Tag Archives: Steampunk

The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher – a Review

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The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher – a Review

 

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Description:
For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses rule, developing scientific marvels and building fleets of airships for defense and trade.

Now, the Spires hover on the brink of open war.

Everyone knows it’s coming. The guns of the great airship fleets that control the skies between the last bastions of humanity will soon speak in anger, and Spire Albion stands alone against the overwhelming might of Spire Aurora’s Armada and its new secret weapon–one capable of destroying the populations of entire Spires.

A trading summit at Spire Olympia provides an opportunity for the Spirearch, Lord Albion, to secure alliances that will shape the outcomes of the war, and to that end he dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and the crew of the AMS Predator to bolster the Spirearch’s diplomatic agents.

It will take daring, skill, and no small amount of showmanship to convince the world to stand with Spire Albion–assuming that it is not already too late.

 

 

Review:

The Olympian Affaire by Jim Butcher is the 2nd book in his The Cinder Spires series.  Refresher: This series has a steam punk background in a different fantasy world, with aristocrats, magic, technology, ships and people who have some powers. For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world, with a war on the horizon.

The first half of the book was a slow burn, especially being 650 pages, with the story dragging early on. The story starts off with a villain from the previous book (Cavendish), who has become very powerful, ready to destroy humanity.  Tuscarora, Spire Aurora is using Cavendish’s secret weapon to destroy the populations of the entire Spires.

With the possibility of war, Lord Abion (Spirearch) calls Captain Grimm and his crew to bring the AMS Predator to help stop the expected attacks from Aurora.  It was great to get to see all of our heroes from the first book; Grimm, Gwen, Bridget, Benedict, Rowl (prince cat), Master Ferus, Miss Folly, as well as Bayard and Abigail and our adorable Fenli (kitten).

In the second half of the story, things change drastically. What follows is a wild adventure that will put each of our heroes in dangerous death-defying situations, with the evil Cavendish able to control a creature (mistmaw) to destroy humans & ships.  There was so much action throughout, holding our breaths if they will survive.  Captain Grim, Gwen and crew were willing to put their lives on the line to find a way to stop Cavendish in her evil destructions. Grimm also had to step up to save Bayard (his boss and friend) in a duel.

Once again, I really enjoyed seeing the Predator ship, always coming through, and loved how all the crew members were always on the side of their captain.  Most of all, I loved both Rowl and Fenli who added so much humor and fun: with them always being spunky and sure of themselves.  I did love Rowl’s arrogance, though he loved Bridget and swore to always protect her: and Fenli, though a kitten, was equally wonderful, with him eventually bonding with Benedict. Both are marvelous additions to this series.

The Olympian Affaire was another very good fantasy steampunk adventure. After the slow start, the last half of the book was wild and very exciting, with most of our heroes in danger till the end.  Though Captain Grimm is the lead character, the major secondary characters were all great; and the villains were evil. With the war still on the horizon, there is a slight cliff-hanger at the end.  The Olympian Affaire was very well written by Jim Butcher, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Tale of Steam and Cinders by Crea Reitan-review tour

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A Tale of Steam and Cinders by Crea Reitan-review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2, 2023

Magic is old. Steam is progressive. And the world is falling into waste.

Hopefully I leave a positive mark when I’m gone. I spend my days building wonders and use every bit I can while trying to control my runoff. I’m just one person, but I don’t want to contribute to the cause of killing our world. Despite the global pollution crisis, my life is simple, peaceful, and happy.

And then it’s turned into an epic journey as I’m sent on a mission of hope to collaborate on reinventing the steam engine in an effort to slow the destruction of the only planet we have. With little time to prepare, I’m sent across the country to a convention promising to be filled with the most brilliant minds.

On my way, I gather some new companions, nearly drown in a magical storm summoned by monstrous sea creatures, and rediscover a lost race of dangerous abominations that had been thought extinct. Only then do I make it to the remote island thinktank.

But it looks like maybe my troubles are just beginning.

•••••

REVIEW: I didn’t think I’d like this story, I haven’t read steampunk in a while (it wasn’t really my thing at the time!) but as I’ve read a lot of the authors work, I thought I’d give it a go….

Amandine wants to make a difference in her world. It’s a world run on steam (but the pollution this generates is killing the planet) she lives a happy but simple life. Being sent on a mission to reinvent the steam engine to pump out less toxic waste is the challenge. But the real challenge is getting to the convention is an adventure in itself!

I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s totally different from what the author usually produces. Yes, it’s steamier than her usual work and there might be a few moments that might have some readers putting the book down! But if you check the warnings first, I promise you a fun filled ride. The characters are slightly different from her usual characters. (Most of her other stories live in an Omegaverse)

This is a why choose story (the female main character will have more than one partner) And most of the male characters in this book are already established as couples, so you have to wonder how Ama will fit in! And everyone has a point of view that we get to read. I did like Amandine, she’s a strong and inventive character, she doesn’t shy away from danger, nor does she shy away from going after what she wants ?

My favourite characters had to be Sevyn and Ledger, they were always looking out and caring for the group. I also enjoyed meeting characters that will become family to Ama.

There is laughter, there is plenty of spice. I really liked the twists that would catch you unawares. And don’t forget the double crossing and greed that comes with most good adventure stories.

Well written, but there are a few places that the story gets a little bogged down, but overall a pretty good paced story.

I recommend this book if you’re a lover of multiple partners. A reader who likes steam, or even a reader who likes an adventure to her love story. There is something there for everyone

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

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Discoucia/Gemenicia by Nicholas Lovelock – Review Tour

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Discoucia/Gemenicia by Nicholas Lovelock -Reveiw Tour

Discoucia
(A Victorianish Fairytale / Discoucia #1)
by Nicholas Lovelock
Genre: YA, Steampunk
Release Date: June 29, 2017

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Revolution, romance and technological wonders are all in a day’s work for the decorated hero of Avalonia, Sir Arthur Pageon.

An acclaimed explorer and inventor, Sir Arthur Pageon takes his unofficial role as defender of the realm of Avalonia very seriously. A fantastical world, Avalonia is home to the Discoucian Monarchy, as well as monstrous creatures and secretive academies for the highly gifted.

Upon returning from his most recent exploits aboard on his personal flying galleon The Nostradamus, Pageon is treated to a hero’s welcome and celebratory procession through the streets of Avalonia’s capital, Evermore. Little does Pageon know he’s being followed by a mysterious group known as the Purple Guard, whose devious leader is his estranged sister, Queen Lily Pageon of Harrha Island. Fiercely intelligent, Lily specialises in dastardly technological inventions with the aim of bringing down the Discoucian Monarchy so that she may reign as its dictator. However, the heir to the throne is one Princes Josephine Oladine, whose youth and royal position masks her role in the Discoucian Secret Service.

Joining forces, Princess Josephine and Sir Arthur’s adventures will take them across the whole of Avalonia — from the fog-bound shores of Karga, to the secret underground shanty town beneath the frozen prison of Icester, south to the verdant city of Proceur and from there to the affluent Starfall Academy — in their quest to foil Lily’s revolutionary

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Reading the back cover I was a little intrigued. A new author is always a risk, but I fired up my kindle and dived in …..

Sir Arthur Pageon is an adventurer and an explorer. He invents in his spare time, but he’s also a guardian (an unofficial one) he guards the realm from creatures that would do them harm.

But coming back from his latest adventure he’s followed by a mysterious figure (we find out later that his sister has sent spies to watch Arthur)

Josephine is heir to the throne of Avalonia, but it’s under attack from Queen Lily Pageon (yes Arthur’s sister) she wants Avalonia under her rule, and will do anything to get it. So Josephine and Arthur join forces in a bid to stop Lily. (We also find out that Josephine is a type of secret agent for the royal family, so is capable of handling herself).

They travel through Avalonia and into many other regions, searching for a way to thwart Lily. (how? You’ll have to read to find that one out)?

We meet a variety of people (including the only crew member of Arthur’s flying galleon) and we meet a few Godesses (who I’m sure will play a major role in the next book).

I’ll have to admit, the writers style is very different to what I’m use to reading. It does jump around, and everything is minutely detailed?but once you get a few chapters read, you get inside the author head. It’s very descriptive and very well written. And I’m reminded of a movie I watched a little while back “Stardust” with flying ships and double dealings.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

________________

Gemenicia
(A Farewell To Epics / Discoucia #2)
By Nicholas Lovelock
Genre: YA, Steampunk
Release Date:May 30, 2019

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The second part of Arthur and Jo’s strange adventures throughout the land of Discoucia, and a time when Archie the Water Goddess has made the ultimate sacrifice to rid the world of her nemesis, Cordelia Paradise, the Fire Goddess.

However, things rarely go to plan and Arthur finds himself at war with Archie’s hidden agenda rather than the insane task that he has to help Archie complete.

Hidden around Discoucia in its sixteen major cities are sixteen gems that Archie must collect before a year is up. If she wins then Cordelia will disappear to another dimension and not return until she agrees to stop causing forest fires, volcanic eruptions and droughts.

Team Archie has Arthur and Jo, who both have the understanding that by collecting these gems a natural order can be brought back and maybe Jo’s father will get well again. Team Cordelia has Alicia May, who has a talent for becoming anyone and a deep malicious streak; and Iren, who has a fanatical hatred for Archie, which Archie herself doesn’t like to talk about.

Along the way they meet old friends and old enemies, as well as Archie having to perform miracles without the use of divine power. From the murky ruins of Tanalos to the haunted corridors of Ashin Dance Academy, the frozen caverns of Icester and the verdant streets of Proceur, the adventure will take them around Discoucia and beyond, unless Cordelia and Alicia May can stop them first…

•••••••••

REVIEW: After reading the first book (Dicoucia A Victorianish Fairytale) which I throughly enjoyed, I happily dived into the second book.

Jo and Arthur have to race through sixteen cities to find sixteen gems (this will help another character to defeat her enemy) and they don’t have long to find them.

Archie (a man’s name for a woman took me a little time to get use to) needs Jo and Arthur to help defeat Cordelia (a goddess of fire) Archie is in fact the goddess of water. To banish the goddess of fire will take time and certain gems (of which Archie has neither) but Archie also has a hidden agenda (do you find out??) so instead of finding gems, Arthur is caught up in Archie’s schemes.

The race to collect the gems is continually thwarted by another couple of characters (Iren and Alicia) they serve Cordelia and will do anything in order for Jo, Arthur and Archie not to collect the gems.

The writing is the same style, but as I read the first book, I knew roughly what to expect.

So who wins ? Cordelia the fire goddess? Or Archie the Water Goddess? For that answer your going to have to read the book ?

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie

Nicholas Lovelock lives in a small village in Oxfordshire and has already published Discoucia, the first part of the Alavonia Series which spans multiple novels set to be released in the future. He enjoys riding around the countryside as well as illustrating his own works, as can be seen in his second novel Gemenicia. These Illustrations in stark black and white provide a glimpse into the world of Alavonia and how he sees it, as well as showcasing the different locations and characters that make up the Alavonia series universe.

He is a keen musician capable of playing the electric guitar as well as the acoustic and the piano, often trying to play like his musical heroes David Gilmour, Jimmy Page and Jeff Lynne. His coin collection has transformed from a hobby to a passion and obsession as he attempts to collect one of every issued coin in Great Britain. He is over halfway in that respect collecting such treasures as a 1675 Charles the Second Crown and an extremely rare Edward the Seventh Half Crown of 1905, and has begun metal detecting in an effort to tick some boxes in the Hammered Coinage section.

