Rust and Steam

Elemental Web Stories #3

by Anne Renwick, Anais Inara Chase (Narrator)

A speeding train. A determined villain. A reconciliation of broken hearts.

Lady Alice Hemsworth wasn’t supposed to fall in love. It was her duty not to. Alas, she’d failed miserably. Mr. Benjamin Leighton—despite being turned away by her steam butler—can’t stop thinking about her. Alone, both are miserable—until a deadly encounter throws them together on the night train to London.

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Science Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published November 20, 2018

About the author

Though Anne Renwick holds a Ph.D. in biology and greatly enjoyed tormenting the overburdened undergraduates who were her students, fiction has always been her first love. Today, she writes steampunk romance, placing a new kind of biotech in the hands of mad scientists, proper young ladies and determined villains.

Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...

Reviews

[Dana Cristiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I read this book for Reading Rush 2019 Challenge for the prompt: A book with purple on the cover.*

I got this ebook for free because I subscribed to the author's newsletter. It's a short novella following two characters that work together in a train for defeating an evil man by using some steampunk technology.

I liked the characters and how they comunicated, but they weren't well-rounded and there was some cliche dialogue in there. But all in all it was a cute short read.

2.5 stars

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic Plot: A former spy and her would-be fiance thwart a different spy's efforts to steal an invention.

I love this world Renwick has created, but this story barely gives a taste of it. While I'm sure this story's events will impact the larger plot, there's just not enough here to really get invested in the characters or their situation. I wanted just a bit more from it than I got.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rust and Steam is a free-to-newsletter-subscribers short story set in the Elemental Web Chronicles world. The story is standalone, but there are characters and elements from he first two EWC books present.

The story is primarily set on a train bound for London. Mr. Benjamin Leighton is traveling with his sister towards the home of his future betrothed. He is not overly excited about the prospect, as he gave his heart and soul to Lady Alice Hemsworth, who flatly denied his proposal. On the train, Alice is traveling unchaperoned, and when Ben sees her arguing with a known criminal, he decides to take action.

The story is quick, but full of adventure and a few fun gadgets (one familiar to those who've read The Silver Skull). It is evident that Alice and Ben are meant to be, and discovering why she turned him down is part of the fun. The story is sweet and exciting, and a great introduction to Ms. Renwick's writing style. If you are interested in trying out the author or steampunk romance, I strongly encourage you to sign up for her newsletter and download Rust and Steam.

My Rating: B

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. It was a fun read, grabs your interest and doesn't let go. Great characters and plot.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rust and Steam, the device is Watson, a zoetomatic hedgehog. Mechanical critter. It has unique abilities that make is the perfect spy tool. Created by Alice and admired by Benjamin, Watson seems to bring the two together when they most need to cooperate to face the German spy. A fun, quick read, Rust and Steam took me further into the Elemental Steampunk world I have enjoyed so much.

This is a very short story that is available to anyone who signs up for the author’s newsletter. Rust and Steam contains the Elemental Steampunk typical device, an element of biological science and a couple who seem not to be made for each other, but really are. This is a formula that really works!

[Mella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, although I'm positively bamboozled with where this actually fits in with The Silver Skull. Because Olivia has a Watson. But the Graces talk about her dedication to the mission. On which she has a Watson. But Alice is there to present the Watson she built. So that was annoying.

Regardless, I really liked the characters. I liked Alice and her ambitions. And I liked that Ben was supportive of her. It's nothing new - frankly it's a familiar story set in this world - if anything it's rather like a pared down version of The Silver Skull - but it's enjoyable nonetheless and hits all the right notes. 3 stars.

[Kathryn]

A novella of Steampunk espionage! This is a very easy series to get addicted to. Strong, smart women and men who, not only aren't afraid of them, but love their brains and are ready to work with them toward common goals.

Ben Leighton is still in love with Lady Alice Hemsworth, the woman who said she couldn't marry him, but he needs to find a wife. Unbeknownst to him, Lady Alice is an invertor trying to get the attention of the Duke of Avesbury and become one of the Queen's agents. While traveling by train with his younger sister, he attempts to save her from a German known to steal inventions and hopefully steal her heart in the process.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep comparing this to the 1997 movie "The Saint" (starring Val Kilmer). I know that Benjamin Leighton is not an anti-hero but this enterpreneur has flair like Simon Templar's, though well hidden, and Lady Alice seems like Dr. Emma Russell's sister. I particularly like Mr. Leighton's proposal of marriage to Lady Alice; I can see Simon Templar proposing to Dr. Emma Russell in precisely the same way.

