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Steamcraft & Sorcery #1
Boots for the Gentleman
Hired by a mysterious faerie gentleman to steal seemingly worthless artifacts, Querrilous Knotte is seen as a traitor by the humans of Halcyon. But as long as he’s getting paid, Querry doesn’t mind. When his client makes a cryptic comment about a certain house, Querry contacts his old flame Reg—a former street rat who now works in the Royal Archives—to learn if the property contains anything of value.
Though Reg has no answers for him, Querry learns there is indeed something precious in the house, something Reg is convinced will bring nothing but trouble. The armed guards that attack the thief prove Reg’s prediction true, and he can’t leave Querry to face it all alone. Not when Reg’s feelings for the man may not be as extinct as he'd thought.
The trouble is, Querry's heart doesn’t just belong to Reg anymore, and surprisingly, Reg’s heart no longer belongs only to Querry. In the end, it may not even matter, because if Querry, Reg, and their hearts’ desire can’t stop Lord Thimbleroy from draining Halcyon’s magic, they won’t live long enough to regret their unresolved romance.
Though Reg has no answers for him, Querry learns there is indeed something precious in the house, something Reg is convinced will bring nothing but trouble. The armed guards that attack the thief prove Reg’s prediction true, and he can’t leave Querry to face it all alone. Not when Reg’s feelings for the man may not be as extinct as he'd thought.
The trouble is, Querry's heart doesn’t just belong to Reg anymore, and surprisingly, Reg’s heart no longer belongs only to Querry. In the end, it may not even matter, because if Querry, Reg, and their hearts’ desire can’t stop Lord Thimbleroy from draining Halcyon’s magic, they won’t live long enough to regret their unresolved romance.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Li
39 books124 followersGus's Books are available at Dreamspinner Press, Silver Publishing, , Yaoi Press, and Storm Moon Press.
Gus has much love for readers and book enthusiasts. Communication and friendship is encouraged!
Website: www.BooksByEonandGus.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 5, 2015
TL;DR: as full of promise as disappointment.
I feel betrayed by whoever edited this book. Even the author bios have subject-verb issues.
But then, when your authors appear to have been making shit up as they went along, there can't possibly be that much an editor can do.
Because blithely winging it is not exactly the ideal approach to an attempt at melding AU Europe, a steampunk London that openly intermingles with Faerie, and the kind of sorcery that involves arcane mumbling and wiggling your fingers at things.
Especially not if your intent is to redeem about a hundred handy plot coupons, too—like a mecha-Pinoccio who can get erections, and a cyphered book that becomes important next to never, and the eponymous boots fetched for the gentleman and then never seen again.
How about an Indiana Jones sequence replete with comically ineffective booby-traps, or an airship that sounds rather awesome, actually, or a clockwork unicorn pulling carriage?
Seen once, and then off we go!
We need to make room for a bavarian inventor, and a mad baron, and Dickensian orphans running about in highly organized street gangs, and also a couple of Siamese cats in there for good measure.
Never mind the—and, honestly, if you've already gone this far, can you blame them?—utterly unwelcome primer on how not to conduct a successful polyamorous relationship with a faithless prude, the aforementioned mecha-Pinoccio, and a cat-burglar.
This should have been awesome.
It was not.
I feel betrayed by whoever edited this book. Even the author bios have subject-verb issues.
But then, when your authors appear to have been making shit up as they went along, there can't possibly be that much an editor can do.
Because blithely winging it is not exactly the ideal approach to an attempt at melding AU Europe, a steampunk London that openly intermingles with Faerie, and the kind of sorcery that involves arcane mumbling and wiggling your fingers at things.
Especially not if your intent is to redeem about a hundred handy plot coupons, too—like a mecha-Pinoccio who can get erections, and a cyphered book that becomes important next to never, and the eponymous boots fetched for the gentleman and then never seen again.
How about an Indiana Jones sequence replete with comically ineffective booby-traps, or an airship that sounds rather awesome, actually, or a clockwork unicorn pulling carriage?
Seen once, and then off we go!
We need to make room for a bavarian inventor, and a mad baron, and Dickensian orphans running about in highly organized street gangs, and also a couple of Siamese cats in there for good measure.
Never mind the—and, honestly, if you've already gone this far, can you blame them?—utterly unwelcome primer on how not to conduct a successful polyamorous relationship with a faithless prude, the aforementioned mecha-Pinoccio, and a cat-burglar.
This should have been awesome.
It was not.
August 28, 2011
3.5 stars
I want to state for the record before I go on with my review that anything I write is my opinion (naturally). Others might feel differently than I do especially if they compare what they read to what I've shelved this book under. They'll most likely completely disagree with half those shelves but I feel they pretty much explain the book from my eyes.
