**spoiler alert** I've read all of Carrigers' Parasol Protectorate books, so I was really looking forward to this. I was also let down.
There are a lot...more**spoiler alert** I've read all of Carrigers' Parasol Protectorate books, so I was really looking forward to this. I was also let down.
There are a lot of wonderful things going on here: flywaymen, a girls' school on a massive dirigible, lessons in etiquette and poison, Carriger's trademark dry wit. But Sophronia and some of the other characters felt too much like shadows of Parasol Protectorate characters. The relationship with her mother struck me as that way right at the start, as it felt way too familiar.
The pacing of the book also felt odd. Mind you, this is a young adult book, and it's bound to follow that school year structure best known now from the Harry Potter books. It started with lots of action as Sophronia has adventures on the way to school, and then she gets there and the tension drops off a cliff. Instead, it's all about petty sniping with their chief rival among the other girls, and the gradual formation of Sophronia's group of friends. It's slow. It feels like the main plot isn't allowed to proceed at all until the very end, where there's another torrent of action.
I'm also left wondering what the real point of the school is. I love the concept of the place, but many of the end results of "finishing" are left open. Some girls meet an evil scientist and get married sure, but what else? What do they DO?
I like the book, but there were so many bothersome elements that I don't think I'll continue the series.(less)
The Clockwork Century books are among my favorite steampunk series. This book was very slow to get going for me, and it took a long time for the two m...moreThe Clockwork Century books are among my favorite steampunk series. This book was very slow to get going for me, and it took a long time for the two main characters to come together. The book did irk me with the annoying 19th century cliche of "the harlot with a heart of gold"; too many books in that time period either use women as a doting mother or as a prostitute. Mind you, Priest is an excellent writer, and Josephine's character slowly grew on me. I really liked the male viewpoint, Cly, with his gruff way of looking at the world and his sweet regard for Briar back in Seattle.
The first and most famous book of this series, Boneshaker, darkly portrayed the city of Seattle as a wall-up city filled with noxious gas and killer zombies. As the series has gone on, it's explored the repercussions this had had across America--namely, that the zombie-causing gas can be filtered to a very potent drug, and that drug also turns people into zombies. It creates an interesting ripple effect and I'm curious about where Priest will take that development.
The most compelling element of Ganymede is the titular submarine. This is a subject of particular interest to me. I've been a Civil War buff since I was a kid, and I happened to be living in South Carolina in 2000 when the Hunley rose from the ocean and made its belated return to shore. In the world of the Clockwork Century, the Civil War has dragged on for twenty years, and Ganymede is part of Hunley's lineage. Priest did her research--and certainly twiddled with history--but Ganymede has a sense of realism to it.
In all, a good addition to the series, though the second book (Dreadnought) remains my favorite. (less)
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley.
I've been reading a lot of steampunk, and have been disappointed by a number of title...moreI received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley.
I've been reading a lot of steampunk, and have been disappointed by a number of titles. Some of them think throwing in a few airships and goggles is all the genre needs. This one hits the steampunk vibe just right; it's dark, it utilizes the technology, and it features a smart and savvy heroine who struggles against the expectations of propriety for a woman in her time. It's set in the Belle Epoch, only a few years into the 20th century, and jets all over Europe. The settings are fully realized, and it felt like Schwarz really did her research.
I confess, the book didn't grab me right away. It offered many curious elements in the first few chapters, such as absinthe fairies, but Elle as a heroine had to grow on me. For me, the book really picked up after she returned to England and endured several interesting complications there. Mr. Marsh didn't pique my curiosity at first, either, but his character grew in pleasant and complicated ways. The romantic element is gentle. Both characters grow together and grow up, but it's not a smooshy-face-kissy type of romance--good!
One of the things I liked best about the book was how it melded steampunk and magic on Earth. It's the sort of angle I enjoy in my own writing, and it was refreshing to see Schwarz's take on the subject.
In all, a good read, and I'd be curious to read on in the series.(less)
I've been trying to read lots of steampunk books; it seems that I either love them or can't stand them. This one is rare because it falls in the middl...moreI've been trying to read lots of steampunk books; it seems that I either love them or can't stand them. This one is rare because it falls in the middle: a well-written book that's a bit too weird for my tastes, but still enjoyable.
