The Tremblers

Blackburn Chronicles #1

by Raquel Byrnes

Charlotte Blackburn—a beautiful, intelligent, and gifted tinkerer—lives in a cloistered world of wealth and privilege beneath the Electric Tesla Dome that shields survivors of The Great Calamity. But when her father is abducted, and a strange sickness starts transforming men into vicious monsters, she discovers that technology is no protection at all.

Ashton Wells has a dire mission: Secure Colonel Blackburn and deliver his research to The Order of the Sword and Scroll. But the plan goes awry, and he is left with nothing but the colonel’s daughter who has a target on her back and is willing stop at nothing to rescue her father—including handing over to the enemy the only means to stop the monstrous plague.

Branded as traitors, Ashton and Charlotte brave the treacherous floating sky ports of Outer City to hunt down the elusive inventor, Nikola Tesla—the only person able to activate the strange device that harbors the secret to their salvation. With the government closing in, a rebellion brewing in the streets, and terrifying Tremblers attacking the innocent, the two must work together to stop their fragile world from crumbling once more into destruction.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Science Fiction

388 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2018

About the author

Raquel was a military brat who grew up on Marine bases throughout the United States. An avid stargazer, she often travels into the desert near her home to view the meteor showers or throws launch parties for major NASA events.

When she's not writing she can be seen geeking out over sci-fi movies, reading anything she can get her hands on, and having arguments about the television series Firefly in coffee shops. She lives in Southern California with her husband, six kids, and her beloved Huskies, Zena and Keanu.

Known for pulse-pounding fiction with a breathtaking pace, she continues to bring riveting characters and epic worlds to life in an exciting new technothriller series.

Twitter/Instagram: @raquelbyrnes

Reviews

[Amy Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I requested this book on NetGalley I couldn't get over the pretty cover and beautiful steampunk historical synopsis. I just KNEW I would love this book. It fell short for me. The romance was off. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The story felt forced to the extent so much was going on but wasn't explained very well.

Just because I had a bad experience don't let that sway you. I've seen other people that highly enjoyed this book. Always look into a book for yourself & read what you enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I was provided this book by Netgalley and Pelican Book Group for an honest review***This cover really pulled me in and I felt an instant connection calling me to read this book. Charlotte Blackburn lives a life of wealth and privilege, socializing with the elite. The characters and their growth did not follow the 'chosen one' trope and had so many twists I couldn't predict the outcome. I absolutely loved this book. It was so refreshing to dive into a truly amazing steampunk novel.

[Ruth]

Byrnes does a number of things really well, one of which is, to my pleasant surprise, successfully infusing this steampunk story with Christian worldview elements while staying true to the tropes of the genre. I'll be checking out Book 2 when it releases.

[J C Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tremblers was a fast-paced thrill-ride set in a plausible, well thought-out steampunk world. Charlotte Blackburn is one of the elite, a Society debutante whose greatest concern is supposed to be the trim on her chainmail bodice. However, the night that she first encounters one of the tremblers, infected with a plague of unknown origin, her life changes forever. Charlotte finds herself caught up in events that will shape the future of her world, on the run from the law with a man she barely knows, and she’s somehow supposed to keep up still swathed in a ball gown.

Author Raquel Byrnes has created a very intriguing world, a steampunk version of the States where the major cities are confined and protected by Tesla domes against the man-made disaster outside. The thought that clearly went into the little details of the setting shines through without overwhelming the plot. While (I admit it) Charlotte’s tendency to end up in tears got to me periodically, overall the character had a lot of depth and her own unique perspective on the situations she found herself in. Despite the breakdowns, she kept going, and as the situation got more dire, she developed a streak of self-reliance and got the job done. The pacing is excellent, and the adventures largely plausible in context; definitely enough to keep the reader turning pages. I’d highly recommend this read to readers of adventure of all kinds; steampunk with some truly unique twists.

Reviewed for By Rite of Word.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

Ok, so I know I took forever to get around to reading this. I basically put it on currently-reading and then spent days reading cozy mystery instead, because I felt like this would be the kind of book you couldn't put down. I knew I wouldn't get a chance like that until my day off from work, so I was glad to finally settle down with this, and I was right! The action didn't stop, and I would have missed the adrenaline ride had I put it down.

There were only two problems for me; a rather complicated world and sequence of events that are either not explained well, or explained to the main character wrongly to make her believe different things and support different causes. The other was the romance (surprise!) because I felt like I'd need more actual conversations between Ash and Charlie before I fully believed and shipped them. They were so intent on always escaping danger that we've got a forced pairing and I didn't like it. Meh, that's a general me problem though.