With that said, this book, honestly, blew me away. There were, of course, things I didn't like about it but the world-building and the details and descriptions held me captivated. It was stop and go for me. At times, all I wanted was for the book to be over. I felt annoyed and scoffed at how some things were possible but other times I was glued to my kindle. I wanted the story to go on and on and never stop. Even with the menage.I was, literally, hanging on the edge of my seat, chewing my lip and unconsciously moving my legs whenever one of the many suspenseful scenes happened.
The book is definitely a unique one. Others might feel disgusted with some of the content in this book but I enjoyed it overall. It's told strictly from Querrilous Knotte's POV. He's an extremely adventurous, slightly egotistical, bold, selfish thief. He wants what he wants and that's mainly to live and have his ex-lover, Reginald Whitney, in his arms again. Unfortunately, Reg just wants to do his duty and marry and have kids. When pointed to a certain house, Querry becomes intrigued with it and eventually finds a clockwork doll. An extremely attractive, intriguing, innocent doll that has a thirst for anything new who eventually names himself Frolic. It's not long before everything comes to light including the trios eventual love for each other, the reason for Frolic's existence and how Frolic could be manipulated in the worst way.
All these characters are very interesting. Frolic was my favorite. He is an extremely fascinating character with his naivety and the things he does. I found him just adorable. Querry and Reg, I wasn't as in love with them. For one, Reg annoyed me in the beginning but by the end of the story, I liked Reg more than I liked Querry. Mostly because Querry is just an idiot. I wanted to smack him a few times so he'd start making sense and stop talking nonsense. Still, I did like him just not as much.
A lot of things happen in this book, most of it around the discovery of Frolic and his purpose. It causes a lot of chaos that requires a lot of fighting. In all honesty, I was surprised by this story, it wasn't anything I was expecting. For one, there's the menage. I didn't know about it until after I received the book. For all those wondering, it was actually not so bad. The romance wasn't really the main focus of the book and I appreciated that. I think also the fact that Frolic is a doll helped me get over my menage hang-ups. Also the fact that there's not many sex scenes helps as well ;-P. Another thing that surprised me was the storyline and suspense. The blurb doesn't do enough justice to how much excitement is in this book. That kept me reading the book till the end.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I had a few problems with it. My main problem was with the detail. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the detail. I enjoy good world-building and a lot of detail. I'm a visual person. Unfortunately, some of the details given were detailed in a manor that I could not picture at all. It left me confused sometimes on how something could be beautiful to these characters when all I envisioned was something disgusting or ugly. Aside from that, I had a few questions over a few things in the book that I hope get answered in the next book.
Overall, I DID enjoy this book. The steampunk and paranormal themes held me hooked throughout the whole book. There's some things that dimmed my enjoyment, however, so the only people I can really recommend this to are people who DON'T have any problems reading about unconventional and unique elements. Other than that, I think whoever reads this will appreciate the detail and work put into this world. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I want to state for the record before I go on with my review that anything I write is my opinion (naturally). Others might feel differently than I do especially if they compare what they read to what I've shelved this book under. They'll most likely completely disagree with half those shelves but I feel they pretty much explain the book from my eyes.
With that said, this book, honestly, blew me away. There were, of course, things I didn't like about it but the world-building and the details and descriptions held me captivated. It was stop and go for me. At times, all I wanted was for the book to be over. I felt annoyed and scoffed at how some things were possible but other times I was glued to my kindle. I wanted the story to go on and on and never stop. Even with the menage.I was, literally, hanging on the edge of my seat, chewing my lip and unconsciously moving my legs whenever one of the many suspenseful scenes happened.
The book is definitely a unique one. Others might feel disgusted with some of the content in this book but I enjoyed it overall. It's told strictly from Querrilous Knotte's POV. He's an extremely adventurous, slightly egotistical, bold, selfish thief. He wants what he wants and that's mainly to live and have his ex-lover, Reginald Whitney, in his arms again. Unfortunately, Reg just wants to do his duty and marry and have kids. When pointed to a certain house, Querry becomes intrigued with it and eventually finds a clockwork doll. An extremely attractive, intriguing, innocent doll that has a thirst for anything new who eventually names himself Frolic. It's not long before everything comes to light including the trios eventual love for each other, the reason for Frolic's existence and how Frolic could be manipulated in the worst way.
All these characters are very interesting. Frolic was my favorite. He is an extremely fascinating character with his naivety and the things he does. I found him just adorable. Querry and Reg, I wasn't as in love with them. For one, Reg annoyed me in the beginning but by the end of the story, I liked Reg more than I liked Querry. Mostly because Querry is just an idiot. I wanted to smack him a few times so he'd start making sense and stop talking nonsense. Still, I did like him just not as much.
