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Penny Dreadful and the Clockwork Copper
Viva-3 was built to discover secrets. But they made her too well. She’s the perfect spy: the lethality and persistence of the police clockworks in a body that can pass as human. What the Empire’s police don’t know is that she doesn’t have to obey their orders or her programming. She can think and decide for herself. And she’s doomed if they find out.
Viva is sent undercover with orders to unmask the city’s vigilante hero, Penny Dreadful. She is supposed to stop his one-man war against the criminals of Monte-Ostrum. It will be dangerous, but just maybe Dreadful will be more useful as an ally rather than an enemy…
Viva is sent undercover with orders to unmask the city’s vigilante hero, Penny Dreadful. She is supposed to stop his one-man war against the criminals of Monte-Ostrum. It will be dangerous, but just maybe Dreadful will be more useful as an ally rather than an enemy…
332 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2017
43 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 31, 2017
Confession: I was hooked by the title. Not many books do that, but this one did. I only knew of a particular sort of nasty literature with no redeeming characteristics as 'penny dreadfuls,' so discovering that this was the name adopted by the covert subversive hero; well, it just set the hook deeper. By the time I discovered that the Clockwork Copper referred to the second main character, I was utterly captivated.
'Nother confession: "Clockwork" means "steampunk," right? And steampunk means a setting in Victorian England, unless we are given a different context. Well, I was Happily toddling along, when the author, artist that he is, informs me that the two moons are nearly full. I don't know exactly why that gave me such a feeling of relieve, but it did. I suspect it has to do it the discovery that these nasty things being done by these nasty people are not happening in MY home planet. Maybe not; it was a lovely touch, though.
The theme of liberation runs through the story of each of the major and minor good guys. Even Jack, the rough ex-sailor who makes an all-too-brief appearance, finds his liberation from service to an unworthy master. Captain Shae; the high priest of Our Lady of Sorrows; even the head of the house of the protagonist; all of them are constricted by law or custom. Viva-3, the secondary hero, is just the most extreme example.
In her case, the constraints are dark programming instructions, given by her masters. To overcome them, she has to first do her part, but that isn't enough; she is also like the Beast, who must be loved.
Yes, the way is clear for the sequel. However, I want more back-story. Tell me more about Jack, Frederick, Captain Shae, and how Novella came to make her remarkable decisions.
Not too much to hope for, is it?
'Nother confession: "Clockwork" means "steampunk," right? And steampunk means a setting in Victorian England, unless we are given a different context. Well, I was Happily toddling along, when the author, artist that he is, informs me that the two moons are nearly full. I don't know exactly why that gave me such a feeling of relieve, but it did. I suspect it has to do it the discovery that these nasty things being done by these nasty people are not happening in MY home planet. Maybe not; it was a lovely touch, though.
The theme of liberation runs through the story of each of the major and minor good guys. Even Jack, the rough ex-sailor who makes an all-too-brief appearance, finds his liberation from service to an unworthy master. Captain Shae; the high priest of Our Lady of Sorrows; even the head of the house of the protagonist; all of them are constricted by law or custom. Viva-3, the secondary hero, is just the most extreme example.
In her case, the constraints are dark programming instructions, given by her masters. To overcome them, she has to first do her part, but that isn't enough; she is also like the Beast, who must be loved.
Yes, the way is clear for the sequel. However, I want more back-story. Tell me more about Jack, Frederick, Captain Shae, and how Novella came to make her remarkable decisions.
Not too much to hope for, is it?
December 27, 2021
I really liked the ideas behind this story and I thought the two main characters, especially Viva, were great. So why didn’t I give five stars?
My problem was at times I felt the author was manipulating the story in a way that just didn’t feel quite right. For example, the country is riddled with corruption and crime and the police/secret police are generally incapable, but then suddenly they have the manpower to control the whole of the country and block all of the media at a moments notice. Also there were several occasions when I stopped almost mid-sentence and thought this is illogical, why would they do this? Presumably the answer was because it was the easiest way for the author to move the story in the direction they wanted, but it left me feeling a bit uneasy.
Having said that, I still thought it was a good story and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars. Although there is one other concern, this book was published four and a half years ago, will there ever be a follow-up book?