His love of Steampunk literature and cinema has been with him from a young age when he first saw the film ‘Wild Wild West’, sought out the original series and discovered a world of fantasy that he has painstakingly tried to pay homage to in his novels, to bring the wild west to an English setting and to create something that has never been done before.

History has always been a major passion of his as he makes many references in his literature, from characters whose personalities resemble those of eccentric historical characters or monarchs. The ability to change history through literature was one of the things that attracted him to become an author in the first place, to create similar timelines and put a unique spin on the mundane.

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The Aeronaut’s Windlass – The Cinder Spires by Jim Butcher – Review & Giveaway

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The Aeronaut’s Windlass – The Cinder Spires by Jim Butcher – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.

Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.

And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake…

 

Review

The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher is the first book in his The Cinder Spires series. I was not sure of what to expect when I decided to read this new series by Jim Butcher, as I am a fan of his Dresden series. This was a bit different with a steam punk background in a different fantasy world, with aristocrats, magic, technology, ships and people who have some powers.

Early on we meet the leading characters who will all play a big role in the story.  Captain Grimm, of Spire Albion, is the Captain of the ship Predator, which despite it being an older ship, is one of the most successful.  In the midst of an attack, Predator holds its own, until Spire Aurora sends in a battleship that will damage Predator, as they limp home.  We are in the middle of war between the two Spires, which is now escalating even more.

In another area, we meet Gwen Lancaster, of the Lancaster Vatterys.  Gwen is determined to join the Spire Guard, and leaves home to do what she was expected to do.  Gwen meets up with her cousin Benedict, a seasoned warrior, who will help her.  Gwen is tough, and speaks her mind, even if it turns off others.  Benedict is the opposite and he has no qualms teasing  Gwen about her abrasive nature.

Next we meet, Bridget Targwen, who is forced by her father to go out and join the guard, as it is what she has to do when you reach a certain age.   My favorite character is Rowl, a blueblood cat from his own tribe.  Rowl loves Bridget, who can speak cat language; he stays with her to protect her. 

All of them are commissioned by the SpireArch of Albion to help find out how Aurora is finding out Albion information, and who the leak is.  They will work with together, and have been assigned to work with Master Ferus, an Etherialist  and his apprentice, Folly.  Both Ferus and Folly seem somewhat mad, especially in the language; but they have so much power, seeing things in the future.  I did like Ferus, but Folly, who needed her Ethereal crystals, to keep her mind clear. 

What follows is an interesting, and early on confusing adventure that will put them very much in danger, especially as the war escalates.  Once we get the feel of the story, it becomes very exciting, with each of them finding themselves right in the middle of death defying situations.   They will discover an evil that will threaten their world as they know it.  The main villain, Cavendish, is a counter part of Ferus, but her powers are used to kill others mentally, as well as creating evil beings.  I liked all the characters created by Butcher, and found myself becoming totally into this story in the last half.  Many times throughout the adventure, we thought some of our heroes would die. 

Butcher does a wonderful job explaining the naval battles between Predator, other ships and those from Aurora.  We could feel the men on Predator doing what they could to salvage the ship against the attacks.  Very well done.  As I said before, Rowl was  a great addition, especially when he had to get other cat tribes to help save Bridget and the others from those violent beings.  After a slow start, which is to be expected when starting a new world, and trying to introduce the main characters; the story line picked up full speed ahead, with a wild exciting finish.  I look forward to what comes next in this series by Jim Butcher.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway

Jim’s publisher is offering a paper copy of The Aeronaut’s Windlass to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from July 7 to July 11, 2016

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Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn-Release Day

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Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1) East-Indian Steampunk Fantasy Romance by Susan Kaye Quinn-release day

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Third Daughter
The Dharian Affairs #1
by Susan Kaye Quinn
Genre: steampunk,fantasy, romance, adult
Release Date: December 13, 2013

Third Daughter

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 13, 2013

The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she’ll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince’s proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince’s proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love.