A lot of things happen in this book, most of it around the discovery of Frolic and his purpose. It causes a lot of chaos that requires a lot of fighting. In all honesty, I was surprised by this story, it wasn't anything I was expecting. For one, there's the menage. I didn't know about it until after I received the book. For all those wondering, it was actually not so bad. The romance wasn't really the main focus of the book and I appreciated that. I think also the fact that Frolic is a doll helped me get over my menage hang-ups. Also the fact that there's not many sex scenes helps as well ;-P. Another thing that surprised me was the storyline and suspense. The blurb doesn't do enough justice to how much excitement is in this book. That kept me reading the book till the end.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I had a few problems with it. My main problem was with the detail. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the detail. I enjoy good world-building and a lot of detail. I'm a visual person. Unfortunately, some of the details given were detailed in a manor that I could not picture at all. It left me confused sometimes on how something could be beautiful to these characters when all I envisioned was something disgusting or ugly. Aside from that, I had a few questions over a few things in the book that I hope get answered in the next book.
Overall, I DID enjoy this book. The steampunk and paranormal themes held me hooked throughout the whole book. There's some things that dimmed my enjoyment, however, so the only people I can really recommend this to are people who DON'T have any problems reading about unconventional and unique elements. Other than that, I think whoever reads this will appreciate the detail and work put into this world. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 26, 2011
This is a wild ride! 4.5, I think, but rounded up for being so creative and original. I really haven't read anything like this before. It's more of an action-adventure story than a romance, just with gay main characters. This won't be for everyone, because it is really different.
First, the characters aren't typical heroes. Querry, the character whose POV the story is told, is a thief, a bit of a slut, and at times so reckless he's almost silly. That's who he is though, and he just won't bow to anybody. I kind of liked that about him, even when he made bad decisions, he was true to what he believed. He's had a rough life, and really could have turned out a lot worse than he did. He steals from rich people, but has a sort of code of honor of his own. He's a little arrogant and frustrated me at times, but overall I understood his motives, to survive and be free. Reg grew up with Querry, got a good break, and wants to lead a good life, which means getting married and breeding kids. When it comes down to it, he can't abandon his old friend and first love, and actually can kick some ass when he needs to.
Frolic, I loved. I don't want to ruin the surprises but that's him on the cover. He's a great character,personality, skills, beauty, everything. I loved him, and it hurt when he had to suffer and be confused.
The plot of this book is non stop action. There are plenty of fights, there's magic, and there's crazy technology. Querry gets his ass kicked A LOT. He takes it though, because he's so strong in his beliefs, and after a while so strong in his need to protect Reg and Frolic. The faeries are great, not human at all in their thinking. They're scary and intriguing at the same time, especially Querry's special "gentleman."
There are times when it feels like Querry is cheating, but I didn't hate him and kind of understood. There's no spoken restrictions on any of the men in the relationship, and he seems pretty confused. It felt realistic, what he did. That's my opinion, and other people might not agree, but it made sense in the context.
If you read this whole rambling mess, hey thanks!
First, the characters aren't typical heroes. Querry, the character whose POV the story is told, is a thief, a bit of a slut, and at times so reckless he's almost silly. That's who he is though, and he just won't bow to anybody. I kind of liked that about him, even when he made bad decisions, he was true to what he believed. He's had a rough life, and really could have turned out a lot worse than he did. He steals from rich people, but has a sort of code of honor of his own. He's a little arrogant and frustrated me at times, but overall I understood his motives, to survive and be free. Reg grew up with Querry, got a good break, and wants to lead a good life, which means getting married and breeding kids. When it comes down to it, he can't abandon his old friend and first love, and actually can kick some ass when he needs to.
Frolic, I loved. I don't want to ruin the surprises but that's him on the cover. He's a great character,personality, skills, beauty, everything. I loved him, and it hurt when he had to suffer and be confused.
The plot of this book is non stop action. There are plenty of fights, there's magic, and there's crazy technology. Querry gets his ass kicked A LOT. He takes it though, because he's so strong in his beliefs, and after a while so strong in his need to protect Reg and Frolic. The faeries are great, not human at all in their thinking. They're scary and intriguing at the same time, especially Querry's special "gentleman."
There are times when it feels like Querry is cheating, but I didn't hate him and kind of understood. There's no spoken restrictions on any of the men in the relationship, and he seems pretty confused. It felt realistic, what he did. That's my opinion, and other people might not agree, but it made sense in the context.
If you read this whole rambling mess, hey thanks!
October 19, 2017
What a mess this book is, starting with the title - what's with the boots? We never find out! O.o
But that's not the only glitch here, too many things don't make any kind of sense to me. My personal pet peeve is Querry's inability to hold onto any kind of weapon. The poor guy always loses it within the first two minutes of a fight.
Very chaotic writing, plot twists and turns to keep you as confused as possible.
But that's not the only glitch here, too many things don't make any kind of sense to me. My personal pet peeve is Querry's inability to hold onto any kind of weapon. The poor guy always loses it within the first two minutes of a fight.
Very chaotic writing, plot twists and turns to keep you as confused as possible.
September 29, 2011
I approached this book very cautiously because I've seen several lukewarm reviews (before Deja Dei's which convinced me to read it). Also, I like both steampunk and fantasy, but finding steampunk that satisfies me is rare and there are so many fantasy books out there that they started to blur together.
After reading the book, I can say that it was better than I expected. The world building was detailed, especially clockworks and how they functioned. I also liked the overlapping of the "real" and Other world and descriptions of ever changing fae city quarter. The poverty, child labor, descriptions of dirty city streets and crime were balanced with characters' will to live and find their place in the world.
I liked the character of Querry. He is an alley cat really: a thief, living on the outskirts of society, a bit of slut and a rascal. But, he also possesses innate goodness and strong protective streak. He is also, surprisingly, a dreamer and idealist who even in the direst of circumstances sees the possibility of better future, happier life. At one point, he tells Reg he would rather live a few years as a free man and then die than live thirty years in misery. This line perfectly defines him and explains his recklessness.
Frolic is a lovely character: innocent, playful, loving, curious about the world and his place in it. He doesn't understand human casual cruelty and obvious injustices that plague the world. He is not weak though - he is faster, stronger, more skillful than any human and, because he is what he is, he understands the intricacies of the clockworks.
I couldn't really connect to Reg. I didn't resent his choices in the first half of the book. After all, it wasn't difficult to understand why he craved normalcy after the childhood he and Quarry had. It was more that I couldn't connect to him throughout the entire book because he was the least developed, but especially in the second part when he used I instead of we so many times that it got on my nerves: I love Frolic, I need to save Frolic, he needs more time with Frolic... Reg is the main reason why the menage didn't really work for me. The other big reason is that the entire book is told from Querry's point of view, so we don't get to see the period when Frolic and Reg got close. We were told that it happened, but that is not the same thing. Rather than menage, this is more a set of twos: Querry and Reg, Querry and Frolic, Reg and Frolic. Except one short sex scene, they never work on page as three men in a relationship. Personally, I think the entire book would have worked better without Reg. But, since he is here, the authors would have to work really, really hard in the sequel to make me believe in this relationship.
I did love other secondary characters, especially Dink, marvelous inventor and junk collector, and Querry's "gentleman", powerful fae who set him on the search for Frolic in the first place. He never comes across as human with pointy ears, which is so often the case. In fact, the only time he shows "human" emotions is in interaction with his human lover. But, I wanted to know more about him and I wanted to get at least some hint how some unanswered questions will be resolved (see Nikyta's review for those).
The action was exciting, fast-paced and together with the world building and characters individually (rather than characters in the relationship) this was a solid, imaginative work. These elements are also the reason that I rounded up my rating to four stars. Boots for the Gentleman was also the first book by these authors that I've read and I'm looking forward to their other works set in this world, but especially the sequel to this book.
After reading the book, I can say that it was better than I expected. The world building was detailed, especially clockworks and how they functioned. I also liked the overlapping of the "real" and Other world and descriptions of ever changing fae city quarter. The poverty, child labor, descriptions of dirty city streets and crime were balanced with characters' will to live and find their place in the world.
I liked the character of Querry. He is an alley cat really: a thief, living on the outskirts of society, a bit of slut and a rascal. But, he also possesses innate goodness and strong protective streak. He is also, surprisingly, a dreamer and idealist who even in the direst of circumstances sees the possibility of better future, happier life. At one point, he tells Reg he would rather live a few years as a free man and then die than live thirty years in misery. This line perfectly defines him and explains his recklessness.
Frolic is a lovely character: innocent, playful, loving, curious about the world and his place in it. He doesn't understand human casual cruelty and obvious injustices that plague the world. He is not weak though - he is faster, stronger, more skillful than any human and, because he is what he is, he understands the intricacies of the clockworks.
I couldn't really connect to Reg. I didn't resent his choices in the first half of the book. After all, it wasn't difficult to understand why he craved normalcy after the childhood he and Quarry had. It was more that I couldn't connect to him throughout the entire book because he was the least developed, but especially in the second part when he used I instead of we so many times that it got on my nerves: I love Frolic, I need to save Frolic, he needs more time with Frolic... Reg is the main reason why the menage didn't really work for me. The other big reason is that the entire book is told from Querry's point of view, so we don't get to see the period when Frolic and Reg got close. We were told that it happened, but that is not the same thing. Rather than menage, this is more a set of twos: Querry and Reg, Querry and Frolic, Reg and Frolic. Except one short sex scene, they never work on page as three men in a relationship. Personally, I think the entire book would have worked better without Reg. But, since he is here, the authors would have to work really, really hard in the sequel to make me believe in this relationship.
I did love other secondary characters, especially Dink, marvelous inventor and junk collector, and Querry's "gentleman", powerful fae who set him on the search for Frolic in the first place. He never comes across as human with pointy ears, which is so often the case. In fact, the only time he shows "human" emotions is in interaction with his human lover. But, I wanted to know more about him and I wanted to get at least some hint how some unanswered questions will be resolved (see Nikyta's review for those).
