Clockwork Reviews: Dead Iron — The Age of Steam, by Devon Monk
Dead Iron by Devon Monk is the first book in The Age of Steam series. A seamless blend of magic and old west steampunk it’s an absorbing read, told in a true storyteller’s voice. This is not meant to be read at a breakneck speed but rather savored for its lyrical rhythm. The setting, a quaint town called Hallelujah, Oregon, is a character all by itself. I could see, smell, and taste the dust billowing along the trails. But the book’s true strength is in the flawless character development.
Told from various points of view, the reader is treated with rare insight into the passions that drives each character forward.
At the forefront is our reluctant hero, Cedar Hunt. A cursed man, he is living in the shadow of guilt over his brother’s death. Written with depth, the reader is at once drawn into Cedar’s plight. He possesses great brevity and a will to help others find justice, despite his own personal battles. When he overhears the blacksmith’s son has been taken in the middle of the night, he offers his services to find him. The search doesn’t prove easy, as he is thwarted at every turn.
Mae Lindson, a witch with deep-rooted magic in her blood and troubles of her own, senses her husband’s demise and sets out on a journey to find his killer. But this doesn’t come without a price. For what she will need to confront the killer rests with the Madder Brothers, a curious lot who one isn’t certain if they are to be trusted. They seem to hold in their possession the precise devices and instruments that she needs, though their fee and the favor requested is questionable.
There are a host of other characters to liven up the town such the vibrant Rose Small, the enigmatic Shard Lefel and Mr. Shunt, and the soulful Jeb.
An underlying tension is present throughout each page of the book. A foreboding sense of Strange. This Strange is a powerful entity that brings ruin to anyone who comes crosses its path. Along with the Strange are the endless secrets that are discovered, and like being caught in a spider’s web, each of the characters become entangled within it.
The dialogue is thought-provoking and arresting. Every word written is for a reason. The events that unfold come together with a climactic ending that left me breathless. Much of Dead Iron is steeped in magic, but Steampunk enthusiasts will appreciate the inventive steampunk elements sprinkled throughout.
Devon Monk is also the author of the popular Allie Beckstrom series. Stop by her website, Devonmonk.com, to stay updated on the next book in The Age of Steam series, Tin Swift. The sequel is scheduled for release on July 3rd, 2012. I look forward to the continuing story of Cedar Hunt and the cast of characters I’ve come to know from Dead Iron.
Related stories on Nevermet Press:
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Clockwork Reviews: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente
Clockwork Reviews: The Native Star, by M. K. Hobson
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