Third Daughter is the first book in The Dharian Affairs Trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance takes place in an east-indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue. And, of course, kissing.

excerpt 1

From Chapter One, Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1) – steampunk fantasy romance

The cloudless night whispered sweet promises to Aniri.

Below her stone rooftop, the shadows of the forested grounds danced in the summer’s breeze, their small rustlings calling to her like a lover. The sound was the perfect cover for escape into the darkness and the warm arms she hoped to find there. No one should notice her absence. Of all the guards, handmaidens, and many silent keepers of the royal household, none would venture up to her private observatory this late in the eve. But she still had to be careful. Even this close to her birthday, the Queen would not be forgiving if she was caught.

Aniri scanned the palace grounds to make sure it was clear of any witnesses. The manicured lawns were empty: the only sign of life came from the distant embassy windows where gas lamps flickered and soft music trilled from late-reveling partygoers. Aniri pressed the leather eyecup of her aetherscope to her face, slowly turning the brass knobs to bring the party into focus. The instrument was meant for watching the rise of the twin full moons, but it worked well enough for spying on the Samirian ambassador and her assemblage of guests.

Their shiny new automaton was thick-legged and awkward, but the Samirian tinker’s design was still clever: the steam-driven mechanical wonder actually danced, albeit just one clumsy pirouette after another. When it came to a graceless stop, the guests snapped their fingers in appreciation. The faint sound of their applause drifted over the lawn, but the party continued on. With the grounds still empty, Aniri swung her aetherscope to the forest. The broken edges of the river snaked through the darkened trees, slipped under a stone bridge, and then flowed past the red sandstone walls of the Queen’s estate. A black shape darted out from under the bridge, then disappeared into the shadows between the trees.

Time to go.

About The Author

Susan Kaye QuinnSusan Kaye Quinn grew up in California, where she wrote snippets of stories and passed them to her friends during class. Her teachers pretended not to notice and only confiscated her stories a couple times.

Susan left writing behind to pursue a bunch of engineering degrees, but she was drawn back to writing by an irresistible urge to share her stories with her niece, her kids, and all the wonderful friends she’s met along the way.

She doesn’t have to sneak her notes anymore, which is too bad.

Susan writes from the Chicago suburbs with her three boys, two cats, and one husband. Which, it turns out, is exactly as a much as she can handle.

FOLLOW:  Goodreads/ Website / Facebook/Twitter

 

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Prizes (pictures on Rafflecopter):

–20x “Third Daughter” mini M&M packs (US only)

–A steampunk key necklace (INTL)

–“Third Daughter” East-Indian style bridal jewelry (INT)

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Attack of the Automatons by Lara Nance-A Review and Guest Post with Giveaway

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Attack of the Automatons by Lara Nance-A Review and Guest Post with Giveaway

Attack of the Automotons

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ATTACK OF THE AUTOMOTONS (Airship Adventure Chronicles #3-Vol 1) by Lara Nance

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release February 2013

The adventure continues as Lady Arabella, Rett and friends chase after the evil Dr. Krakov in hopes they can stop his attack on Aereopolis. Faced with albino cannibal pygmies, snow monsters and angry mountain men, while fighting devastating storms against impossible odds, they are forced to use every possible resource to stay alive. Krakov escapes all attempts to thwart him and rains his deadly automatons on the capital city in a conflagration that will spread to the entire world. Belle and Rett must put their feelings for each other on hold while they face the evil doctor in a final showdown for the fate of all mankind.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: ATTACK OF THE AUTOMATONS is the third storyline in Lara Nance’s Airship Adventure Chronicles-Volume one. Although this installment wraps up this particular arc, there is plenty of room for future storylines.