I eventually gave three stars, but if a second book ever appears I will raise this to four.
My problem was at times I felt the author was manipulating the story in a way that just didn’t feel quite right. For example, the country is riddled with corruption and crime and the police/secret police are generally incapable, but then suddenly they have the manpower to control the whole of the country and block all of the media at a moments notice. Also there were several occasions when I stopped almost mid-sentence and thought this is illogical, why would they do this? Presumably the answer was because it was the easiest way for the author to move the story in the direction they wanted, but it left me feeling a bit uneasy.
Having said that, I still thought it was a good story and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars. Although there is one other concern, this book was published four and a half years ago, will there ever be a follow-up book?
I eventually gave three stars, but if a second book ever appears I will raise this to four.
July 22, 2018
Truthfully I got to the middle and lost interest. I am not really sure what was it that didn't do it for me. Maybe the fact that I had a long list of to-read things and no time to muddle through it played a big factor. The general prose was aptly written but it lacked a certain something that didn't make me commit to the world and characters.
Viva was a great character, conflicted with her consciousness as a clockwork and fighting to think for herself. Novella was okay but didn't really do it for me. Maybe my main problem was that she lacked a drive to do the things she did as Penny Dreadful.
So, overall, it was ok but lacking a little something, for my taste.
Viva was a great character, conflicted with her consciousness as a clockwork and fighting to think for herself. Novella was okay but didn't really do it for me. Maybe my main problem was that she lacked a drive to do the things she did as Penny Dreadful.
So, overall, it was ok but lacking a little something, for my taste.
August 26, 2017
What a wonderful read. I picked this book up by chance just to see if it might be of interest to me.
Last night I sat down and read 70 percent of the book. When I got up this morning I went right back to it. This well written tale marks its pace early and never backs off. Just a real absorbing read that pulls you in and gives you an adventure.
I'll recommend this book to you with hopes that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Last night I sat down and read 70 percent of the book. When I got up this morning I went right back to it. This well written tale marks its pace early and never backs off. Just a real absorbing read that pulls you in and gives you an adventure.
I'll recommend this book to you with hopes that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
July 23, 2019
Innovative Robot Psychology
This is the most original idea concerning robot psychology since Asimov's three laws of robotics. Anjewierden is a talented writer who includes plenty of action, but doesn't neglect character development. His characters are people that I would like to know personally.
No cliffhangers! His books end at a natural break point, leaving me satisfied, but wanting to see what comes next.
Proofing on this one is adequate, but leaves a lot to be desired.
This is the most original idea concerning robot psychology since Asimov's three laws of robotics. Anjewierden is a talented writer who includes plenty of action, but doesn't neglect character development. His characters are people that I would like to know personally.
No cliffhangers! His books end at a natural break point, leaving me satisfied, but wanting to see what comes next.
Proofing on this one is adequate, but leaves a lot to be desired.
July 16, 2017
Delightful story with two strong female characters. Somewhat a mix of the "scarlet pimpernel" and "i, robot" in a light steampunk setting. The characters strongly carry the story, with the steampunk background being just that: a background and not a distraction. The characters are strong and confident without being super-human or infallible. Definitely worth reading.
March 5, 2018
I am giving this three stars because three stars means "liked it", which I did, even though I worry people will misinterpret three stars as "mediocre", which would be unfairly low. Enjoyable read. I especially liked the characterization of Viva -- showing the reader her personality by allowing them to watch as it develops was a nice touch, and helped me connect with the character.
August 15, 2018
All I can say without "spoilers" is that this book makes me want to read the next in the series. I wonder what these two individuals will get up to in an airship, traveling the world.
I enjoyed it very much.
I enjoyed it very much.
January 5, 2019
Enjoyable read
I bought this book on the recommendation of author Dorothy Grant. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is interesting to see how the effects of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics is changed in this dystopian "future" or is it just distant world.
I bought this book on the recommendation of author Dorothy Grant. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is interesting to see how the effects of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics is changed in this dystopian "future" or is it just distant world.
October 2, 2023
loved this
What a fun, creative steampunk adventure. I loved the characters and their personalities. I am totally looking for the next book. Highly recommended.
What a fun, creative steampunk adventure. I loved the characters and their personalities. I am totally looking for the next book. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews