1953 and the world is severely altered by the effects of the Melt. Parts of London are underwater, where old tunnels are inhabited by the Underpeople, and the western part of Australia is dry and sandy. The novel will entertain readers of all ages with it's underwater adventure, humor, and intriguing alternate history. The friendships forged over the course of the novel will no doubt extend to the readers who won't help but become fascinate...more
Cover Blurb: Yes or No? Honestly, no. For on thing, there’s what I am not calling “character impersonators” on the front, which I have never liked. It always spoils my own imaginings of what the characters look like. And for another, despite the awesome sail/submarine, the cover makes me a little bored.
Characters: I like that Clara, Protagonist No. 1, is as adventurous as she is. In an adventure story, it’s always good to have an adventurous protagonist. And Clara is astonishingly useful. But sh...more
Characters: I like that Clara, Protagonist No. 1, is as adventurous as she is. In an adventure story, it’s always good to have an adventurous protagonist. And Clara is astonishingly useful. But sh...more
This was cataloged for adults in my lib. but it's definitely a great teen read if you're a steampunk fan. The main characters are a teen boy & girl & I'm thinking there will be another book coming to continue the story. One quibble is that it is described as alternate history, giving two conflicting dates- 1953 & 1976- at the end of the book, the author states it takes place in 1953. What I loved about it most was the use of a submarine with unique power sources & a race across t...more
Not a bad little steampunk adventure. It's got the adventure and fun of a Cherie Priest novel, the character-building of a Jim Blaylock piece, and the Drowned World of a Stephen Baxter. All in all, it falls apart a bit toward sthe end, but it manages to be a good read most of the way through.
3.5/4 stars
Though the pacing was occasionally slow, I loved the two young protagonists. The last 50 pages kept me on the edge of my chair, and I could not put the book down. Dire peril chased after the submarine crew, with each hazard more deadly than the last. I am very much looking forward to more adventures with Tim and Clara.
Full review here: http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=6905
Though the pacing was occasionally slow, I loved the two young protagonists. The last 50 pages kept me on the edge of my chair, and I could not put the book down. Dire peril chased after the submarine crew, with each hazard more deadly than the last. I am very much looking forward to more adventures with Tim and Clara.
Full review here: http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=6905
I enjoyed the characters immensely, and the plot was interesting. But I felt that at times it was abrupt, and the ending felt a little rushed. But overall it was a fun read that I would recommend, to teens/adults who like adventurous books.
Fun book, good characters. Targeted at the YA audience, it has a depth that kept this mature reader engaged. I could easily see it being made into a movie.
It started off with a bang and kept right on going.
I really enjoyed this book and the thought that went into the world building. I'll be looking for more of Dave Freer's books.
I really enjoyed this book and the thought that went into the world building. I'll be looking for more of Dave Freer's books.
Slow-going at first, but good characters and story. Read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Based on some comments, I thought this book was steampunk. It is definitely alternate history with air ships and coal powered submarines, but there are no ray guns, mechanical prostitutes, or zombies.
I liked it. One nice twist is the villains--the British Empire, controlled by Imperial Intelligence. Cuttlefish is a good YA adventure story. Kent and Doc will both like it.
I liked it. One nice twist is the villains--the British Empire, controlled by Imperial Intelligence. Cuttlefish is a good YA adventure story. Kent and Doc will both like it.
Review to come!
Although written as a Y/A book, the Alternate History elements are fantastic. Cuttlefish exists in a steam powered world and the action takes place on a coal /steam propelled submarine.
Apr 30, 2013
Elizabeth K.
marked it as to-read
Mar 05, 2013
Melanie
marked it as to-read
Mar 02, 2013
Cara
marked it as to-read
Feb 20, 2013
Dana
marked it as to-read
Feb 19, 2013
SCPL Teens
marked it as to-read
Feb 17, 2013
Shveta Thakrar
marked it as to-read
Feb 06, 2013
Kent
marked it as to-read
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