[Amy Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the three short stories I've read in this series, I think this is my favourite. The story had a couple twists and turns and was a little steamier than the last. While there were some great action moments and a couple twists, but as with the other books in the series, this was primarily a romance. The two main characters had an engaging relationship and were fun to read. I liked how they worked on their drama and supported each other, which helped along this already fast book. It was fun!

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous romantic adventure!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration

This short story (1.5 hours long) surpassed my expectations. The talented Anne Renwick has written an exciting, steamy spy story with a second-chance romance, smart characters, and fascinating steampunk details. The narrator gave an exquisite performance with perfect pacing and accents. It can be read as a standalone.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland August 1884 and relations between Lady Alice Hemsworth and Mr. Benjamin Leighton have not gone well in the past.vNow they are on the same train travelling to London. Can Lady Alice redeem herself in the eyes of her spymaster. Trouble comes in the shape of German Hugh Krause. Can both of them survive the encounter.
An enjoyable fast paced short story.

[Jess MacMillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it and it was a nice short story that I was able to get into and the story was well rounded enough that it didn't feel like Anne left anything out.

I loved Ben and Alice together and how willing he was to forgo societal norms by allowing her the freedom to go after her dreams!

A well-done steampunk romance short!

[Caryl Moulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steampunk at its best but adult not YA. Our heroine is brilliant. This short story fits before silver skulls but it is not necessary to read it first. Lady Alice has served her queen and been fired. She wants back in and has a way. Clockwork gears and cogs.

Good job

[Mhollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed more everything. These short novellas just aggravate me. I want more backstory and definitely more heat & sizzle. More witty dialogue between the H & H. Some more angst between them, too. Wrapped up too quickly.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a nice short story with some further insights into the world of Ann Renwick’s steampunk society. I was a little confused as to the characters connections to begin with. The clockwork miniatures were easy to imagine.

[Brandi Pearl Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rust and Steam is another fun steampunk novella courtesy of Anne Renwick. A fun tale with likable heroes and a deviant villain, my only complaint is that I wished some things had been elaborated upon more. Overall, though, I love the story and look forward to future works by this author.

[Roslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun (if somewhat silly). Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's how you write a short story. Heaven knows why Krakens and Canals was so poor when this short story was so good.

[Erin-Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but well developed.

Received through Book Funnel. Optinions are my own.

[Christine Georgiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about fantastical inventions and espionage. 👍

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars:)

[Elizabeth Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick little story that actually introduces us to Watson before we see him again in The Silver Skull. I enjoyed it but do like when they end up being longer with new characters involved.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: I “reread” RUST AND STEAM, Stories, #3 - this time listening to the audio version delightfully narrated by Anais Inara Chase. She does a fabulous job. Anne Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk series is among my favorite fiction series at this time. I am “reading” through them for the second time. This is a delightfully creative and science-influenced, unique Steampunk series.

PREVIOUSLY -
First - I absolutely love the cover art on Anne’s Elemental titles!! They are what caught my attention immediately. ❤️

Rust and Steam by Anne Renwick is a standalone short story in her Elemental Steampunk series with currently 10 title - a mixture of full length, novellas, and short stories. I completed short story Rust and Steam in under 2 hrs. I am absolutely loving this series and Anne Renwick is a new-to-me author that is quickly becoming a favorite. I have already purchased the full length title that follows - #4/Silver Skull. Anne’s website has the recommended complete reading order but - #1/Tin Rose/a short story and #2/Golden Spider/a full length begin the series. Each are standalones. See Anne Renwick’s website for suggested reading order of series Stories, Tales, and Chronicles.

Rust and Steam is an unique fast moving historical/1884 Steampunk genre short story with clockwork mechanical inventions, spies, intrigue, and romance. I found it sweet and fun. Perfect for that quick read before bed, or a quick decompress read after work. I also highly recommend the previous titles in the Elemental series to readers of Steampunk, angst-free historical fantasy or simply fantasy with light romance, readers of light intrigue, and HEAs. R&S is a 2nd Chances trope.

Reader Caution -
Violence - PG level. Nothing graphic or dark.
Profanity - None.
Sexual situations - Yes. A brief memory flash of an intimate scene that occurred a month before the book actually begins, and then a intimate scene toward the end that fades out. Perhaps 2.0 or 2.5 Steam on 0 to 5 Very Clean to Very Steamy scale. The flashback memory can very easily be skipped and the later scene fades out.
I enjoyed Rust and Steam but readers who prefer entirely Clean novels may not. IMO, not suitable for young readers.

[Brandi Pearl Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but entertaining read, Rust and Steam features Lady Alice Hemsworth and Mr. Benjamin Leighton's eventful train ride in Steampunk-themed England. A likable pair, I also liked Lady Alice's Watson. Krause was perfectly devious, and I also liked Mr. Jackson. A fun entertaining read, perfect for short road trips or just killing time.