I found the story fresh and exciting though, with plenty of action. There were a few moments where I wasn't sure I liked Charlie, but she fights damn hard and comes out a better character by the end. If you've been thinking about adding this book, do so! It was a fun ride and the ending leaves you wanting more. Four stars.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I like to mix things up by reading a novel outside of my wheelhouse (historical fiction and suspense). This time I picked a doozy! The Tremblers is a fun, suspense-filled story that takes place in 1885—in a sort of post-apocalyptic version of New York City. The main characters, Charlotte Blackburn and Ashton Wells wield some pretty fabulous Steampunk gadgets and travel by dirigible during their quest to find out what is turning normal citizens into zombie-like "tremblers".

I know this book will appeal to fans of Morgan L. Busse (Tainted) and Evangeline Denmark (Curio). I'm equally excited to recommend it to parents of middle-grade readers since I know the cat and mouse adventure is something that will appeal to my own kids. (Note to parents: Ashton is more of a principled hero than a heartthrob.) I'll be adding the next book in the series to our summer reading list!

[Nicole Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is a beautiful and talented tinkerer. She lives a life of wealth and privilege beneath the Electric Tesla Dome that protects the survivors of the Great Calamity.

But her father is abducted, and a sickness spreads that turns men into monsters. She discovers that there was never any protection under the dome.

Meanwhile, Ashton Wells has one mission, to secure Colonel Blackburn and deliver his research to the Order of the Sword and Scroll. The plan goes haywire and he ends up with the colonels daughter, Charlotte.

They are labeled as traitors and have to brave the outer sky ports while trying to find Nikola Tesla, who is the only one that can activate the device to save humanity.

If you love all things sci-fi and steampunk this is the book for you. This books plot is so thorough without boring you. There is also excellent world building. Definitely pick yourself up a copy!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars. Steampunk lovers and readers, you're gonna want to pick this book up. The politics in this books are well thought out to drive an interesting plot that holds you tight and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. I am so excited I was able to read this book through NetGalley. So why not a higher rating? The writing style is a bit flawed. It struggles a little with "show don't tell" and at times a sentence reads unnatural and it jots you out of the story at times.

[Bran Pendergrass · Rating 2 out of 5]

*** I was provided this book by Netgalley and Pelican Book Group for an honest review***
This cover really pulled me in and I felt an instant connection calling me to read this book! The blurb really made me want to love it and to find immerse myself in the world of steampunk!

The action starts with the first page of the book and doesn’t stop! I found myself in chapter 7 before I realized I had been flying through the pages and had to stop and think! The action and the imagery were about the only thing I that I did enjoy in this book.

Charlotte aka Charlie is a naive little girl and I do not care for her! I found myself hoping that the monsters looming in the background would eat her face off! I cannot stand whiny heroines that play the poor pitiful me card at every turn! I also do not like how close minded she to the real happenings of the world around her. Like when she continues to run around the sky city like tyrannical two-year-old thus constantly attracting unwanted attention, only to beg Ashton to continue to help her. I guess it is partly due to the fact that this was set in the 1800’s where women were supposed to act a certain way or that the author was trying to have her play the damsel in distress but either way I hated this aspect of her character. No, I just really hated her entire character!

I did not love the book, but it was not completely terrible. I really enjoyed my first trip into the world of steampunk and imaginative the newly crafted, repurposed items were! I loved the City in the sky and the airships.

I would recommend this story to those who love steampunk and to teenage readers who love YA books with adventure.

Thank you for allowing me to experience my first taste of steampunk! I look forward to reading more books in this genre!

[gem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of steam-punk books, especially if they have a touch of humour with them, like the Gail Carriger Parasol Protectorate series.
This novel had great world building and the characters were interesting, and combined with the inventive plot I raced through this book.
I'm intrigued that it's part 1, so I'd definitely read the second book to see what happens next as I really enjoyed the idea of the mission/quest and the politics involved.
Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this book!

[Laura Metz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this arc by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just couldn't get into this book at all and had trouble pushing through it. I really wanted to like it I did, but just couldn't.

[Zuzana899 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read, but I was not captivated . And I wish there was more romance....

[wonderfullyweird88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The survivors of the Great Calamity, must reside under the Electric Tesla Dome or suffer an agonising death from the poisonous gas that permeates the air after earthquakes tore the earth ten years ago.

Charlotte Blackburn lives a life of wealth and privileged, socialising with the elite. Long enamoured with the adventures of her father she longs for one of her one. When her father is taken she is trust into an adventure she is ill prepared for. Her father entrusts a journal to her and urges her to seek out the inventor Collodin. A sickness is spreading that turns people into monsters and Charlie’s father was the only one who knew its source.

Ashton Wells is ordered to question Colonel Blackburn and obtain his research for the Order of the Sword and Scroll. Instead he finds himself aiding Blackburn’s daughter. Charlie is torn, her father sent her to find Collodin he obviously did not trust the Order of the Sword and Scroll. Can she trust Ashton, or will he stay true to his mission?

“I’ve agreed to follow you, but not blindly.”

I was blown away by the quality of the writing, the richness of the setting and the three-dimensional characters. While light on romance this book captivates you as you journey through a dystopian New York. While Charlie initially comes across as a spoiled debutante, she quickly shows her strengths. She is determined and intelligent and shows true strength of character. Ashton has a dominant personality, along with a penchant for bossiness, but he possesses enough positive traits to make him a well-balanced character.

This is an incredibly well-crafted, complex and powerful story that gripped me from first page to last and I am anxious to read the next instalment.

[Margaret Fisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

This is an alternate history steampunk story where steam tech, specifically from the hands of Nicola Tesla, is misused and manages to literally shake the world apart. The Tremblers is set after the initial disaster, but the consequences are permanent and serious. This is the type of steampunk I prefer because it explores the impact of such a disaster on the different classes and the compromises made in the name of safety.

The Tremblers is a very complicated book masquerading as a simple adventure. I’ll admit I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I might have expected, but this may have been due to my fascination with the ideas and politics. Everything happens at a dead run, leaving little time to absorb either the changes in the characters or the tragedies, while little is as it seems. The book is an odd blend of very dark and yet with light moments, largely between the two main characters, Charlie and Ash.

It starts with an important, but not critical, prologue that introduces Ash, and then spins into Charlie’s introduction as a society debutante expected to make a good marriage. Her scene isn’t limited to that, though, because the dark underpinnings of society slap her in the face not once but twice, making the glamor of her surroundings a delusion while the police state they accept as for their own good turns sour when someone she knows is caught up in it.

The innovative steam tech, political maneuverings, and complicated motivations of pretty much everyone whether on Charlie’s side or the villains of the piece are what make this book strong and enjoyable. I very much appreciated the character growth from ignorance to awareness for both Charlie and Ash, though in some ways, Ash had further to go both because he believes himself aware and because he’s a true believer.

Religion has a hand in this story, but with a gentle touch that lays out the difference between faith and acting in the name of faith much like how the politics explore the differences between safety at all cost and personal freedom. The constant rewriting of our understanding acts as both a strength and a weakness to this story. There’s a lot of mystery around what is going on and why, the enemies and friends are not always clear, and many aspects are moving targets.

I did have issues with the main characters’ agency and ownership of the story, in part because they are ignorant of so much and her father’s journal is believed to be as a solution to everything if they can only find a way to translate it. Speaking vaguely so as not to spoil, I appreciated how that faith proved not as conclusive as they believed, leaving them with some aspects to figure out on their own. Normally, I would have been too frustrated at not being able to see the big picture, but I managed to skate by in part because I knew more than the characters through the use of many different points of view. The book also has good seeding, so I could start putting things together even when the characters remained ignorant, or in Ash’s case on something things, deliberately secretive.

The book takes some unexpected twists and turns, things rarely seen in novels of this type and yet which work within the story well. I cannot say more on this topic without spoiling, but I will say the book broke a number of genre conventions, some of which may frustrate readers while others add nicely to the tension.

The Tremblers is so much more than a simple story, and it asks a lot of readers because the tangled web of motivations denies any clear good versus evil vision. To some degree, everyone is working for a good. The question is more how good is defined and what they’re willing to sacrifice (or whom) to achieve that aim. Ultimately, despite my quibbles, I enjoyed experiencing this journey through Charlie’s innocent eyes and Ash’s indoctrinated ones. It’s the kind of book that leaves you chewing over various aspects long after the last page is turned.

P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Erin Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened across The Tremblers by Raquel Byrnes as I was scanning through NetGalley and was drawn in by the cover. When I read the summary, I immediately requested it and it turns out, it was an interesting story and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series.

