A Question of Boundaries

"A Question of..." Trilogy #1

by Sandra Bruney

By 1895, the United States is in the 80th year of the isolation imposed by King Thomas I and upheld by his successors. But, some are chafing under the shortages and restrictions, and when inventor Dr. Featherstone declares he has found a way to override all borders, there are those who applaud the discovery and those who fear it.


When Dr. Featherstone fails to return home for an important scientific gathering, his daughter Caroline enlists the help of the Member of Parliament from Charlotte, Nathan Llewellen. As the two search for the kidnappers, Caroline is plunged into a world where travel to other realities is possible in the blink of an eye, and people can assume the forms of fearsome as well as familiar animals… and where love comes at the most unexpected times and places.


Nathan’s peculiar gift might cost Caroline her life, but she has already lost her heart.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2014

About the author

I was born in New York State, but have lived in North Carolina for the past 30+ years. I enjoy writing stories about women who find the inner strength to overcome whatever life throws at them. The setting may be contemporary, historical or even fantasy, but the theme is the same.

When not writing, I stay busy with my family and volunteering in my church and community. Any spare time is spent reading and I love discovering new authors.

Reviews

[Bob Platypire · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an Audible code for this book via Audiobook Boom! to be honestly reviewed*

This is the first steampunk book I've had the pleasure of listening to, and it was a lot of fun! The alternate worlds were intriguing, and I really enjoyed the interactions and secrets of each character. The flow was good, and it kept me interested the entire time. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, and that's always great! The ending was predictable, but sweet and satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes steampunk, shifters, and a flat-out good time! 4 Platypires.

The narration was just not my cup of tea. Rather than feeling like I'm really hearing a story, I felt like I was being read to, with the pictures withheld. The tension on words and dialogues just didn't feel right in several places. This is a personal preference, but I didn't find the voice pleasant or melodic. This is not meant to offend, I am simply picky when it comes to narrators. I actually feel really bad for feeling that way. :( 3 Platypires

Overall, Bob says: 4 Platypires

[❤ AudiobookRomance ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Creative Alternative Timeline Historical Romance!



A Question Of Boundaries is #01 in the A Question of... Trilogy Series by Sandy Bruney.

This series is listed by Sandy Bruney on Audible but other sites have it listed under Sandra Bruney.

Ashley Holt narrates.

HFN with a continuing storyline.

This is a SMC Series: (Same Main Couple/Character Series) A trilogy to be exact. The first one can be listened to as a standalone, but if you intend to continue the series I would recommend reading these in order.

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Content Advisory:
This is very PG with no sex.

This is a Historical Romance with an Alternative Timeline. There are Steampunk elements as well as Paranormal. It's definitely not like anything I've listened to before, in the best way.

Caroline ❤ Nathan

Caroline Featherstone is the heroine of this trilogy, and she is a stubborn little thing for sure. Although its an alternative world, its still not far from the history we know. Women are still without many of the rights we have today, but she is determined to be more than she is allowed to be. This leads her into to many shady situations, especially when jumping blindly in trying to find her dad. Her brilliant yet ignorant father, has gone missing and there are those that are not above kidnapping her to get to him. Lucky for her, there are those that would protect her with their lives. These friends have many special skills that give them an advantage above mere mortals. I don't want to ruin any of the surprises, but just know that this is a paranormal and that wolf on the cover is not a pet!

Nathan Llewellen is our hero and he is more than meets the eye! He is a widower and a politician. Nate is heading the party to drop the border restrictions. He knows that if Caroline's father truly did invent a way of communicating without wires, that it would upset the Status Quo of the last 80yrs. This should be a good thing, but there are those that greatly profit off the way things are now, that would kill to stay on top. There are paranormal secrets in Nathan's closet, as well as those of his acquaintances.

Pay attention to the clues!

This title was originally published in late 2014, but is actually quite relevant to current political times. If you don't follow politics, that's OK too. This was a great ride, with lots of surprises! I was so much into the story that I missed one of the clues that should of been obvious to me. I still got it before it was revealed to me, but way after the point where I should of picked up on it. 😀 This is great for those that like paranormal romances, steampunk, historical romances, or clean romances. I personally like a little smutt in my reads/listens, but I still enjoyed this tale.

Sandy/Sandra Bruney has created some great characters. The world building is very inventive. This is my first by her and I hope to listen to the rest of the series.

This was not my first or last listen by Ashley Holt. Her character voices are great even though at times it can get a bit muddy when the dialog goes on for length and numerous peeps are talking. Overall you don't notice much though because you will be too rapped up in the story.

Normal speed was fine, however I listened at 0.90x. It is my personal preference.



Ebook obtained through Kindle Unlimited.
Audiobook obtained for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Caroline lives in Charlotte during the exploration and colonisation of the Americas. Her father, a learned inventor, goes missing, and her father's solicitor is murdered. She alerts the police, but they seem to assume that a man of the world will go visiting women and not inform his daughter. Of course Caroline has loyal household staff, so she is able to keep respectability, but other men call looking for her father, and his study is ransacked. How is a girl supposed to keep up standards?

We gradually learn that Thomas Jefferson became King Thomas, in this alternate world, and travel by airship or steamcab is available as well as communication by telegraph - but only in the known territories. A terrible plague devastated some other countries and the borders have been closed, with not even news passing them. Some people who are merchant traders would like the borders re-opened. A journey to Washington is on the cards, but the gentlemen looking for Caroline's father give her maid Tabby the creeps. Something occult, or just old legends from her home country in Europe? One of them, Nathan, has particular talents.

I particularly enjoyed the session of Parliament attended by Caroline and the current King. We learn that slaves were freed by the second King Thomas. The current king is even more progressive. Caroline soon walks into dire trouble of course. Big money is on the table.

I admire the way that the atmosphere is evoked and maintained. The alternate world has been carefully thought out and consequences evolve naturally. I particularly enjoy the other alternate realities we see on brief visits. Caroline is a well-raised confident young lady who adapts quickly to her dangerous circumstances, but is still too trusting of seeming respectability. Dye colours are a feature, because natural sources have been cut off and aniline dyes from coal tar byproducts not yet brought from Germany. Spices, coffee and silks are other scarcities in the isolationist nation.

If you'd enjoy a slightly steampunk, slightly urban fantasy alternate world read, you can hardly do better. There's romance, danger and great characterisation in the imaginative A Question Of Boundaries. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Audible Review] A Question of Boundaries' is an almost unusual book. As hoped the narration does not begin with a laborious backstory of the alternate timeline that this book centres around. Instead of treating the reader as a student, learning the world of the book, we are brought along for the ride and find ourselves caught up in the search for Caroline's father, presenting itself as if a murder mystery before morphing into its final form. Several times while listning I found myself trying to puzzle out, what is this book? I would advise listners to simply strap in for the ride. Please note that this review was facilitated via a free review code meaning I did not pay for this book, instead agreeing to provide a (hopefully) unbiased voluntary review once I was finished listning. Had I paid for it, I highly doubt I would seek to return it.

It is worth stating that the narration (by Ashley Holt) is rarther sing-song. It took me until the conclusion of the first chapeter to ajust to the fast paced flowery tone and I prepared myself a negative impression. As I listened further however the tone and slight inflection used to differentiate dialogue from the rest of the book as well as the books theme of a rarther prim an proper way of concluding affairs in this re-imagining of a post-independance America brought me to appricate the narration. When in rome after all, the fast paced no-nonsese narration mirrored characteristcs I must assume Mrs. Featherstone would expect with all the chaos she tolerates throughout the book. Additionally the sing-song and fake or forced sounding narration, in my mind at least, highlighted just how old-fashoned and over the top this world is. Steamcarrage may well be my newst word.

While the fast pace did take an ajustment I rarely found the need to rewind portions or listen again. Background noise is mercifully absent and near the end the occasional microphone jostling could be heard which does deserve a mention. As always one should listen to the samples provided as I can imagine the frills and pace would discourage some listners. It you want to truely listen to the world that is crafted I have little trouble advising you led this your ear. Perhaps don't listen too loudly however, it will not help you catch any more details from the story and may give you a headache.

[Sweetpea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a steampunk romance, the wonderful worldbuilding is really what grabbed my attention while listening. The United States is comprised of 38 states and is a monarchy. They have isolated themselves from the rest of the world because of a pandemic. Nothing comes in and nothing goes out and border travel/trade is illegal.

Caroline is searching for her father, whom she believes to have been kidnapped. What she stumbles into is corruption that people are willing to kill for. If she's not careful, she'll be next. With the assistance of Nathan Llewellen, a member of Parliament, she'll solve the mystery of her father's disappearance and maybe even find love along the way.

Paranormal elements, time travel, romance, intrigue and danger made this a fun listen. It made me think about how dependent we are on the rest of the world for everyday goods like coffee and chocolate. The narration was good and held my interest throughout. I enjoyed this and can't wait to start Book 2. I would recommend A Question of Boundaries.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.

[Kitty_ranma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifters, paranormal mystery and romance."
Audio version.
This took me a little while to get into. I think it's mainly because of the narrative. I found myself thinking does the narrator think we're all children. She also sounded almost mechanical otherwise she was ok. I found the story to be quite interesting and fun and I'm looking forward to the next part.
Will I listen again, probably not.
This Audio book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher, author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Original, Romantic, Unpredictable, Witty, Wonderful characters.