Once again, Lara Nance takes the reader on an ‘Indiana Jones’ style airship adventure around the imaginary globe to places with mythical flesh eating creatures, the open waters of the ocean, the dry arid desert and the frozen tundra of a snow bound land. When last we saw Belle, Rett and the gang, they were still in pursuit of the infamous Dr. Krakov.

This particular storyline focuses more on the journey and the hazards of flying with limited supplies and fuel. The crew must battle winter storms and cannibals, a dwindling supply of fuel, a struggle to keep the airship afloat, the angst and anxiety of two people who refuse to acknowledge their love-all the while sending messages back to the queen about an impending war between the humans on earth and Dr. Krakov’s army of armed and dangerous automotons (robots). Thank goodness for the talented and crazy ideas of Benji-Belle’s foster brother-who continues to amaze and astound the others with his inventions for and against armed attack. Without Benji, they would have died within the first couple of chapters of book one.

Lara Nance pulls the reader into a fantasy world where science fiction meets the industrial revolution resulting in the steampunk writing genre where your imagination can go wild with any number of mechanical and steam driven inventions. Attack of the Automotons is a story of adventure and the building relationship, albeit frustrating, between Belle and Rett but in the end, Belle knows where her heart belongs.

If you like steampunk airship travel adventures ala Indian Jones and the wild west (think about the TV show or movie WILD, WILD WEST), Lara Nance’s Airship Adventure Chronicles is a fascinating series and one that will peak your curiosity about steampunk and science fiction.

Reviewed by Sandy

Reading Order 
1. Revenge of the Mad Scientist
LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

2. Rescue From The Baron
ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

3. Attack of the Automotons

 

Guest Post beige

The Allure of Steampunk
By Lara Nance

So, what is it about steampunk that is alluring?

Perhaps you’ve thought about writing a steampunk novel? Now may be the best time ever. Or maybe you’d like to try reading a book in that genre but don’t know where to start.

Lara Nance Steampunk Trilogy

First of all, What is steampunk? There are as many definitions as there are people giving them. Here’s mine:

AutomotonIt’s a Victorian themed world, where steam is the power of the day, running everything from furnaces to automatons. There are iconic images that pop up in this world, such as: corsets (worn on the outside, of course), goggles, top hats, pocket watches, airships, an occasional octopus, and lots of gadgets made from clockwork parts.

People are flocking to steampunk. The last convention I attended, Steamcon IV in Seattle this past October, had around 3,000 attendants. And that’s only one of hundreds of other conventions and events around the world. You can check out information about conventions and local groups at www.airshipambassador.com

What’s the allure? Speaking for myself, I think it’s the romance of the era. There’s adventure on every corner with airship pirates, mad scientists and clockwork monsters. Fashion is at the forefront with everything from bustled satin ball-gowns, to bustiers and fishnet hose, to leather, chains and studs.

SteampunkCostumes

Some people say steampunk is when Goths discovered the color brown…But the beauty of steampunk is that you make of it what you want. You can go for a genteel Victorian flavor or a leather bristling with weapons look. Or, a combination of the two. If you don’t want to create your own outfit, there are shops on the internet with everything you need. My favorites are steampunkthreads.com and clockworkcouture.com. Etsy has a huge variety of folks selling their original steampunk jewelry.

Inventions are key. You can invent a steam powered computer or a clockwork robot. Weapons are only as limited as your imagination, as long as you stick to the clockwork/steam scenario.

For the winter fashion shows I saw major fashion designers incorporate steampunk into their fall lines, Movies add steampunk elements that never existed in the original story (think Three Musketeers with its airships and corsets, even Oz had some goggles), TV shows focusing a segment on the steampunk culture (remember the Castle episode?). Take a look at women’s boots these days – you’ll see lots of buckles and retro styling.

Now there are steampunk themed restaurants like this one: http://steamhausgastropub.com

How about a steampunk card game: http://growingupgamers.blogspot.com/2012/11/ruse-steampunk-murder-mystery.html

Want to play an online steampunk game? Try Steampunk Odyssey here: http://www.begamer.com/flash-game/242519/steampunk-odyssey

Okay, you get the picture. Steampunk is everywhere.

In 2012, people said steampunk had peaked. But in my opinion, the culture is on the rise. A recent IBM analysis said steampunk is on the rise to emerge from sub-culture to mainstream. On-line games and series are coming out everyday, new cons are popping up everywhere, and new books are coming out with interesting steampunk characters and environments.

SpectaclesSo, if you’re interested in writing or reading steampunk, the time is now. You can choose between a variety of base genres in which to incorporate the steampunk theme. Sci-fi, fantasy, romance or mystery/thriller. Add some spunky, resourceful, characters and a splash of imaginative adventure and you’ve got a steampunk novel. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of goggles, top hats, and corsets!

Don’t forget the father of steampunk (in my humble opinion), Jules Verne. His book, Around the World in Eighty Days inspired my own trilogy. Books like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, are great examples of an imaginative high-tech Victorian era.

If you’re looking for movies, check out The Golden Compass, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Wild Wild West, or Hugo. They’ll give you some great images of different steampunk worlds.

Some people argue whether steampunk is alternate universe or alternate history. To me, it’s both…or either. It’s what you want it to be. And that’s the beauty of this genre– freedom to create an imaginary world, or simply say “what if” within the real Victorian world. You can add magic, or paranormal creatures, or stick with plain old humans.

This is a chance to unleash your imagination and take a new look at the world through a pair of goggles. Steampunk folks are some of the most imaginative people I’ve ever met. And they definitely know their history. So if you plan on using real historical events in your novel, do your research and get it right.

Oh, by the way, you’ll have to learn the proper way to drink absinthe, too.

Revenge of the Mad ScientistRight now the first book in my steampunk trilogy, Revenge of the Mad Scientist, is only 99 cents on Kindle. It’s a great time to give steampunk a try!

Here’s the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Mad-Scientist-Book-ebook/dp/B008XJ8LJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359073277&sr=8-1&keywords=revenge+of+the+mad+scientist

 

Let me know if you like it. You can e-mail me from my website: www.laranance.com Plus, if you sign up for my newsletter you’ll get news of upcoming books, and for a limited time you’ll receive a free copy of my steampunk short story, The Asylum Prodigy.

Have you read any steampunk books? What are your favorites?

Thanks, Lara Nance

About The Author beige

 

Lara NanceLara Nance grew up and lived in many cites throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining women’s fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal romance and adventure, she’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.

Follow Lara: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway beige

Revenge of the Mad ScientistLara is offering an ebook copy of the first book in her steampunk series: REVENGE OF THE MAD SCIENTIST to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the login at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. Giveaway is open internationally

3. Giveaway runs from June 25 to June 27, 2013

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Lara Nance-Steampunk Adventure Series-Promotion and Giveaway

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Lara Nance Steampunk Adventure Series-Promotion and Giveaway

Revenge of the Mad Scientist (Book #1)

Revenge of the Mad Scientist

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

When Lady Arabella Trunkett’s father, the High Lord Minister of Urbannia is kidnapped, all clues point to the mysterious country of Gandiss and the world is thrown into political upheaval.

Arabella is convinced the more sinister nation of Carabarras is to blame., urged on by a mad scientist seeking revenge. So, she sets out on a perilous airship journey across a variety of exotic locales to save him, and halt the potential world war.

But airship pirates, secret assassins and slave traders aren’t her only trials. The fickle hand of fate has made the captain of the only airship available for charter, the man that left her at the altar. For eight years she’s wished him dead. Now he’s her only hope.