The action was exciting, fast-paced and together with the world building and characters individually (rather than characters in the relationship) this was a solid, imaginative work. These elements are also the reason that I rounded up my rating to four stars. Boots for the Gentleman was also the first book by these authors that I've read and I'm looking forward to their other works set in this world, but especially the sequel to this book.
September 18, 2011
They say you cant judge a book by its cover. With this particular book it was the cover that drew me to it. If you are into steam punk, adventure, Fae and magic then this book is for you. Really enjoyed this book. This book is well written and plotted although its in another world I cant help but to relate to the characters. The biggest suprize for me was the relationship dynamic and the growth that goes on amongst the characters.
June 6, 2012
I'm on a steampunk erotica reading streak and this is one of the best I've encountered so far! The world is elaborate, the characters incredibly real and the story is packed with action and adventure. This book is unique, with great characters and excellent writing. This is a threesome partner story, but the characters fit well together, each complimenting the others' strengths and weaknesses, and a thrilling erotic element. A great read! I heard there's a sequel one the way, can't wait.
August 25, 2011
Charming and engaging steampunk fantasy. Good world-building and interesting characters. Really creative applications of magic and steampunk-y bits. But the characters are rather too lovey-mushy for my liking, and polyamorous relationships are really not my cuppa.
Beautiful cover art!
Beautiful cover art!
October 31, 2012
Enchanting and detailed world-building, mixed with mystery, love & lust, fae & magic, and the beauty of highly intricate clockwork mechanisms. This is a wonderful creation, and I cross my fingers that the sequel could possibly be just as breath-taking.
May 12, 2013
This alternate universe tale is an interesting mix of steampunk (with the focus on a society that runs on various clockwork mechanisms) and urban/paranormal fantasy (with the addition of the fae---portions of the story are set in the fairy realm). I think it all holds together fairly well, though I really would have liked to see just a little more world-building. I would have liked to learn a little more of the background of Querry and Reg; there’s no mention, for instance, of how on earth Reg managed to get adopted by a wealthy family when he was just one of the thousands of anonymous orphaned youths used to run the monstrous factories that are poisoning the city.
The book paints a grim picture of this society; we’re looking at it from Querry’s perspective after all, who is one of the poor unfortunates that had no advantages starting out in life. But the thief and his best friend/sometimes lover are a likable enough pair, though I’m not sure the reader ever gets to know them as well as I would have preferred. My favourite character was Frolic, however---his innocence is quite charming, and the reader feels protective of him throughout the tale.
The fae are considerably less charming; the Gentleman of the title displays all the attributes usually associated with this race, though he does become at least a bit more sympathetic by the end of the story.
My one real complaint is… Well, I can’t say without giving away spoilers! Let’s just say that there is an aspect of the plot that I really was not comfortable with, and that as a rule I don’t care for in any book. So, that knocks it down a bit in my estimation. Still, it’s a creative tale and if you are interested in the genres which it encompasses, I think it’s worth a read.
The book ends things well enough, though the conclusion is a bit rushed. The immediate plot points are all tied off, while leaving things open for a sequel. And that’s just what we have with the book two in the “Steamcraft & Sorcery” series, titled A Grimoire for the Baron . I liked the first book well enough that I’m curious to read what happens next, though at the same time I have to say that I don’t feel the need to push the second title to the top of my wish list.
The book paints a grim picture of this society; we’re looking at it from Querry’s perspective after all, who is one of the poor unfortunates that had no advantages starting out in life. But the thief and his best friend/sometimes lover are a likable enough pair, though I’m not sure the reader ever gets to know them as well as I would have preferred. My favourite character was Frolic, however---his innocence is quite charming, and the reader feels protective of him throughout the tale.
The fae are considerably less charming; the Gentleman of the title displays all the attributes usually associated with this race, though he does become at least a bit more sympathetic by the end of the story.
My one real complaint is… Well, I can’t say without giving away spoilers! Let’s just say that there is an aspect of the plot that I really was not comfortable with, and that as a rule I don’t care for in any book. So, that knocks it down a bit in my estimation. Still, it’s a creative tale and if you are interested in the genres which it encompasses, I think it’s worth a read.
The book ends things well enough, though the conclusion is a bit rushed. The immediate plot points are all tied off, while leaving things open for a sequel. And that’s just what we have with the book two in the “Steamcraft & Sorcery” series, titled A Grimoire for the Baron . I liked the first book well enough that I’m curious to read what happens next, though at the same time I have to say that I don’t feel the need to push the second title to the top of my wish list.
September 29, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I love these types of books because the imagination and descriptions that go into making this come to life is brilliant. Querrilous Knotte survives by doing odd jobs for other people…oh alright he’s a thief for hire but he does have a kind heart… well kinda. He finds trouble in a derelict house and needs Reg’s help. Reginald Whitney is an ex-street rat who was adopted by a wealthy couple; he is facing up to the duty that they wish of him.