In this alternative Victorian England, Amerigo Vespucci discovered an Island of Caliban in the Caribbean. Intelligent lizard people there then took over, working their way into high British society and taking over the throne itself. There are many steampunk elements brought along with the higher technology of "Les Lizard," such as airships and automatons.
As I said, a weird.
It seems every major historical and literary character of the period also makes an appearance. This includes Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes, Karl Marx, and Jules Verne. I was reminded of Jasper Fforde's books, where the real and unreal blend into surreality. With massive lizards.
This isn't a keeper for my shelves, nor will I read on in the series, but it was a peculiar book and one I will remember. (less)
I have read many advance release copies of books in recent months. A numbers have been stinkers. I confess,...moreI received this ARC from Tor via Goodreads.
I have read many advance release copies of books in recent months. A numbers have been stinkers. I confess, I was jaded to get this one, wondering if it would be yet another disappointing.
Oooooh no.
This book blew me away. Not only is it one of the best books I have read this year, I found myself becoming increasingly more distraught as it neared the end. I kept forcing myself to stick my bookmark in so I could pause and savor the pages instead of rushing through.
So what makes this book so incredible?
Three Parts Dead is fresh. It's epic fantasy blended with steampunk blended with the darkness and fast pace of urban fantasy. The characters are brilliant, nuanced, and deeply flawed. The world-building is bizarre to the point of being almost too weird, but it doesn't cross that line. Gods die in this world. Tara, the main character, is trained in necromantic law: she utilizes the magic of stone and stars to read the legal agreements of gods. When documents are legally binding, they are bound in magic; I have never come across the like in a fantasy novel.
Also, I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this one is a beaut. Bless you, Tor, for showing Tara as dark-skinned and powerful. No whitewashing here.
As of right now, this book is my absolute top contender for a Nebula nomination next year.(less)
I know the author from an online writers' group, but I am still approaching this book in a balanced way.
Ironskin is a unique take on Jane Eyre, taking...more I know the author from an online writers' group, but I am still approaching this book in a balanced way.
Ironskin is a unique take on Jane Eyre, taking place in an alternate version of Earth where a human versus fey war recently ended. The world-building is fascinating in that regard. Humans relied on fey technology for centuries, utilizing their magic to power vehicles, household lights, and most everything else. In the aftermath of the war, the nation struggles to industrialize, giving it a mild steampunk feel.
The book stays true to its gothic roots. This isn't a fast-paced novel that can be easily recommended to fans of The Hunger Games, and I imagine that slowness will turn off some readers. Instead, the book develops at a creepy pace, and the household, moors, and woods are as remote and moody as requisite for the genre. Jane does have a YA feel, and at times I became frustrated at her angst. She falls in love with Edward Rochart very fast, and I didn't really feel the chemistry between them until the end.
As far as chemistry goes, though, I loved the character of Dorie. The strange, fey-like child was one of the major hooks for me as I read. I wanted to find out if Jane could ever reach Dorie and help the little girl utilize her humanity, and why Dorie was the way she was. For me, Dorie is what really made the book.
Some of the plot elements felt far too predictable to me, and the reliance on the Jane Eyre source material added to that. However, some nice twists developed near the end, and it was fascinating to see how Connolly overlapped magic into Bronte's world. This could work well as a sort of bridge book for teens who loves fantasy to read more of the classics.(less)
**spoiler alert** I had issues with the first book--lack of depth in characters and predictable plot--and likely would not have read on except that th...more**spoiler alert** I had issues with the first book--lack of depth in characters and predictable plot--and likely would not have read on except that the publisher provided me a gratis copy through NetGalley. I love steampunk and historical fiction, so I hoped--hoped--that the second book would compensate for the weaknesses of the first.
It didn't.
Instead, the deficiencies were even more profound. Maybe the style here just isn't my type. It reads like an action movie--boom, boom, boom--but there's no real depth to any of the characters. They still feel like thin recreations of generic super-teens. The fact that they are so super diminishes most of the suspense. They worry about being killed, but time after time when one of them has a close scrape with death, they are better within hours. A day at most.
The romantic angle of the book is based largely on angst. I suppose it could be argued that it's to be expected in YA, but I still hoped for more. Much of the drama in the first part of the book consists of Griffin being chauvinistic and overly-protective of Finley, and Finley then behaving like an idiot to prove her independence. I was a bit baffled by Griffin's sudden protectiveness, as the last book ended with them essentially taking on a robot army. Then they arrive in America, and he's fussing about her wandering New York City by herself.
As I noted, the book involves constant action. Some of the action was nonsensical, such as a point where an assassin is in a locked room with a character. Finley--who is super strong like the Hulk--rushes to the rescue, finds the door is locked, then goes to the room next door so she can climb on the ledge to access the locked room. After she subdues the killer, the other super-strong male of the team busts the door down to come inside. There were a few other instances like that where I was left scratching my head.
Since there's no major character development, the climax of the book fell largely flat. Actually, at 90% of the way through, the female characters took a break for several pages to go shopping. (I'm not joking.) The truth behind the clockwork collar was clear far too early, as many of the hints were as delicate as anvils.
I love the whimsical, fantastical side of steampunk, but I still want it to make sense. I want the action to serve the plot, not just exist so that Finley has a chance to beat up on someone. I don't want almost-invincible characters. I want flaws and plot twists. This book just didn't come through, which dismays me because it could have been so much more.(less)
This is a sequel to The Native Star, which I read earlier this year. The first book had a lot to enjoy with its alternative post-Civil War history and...moreThis is a sequel to The Native Star, which I read earlier this year. The first book had a lot to enjoy with its alternative post-Civil War history and mash-up of magic and light steampunk elements, but in a way it felt like too much crammed together. The sequel proved to be a fast read but didn't feel even to me for several reasons.
Summary from Amazon: Like it or not, Emily has fallen in love with Dreadnought Stanton, a New York Warlock as irresistible as he is insufferable. Newly engaged, she now must brave Dreadnought’s family and the magical elite of the nation’s wealthiest city. Not everyone is pleased with the impending nuptials, especially Emily’s future mother-in-law, a sociopathic socialite. But there are greater challenges still: confining couture, sinister Russian scientists, and a deathless Aztec goddess who dreams of plunging the world into apocalypse. With all they must confront, do Emily and Dreadnought have any hope of a happily-ever-after?
The summary makes it seem like Dreadnought's family is the major obstacle in this book, but they really have a minor role. A lot of it comes down to the importance of credomancy, which is magic based on the belief of the people. It's an interesting element of these books, as the Institute utilizes fiction to develop a cult of belief in Dreadnought, and that belief manifests itself as real power. I really like how Emily explored her past and discovered information about the parents she never knew, though I wished that her grandparents could have had a greater role. However, my two biggest gripes in this came down to the romance and the bad guys. The romance felt... cliched. Emily and Dreadnought are driven apart. She doubts him. There are the possibilities of other liaisons for both of them. It made me gnash my teeth at a few points because it was so formulaic. Then at the end, all the drama is set aside as if it never happened.
Then there are the bad guys. I can understand the evil Aztec goddess and her motivations, but despite a prologue on the subject, I could never believe why the United States Army would think allying itself with such an entity is a good thing. It's stated that they believe the goddess will "remake" the world, not destroy it, but the reasoning still baffles me. It felt like a tenuous connection at best.
Despite a lot of fun elements, this set of books just didn't win me over. They aren't keepers for me.(less)
Straightforward description: Steampunk and zombies.
Dr. Leviticus Blue designed his Boneshaker machine to compete in the Klondike gold rush by digging...moreStraightforward description: Steampunk and zombies.
Dr. Leviticus Blue designed his Boneshaker machine to compete in the Klondike gold rush by digging deep through the frozen earth. Instead, on its test run the machine tore a gouge through downtown Seattle, exposing a vein of gas that sickened the populace and turned some into flesh-eating zombies. Fifteen years later, the ruins of Seattle are encased behind 200-foot high walls to hold back the toxic Blight gas and undead hordes. In the outskirts, Leviticus Blue's widow struggles to raise her teenage son under the heavy legacy of what her husband caused. Then, the unthinkable happens - her son finds a way into the city, determined to clear his father's name. Briar goes in after her boy, willing to risk it all to bring him out alive.
Wow. I love the very concept of this book, and it lived up to its promise. Boneshaker is a fantastic romp through an alternate history Seattle. The world building is believable, complete in steampunk glory; the Civil War rages on, airships rule the skies, and incredible inventions help keep "rotters" at bay. Briar Wilkes is a wonderful heroine. She's not some skinny sexy girl. No, she's a thirty-five-year-old mother treated as an outcast for what her husband did, and her son Zeke is all she has left. Since I lived near Seattle and loved the area, this book felt somewhat personal. I could really see it in my head.
