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The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole
In which we meet Duncan: professional nobody who presents himself to the public as a scowling, smoking pile of contempt. Against his will, he meets Sam: a less than professional coal miner who inspires the worst in men. Together they take on one malicious train and a most insidious re-animator, and along the way Duncan remembers a few things that he’d previously forgotten.
777 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2014
11 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
S. Hart
9 books49 followersS. K. Hart is the worst person in the world. When she isn’t fighting the forces of good and thwarting plans to improve humanity, she enjoys watching horror movies and building tiny obnoxious things with tiny obnoxious parts. Her New England compound is guarded by a slobbery jump-monster disguised as a dog and a suspicious quantity of wooden giraffes.
As Overlord to two young, almost equally wicked minions, she has mastered the art of ‘sick burns’ and ‘finger guns.’ Her maniacal laughter can often be heard following allegations of mental torment inflicted upon small humans in the form of ‘homework’ and ‘chores.’ For seventeen years, her ongoing and unrepentant enjoyment of her spouse has sickened even the most wholesome of prudes.
Overlord Hart spends her days fantasizing about controversial things and the most entertaining ways to present them to others. She greatly enjoys sharing her written creations and has been known to take requests and challenges, sometimes against her will. If an idea is difficult enough, she attempts it.
Anyone looking to contact S. Kaeli Hart can find her on her blog, Facebook, or Goodreads, where she posts all updates on all current and future projects.
As Overlord to two young, almost equally wicked minions, she has mastered the art of ‘sick burns’ and ‘finger guns.’ Her maniacal laughter can often be heard following allegations of mental torment inflicted upon small humans in the form of ‘homework’ and ‘chores.’ For seventeen years, her ongoing and unrepentant enjoyment of her spouse has sickened even the most wholesome of prudes.
Overlord Hart spends her days fantasizing about controversial things and the most entertaining ways to present them to others. She greatly enjoys sharing her written creations and has been known to take requests and challenges, sometimes against her will. If an idea is difficult enough, she attempts it.
Anyone looking to contact S. Kaeli Hart can find her on her blog, Facebook, or Goodreads, where she posts all updates on all current and future projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 3, 2014
~ ~ ~
Sneaky! Snarky! Steamy! Sexy! And Shameless!
I have to be careful here. This is a book where I could make a remark for every single line. I'll try to refrain.
I savored every moment with Mister Duncan Cole. It's like he moved in next door and I went over to visit him each day and each day he did something ridiculous or horrible or sexual... Well, maybe I shouldn't have been visiting at those times. Heh, but who am I kidding, that's exactly why I went to visit. But I stayed for the shrewd skills of this author. Be sure to bring your wicked sense of humor, be prepared for inappropriate humor and and don't expect cliche, formulaic tropes because they're not here.
I spent weeks with Duncan and Sam and Dan and somewhere along the way Calvin popped in and I don't think he'll ever be leaving. I have a special room all fixed up for him. Room is a bit of a stretch, cage is more like it. Love him, hate him, worship him–who the hell knows– but I think he'll just keep coming back, over and over. At least I sincerely hope so.
THE CHARACTERS
Duncan Cole - Eccentric. Bizarre. Awkward. A madman really. And yet. . .
Sam Carson - Honestly? I loved him from the beginning. Was so angry with him somewhere in the middle. By the end? He was my hero.
Dan Cartwright - Pull your ginger head out of that... Oh sorry, you can't. Roller skates, carpetbags and whores? Dan, Dan, Dan you do surprise me.
Calvin Cartwright - Oh Calvin, you really are the backbone of this story, aren't you. Or, er, maybe not. I'm not really sure what makes you tick, but without question, you are the most destable-loveable dead guy and I am besotted.
THE STORY
Duncan Cole is haunted by a murderous steam engine. It's clockwork whistle never lets him forget. It's coming for him, he knows it. He deserves it. The very contraption he should be most proud of is his tormentor.
To survive he becomes reclusive. He is determined to never leave his home again, even if that home and, in fact, all the structures built above it are determined to collapse upon his head.
Ah, such is life in Crush, the whimsically-perverse town that only the writer, S. K. Hart could create.