This is a brilliant story that gives you everything you could wish for, Magic, Faeries, an evil Noble, and A Wizard, street rats, a street war, a flying carriage and so much more. There is love, longing and jealousy. This is defiantly a worthwhile read, the story line is strong, the characters are great and the loving is hot.
I have to say I never knew they called this sort of story Steampunk even though I have read quite a few of them. So what would I recommend? Well, if you liked The Night Angel Trilogy or stories similar, then this will be right up your alley. Big thumbs up from me.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I love these types of books because the imagination and descriptions that go into making this come to life is brilliant. Querrilous Knotte survives by doing odd jobs for other people…oh alright he’s a thief for hire but he does have a kind heart… well kinda. He finds trouble in a derelict house and needs Reg’s help. Reginald Whitney is an ex-street rat who was adopted by a wealthy couple; he is facing up to the duty that they wish of him.
This is a brilliant story that gives you everything you could wish for, Magic, Faeries, an evil Noble, and A Wizard, street rats, a street war, a flying carriage and so much more. There is love, longing and jealousy. This is defiantly a worthwhile read, the story line is strong, the characters are great and the loving is hot.
I have to say I never knew they called this sort of story Steampunk even though I have read quite a few of them. So what would I recommend? Well, if you liked The Night Angel Trilogy or stories similar, then this will be right up your alley. Big thumbs up from me.
May 24, 2012
The authors might hate this word, but this was a charming read. The descriptions were beautiful and three dimensional. Even when the characters swerved out of believability (no one can survive naked in a snowdrift for three days sans explanation), something came along to delight the reader to distraction.
Poor Querry avoided death so many times I started to think he was part cat, but there was always an explanation about his escape. Still, one too many times dragged at the action. Midway through the book you knew that no matter what kind of danger he encountered that he would survive.
The main thing that prevents me from giving this enchanting story a solid five is Frolic. He starts out strong. What a wonderful character. But once "something" happens to him, the something being a major spoiler, he almost becomes a secondary character, which made me sad.
I want to give this wonderful story 4.5. Someday Goodreads will let us split stars.
4.5.
Poor Querry avoided death so many times I started to think he was part cat, but there was always an explanation about his escape. Still, one too many times dragged at the action. Midway through the book you knew that no matter what kind of danger he encountered that he would survive.
The main thing that prevents me from giving this enchanting story a solid five is Frolic. He starts out strong. What a wonderful character. But once "something" happens to him, the something being a major spoiler, he almost becomes a secondary character, which made me sad.
I want to give this wonderful story 4.5. Someday Goodreads will let us split stars.
4.5.
October 15, 2017
I was about half way and had already had numerous instances where I hoped the book would end soon, when I gave up reading any further.
It suffered from what I call convenience: Things that happened that felt too easy, or where I didn't feel the struggle and emotions. Like it was glazed over, of no consequense, while I know this could not have been the intension.
Then there were the numerous listings of things that were in the scenery, or explanations/stories at the wrong times. Both threw me from the story, for it didn't fit with the rest of it.
It was like first letting the reader know the setting and mood, before continuing with the story.
It suffered from what I call convenience: Things that happened that felt too easy, or where I didn't feel the struggle and emotions. Like it was glazed over, of no consequense, while I know this could not have been the intension.
Then there were the numerous listings of things that were in the scenery, or explanations/stories at the wrong times. Both threw me from the story, for it didn't fit with the rest of it.
It was like first letting the reader know the setting and mood, before continuing with the story.
September 20, 2011
Okay, this turned out to go in directions I hadn't expected, and I ended up being somewhat disappointed in it. However, some of that is my personal taste, so others may not mind the things I didn't really enjoy.
The world building was interesting and drew me in immediately. It's regency/Victorian England with the addition of magic and more advanced (compared with reality) mechanical contraptions. There is also the addition of the fae within the city of London. My initial reaction to Querry's character was positive, yet I found myself - while liking him - oddly disconnected, and as the story progresses, the more disconnected I seem to get.
I think most of why I felt disconnected with the characters, is that the characters didn't have enough depth for me - all fairly shallow with mostly superficial reactions. As I read further into the novel, I found I didn't really gain any more knowledge about the characters - the motivations and the emotions of the character. It is for this reason the novel only gets 3 stars - the lack of character definition - and not because the story went to places I don't particularly enjoy.
The world building was interesting and drew me in immediately. It's regency/Victorian England with the addition of magic and more advanced (compared with reality) mechanical contraptions. There is also the addition of the fae within the city of London. My initial reaction to Querry's character was positive, yet I found myself - while liking him - oddly disconnected, and as the story progresses, the more disconnected I seem to get.
I think most of why I felt disconnected with the characters, is that the characters didn't have enough depth for me - all fairly shallow with mostly superficial reactions. As I read further into the novel, I found I didn't really gain any more knowledge about the characters - the motivations and the emotions of the character. It is for this reason the novel only gets 3 stars - the lack of character definition - and not because the story went to places I don't particularly enjoy.