**********************

Rescue From the Baron (Book #2)

Rescue from the Baron

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Lady Arabella Trunkett’s adventures continue as she seeks to rescue Rett after he’s kidnapped in Moro. Bounty hunters, eager for the fortune offered by the Baron, spirit Rett to the smuggling king’s hidden compound.

Belle and her friends sail Rett’s airship in pursuit, knowing he will never escape without help once he’s with the evil Baron, deep in the dangerous Nabu Rainforest.

She is faced with a perilous journey filled with larger than life man-eating beasts. In the end, she must outwit the equally blood-thirsty and ruthless Baron who is intent on making a lesson of Rett with the worst possible death. And if she doesn’t succeed, she’ll be the next one to die.

*********************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lara Nance Pic

Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cites throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining women’s fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal romance and adventure, she’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.

Connect with Lara:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Lara is offering an ebook copy of either REVENGE OF THE MAD SCIENTIST or RESCUE FROM THE BARON and a STEAMPUNK NECKLACE to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment as Twitter and Facebook etc do not allow for email addresses for contact.

3. Giveaway is open internationally.

4. Giveaway runs from January 26- 30, 2013

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Rescue from the Baron (Airship Adventure Chronicles #2) by Lara Nance-a review

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RESCUE FROM THE BARON (Airship Adventure Chronicles #2) by Lara Nance-a review

Rescue from the Baron

 

RESCUE FROM THE BARON (Airship Adventure Chronicles #2) by Lara Nance

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Released October 2012

Lady Arabella Trunkett’s adventures continue as she seeks to rescue Rett after he’s kidnapped in Moro. Bounty hunters, eager for the fortune offered by the Baron, spirit Rett to the smuggling king’s hidden compound. Belle and her friends sail Rett’s airship in pursuit, knowing he will never escape without help once he’s with the evil Baron, deep in the dangerous Nabu Rainforest. She is faced with a perilous journey filled with larger than life man-eating beasts. In the end, she must outwit the equally blood-thirsty and ruthless Baron who is intent on making a lesson of Rett with the worst possible death. And if she doesn’t succeed, she’ll be the next one to die.

************ 

 

REVIEW:  RESCUE FROM THE BARON is the second storyline in Lara Nance’s  Steampunk genre-Airship Adventure Chronicles.

Again, for those that do not know about the Steampunk genre: there is a detailed description on Wikipedia at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk  But a simple explanation  would be a ‘sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, often set in alternative history of the 19th century British Victoria or American Wild West.’

 Book two finds our heroine Arabella Trunkett on another adventure of search and rescue.  In the first storyline, Arabella picked up a couple of extra adventurers as well as her ex-fiance who is now the object of her current search.  As an airship captain, Rett’s job is to pick up and ferry cargo between countries, but when one particular flight becomes victim to air-pirates, Rett is beholding to a powerful Baron who is more than willing to make an example out of Rett’s inability to deliver the goods.

Once again, Rett and Arabella’s relationship continues to grow (albeit very slow), especially during their separation.  Each remembers a different time and place-perhaps one is willing to forgive and the other is willing to start over.  But get the two of them together, along with an interfering although well-meaning pirate, and all plans go awry.  I am not sure how most Steampunk romances develop, but this one is fraught with tension and anxiety and, mistaken beliefs that lead our couple no where –fast.  There is little in the way of a one-on-one relationship as their adventures, captivity and life-threatening scenarios keep putting a kibosh on any personal time between Rett and Arabella and, when the two are finally together neither is willing to admit their feelings to one another.  It is disappointing to me, especially when you know the two are meant for each other, but there is always something or someone interfering.  Then again, this is an adventure series where this is little time for romance and sex.

Lara Nance continues a storyline similar to the Star Wars saga-one where we know the adventure takes us to strange worlds and destination with even stranger enemies.  The similarities are unmistakable, even if, the premise and certain situations are slightly reversed and placed upon different characters.  If you enjoy a fantasy adventure with a backdrop of science fiction, this series is for you. 

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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