A clockwork man is abandoned in Trafalgar Square. A ghost displays a craving for diamonds. A lost aristocrat returns ten years after being lost at sea and instigates riots in London. The Rakes are indulging in seances. The Technologists are growing giant insects and transforming them into steam-driven vehicles. The British Empire's capital is in chaos, and in the midst of it all, Sir Richard Francis Burton and his wayward assistant, Algernon Swinburne, are beginning to suspect that someone, somewhere, is up to no good! Book Description
This review applies to the first in the series as well, though I would only give it ½ a star less than this Volume. The novel is in the Steampunk genre; which I have only recently been introduced to so I was completely venturing into the dark, quite excited though.
An exciting, entertaining & all round fun read. The writing is quite fast & furious, the story moves along at a good pace though occasionally the feel of the setting is lost because of this. The characterization is excellent, the Author has taken well known characters, put them into an alternate history and made them seem totally at home, keeping all of their traits alive & moving them on into unexpected areas. The two main characters are very engaging, more so than I would have thought, Swinburne especially sticks out, they could definitely be a Duo to watch out for.
I have to say that the setting is evocative, and the different aspects of Technology advancement are something to behold, a fantastic imagination though quite believable at the same time. I would say though that you have to read the story carefully at times which doesn’t detract but just beware, time travel can be a little tricky. I like others couldn’t place this into one genre as there are aspects of Science Fiction, Mystery, Alternate History and just good old fashioned story telling.
I have to say a big thank you to the person that introduced me to Steampunk, a genre I didn’t know at all but now another exciting area to explore.
A world that is well researched, exciting, dynamic and I hope that the duo go onto bigger & better things. I loved it.
Reviewed by Cardmon
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