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Ambulatory Cadavers
Two cousins. One on the verge of a great discovery... and excessive power, wealth, and infamy, the other on the verge of an odious marriage. Lyra will stop at nothing to achieve her father’s dream of dissolving Parliament into anatomical sludge, and to search out the farthest reaches of science and the arcane arts. That is until her own dreams begin to awaken, jolted by the electric sparkle of an artist’s eyes. Lacking a strong constitution, Alice can only run from her problems, that is until she collides into the company of a strange young man of questionable occupation and discovers her cousin’s terrible plans. The dead are about to rise, the Lords are about to fall, and things are about to get creamy. High society will never be the same again.
284 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2016
198 people want to read
About the author
McCallum J. Morgan
11 books11 followersMcCallum J. Morgan writes steampunk fantasy, alternate history, and science fiction, mixing in the mythical and the macabre. He also dabbles in the dark arts of painting and costuming.
Inspired at a young age by the fantasy novels he read voraciously, he set out to become an author. After many failed attempts to write various books, he became superstitious and at last approached what he termed 'AAAB' or Attempt-at-a-book, so as not to jinx the thing. It worked.
His first novel was published when he was nineteen and now, at 23, he has a full trilogy of steampunk fantasy, called the Weather Casters Saga, along with the standalone horror-comedy, Ambulatory Cadavers. His writing is inspired by the fiction he loves: old myth, classic horror, and the kinds of books where the characters leap off the page. A bit eccentric, he prefers to appear at signing events and comicons in book-related costumes which he sews himself. He is also a self proclaimed amateur artist, with a predilection for watercolors and coffee...occasionally intermixed by accident.
Inspired at a young age by the fantasy novels he read voraciously, he set out to become an author. After many failed attempts to write various books, he became superstitious and at last approached what he termed 'AAAB' or Attempt-at-a-book, so as not to jinx the thing. It worked.
His first novel was published when he was nineteen and now, at 23, he has a full trilogy of steampunk fantasy, called the Weather Casters Saga, along with the standalone horror-comedy, Ambulatory Cadavers. His writing is inspired by the fiction he loves: old myth, classic horror, and the kinds of books where the characters leap off the page. A bit eccentric, he prefers to appear at signing events and comicons in book-related costumes which he sews himself. He is also a self proclaimed amateur artist, with a predilection for watercolors and coffee...occasionally intermixed by accident.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 27, 2017
This book is hilarious. I laughed out loud more occasions than I can possibly remember, pretty much from start to finish. For this reason, I don't suggest reading this book in public! (Unless you are general prone to spontaneous laugh attacks). There are many different types of comedy used, so I think the book would appeal to just about anyone with a sense of humor. Desperately hope there will be more comedies from this author :D
The characterization was great and really added to the frivolity. I loved the contrast between Lyra and Alice and thought it worked very well. The emotional responses and interpretations from Lyra and Alice were spot on (still amazed at how often in books I read male writers portray young women more accurately than the female writers?!). There are other wonderful characters as well, Mr. and Mrs. Crawft, Asa Crimpton, Creamey, Test, the list goes on! We get to know all of them pretty well, which is always an indication of strong characterization.
The setting is delightful, based upon the early 19th century and the historical details are represented accurately. I think this would be a cool time and place to live in, save the advent of ambulatory cadavers, of course!
It was a bit graphic at times and there was mild use of language (for the faint of heart out there).
This is a well-rounded tale with strengths in world building, characterization, and plot. And it's FUNNY! What more can a reader ask for? It really is a bizarre yet highly entertaining combination of romance, horror, historical fiction, and comedy. There's something for everyone. Definitely recommend! You won't regret it.
The characterization was great and really added to the frivolity. I loved the contrast between Lyra and Alice and thought it worked very well. The emotional responses and interpretations from Lyra and Alice were spot on (still amazed at how often in books I read male writers portray young women more accurately than the female writers?!). There are other wonderful characters as well, Mr. and Mrs. Crawft, Asa Crimpton, Creamey, Test, the list goes on! We get to know all of them pretty well, which is always an indication of strong characterization.
The setting is delightful, based upon the early 19th century and the historical details are represented accurately. I think this would be a cool time and place to live in, save the advent of ambulatory cadavers, of course!
It was a bit graphic at times and there was mild use of language (for the faint of heart out there).
This is a well-rounded tale with strengths in world building, characterization, and plot. And it's FUNNY! What more can a reader ask for? It really is a bizarre yet highly entertaining combination of romance, horror, historical fiction, and comedy. There's something for everyone. Definitely recommend! You won't regret it.
February 15, 2017
In the parlance of the day, Ambulatory Cadavers would be considered a literary romp. The story is original, intelligent, and comedic. I enjoyed all of the characters but Alice was my favorite. Her struggle with morality and impropriety was very funny. If you enjoy zombies, a dash of gore, humor, romance, and literary flair, you'll love Ambulatory Cadavers.
May 24, 2017
A delightful, pompous, fun romp and a quick read for Victorian-era junkies. The ARC I received also came with a watercolor picture signed by the author and a gift tag with a trinket of a key and two cogs attached by a gold thread. It was a pleasure to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews