“A Lady Never Lies” by Stephanie Burkhart is part of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series that feature intrepid time-travelers from the royal family and those“A Lady Never Lies” by Stephanie Burkhart is part of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series that feature intrepid time-travelers from the royal family and those who become enmeshed in their adventures. A tragic accident puts Jocelyn Dunkirk and her future in jeopardy, and Richard Windsor’s return to the past is complicated by his obligations to both the woman who has captured his heart, and the kingdom that he is to rule someday. The future of energy production is still altered and there are hints that more forces are at work than the Windsors had planned for, including a nosy newspaper reporter named Jack Brandon and the professor’s son, Jonas Byron. One way or another, the Windsors’ attempt to change the society back to the way it was is well under way…or is it?
This is another imaginative steampunk tale that continues to speculate on the effects of time-travel and the way society would change if it was dependent on a different form of energy. The intriguing inventions that are described make one wish that they still existed and the flowering relationships between the Windsors and those they encounter continue to mature. It gets a little confusing keeping track of who is from which era and I think a legend would be useful, especially since some characters are referred to by one name and then another, plus the necessity of setting up the leading couples of subsequent series gets a little awkward as more characters are added to the time-traveling jaunts.
I love that the women have such pivotal roles and are not consigned to secondary positions, despite the strictures imposed by society’s mores. It would probably be difficult to read this story as a stand-alone, because there are so many threads connecting to the other tales, but it is great to get updates on the progress of the other couples. The author does a nice job of evoking the atmosphere of historical England as it works through the growing pains of industrialization, and she provides thought-provoking scenarios of ‘what-ifs’. I think that the landscape is getting a bit crowded with the displaced time travelers and I am curious how things are going to be ultimately resolved but, given the epilogue to this story, I doubt that is going to happen in the near future…or is that the distant past?
A copy of this story was provided to me for review
“A Gentleman and a Rogue” by Stephanie Burkhart is Book 2 of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series and centers around the attempts to repair the timeline after“A Gentleman and a Rogue” by Stephanie Burkhart is Book 2 of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series and centers around the attempts to repair the timeline after the events that took place in the first story, “A Victorian Scoundrel”. Edmund Windsor has returned to Victorian England along with his cousin Alice and her fiancé Grayson Kentfield to influence the inventions of Keira Russell. Complicating matters is the presence of two other time-travelers, each with his own agenda, plus the pull of romance as various couples pair up. The challenge of winning Queen Victoria’s approval for an alternative fuel source, deciding whether to share information or sabotage each other’s work, and minimizing the impact on the future creates a conundrum that requires each person to decide what he or she considers truly important…which may or not be compatible with the future that they envision.
This inventive steampunk tale provides an intriguing look at a pivotal era of history and gives it a different twist as modern concerns are mixed with the strictures of life at that time. The pairing up and romantic entanglements are a little too contrived for me, but I was happy that the relationship between Edmund and Keira was addressed. It was interesting to see how the various energy sources were explored and the advantages and disadvantages of each were highlighted. I think that it would be difficult to read this as a stand-alone because the stories are so closely connected, and my curiosity is definitely piqued by the twists at the end of this episode in the adventures of this intrepid family. I like the glimpses of society that the story gives and the creative weaving of fact and fiction that mirrors the explosive progress that took place at this time of history. This is a fun and educational look at a pivotal point in history and I look forward to finding out how some of the dangling threads are resolved in the future…or is that in the past?
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
3.75 stars “The Bronze Fox” by Diana Green is a story that blends elements of steampunk with magic, as a shapeshifter named ToAn intriguing new series
3.75 stars “The Bronze Fox” by Diana Green is a story that blends elements of steampunk with magic, as a shapeshifter named Tobias joins forces with a young woman named Henrietta (aka Etty) who has more talent than she realizes. A rift map that will help in the exploration of the various worlds and aid in the fight against their enemies is but one of the new resources that Tobias will come to rely upon, but the struggle between his heart and his sense of obligation may handicap him more than help, which will risk not only his life but may endanger the very person he seeks to protect. This exciting fantasy story is an entertaining introduction to a new series. I was impressed by the vivid descriptions that plunged the reader into an exciting and exotic world, complete with an intriguing shapeshifter and nifty pieces of equipment that were marvelous combinations of engineering and magic and I liked the unexpected introduction to Henrietta. Things seemed to get a bit bogged down in the middle of the story and the initial momentum stalled out a bit, and then things shifted to more of a science fiction feel to me, with travel to other worlds. There are quite a few dangling threads that will hopefully be better resolved in future stories but this was a nice start to the series and I look forward to reading more adventures featuring these two intriguing individuals.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review....more
Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart is Book One in ‘The Windsor Diaries’ series and is an intriguing look at the conundrum of time travel with tVictorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart is Book One in ‘The Windsor Diaries’ series and is an intriguing look at the conundrum of time travel with the added twist of an alternate past being explored. Edmund Windsor and Alice Windsor are royalty in 2011 but have the invaluable opportunity to interact with their forebears in 1851 but Alice is attempting to make sure that her cousin Edmund does not substantially change history, only to fall afoul of the dreaded potential paradox herself. Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton develops a fascination for the unusual female, Alice, but his suspicions about her and Edmund are almost too fantastical for him to accept. He will have to balance his obligations to his country and the desires of his heart but unfortunately, time may be his enemy.
This steampunk romance blends fact and fantasy in an enjoyable tale. There are interesting quirks such as the use of ‘whuzzies’ which allow messages to be exchanged once the owner’s scent is known, a heroine who has overcome a significant learning disability, and a search using magic and science for alternative fuel sources. I was a little surprised that there didn’t seem to be any difficulty with the cousins sharing a hotel room despite being opposing sexes but I have to admire the tenacity and daring that allows them to travel to the past and experience history firsthand. The reader should be reminded that this is the first in a series and the story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but it is a fun and exciting tale that will stir one’s imagination and whet the appetite for more adventures involving these intriguing characters.
A copy of this story was provided to me in exchange for an honest review....more
“The Curse of the Brimstone Contract” is the first in ‘The Steampunk Detectives’ series by Corrina Lawson. This intriguing tale centers around Joan Kr“The Curse of the Brimstone Contract” is the first in ‘The Steampunk Detectives’ series by Corrina Lawson. This intriguing tale centers around Joan Krieger, whose family business is threatened by a series of uncanny fates for those who have purchased their custom-made clothing. Desperate to save their livelihood, Joan contacts Gregor Sherringford, a consulting detective who has lofty connections and an uncanny ability to ferret out information. Pooling their abilities will be essential since their foe has a hidden agenda that involves magic and political maneuverings and may uncover secrets better left untold. Joan has several factors that would automatically cause discrimination against her but she may discover she has far more worth than she ever imagined, now it’s up to her to discover who really wants her for who she is rather than what she can achieve for them.
This is a fun introduction to what promises to be a very entertaining steampunk series featuring atypical main characters. I greatly enjoyed the focus on different cultures as it contrasts with the challenge of dealing with a society that is stratified by magic. This gives a very different view of historical England as it deals with both the complications and progress made as industrialization progresses plus the struggle to gain equality for women. I enjoy the fact that Joan is an artist who has an incredible ability to create remarkable items of clothing but she is unaware of her innate abilities and the journey that she makes under Gregor’s guidance is great to watch unfold. There is a very unconventional magical duel that results in some fascinating revelations that show the danger of exposing truth and change Joan’s perceptions forever, which illustrates the author’s wondrous facility at creating a compelling and imaginative story. I look forward to reading more exciting stories featuring this intriguing couple.
“A Study in Silks” by Emma Jane Holloway is the first volume in ‘The Baskerville Affair’ series and is the wonderfully complex tale of Evalina Cooper,“A Study in Silks” by Emma Jane Holloway is the first volume in ‘The Baskerville Affair’ series and is the wonderfully complex tale of Evalina Cooper, a young girl living in a Victorian England that is held hostage to the machinations of a group of individuals known as the steam barons. The country is at the mercy of these manipulative people who possess the power to ‘Disconnect’ from sources of energy any who oppose them and there are serious repercussions for attempting to develop alternate sources.
Evalina has many remarkable resources at her command, despite being an orphan who has been torn between longing for the rigorous life in a circus where the spark of magic within her has been nurtured and the greatly desired life as a debutante participating in the social whirl of the Season. A shocking murder in the household that she is staying with propels Evalina into the world occupied by her famous uncle, the renowned Sherlock Holmes, and forces her to re-evaluate what she wants to do with her life. She must decide whether the magic within her is worth risking her life to nurture and who she wants to pursue her life with, her childhood companion who shares a mysterious heritage or the alluring and creative heir to the household that she is trying so hard to conform to. The decision may be taken out of her hands as other forces are brought to bear on her until her very existence may be threatened.
This blend of steampunk, mystery and historical romance is an intricately woven story that introduces a series that provides a remarkable glimpse of Victorian London as seen through the eyes of a young female. The impressive depth of detail that blends magic and science while incorporating elements of the considerable body of work that surrounds Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart companion Dr. Watson immerses the reader in an alternate society that is both frightening and fascinating. There are many mysteries presented beyond the obvious murder that propels Evalina to action and for every clue that is resolved, there are twice as many puzzles presented for the reader’s delectation.
The combination of magic and technology provide a delicious facet to this enthralling tale, and it was quite entertaining to be introduced to characters such as Mouse and Bird who have their own significant roles to play even as one shivers at the various villains who prowl through the story. The most impressive aspect of this admittedly very weighty tome is the richness of development of many of the secondary characters who all have their role to play, if not necessarily significant in this volume, undoubtedly they will be pivotal in subsequent ones. Every character seems to have unexpected depths that send the story in a slightly different direction as it unfolds and the reader finds it difficult to know whether to be hopeful for that person’s success or failure. I confess to being disappointed at the developments surrounding one particular character and hope that there is ultimately some form of redemption but naturally, I am an optimist.
This is a beautifully crafted and imaginative tale that will undoubtedly provide hours of entertainment with the end result that one is temporarily satiated yet hungering for the next exciting episode in these characters’ lives. As Evalina tells one of the other characters, “If you really want to go, I won’t make you stay, but then you won’t get to find out how the case ends.” I can’t help but be curious how the overall case ends even as I admire how this particular episode was temporarily resolved.
“Geared For Pleasure” by Rachel Grace (R.G. Alexander) is a delightful set of linked novellas. “Earthly Desires” introduces Dare (Demeter)4 1/2 stars!
“Geared For Pleasure” by Rachel Grace (R.G. Alexander) is a delightful set of linked novellas. “Earthly Desires” introduces Dare (Demeter) who is the Queen’s Chalice known as the Senedal. She is a key member of the elite shield guard of the queen despite her shorter than normal stature and lack of personal ties to anyone other than her queen and her counterpart, Cyrus, the Queen’s Sword known as the Arendal. An assignment from her monarch causes her to embark on a fantastical adventure that will utilize her hidden ability to sense the true emotions of those around her while introducing her to an amazing array of individuals.
Bodhan is not quite sure what to make of the feisty female whose indigo eyes and hair proclaims her as one of the elite and despised Wode but whose stature reflects her half-breed status. His ship, the Siren, is a unique brothel that is able to travel under the water and is populated with intriguing females who provide pleasure for the right price but Dare doesn’t want to join their ranks. A remarkable Felid named Seraphina becomes a questionable ally as Dare tries to cope with her intense and unexpected attraction to the charismatic Bodhan even as she strives to complete her mission to find the ship Defiant and complete the mission for her queen.
The fascinating saga continues with the novella “Fiery Temptations” and highlights Seraphina, plus Dare’s missing counterpart, Cyrus, as well as the mysterious Captain Nerida Amaranthe and a remarkable airship. There are more magical mechanical marvels revealed as a mysterious individual named Khepri continues to guide the disparate individuals who have a common goal of aiding Queen Idony. Seraphina and Cyrus have a tortuous past which includes a searingly carnal relationship which ended badly but must find a way to work together to fulfill their respective commissions. Their passion for their quests is more than equaled by their passion for each other but circumstances may prevent them from ever reaching a comfortable relationship.
This was a wonderfully entertaining read combining the magical marvels of steampunk with the author’s facility for penning wonderfully spicy scenes. The heat is a little milder than readers are used to with this author but this is more than compensated for by the sweeps of imagination that are displayed in this intriguing tale. The scenes are described vividly with such great imagery that one can visualize the intriguing world of gears and magic. The tension between the primary couples in each novella is a believable counterpoint to the overall quest and a nice blend of romance and sensuality. The villains are a bit two-dimensional but that is probably because they are still primarily shadowy figures at this point. A great start to the series, can’t wait for the sequel.