Charlotte Blackburn is the main character and she has grown up in a world of privilege where she has been shielded from the dangers that were a result of The Great Calamity. When she is forced on the run with a man she doesn’t know to try and find her father, she has to figure out what is more important, saving her father or getting the information behind what is changing people into monsters, into the hands of those who can do something about it. Charlotte was a well-developed character and I liked her from the moment she was introduced.

Ashton Wells is the man Charlotte escapes with and he has a mission, but it isn’t supposed to include a beautiful young woman. As an agent of The Order of the Sword and Scroll, he is supposed to find Colonel Blackburn and get his research to The Order. As he and Charlotte do their best to avoid those that are after them, they face many dangers and must work together to survive.

I liked both Charlotte and Ashton. Charlotte has been raised by a man who allowed her to be more than just a pretty face in a time when that wasn’t really the norm. Because of that, Charlotte has some knowledge around creating mechanical tools which comes in handy when she’s on the run and trying to survive. Ashton has some strong beliefs but eventually he is pushed to face the truth about them and the feelings he has developed for Charlotte. As they work together to figure out what exactly is causing the sickness and how their actions are impacting the rebellion that is brewing, things unexpectedly take a turn for these two.

Byrnes did a great job building out the world these characters inhabit. Steampunk is one of those genres that I don’t see a lot of, but I love it when it is done well, and I thought Byrne had a great balance of the mechanics embedded into the actual story. It wasn’t distracting or unbelievable and that aspect helped keep the story moving forward.

There are a few things going on in this book and while Charlotte and Ashton are the main characters, we also get chapters from the perspective of the “bad guy” which gives the reader a peek into what is going on that is causing the danger as well as what Charlotte’s father found out. I thought this added an aspect to the story that we would have missed had we only gotten the story from Charlotte and Ashton. Sometimes I struggle with stories that have varying perspectives because I don’t want to stop reading about what is going on with the main characters, but these inserted chapters didn’t take away from the story at all for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I absolutely will pick up the next book in the series when I can get my hands on it. If you are looking for a story that has a lot of action, a great story, and well-developed characters, consider checking out The Tremblers. I thought this was a solid book one of this series and will look for more from Byrnes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven by greed, man mined regardless of repercussions. They pushed the technological advancements to the point of shaking the earth almost to pieces. Those were “the quakes.” Protective domes had to be built as the quakes released toxic gases. These domes meant life could continue--and so could the mining.

Charlotte Blackburn lost her mom shortly after the quakes. Her father, scientist, encouraged her curiosity and tinkering. But when Aunt Sadie come to help rear Charlotte into a proper young lady, such explorations were discouraged. Post-quake survival did not take precedence over being a proper lady.

Colonel Blackburn, her father, was running tests to see if the domes were keeping the toxic gases out and if the mining was doing additional damage. A new disease was spreading and Colonel Blackburn was tracing its origin.

The diseased came to be known as “The Tremblers”, but it was all being kept hush-hush. Charlotte didn’t even know her father was researching it. But others did.

When soldiers invaded their home, Charlotte no longer knew who to trust. Encountering Ashton Wells during her escape she didn’t know if she was escaping the frying pan into the fire, choosing the lesser of two evils, or true safety.

I think I stumbled on this book as a freebie--being steampunk it caught my eye. Later I was pleasantly surprised to discover this is Christian fiction. It is not preachy as the Christian aspects are in undertones. I would recommend this to young adults and up as the description of the effects of the tremblers disease could be disturbing to those younger.

I read this entire book and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[L Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really hard for me to get into steampunk dystopian stories because those societies are so complicated that the research needs to be done for it to seem believable. Tremblers was definitely an interesting take on that world. This is my first of Raquel Byrnes, so I had to get used to her writing style and characters. I think what got me in this story was the point of view. If this weren't in first person I think I may have liked the characters a little bit more because some of the characters as a reader were annoying, but you didn't see that same kind of annoying from the first person character and it was irksome because I couldn't view the character as the main character would.

I am very intrigued about this series. It was good and interesting enough that I'd read book 2. I hope the characters and writing style tighten up and get better, but I really enjoyed the world created in this series.

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Blackburn Chronicles. The story is a steampunk story set in an alternate historical United States. I love steampunk worlds and books and this book started out promising but went downhill from there. I did enjoy a lot of the devices and action scenes in here. However, the writing was bit hard to follow at times and the plot was fairly predictable.

This whole book was just lacking a bit. The story got confusing at times and I had to go back and reread parts to try to decipher what was happening. I am talking about characters being in one location and then suddenly being somewhere else without an explanation; it was disorienting. I thought that the characters were okay but they were also lacking a little...something...they just weren't as engaging as I would have liked.

