Clocks, Cogs and Mechanisms Reading Challenge 2016

[Jane]

Clocks, Cogs and Mechanisms Reading Challenge 2016 hosted by Writing Our Fairy Tale.

I read a few steampunk books and my husband is a steampunk author so this is definitely a challenge for me. I will start on the level Flight goggles: 4-6 books but might move up if I read more.

This challenge was created back in 2012 for all the lovers of steampunk fiction that couldn’t find a reading challenge to match. After missing a year, I brought it back for 2015. The year didn’t go as planned for me and I didn’t do check-ins or or follow up posts on my blog, my goal is to do a lot better this year. Thank you for everyone who participated in 2015, I really hope you enjoyed reading Steampunk as much as I do.

Steampunk in case you did not know is an up and coming genre of fiction that takes place in older time periods, typically Victorian and involves lots of steam-powered technology. If you want some more information about steampunk follow the link for more information: Steampunk

This challenge runs from January 1st – December 31st. Sign up ends September 30th, 2016.

What do I let count as steampunk?
You can count books like “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells and other books that are considered precursors to steampunk, I have no problem with you counting graphic novels like Full Metal Alchemist.

They do not have to be on a paper to count, your ebooks count as well.
You can also count these books towards other challenges.

Brass Gears: Read 1-3 steampunk books
Flight goggles: 4-6 books
Button-up boots: 7-12 books
Clockwork Corset: 13+ books

[Jane]

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Animation by Chris Paton 2/11-16

Review:
In the first part of Emissary Metal I didn't quite take to the two main characters but now in the second part they are growing on me.
This second part is set in Scotland and I love both the setting and the Scottish characters. Karl and Seffi don't understand everything the Scots say and I know exactly how they feel as I have tried it.
Karl is changing from being quite the nerd to a likeable character and Seffi is starting to show some emotions.
I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Disclaimer: The author is my husband.

[Jane]

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Obsidian Eyes by A.W. Exley 4/19-16

Review:
This was interesting. Allie had been placed in an academy for the nobles. She knows she has been placed there for a reason but she doesn't know why. She struggles because she is an outsider but of course have a few friends, among them is one of the highest ranking nobles.
I really liked her wee thingy friend Weasel.
My only problem was that I thought it was a standalone book and even though it did not have a cliffhanger ending, it is clear that the author is thinking of turning this into a series.

[Jane]

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Sigmund Shaw: A Steampunk Adventure by Mark C. King 5/24-16

Review:
This was okay but I didn't expect all the political intrigue and power struggle which I am not a fan of. I did like the main character and his reasons for doing the things he did and how he did them.

[Jane]

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Djinn by Chris Paton 12/21-16

Review:
Of the four books in the series, I liked this one the best. My favourite character has to be Lena - the Cossack. However, I did like the new sentient emissaries, with Kettlepot being particularly interesting. It was also good to have Jamie back in the story - I have missed him. Lastly, without giving anything away, I appreciate a story where not everyone survives the battles - and there are a few in Djinn.

The whole "sentient" aspect to the emissaries is also explored in Activation, and I like how it all fits into place. Of course, there are two novellas not yet published in the Emissary Metal series, so I am not sure yet how it all ends.

[Jane]

Wrap Up


Well, I only just made it to 4 books and the level of Flight goggles that I had chosen. Unfortunately the host of this challenge has made her WordPress blog private and I can't update my challenges status at her page.