March 26, 2016
There were so many missed opportunities with this story. Here is a steampunk London mixed in with faeries out in the open, and we hardly ever get an explanation of this world.
The relationship is also a problem. It is hard to write polyamorous relationships and I understand that. Polyamorous relationships requires you to build a connection between three people, which requires twice as much thought to characterisation and dialogue. There was a lack of connection between Querry, Reg, and Frolic. Reg was the weakest part of this polyamory. If Reg was to leave then it would make no difference to the relationship between Querry and Frolick. It felt like the author had just thrown Reg in as a last minute idea. We are actually only told in one sentence that Reg and Frolick had comfort sex and now from this we are meant to believe that all three of them suddenly love each other and are now polyamorous? I call bullshit on that.
Secondly, the characters themselves are not interesting. They are just one-dimensional clichés. We've got the sly womanising...uh manising (?!) thief, sweet innocent baby-faced pup, and the nerd. I wanted to know more about the gentleman/faery.
Overall, maybe this story just wasn't for me. I prefer the Blessed Epoch series to this one because Yarrow is a much more interesting character than Querry who just seemed to annoy me every single second.
The relationship is also a problem. It is hard to write polyamorous relationships and I understand that. Polyamorous relationships requires you to build a connection between three people, which requires twice as much thought to characterisation and dialogue. There was a lack of connection between Querry, Reg, and Frolic. Reg was the weakest part of this polyamory. If Reg was to leave then it would make no difference to the relationship between Querry and Frolick. It felt like the author had just thrown Reg in as a last minute idea. We are actually only told in one sentence that Reg and Frolick had comfort sex and now from this we are meant to believe that all three of them suddenly love each other and are now polyamorous? I call bullshit on that.
Secondly, the characters themselves are not interesting. They are just one-dimensional clichés. We've got the sly womanising...uh manising (?!) thief, sweet innocent baby-faced pup, and the nerd. I wanted to know more about the gentleman/faery.
Overall, maybe this story just wasn't for me. I prefer the Blessed Epoch series to this one because Yarrow is a much more interesting character than Querry who just seemed to annoy me every single second.
January 25, 2015
With fantasy and sci-fi you can create the most insane and fantastic worlds imaginable... as long as you keep the details grounded in reality.
The main protagonist, Querry, has an incredible abilty to shake off anything that ailes him.
He suffers from a fever that nearly kills him. No problem. He gets captured and beaten heavily every day for a least a week. Immediately has sex. There is no way this character didn't have a few broken bones at least. Repeatedly gets knocked unconcious. No ill effects at all. Apparently has no exisiting conditions from growing up in a work house.
None of it is remotely believable.
And it's hard to root for a hero that is so useless. He loses his 'gear' and his clothes on multiple occasions. Is rescued by Reg several times. Mooches off people like Reg and Dink. Finds a rare and unknown treasure, gropes it and then has sex with it. Nags his ex to run away with him every chance he gets.
If this was rewritten it could be a fun, light comedy/parody.
But if you are looking for an excellent Steampunk series, try the Parasol Protectorate instead.
The main protagonist, Querry, has an incredible abilty to shake off anything that ailes him.
He suffers from a fever that nearly kills him. No problem. He gets captured and beaten heavily every day for a least a week. Immediately has sex. There is no way this character didn't have a few broken bones at least. Repeatedly gets knocked unconcious. No ill effects at all. Apparently has no exisiting conditions from growing up in a work house.
None of it is remotely believable.
And it's hard to root for a hero that is so useless. He loses his 'gear' and his clothes on multiple occasions. Is rescued by Reg several times. Mooches off people like Reg and Dink. Finds a rare and unknown treasure, gropes it and then has sex with it. Nags his ex to run away with him every chance he gets.
If this was rewritten it could be a fun, light comedy/parody.
But if you are looking for an excellent Steampunk series, try the Parasol Protectorate instead.
August 24, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book
March 31, 2018
An interesting book. There is lots of action and mystery, mostly action! I thought the characters were well written and the story itself flows well. I don't always enjoy steampunk. The details tend to overwhelm me. This was better on that score. I will say that you have to have an open mind when it comes to relationships and sex. Querry is very sexual. He does try once the story gets going but he doesn't have much of a hangup about multiple partners. He is a bit more of a stickler when it comes to staying with those you are in a relationship with only though. He is also a bit selfish but truly given his background who can blame him. I did think the characters were a bit immature also. Some I could see with the ages and situations but others not so much.
Still I thought it was an entertaining read. The author does a good job at building up this world and giving us the information needed without it being excessive.
Still I thought it was an entertaining read. The author does a good job at building up this world and giving us the information needed without it being excessive.