I did enjoy the world-building and the history behind this alternate Earth. There are some very neat ideas in here and the book is action-packed (although the action scenes were a bit hard to follow as well).

Overall this is a book I wanted to love, but it just wasn't engaging enough or well-written enough to really intrigue me and hold my attention. I won’t be continuing with this series.

[M.C. Chronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I was granted a copy of The Tremblers by Raquel Byrnes by Pelican Book Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I absolutely loved this book. It was so refreshing to dive into a truly amazing steampunk novel. I'm not talking about fluffy frilly steampunk. This book did a great job capturing the gritty steampunk that I love. The plot was easy to get through and did not get boring at all. The best part of this whole book for me is that Raquel Byrnes put so much thought into everything. The politics were not just thrown together, they were well placed and thoroughly researched, it seems. The characters actually had substance behind them and the world pulled everything together making it so vivid and real. All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone who wants a great read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I love a good "steam punk" themed plot, this was perfect. It was a mixture of future and past. Fantasy and real. The Tremblers kept me turning pages one after another until there wasn't another left. Definitely ends with a cliff hanger like most great books do. Another way to draw you right back in when the next book in the series is released. The madness starts all over again. The writing style was well done. It changed character viewpoints but not so much that a reader would feel like they had split personalities. The writing brings out a lot of emotions/feelings for the reader. They are expressed in a way that the reader understands and can connect with. It is a roller coaster ride from start to finish with all the twists and turns in the middle.

[Katie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars! It's rare that I pick up a book that wasn't recommended to me, but it happened with The Tremblers. That cover is just so eye catching, and the story sounded interesting, so I talked myself into giving it a try. The world building is fabulous, and the plot is very interesting with a satisfying conclusion. I would have liked a little more depth to the characters and their relationship, but overall I still enjoyed this story VERY much! I recommend it to anyone who loves a good steampunk, or, dare I say it?
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(shhhh, zombies!)

[NerdyBookishBeauty · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review*

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I give it a solid 2.5 because of the way the story was written. I would have rather seen the story shine through a little differently. For the styles I enjoy, this wasn’t for me. But it was an easy read, so try it for yourself.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York late 1800’s. A steampunk dystopian novel about a girl named “Charlie” saving the world from whatever is turning people into Tremblers.
A copy of this eBook was given to me for free from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to resd this book when i found out that it was set in a steanpunk world but thid book DRAGGED for me. I couldn't get into the writing style.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

This book was exciting from start to finish. I didn't know what to expect, but the characters took me on a journey of intrigue and unexpected plot. I really felt the writing was amazing and I can't wait for the next book.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://clistebella.blogspot.com/2018...

[Amy Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I requested this book on NetGalley I couldn't get over the pretty cover and beautiful synopsis. I just KNEW I would love this book. It fell short for me. The romance was off. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The story felt forced to the extent so much was going on but wasn't explained very well. Just because I had a bad experience don't let that sway you. I've seen other people that highly enjoyed this book. Always look into a book for yourself & read what you enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.

[Erin Spock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had the feel of an epic sci-fi saga. The world the author created, grounded in just enough history to feel familiar but then turned upside down and shaken around a bit (literally), felt very real. The threat was too close to home and that made it very real as well (how much freedom is a person able to give up in exchange for safety without becoming a slave?). The characters and their growth did not follow the 'chosen one' trope and had so many twists I couldn't predict the outcome. I understood Charlotte's thought process and decisions, even when they were questionable.
This is steampunk, but it's not the quirky, cute steampunk. It's gritty and real. I loved it.
I honestly want to see this translated into a movie. I can picture the dome, Outer City, and the Calamity... the grandeur of the story deserves serious attention.
There are romantic elements and some tension, but the journey is the main path in this book. While one conflict is resolved, there is clearly more to come and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[A. J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. 

I'm such a sucker for a good cover, which is the reason why I requested this book from NetGalley. Sadly the book did not live up to it's beautiful outside. I did not finish this book, in fact I only made it through the first few chapters before I quit.

While the world was had a lot going for it, I just couldn't get into anything else. The writing style was not my favorite. And the plot was cliche from the very first page. It was easy to see exactly where the story was going to go, and what the character was going to do and I was so bored. 

In the end I gave the book 1 star, I tried my best to get into the it but just couldn't. Maybe some would it enjoy it more than me though? It's a steampunk world and that's pretty cool. 

[Dreamer]

'The Tremblers' is a fast-paced steampunk dystopian novel with likable main characters.