Luckily, or not, for Duncan, Sam comes along with some coffee, some curiosity and some undeniable sex appeal. Sam also has some off page non-con in his background. The first half of Duncan Cole is dedicated to this relationship, their backgrounds and why the teacups keep moving. Oh yeah, and Duncan builds Sam a bed. Swoon!
All of that should be enough to entertain the most ambiguous of readers, but just you wait! You haven't really met Dan or his shockingly delightful brother, Calvin yet. Dan is something of, ahem, carpetbagger and Calvin is . . . unlike anything. Ever. Heh, and you thought Duncan was cranky. Yes, yes, yes, just you wait. Or better yet, don't.
THE WRITING
If you crave, no, if you beg for, lust after, have an aching need for snark, wit, off-beat humor and wise-assed sarcasm then this is your book. In fact, it's nearly two books in length. And, like I said, I could've quoted a myriad of lines. It's that good. Just one after the next.
I do have to say that this author uses and indulgent amount of words– this is not news to her–and I have to say that that is usually something that frustrates me, but not here. I tried to figure why that is early in the book and all I can figure is that it must have something to do with the ridiculous, constant smile on my face.
I'm glad I took my time with this, because I got to spend so much time in Duncan's/Calvin's world and if I have any luck at all I'll get invited back in at some point.
Sneaky! Snarky! Steamy! Sexy! And Shameless!
I have to be careful here. This is a book where I could make a remark for every single line. I'll try to refrain.
I savored every moment with Mister Duncan Cole. It's like he moved in next door and I went over to visit him each day and each day he did something ridiculous or horrible or sexual... Well, maybe I shouldn't have been visiting at those times. Heh, but who am I kidding, that's exactly why I went to visit. But I stayed for the shrewd skills of this author. Be sure to bring your wicked sense of humor, be prepared for inappropriate humor and and don't expect cliche, formulaic tropes because they're not here.
I spent weeks with Duncan and Sam and Dan and somewhere along the way Calvin popped in and I don't think he'll ever be leaving. I have a special room all fixed up for him. Room is a bit of a stretch, cage is more like it. Love him, hate him, worship him–who the hell knows– but I think he'll just keep coming back, over and over. At least I sincerely hope so.
THE CHARACTERS
Apparently, my five-year impersonation of an angry psychopath made everyone assume that I was also a lush.
Duncan Cole - Eccentric. Bizarre. Awkward. A madman really. And yet. . .
A slight flush found his cheekbones as his lips slid into a lazy grin that looked to be composed of trouble and plans to inflict it. He actually started to bother me.
Sam Carson - Honestly? I loved him from the beginning. Was so angry with him somewhere in the middle. By the end? He was my hero.
Dan Cartwright - Pull your ginger head out of that... Oh sorry, you can't. Roller skates, carpetbags and whores? Dan, Dan, Dan you do surprise me.
Calvin Cartwright - Oh Calvin, you really are the backbone of this story, aren't you. Or, er, maybe not. I'm not really sure what makes you tick, but without question, you are the most destable-loveable dead guy and I am besotted.
THE STORY
Duncan Cole is haunted by a murderous steam engine. It's clockwork whistle never lets him forget. It's coming for him, he knows it. He deserves it. The very contraption he should be most proud of is his tormentor.
To survive he becomes reclusive. He is determined to never leave his home again, even if that home and, in fact, all the structures built above it are determined to collapse upon his head.
Ah, such is life in Crush, the whimsically-perverse town that only the writer, S. K. Hart could create.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee confused the hell out of me. I had refused to fill the machine because I didn't want to hear any comments from my coffee pot, the little bitch.
Luckily, or not, for Duncan, Sam comes along with some coffee, some curiosity and some undeniable sex appeal. Sam also has some off page non-con in his background. The first half of Duncan Cole is dedicated to this relationship, their backgrounds and why the teacups keep moving. Oh yeah, and Duncan builds Sam a bed. Swoon!
All of that should be enough to entertain the most ambiguous of readers, but just you wait! You haven't really met Dan or his shockingly delightful brother, Calvin yet. Dan is something of, ahem, carpetbagger and Calvin is . . . unlike anything. Ever. Heh, and you thought Duncan was cranky. Yes, yes, yes, just you wait. Or better yet, don't.