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Definitely among my top ten for the year.(less)
The author's note at the end mentions that she wanted to write League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets teen X-men. That's an apt comparison for this y...moreThe author's note at the end mentions that she wanted to write League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets teen X-men. That's an apt comparison for this young adult book.
Finley has a Jekyll and Hyde personality disorder, and the inspiring work by that name is also mentioned within Steel Corset. The others in the team also have extraordinary powers, all because of their exposure to Organites that Griffin's parents accessed in the center of the Earth. The Organites come across as almost magical in how they work--causing rapid healing and other mutations--but are hidden from society at large because Queen Victoria was concerned about their abuse and how they supported the theory of evolution. There is also the Aether, a sort of spiritual other-world that can be accessed through Organites or specialized machinery.
Sam is the part-machine thug of the party, whereas Em is the girl-genius mechanist. Em easily steals the show with her Irish accent and quick wit. She reminded me a lot of Lucca from the game Chrono Trigger. Jasper is just kind of... there in this book, though he promises to have a greater role in the second.
The book gets off to a quick start as Finley's "monster" is unleashed as she defends herself from rape. Finley as a character felt uneven to me; she bounces a lot between both halves of her personality, but there wasn't real depth to who she is. Instead, it focused on the developing love triangle between her, Griffin, and a third, rascally character. This and other plot elements felt rather contrived and cliche, especially the identity of the villain (obvious at first appearance) and Sam's issues.
Another annoyance was bouncing points of view. Within the same scene, the POV would switch without breaks, making transitions extremely confusing.
Despite these issues, the book was a quick read and did present a few nice twists and turns. It does utilize steampunk elements well: the advanced technology, the whimsy, the extraordinary clothes. However, I probably wouldn't continue with the series except that the publisher has provided me a gratis copy of the second book. Therefore, I'll be reading on and hoping for a second, stronger volume.(less)
In 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worr...moreIn 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worried about maintaining her disabled adopted father's charms business against the threat of mail-order magic. Those worries turn out to be petty when a mine accident ends up with a magical stone embedded in her hand--the famed Native Star. The haughty local warlock, Dreadnought Stanton, believes he has connections who can help remove the stone. Backstabbings and ambushes lead the two to trust no one as they flee across the country to find the secrets of the Native Star.[return][return]This fun historical frolic has a definite urban fantasy vibe even with the Old West setting. Some aspects reminded me of Cherie Priest's Boneshaker even though the authors do very different things using the same steampunk-tinged Reconstruction period. In some spots the book felt uneven--such as the very beginning and the end--but once Emily steps into the story, her situation immediately grabbed me. The romance with her and Dreadnought felt predictable, but the story had enough twists and turns to keep everything fun even if it felt like too many fantasy elements were crammed in sometimes. I enjoyed the book and would like to read the sequel (it seems to come out today) but I'm not in a rush.(less)
Mike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I...moreMike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I jumped at the chance to give him a try and read more in one of my favorite sub-genres. Unfortunately, this novel doesn't encourage me to read him again.[return][return]First of all, the positive: the world here is fascinating, and Resnick has definitely done his research. His Tombstone is populated by people who really lived and died there. The tale is told through Doc Holliday, and his perspective is interesting and yet...[return][return]It's very hard to carry suspense in a book when your character is already dying of tuberculosis and doesn't fear death. A lot of dramatic things happen and Holliday doesn't really react. Actually, the entire cast consists of very stoic men. They make witty banter in conversation, but don't show any expression. It made the entire thing feel stiff and emotionless. The only women in the cast are Big Nose Kate, a madam, and her whores (which includes robotic ones). Most of the men in the book also frequent the whorehouse. That may be historically accurate, yet... meh. I also found the whole shiny steampunk robot sex thing to be a turn-off, and was glad it never showed a scene of it.[return][return]There was an entire subplot with Bat Masterson that seemed to be there to distract the others. I had been excited that Bat was a character, but he simply showed up, did weird stuff because of a curse, and never touched the main plot. Speaking of the main plot, the entire book works up to the big gunfight between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo. Doc quickly figures out why Ringo hasn't killed him yet, but every time they meet it becomes a chat of, 'You here to kill me yet?' 'No. Let's talk classic literature.' It was cute at first but got old as it dragged on. And then when they do fight, it's anticlimactic; actually, that's the pattern of the whole book--lots of talking and very little action. Because it's a steampunk book, it's like Resnick had to force steampunk into the resolution and then did the most obvious and practical thing (which involves fire).[return][return]Actually, a number of the steampunk elements felt forced in but didn't really make sense. For example, the point of the book is that the gunmen are there to protect Thomas Edison and Buntline. Their houses are reinforced by bullet-proof brass and even has a FORCE FIELD to keep them safe. Yet the men, especially Buntline, keep wandering all over town with chest armor but nothing to protect their heads. If they are really in danger, don't leave the house! And no one ever shot them.[return][return]In case you couldn't tell, I was disappointed by the book.[return][return]The concept is incredibly cool. I loved the world. But it really felt like it would have been better as a novella focusing on a steampunk O.K. Corral battle.[return][return]I won't be picking up the other books in the series, and I'll hold off on reading Resnick for a while, too.(less)
Alexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society...moreAlexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society. After all, there are several factors against her: a rather plain appearance, olive-toned skin and dark hair as a legacy from her deceased Italian father, and the fact that she completely lacks a soul. The latter ends up being a gift when a socially-inept vampire attacks her in a library, and Alexia's touch nullifies his supernatural powers, enabling her to kill him in self-defense. To further complicate matters, Queen Victoria's agent Lord Maccon, an insufferable Scottish werewolf, is sent to investigate. Alexia soon realizes that a wider scheme is afoot, and she needs the help of all of her friends - ranging from a foppish vampire to the gruff Lord Maccon - if she is to survive.[return][return]I loved this book. Out of over a hundred books read this year, this is among my very favorites. It was just outright fun. Carriger does a lovely job of creating a Victorian England where werewolves and vampires have openly been in society for centuries, with added steampunk touches as well. Alexia is a fantastic heroine, smart, well-read, and not afraid to wield her trusty parasol in defense. She and Lord Maccon create wonderful chemistry. I didn't expect the romance element to be so strong (or exist at all), but it really sizzled at points. I don't have a thing for werewolves, but wow, Lord Maccon is indeed quite a catch. The voice of the book is thoroughly British and only added to my delight. I will be buying the sequel to this as soon as it comes out.(less)
In Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf...moreIn Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf Lord Maccon, she's used to seeing naked men and wolves roaming about the grounds. However, when a crisis hits Queen Victoria's London, she's as baffled as the rest: all supernatural powers within a certain radius turned off. Werewolves were stuck in human form, vampires became mortal, and the local ghosts were permanently exorcised. When Lord Maccon heads back towards Scotland to deal with a family matter, the nullifying entity begins to travel north, too. With her trusty parasol in hand, Alexis heads northward by dirigible, determined to solve the mystery... and maybe find out more about her husband's mysterious past as well.[return][return]This book had all the fierce British wit of its predecessor. Carriger has created a magnificent world where the supernatural have an obvious presence in society and are indeed the backbone of the British Empire--which is in complete steampunk style, of course. [return][return]I have to say, though, that the cliffhanger ending was quite frustrating, especially as Lord Maccon's logic is concerned. Instead of merely making me want the next book, it made me feel downright angry because the truth was so obvious and other people are so dense. I would have rated it higher if not for the ending. I will definitely buy the third book when it's released, but in the meantime I'll remain rather peeved.(less)
This is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century world...moreThis is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century world: A United States where the Civil War has gone on for decades, resulting in advanced steampunk technology. There's also the small matter of a massive drill digging a hole in Seattle that released volcanic gases that turns people into zombies.[return][return]Dreadnought begins on the east coast. Mercy Lynch is a nurse in a Confederate war hospital when she learns her husband died in a POW camp. To complicate things further, she gets a telegram informing her that her estranged father is near death in Seattle. With no reason to stay in Virginia, she sets off on a cross-country journey complicated by skirmishes and the looming presence of a massive Union train known as the Dreadnought. When the Dreadnought ends up being the safest passage west, Mercy buys the ticket, only to find there is much more going on. The Dreadnought isn't a safe ride--it's a moving target, with several rail cars of particular interest to rival parties. Mercy's going to need all of her know-how and a steady aim if she'll make it off alive.[return][return]Mercy is a fantastic heroine, all smart and spunky. I have a fondness for healer characters, and it was refreshing to see a nurse in a lead role. It really brought a new perspective to an alternative history book. This ends up as a gripping action book, with steampunk vehicles such as the Dreadnought becoming characters in their own right. There were a few plot elements that were left dangling, but overall this is a tight and very well-written book, and one I am definitely keeping on my shelf.(less)
Some steampunk books lean more towards certain genres than others--this one is, at heart, a mystery novel with a steampunk London setting. It's a bit...moreSome steampunk books lean more towards certain genres than others--this one is, at heart, a mystery novel with a steampunk London setting. It's a bit stiff in some regards, and it does contain many cliches of the genre (historical steampunk does have an odd affinity for zombies). However, I found it to be a delightful romp of a read, flaws and all. I enjoyed the subtle chemistry between Sir Maurice and Veronica and how Veronica is a true lady of her time period yet still has plenty of spunk. I admit, the scenes with Veronica's sister were fascinating in a way that tended to steal the glory of the rest of the plot; I can only hope that relationship is explored more in future books. [return][return]I would really like to read on in this series.(less)
Boneshaker, Priest's first book of her Clock work Century series, set an awfully high standard. It used the background a steampunk-style Seattle overr...moreBoneshaker, Priest's first book of her Clock work Century series, set an awfully high standard. It used the background a steampunk-style Seattle overrun by noxious gas and zombies, all while the Civil War continues to ravage the rest of the United States well into the 1880s. Clementine takes place immediately after the first book, though following different characters across the country. While I enjoyed the setting, the emotional punch simply wasn't there. Part of the appeal of Boneshaker was the sense of danger with every step, especially as a mother sought out her missing teenage son in the ruins of Seattle. No such motivation drove this plot.[return][return]Clementine is a short action-adventure novel involving dirigibles, a former-Confederate spy named Belle Boyd, and a escaped slave pirate who just wants his flying ship back. The characters are fun, but the stakes didn't feel high enough. It was implied that Very Bad Things could happen, but nothing did. Belle Boyd and Captain Hainey are both ruthless and shrewd, but not endearing in the slightest.[return][return]In all, it's not a bad story, but it doesn't have the luster of the first book. Maybe I set my expectations too high. If you enjoy steampunk and alternative histories, it's a good read--but wait until it's out in paperback.(less)
This trilogy has been very up and down for me. The first book grabbed me because of the vivid world, with its rival steampunk Clankers and genetically...moreThis trilogy has been very up and down for me. The first book grabbed me because of the vivid world, with its rival steampunk Clankers and genetically-altered Darwinist creatures. The characters didn't appeal to me that much. That changed in the second book, as Alek and Deryn each grew up in different ways. My initial thought of the third book? It's long. It feels unnecessarily dragged out so that it can show half of the planet and cameos of famous people of the 1910s, though I did appreciate the appearance of a steampunked-up Hearst Castle. But instead of enjoying their adventures, I found myself impatient for it to move on with the main plot.[return][return]A few of the big plot twists at the end were predictable far in advance if you have any knowledge of history, especially the singular event in Siberia in 1908. I was also disappointed that the delightful lorises didn't have more of a role in the ending. These creatures stole the show in the past two books and with their brilliant nature, I thought that they had some important role in the main plot. Alas, they ended up as witty sidekicks more than anything.[return][return]The big point of resolution here was the angst between Deryn and Alek. That took up quite a bit of space but overall was handled well. Of course, the story had to have a happy ending in that regard.[return][return]I'm not sure if I will keep these books on my shelf. I still think I enjoyed the setting more than the characters. Well, and I loved the perspicacious lorises, too.(less)
Short description: Steampunk World War I.[return][return]In Austria, young Prince Alek flees in a war machine after the murder of his Hapsburg parents...moreShort description: Steampunk World War I.[return][return]In Austria, young Prince Alek flees in a war machine after the murder of his Hapsburg parents. The Clanker Germans, with their aeroplanes and earth-walking tanks, are in close pursuit. Meanwhile, in Britain history has taken a different turn. Instead of developing mechanics, the Brits are Darwinists and manipulate nature to create creatures for specific purposes. The greatest example of this triumph is the Leviathan, a massive dirigible that is really a whale, complete with a unique ecosystem to keep it afloat. That's where teenage Deryn Sharp ends up serving as a middy; she's a girl in disguise, aiming to prove herself and serve the crown. As Europe erupts in war, Alek and Deryn are drawn together and rely on each other's wits to stay alive.[return][return]Alek and Deryn are decent characters, each with distinct voices, but in this book the alternate universe is the most powerful character of all. Westerfield has created an intriguing new world where specially-trained bats and birds are weapons of war, great whales take to the sky, and German-Austrian Stormwalkers trample farmers' fields. The story itself didn't really grip me. It was too predictable. Any twists came from the technology of this world, and that's what I loved. Leviathan is really a testimony to good, solid world-building. The problem is that I just wanted this pesky people to go away so I could learn more about the developments of the Darwinists and Clankers! I will probably pick up the sequel volume when it comes out, just for that reason.(less)
I must admit, I was a bit melancholy as I read this final book in the main series. I've enjoyed it from the very start and feel like I have matured al...moreI must admit, I was a bit melancholy as I read this final book in the main series. I've enjoyed it from the very start and feel like I have matured along with the characters. Carriger's wit is just as sharp in this volume, but more than that it shows the care she took in forming the main plot across all five books. It's impressive how little elements in the earlier volumes turned out to be of vital importance here.[return][return]Alexia is without question the main character and driving force, but Timeless also enabled minor characters to shine. Her daughter Prudence, at all of two, is amusing and I'm eager to see how Carriger writes Prudence in the forthcoming YA series. Then there is Biffy. Poor Biffy went through quite a lot over the past few books, but here--there is the promise of happiness, and that is well deserved.[return][return]In all, this book is as fun as the previous books in the series, filled with razor-sharp wit, action, flamboyant steampunk, and the supernatural. If you want to dive into the series, be sure to start with the first book, Soulless.(less)
This is a weird book. I struggled to finish it, and pushed onward because 1) it was on the Nebula shortlist and 2) simple curiosity about how it would...moreThis is a weird book. I struggled to finish it, and pushed onward because 1) it was on the Nebula shortlist and 2) simple curiosity about how it would end. I should also add that I have always gotten a weird vibe from circuses, so this wasn't a book I would have selected on my own, despite my interest in steampunk.[return][return]Oddly enough, I could readily except some of the stranger elements of the circus. The ringmaster, Boss, has a peculiar talent to grab souls on the brink of death and reconstruct them into partly metal bodies. This is never explained or understood by the characters, Boss most of all, and that was fine by me. The weirdness of the creations incorporated well with the vibe of a circus, especially against an already-bleak dystopian backdrop.[return][return]The thing that ended up jolting me the most was the fluctuating structure of the book itself. There are various story threads going on at once--past and present--told by different characters, in different perspectives, and with omniscient add-ins in parenthesis. The cast of characters is wide and even at the very end, I was confused about who many of the minor characters were. I can't say that the story lacked a logical flow, as the author was obviously very skilled, but at the same time it was an unusual flow and that made it a challenging read.[return][return]The characters themselves are intriguing and complex. Boss and Elena struck me as especially vivid. Even the darker characters are portrayed well. There's nothing black and white about them, even if they do terrible things.[return][return]In the end, I would say this is a book for those who like an experimental structure and a creepy vibe. It's not my sort of thing, but I see why it made the Nebula ballot.(less)
This is the sequel to Leviathan and the second in a trilogy.[return][return]Behemoth takes place against the backdrop of a steampunk World War I. Brit...moreThis is the sequel to Leviathan and the second in a trilogy.[return][return]Behemoth takes place against the backdrop of a steampunk World War I. Britain's military might is due to their Darwinism, the construction of fabricated but living creatures such as whale airships and kraken submarines. German consists of Clankers: brilliant machines and tanks and inventions. The story follows two narratives. Deryn is a girl in disguise, enlisted as a midshipman on the airship Leviathan. Fate throws her together with Alex, the prince and perhaps future emperor whose parents' murders set off the war. This book takes them to Istanbul, which has allied itself with the Germans.[return][return]In the first book, I was more fascinated by the setting and technology moreso than the characters. Here, the characters finally grew on me. In particular, I loved Deryn; she's tough and brilliant and yet lives in constant fear of discovery as a girl. A new character introduced here, Lilit, also won me over with her quick wit--and I was pleasantly surprised by a twist at the end. Behemoth is a fast-paced read. Westerfeld keeps the action constant and the stakes high. The series gets stronger by the book, and I can't help but wonder how things will be resolved in Goliath.(less)
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