THE WRITING
That book had his undivided attention, and that made me flush because that book also happened to be one of the few things in the house that proved I was more than an angry hobo who chewed his coffee and fixed clocks.
If you crave, no, if you beg for, lust after, have an aching need for snark, wit, off-beat humor and wise-assed sarcasm then this is your book. In fact, it's nearly two books in length. And, like I said, I could've quoted a myriad of lines. It's that good. Just one after the next.
I do have to say that this author uses and indulgent amount of words– this is not news to her–and I have to say that that is usually something that frustrates me, but not here. I tried to figure why that is early in the book and all I can figure is that it must have something to do with the ridiculous, constant smile on my face.
I'm glad I took my time with this, because I got to spend so much time in Duncan's/Calvin's world and if I have any luck at all I'll get invited back in at some point.
June 25, 2014
The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole is a tough book to describe without giving away too much information, which would honestly ruin the reader's experience. It's really two books in one, the story of an unlikely relationship between the snarky, sour-tempered clockwork engineer Duncan Cole, and the overly confident stray miner Sam Carson who happens to cross his path.
Simmering under the surface of the first book is the real meat of the story, which happens in book two with the introduction of my new favorite villain, equipped with something unexpected in his carpetbag.
There are some genuinely hysterical moments in this book, particularly some of the chapter titles, and while at its core it's erotic romance, there's way more going on than originally meets the eye.
Simmering under the surface of the first book is the real meat of the story, which happens in book two with the introduction of my new favorite villain, equipped with something unexpected in his carpetbag.
There are some genuinely hysterical moments in this book, particularly some of the chapter titles, and while at its core it's erotic romance, there's way more going on than originally meets the eye.
September 13, 2014
The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole
I had no idea what I was getting into and this was my first time reading anything by S. Hart.
This booked grabbed me and never let me go. Viewing the strange town of "crush" from Duncan's POV was such a treat. Ms. Hart did such a good job at creating this world and the characters, that I could feel the plaster pieces falling on my head.
I loved to watch Duncan and Sam grow into a real relationship with out all the b.s. and angst. Even though they had their doubts, I could feel the steps they took to grow through mostly mature actions.
“I wanted to make the right decision, but that’s the thing that nobody ever had the decency to explain to me: sometimes there is no correct path. There’s only a path where you get slightly less fucked and it’s a matter of picking which undesirable consequences you’re better equipped to handle.”
The writing flowed beautifully, the characters were vivid, and the story was a trip and a 1/2.
My only gripe would be that there was a few repeated sentences and phrases, but not enough to make me put this book down. I devoured it in 1 week.
Please take a chance on this novel - it's definitely a hidden jewel!
I had no idea what I was getting into and this was my first time reading anything by S. Hart.
This booked grabbed me and never let me go. Viewing the strange town of "crush" from Duncan's POV was such a treat. Ms. Hart did such a good job at creating this world and the characters, that I could feel the plaster pieces falling on my head.
I loved to watch Duncan and Sam grow into a real relationship with out all the b.s. and angst. Even though they had their doubts, I could feel the steps they took to grow through mostly mature actions.
“I wanted to make the right decision, but that’s the thing that nobody ever had the decency to explain to me: sometimes there is no correct path. There’s only a path where you get slightly less fucked and it’s a matter of picking which undesirable consequences you’re better equipped to handle.”
The writing flowed beautifully, the characters were vivid, and the story was a trip and a 1/2.
My only gripe would be that there was a few repeated sentences and phrases, but not enough to make me put this book down. I devoured it in 1 week.
Please take a chance on this novel - it's definitely a hidden jewel!
Read
July 7, 2014Part One of this extremely unique AU was quite excellent! With some editing down it could easily be 5+ stars. Unfortunately, I lost interest in Part two – hence the lack of rating - I’d still recommend checking this out for Part One alone. It’s a sexy, slightly steampunk, story of a hermit with a prosthetic leg and a boy who turns his life upside down.
August 5, 2014
I greatly enjoyed this steampunk m/m romance told from the crazy old curmudgeon's point of view. Most authors would have chosen to tell the story from the victimized minder's POV, concentrating on showing the character's frustration at trying to break through the curmudgeon's crust, so flipping that readerly expectation around by showing the curmudgeon himself grappling with his own shortcomings was a refreshing choice. I also appreciated the fact that this (long!) novel kept moving Duncan and Sam into new storylines and introducing new characters — Calvin, in particular, became more interesting with each chapter, as he grew into more than just a stereotype.
Naturally, the novel regularly pauses for the genre's de rigueur sex scenes. I don't have any objection to sex scenes, especially when they convey something significant about the characters' relationship, but frankly, this novel would have been just as fun with "cut to the fireplace" romance. When sex scenes don't convey important plot information, I feel like they're nothing but a barrier I need to plow (ahem?) through in order to find out what happens next. ...None of which is to suggest that the author doesn't do a good job with the sex; I just liked the rest of the plot more. And that's a good thing.
So, how about a sequel?
Naturally, the novel regularly pauses for the genre's de rigueur sex scenes. I don't have any objection to sex scenes, especially when they convey something significant about the characters' relationship, but frankly, this novel would have been just as fun with "cut to the fireplace" romance. When sex scenes don't convey important plot information, I feel like they're nothing but a barrier I need to plow (ahem?) through in order to find out what happens next. ...None of which is to suggest that the author doesn't do a good job with the sex; I just liked the rest of the plot more. And that's a good thing.
So, how about a sequel?
Read
October 8, 2014Am past 50% of this somewhat-steampunk 700+ page opus, but am now getting out since from Mandy's review, it looks like I've already read the best part, especially since I was primarily sticking around for the romance in this one.
There was some really neat ideas in Part 1, and I enjoyed that section a lot, although I would vote for a serious edit, and I agree with Mandy's point of splitting this into multiple books.
I did like the cover though.
There was some really neat ideas in Part 1, and I enjoyed that section a lot, although I would vote for a serious edit, and I agree with Mandy's point of splitting this into multiple books.
I did like the cover though.
June 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! Nice and long, kept me in the atmosphere of crush. Really thought out and detailed characters! keep changing my mind who is my fave of the group, they all bring something to the table! Nicely written and left me hungry for more! an Awesome book! Thank you for making it available.
June 18, 2016
I loved this book, loved Duncan and his reckless ways, and how he talked to his coffee machine. My only complaint is that I wished it had stopped somewhere around 90%, and 10% in a 7oo pages long book can feel very long. It was still great, though!
June 9, 2014
The erotica is just the icing on the cake in S. K. Hart's best book yet. Every time you think the action can't get any more intense, this unpredictable plot ups the ante. Hart's characters quickly feel like old friends, from the villain you love to hate, to the protagonist whose beautifully broken psyche makes you laugh through the pain. Funny, suspenseful, and clever, with simmering erotic tension that comes through when you're least expecting it. Impossible to put down.
Want to read
August 31, 2017Got a tip from Angela, that this was free on Amazon.com (link).
Free? Yeah, hit me up! But it's sevenhundredandseventyseven pages, mind you... O.O
Free? Yeah, hit me up! But it's sevenhundredandseventyseven pages, mind you... O.O
August 30, 2015
I added this book on my tbr ages ago,before it was released on Nicole Castle say-so. But I didn't buy it right away.
Around that time both Meatworks and Think of England came out and I loved them both to pieces. If you wonder what that has to do with anything, well... You see, sometimes I am sure that amazon is using the same rule for emailing recs to me as experts use for determining serial killers (two is a coincidence, three is a pattern). If you read those two books you know what they have in common, but let's just say that I was hovering over 1-click buy button for Duncan and suddenly had this vision of amazon deciding that I really, really love to read about gay characters with missing limbs and they will put that beside my name in their virtual file and continue to send me recs accordingly. 0_0 I blame my brain.
Some time later Duncan was free as a promo and amazon notified me about it. The irony is not lost on me. -__-
But, the main point of this story is not that I have issues, the point is that once again free mm selfpub book rocked my world. Seriously guys, give lesser-known, selfpub author a chance- there are some great talents out there nobody knows about.
********************************
So, this book.
You see, I really have a problem here because I want to tell you that it's definitely worth your time...without saying anything about it.
I have a reason, though.
I started reading Duncan without checking reviews, my only info was blurb that's very general.
And here is the thing: every damn new thing I would discover about characters came like a surprise. I kept saying: "well, I didn't see that coming." and at end I was basically Jon Snow and didn't know nothin'. Plot kept spinning me around and leaving me stunned. And it was awesome, I want more books like that.
So, I'll give just bare bones because I think everyone should experience Duncan the same way:
Setting is stemapunk(ish) - if you have issues with this, don't worry. This book is all about characters, and steampunk elements are not taking the main spot.
We have Duncan Cole and Duncan is everything. Story is told from his pov and he is just...not a people person. In opening scene he is sporting a scowl he perfected and is quite proud of. He has better things to do than caring about strange coal miners...
Which brings me to Sam. Sam has impeccable timing and strange fascination with strange guy who hates the world.
We have one of the weirdest and most lovable villains ever.
We have a killer train that lurks in corners waiting to get you.
There is also a talking head and coffee machine with attitude.
************************
There. This is the most unhelpful review I wrote.
Go, read this book.
It's original.
Clever.
And so damn funny.
"Anyone unfortunate enough to pass by my sunless and decrepit yard would find me, and that was usually enough to convince them to keep walking. The chair I lurked in happened to be threadbare when I brought it outside years before, but had recently started to rot and splinter with constant abuse. That’s why I kept it. It added to my appeal. My choice of attire might’ve passed for a vagrant’s pajama’s, and to hell with shoes. I didn’t even see the point in combing my hair when I knew that the plaster dust would turn it from black to gray by noon. I’d have to clean it when I went inside anyway and its always been very hostile when my combs challenged it to duel. Add to that the glare of impending murder that I’d been improving daily, and nobody ever bothered me."
Duncan Cole, ladies and gentlemen.
August 23, 2014
I kept picking this up and putting it down between books I was reading.
Scifi-steam punk isn't typically my thing.
But I did immensely enjoy the first part.
Why this is one long ass book instead of two normal sized novels kills me. It could of easily been broken down into two.
Unfortunately, the little interest I had gathered and propelled me through part one fell severely short for part two.
Scifi-steam punk isn't typically my thing.
But I did immensely enjoy the first part.
Why this is one long ass book instead of two normal sized novels kills me. It could of easily been broken down into two.
Unfortunately, the little interest I had gathered and propelled me through part one fell severely short for part two.
February 22, 2020
Oh man..... I FREAKIN LOVED THIS!!! It's a steampunk, m/m erotic romance with an amazing plot that kept me hooked. It's funny, had likeable well-developed characters. The epilogue :) I just loved everything. One of my favorites of the year.
June 16, 2014
A rare 5 star review
I begin every book I read (and I read A LOT) with a critical and skeptical eye. I am not easy to fully please, and I rarely give a 5 star review. I began this book hoping to like it, but hesitant. I've read other books by this author, and fully applauded the first published, but honestly had difficulty with another due to my lack of attention span. A long book needs to MAKE me want to read it. S.K. Hart's writing has not only matured, but moved into the fantastic.
Middle of first chapter of this book and I truly forgot all skepticism/hesitancy/normalcy in my life because I was THERE! In that magical place so few authors can take you. Instead of simply telling me about the world of Duncan, I was brought there. You know those moments when you are so lost in a book that you lift your eyes from it and it takes a minute to adjust to the "reality" around you? Doesn't happen very often for me, but this author accomplished that with this book.
This isn't a pretty, simple, happily ever after story. It's a book about true human interaction amongst the left-behind of society, set in a steampunk world that takes you on a journey as fast and intense as the incredible train this story is set around.
Even if this isn't the type of book you'd normally pick up, I recommend you try it. S.K. Hart has "gone and done good". This deserves a chance.
I begin every book I read (and I read A LOT) with a critical and skeptical eye. I am not easy to fully please, and I rarely give a 5 star review. I began this book hoping to like it, but hesitant. I've read other books by this author, and fully applauded the first published, but honestly had difficulty with another due to my lack of attention span. A long book needs to MAKE me want to read it. S.K. Hart's writing has not only matured, but moved into the fantastic.
Middle of first chapter of this book and I truly forgot all skepticism/hesitancy/normalcy in my life because I was THERE! In that magical place so few authors can take you. Instead of simply telling me about the world of Duncan, I was brought there. You know those moments when you are so lost in a book that you lift your eyes from it and it takes a minute to adjust to the "reality" around you? Doesn't happen very often for me, but this author accomplished that with this book.
This isn't a pretty, simple, happily ever after story. It's a book about true human interaction amongst the left-behind of society, set in a steampunk world that takes you on a journey as fast and intense as the incredible train this story is set around.
Even if this isn't the type of book you'd normally pick up, I recommend you try it. S.K. Hart has "gone and done good". This deserves a chance.
June 27, 2016
Everyone in this book is a jerk.
But you love them for it.
They're flawed, they're shattered, they all have some serious issues: and they seem very much like real people. In a world operated by clockwork and mad science, the characters are very well-grounded in reality. Even when they're arguing with coffee pots, or debating teacup conspiracies. If you like steampunk and steamy sex, you'll enjoy this book.
But you love them for it.
They're flawed, they're shattered, they all have some serious issues: and they seem very much like real people. In a world operated by clockwork and mad science, the characters are very well-grounded in reality. Even when they're arguing with coffee pots, or debating teacup conspiracies. If you like steampunk and steamy sex, you'll enjoy this book.
November 9, 2019
DNF 47%
There are some really interesting threads and ideas here that get lost in the manner of execution, by which I mean the amount of words the author has for anything. This book is a slog. I was considering hate-reading to the end, but then realized I had better things to do with my time.
Felt like every last detail in Duncan's thought process was being conveyed to me in an effort to make me drift off, lose track of what's happening, and then have to painfully go back and reread to be able to make sense of what the fuck is happening now. An editor with a firm hand is definitely required.
Also the phrase "whorish moan" appears way too often. What is a whorish moan. I don't know what this is supposed to convey. Is Sam having fun? Is he turned on? Is he faking it???
There are some really interesting threads and ideas here that get lost in the manner of execution, by which I mean the amount of words the author has for anything. This book is a slog. I was considering hate-reading to the end, but then realized I had better things to do with my time.
Felt like every last detail in Duncan's thought process was being conveyed to me in an effort to make me drift off, lose track of what's happening, and then have to painfully go back and reread to be able to make sense of what the fuck is happening now. An editor with a firm hand is definitely required.
Also the phrase "whorish moan" appears way too often. What is a whorish moan. I don't know what this is supposed to convey. Is Sam having fun? Is he turned on? Is he faking it???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2021
I loved this story, I think the Author could have broken it up into 2 books, I def would have paid for both. I saw that some reviews suggest not reading the 2nd half but I strongly disagree. I get it if you're only reading for the romance and have no interest in the plot development but if you enjoy a good plot and good character development with your romance, read the whole thing. I would love it of the Author continued these characters stories from where the ended up at the end of this book, I especially think Sam's character has room for further development/ growth. I think Cal's character could also be further developed with his chaotic neutral persona, those types of characters can have some of the best story arcs, either redemption or full fall into evil.
Read
August 25, 2016* DNF *
(59%)
I absolutely LOVED the first part "Missing Pieces" but unfortunately the more I read the second part "The Cartwright Wizard" the less I liked it and I just got bored!
The author's writing and creativity are very good, it's just that sadly along the way I lost the special connection I had with Duncan and Sam!
November 2, 2015
Talk about original. I've never read anything like it.Freaky, wonderful worldbuilding - freaky, wonderful characters, quite a ride - and then I lost my steam towards the end. My interest kind of petered out. But up until then it was delightful and quite mesmerizing. So how do I rate something like that?
June 1, 2014
I cannot give spoilers but I know people will frighin love this!
January 22, 2016
I loved this story and all the characters, even Calvin.
May 27, 2016
More than five stars
I found myself laughing loudly at all the warped humour. I could not get enough of this story. It was difficult to put down. Truly a wonderful writer.
I found myself laughing loudly at all the warped humour. I could not get enough of this story. It was difficult to put down. Truly a wonderful writer.
October 21, 2024
The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole was absolutely brilliant! I’m so thrilled I stumbled upon it. I was casually scrolling through a random Goodreads list, and there it was. I barely glanced at the blurb before adding it to my TBR, so it was really a case of perfect timing and pure chance. Looking at the blurb now, it’s incredibly short and reveals almost nothing—exactly the kind of book I’d recommend going into blind. As such, I'm going to keep this review pretty vague.
This book had everything I love, and I mean everything. It’s so good that I’m worried it’s going to ruin me for the next book I pick up (here’s hoping it won’t)! 🙏 I love slow-burn, plot-driven books with a bit of angst and strong development across plot, characters, and romance—The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole checked all of those boxes. The story is divided into two distinct parts, with the romance gradually building throughout part one and continuing to evolve in part two. The slow burn was masterfully done, filled with lovely tension and just the right amount of angst.
The chemistry between the characters was palpable, and I was dying for them to get together as the build-up unfolded. They fit so seamlessly into each other’s lives, and it was beautiful to witness, even with the circumstances that initially brought them together. Duncan and Sam were such well-crafted characters, with depth that made them feel like real people. Duncan’s brooding nature and Sam’s vulnerability and sass made them a perfect duo that I fell for instantly. I also loved how much they grew throughout the story—the Duncan Cole and Sam Carson we meet at the beginning are entirely different from the men we say goodbye to, and their journey to get to their happily ever after was anything but easy.
This book is also incredibly plot-driven. While there's plenty of steam and the romance plays a strong role, the plot itself is intricate, engaging, and absolutely fascinating. It’s unique and compelling, and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into crafting both the world and the story. The setting is a kind of historical, urban fantasy blend that’s difficult to describe—unlike anything I’ve read before. In some ways, it reminded me of the vibes of The Toymaker’s Son by Ariana Nash, which is one of my all-time favorite reads.
Part one was fantastic, primarily focusing on developing the relationship, but it only gets better in part two when the action, mystery, and suspense kick in inspiring a thousand and one questions. Boy did things get wild, and I was completely hooked. S. Hart’s writing is truly impressive—there wasn’t a single dull moment. Despite the book being long (around 800 pages), I was never bored or eager for it to end. It maintained a high level of entertainment and engagement from start to finish, and I was fully immersed the entire time. Simply fantastic!
Overall, this was a wonderful read, and I’m genuinely sad to part ways with this world and its characters. I’m giving it 5 stars and can’t wait to read more from this author, who I suspect could easily become one of my all-time favorites!
This book had everything I love, and I mean everything. It’s so good that I’m worried it’s going to ruin me for the next book I pick up (here’s hoping it won’t)! 🙏 I love slow-burn, plot-driven books with a bit of angst and strong development across plot, characters, and romance—The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole checked all of those boxes. The story is divided into two distinct parts, with the romance gradually building throughout part one and continuing to evolve in part two. The slow burn was masterfully done, filled with lovely tension and just the right amount of angst.
The chemistry between the characters was palpable, and I was dying for them to get together as the build-up unfolded. They fit so seamlessly into each other’s lives, and it was beautiful to witness, even with the circumstances that initially brought them together. Duncan and Sam were such well-crafted characters, with depth that made them feel like real people. Duncan’s brooding nature and Sam’s vulnerability and sass made them a perfect duo that I fell for instantly. I also loved how much they grew throughout the story—the Duncan Cole and Sam Carson we meet at the beginning are entirely different from the men we say goodbye to, and their journey to get to their happily ever after was anything but easy.
This book is also incredibly plot-driven. While there's plenty of steam and the romance plays a strong role, the plot itself is intricate, engaging, and absolutely fascinating. It’s unique and compelling, and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into crafting both the world and the story. The setting is a kind of historical, urban fantasy blend that’s difficult to describe—unlike anything I’ve read before. In some ways, it reminded me of the vibes of The Toymaker’s Son by Ariana Nash, which is one of my all-time favorite reads.
Part one was fantastic, primarily focusing on developing the relationship, but it only gets better in part two when the action, mystery, and suspense kick in inspiring a thousand and one questions. Boy did things get wild, and I was completely hooked. S. Hart’s writing is truly impressive—there wasn’t a single dull moment. Despite the book being long (around 800 pages), I was never bored or eager for it to end. It maintained a high level of entertainment and engagement from start to finish, and I was fully immersed the entire time. Simply fantastic!
Overall, this was a wonderful read, and I’m genuinely sad to part ways with this world and its characters. I’m giving it 5 stars and can’t wait to read more from this author, who I suspect could easily become one of my all-time favorites!
July 23, 2021
Loved it!
January 13, 2016
I loved S. Hart's other novel, The Cat and the Crow, so I started this with a lot of excitement. In the end, there were so many pieces of this to love, but nearly just as many things that made me hiss in frustration.
One thing I loved throughout the entire novel (both parts I and II) are Hart's characters. I loved Duncan. He felt so real to me. I understood him and sympathized with him. I cheered for him when he succeeded and got nervous for him when he was in danger. I thought Sam was adorable as well.
Another thing that Hart does very well is world-building. I love the worlds she creates. In both this book and The Cat and the Crow I was drawn in and hanging off of every new piece of information on this new place she was writing about.
Part I
I truly loved the world Hart created here, I loved Duncan, I loved how Sam and Duncan's relationship grew, and I loved Cheryl.
However, while other reviews have called Part I the better of the two, there were definitely some things that drove me nearly up a wall,
Part II
For most of Part II, and I'm totally in the minority here, I thought it was the superior part.
So, overall, this was a mixed bag for me. I'm still going to check out S. Hart's future novels, but I'll be a little more wary going into it than I was for this one.
One thing I loved throughout the entire novel (both parts I and II) are Hart's characters. I loved Duncan. He felt so real to me. I understood him and sympathized with him. I cheered for him when he succeeded and got nervous for him when he was in danger. I thought Sam was adorable as well.
Another thing that Hart does very well is world-building. I love the worlds she creates. In both this book and The Cat and the Crow I was drawn in and hanging off of every new piece of information on this new place she was writing about.
Part I
I truly loved the world Hart created here, I loved Duncan, I loved how Sam and Duncan's relationship grew, and I loved Cheryl.
However, while other reviews have called Part I the better of the two, there were definitely some things that drove me nearly up a wall,
Part II
For most of Part II, and I'm totally in the minority here, I thought it was the superior part.
So, overall, this was a mixed bag for me. I'm still going to check out S. Hart's future novels, but I'll be a little more wary going into it than I was for this one.
July 5, 2020
3.5 stars
January 3, 2015
I loved this book. The way the author puts words together is a pure joy to read. Little gems like "he wrestled the shoe laces into submission" instead of saying "he tied the shoe laces." And that's before you get to meet very interesting, complex characters and get swept away in a very unique story. Even some things you know are probably coming are done in such a way that the "when" and the "how" are a surprise and you end up thinking to the author "oh, no you didn't!" and "of course you did!" at the same time, often with a mixture of horror and joy. Some themes won't be palatable to some readers, I'm sure . But I highly recommend you give this book a try.
November 23, 2015
If you want to know all about this book, read all the reviews that mention the first half of it being really good and the second half of it being a bit of a mess. It's the absolute truth. If I could rate both halves separately, the first part would be a 4 star read and the second part would be a 2 star read, hence my averaged out 3 star rating. This was my first crack at steampunk and although I wasn't completely thrilled with this book as a whole, it did intrigue me enough that I will seek out further books in this genre. 3 stars
March 13, 2015
Took me a while to write a review for this one. Because it was GREAT! in a disturbingly "DEMENTED CIRCUS" sort of way. So Its steampunk gay romance that wasn't just superfluous gadgets.
“I was under the impression that Sam expected me to be someone, and I really wanted to be that person because I wasn’t happy being Drunken Duncan anymore. Not after I’d been used as a blanket by a coal miner who seemed to think that I was impressive. ”
― S. Hart, The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole
“I was under the impression that Sam expected me to be someone, and I really wanted to be that person because I wasn’t happy being Drunken Duncan anymore. Not after I’d been used as a blanket by a coal miner who seemed to think that I was impressive. ”
― S. Hart, The Disassembled Life of Duncan Cole
December 17, 2014
I really like this adventure, was different and interesting. Very refreshing, to me a MUST READ.
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