August 23, 2020
The book starts a bit slowly with thief Querrilous Knotte struggling to survive in a victorian/steampunk world where children are sold to workhouses, clockworks and magic combine, and a portal to the fairy realm of Neroche opens into a LSD fueled nightmare of madness for those unlucky enough to be sucked inside. Querry is our MC and we follow him throughout the story as he deals with his fae "gentleman," his found clockwork doll Frolic, and his former childhood friend/lover Reg. Querry gets himself into many scrapes, and it's not long before the action picks up and he loses countless sets of gear as he is often captured and imprisoned. Polyamory and elements of cheating/jealousy to be found in the book, as well as a "taboo" element of copulating with a clockwork doll that so totally reminds me of the manga of Mishima Kazuhiko. A fun beginning to the series.
April 27, 2022
What it says on the tin. Steamcraft, magic, fairies and some crazy coupling. Fun quick read
May 8, 2022
Steampunk meets paranormal, i.e., the world of magical beings like wizards and faes.
Querrilous Knotte was quite the character. At times I loved him but at others I had WTF moments. He was fun-loving, egotistical, a thief raised in poverty, but loyal to those who deserved his care. At was primarily Reginald, a young man who is trying his best to please his adoptive mother and marry into wealth and title, but who has loved Querry deeply since childhood. A totally gorgeous, sweet, gentle-hearted being named Frolic enters the picture and both men fall in love with him. There are scenes that can be taken as cheating before the three commit to a menage. If that's not your thing then think twice before opening this adventure.
And it is an adventure, with plenty of action and creativity of an imaginary world that is highly detailed and complex. Query is nearly killed multiple times in multiple ways by multiple enemies. (Sometimes due to his own stupid decisions. Frustrating.) There is so much detail in the crafting of the clockwork tower and all its creatures and in the world in which the story is set, it's very easy to immerse oneself in the geography of the story. Add to that the complexity of the characters, their personalities and interactions, and one can see the authors took the time to polish this well-crafted story to the nth detail.
Did I love it? Unfortunately, not as much as I had hoped I would. At times, I was frustrated with Query's actions and at others my tension lay with Reg's decisions or with Frolic's outlook. Was it well-written? Absolutely. I'm sure lovers of steampunk will find much to enjoy with this book. Considering I've owned it for nine years and had it tucked away on a TBR shelf, I'm happy I finally brought it out to read.
Querrilous Knotte was quite the character. At times I loved him but at others I had WTF moments. He was fun-loving, egotistical, a thief raised in poverty, but loyal to those who deserved his care. At was primarily Reginald, a young man who is trying his best to please his adoptive mother and marry into wealth and title, but who has loved Querry deeply since childhood. A totally gorgeous, sweet, gentle-hearted being named Frolic enters the picture and both men fall in love with him. There are scenes that can be taken as cheating before the three commit to a menage. If that's not your thing then think twice before opening this adventure.
And it is an adventure, with plenty of action and creativity of an imaginary world that is highly detailed and complex. Query is nearly killed multiple times in multiple ways by multiple enemies. (Sometimes due to his own stupid decisions. Frustrating.) There is so much detail in the crafting of the clockwork tower and all its creatures and in the world in which the story is set, it's very easy to immerse oneself in the geography of the story. Add to that the complexity of the characters, their personalities and interactions, and one can see the authors took the time to polish this well-crafted story to the nth detail.
Did I love it? Unfortunately, not as much as I had hoped I would. At times, I was frustrated with Query's actions and at others my tension lay with Reg's decisions or with Frolic's outlook. Was it well-written? Absolutely. I'm sure lovers of steampunk will find much to enjoy with this book. Considering I've owned it for nine years and had it tucked away on a TBR shelf, I'm happy I finally brought it out to read.
March 24, 2012
I finished this book a couple of days ago with mixed feelings and decided to wait before writing a review.
I liked this book and I wanted to like it more but there were so many WTF moments preventing me from loving it that I don't know how to explain my emotional limbo.
Even worse, after so many days none of these characters truly resonates in my memory. Frolic's beauty lingers somewhere in the back of my mind, taunting me and I look at the cover and say "Damn." But beyond that, Querry comes as a figment of my imagination and the third boy in the love triangle, well you see, I cannot conjure his name. That's how off he seemed to me.
There were many beautiful descriptions of settings and situations, and I liked that a lot, but on the same wavelength, things occurred in a way that didn't make sense at all --constantly.
Comes to me --in a mist-- Querry rescued from jail by (nope still not coming) his lover and regardless of several beatings they made love passionately once in their haven. Wasn't he badly bruised?
Oh, we are escaping, but you take the flying device, and we go by sea. What?
I understand this was meant to be part of a series, and I guess that's why the resolution is not as powerful as something meant to end there forever, but I'm still not happy with it.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book. My problem is that I wanted to love it because it was my first Steampunk reading (it looked so, so promising), ergo I wanted it to be special in my reader's heart.
Sadly, I'm still looking for that first Steampunk total love.
I liked this book and I wanted to like it more but there were so many WTF moments preventing me from loving it that I don't know how to explain my emotional limbo.
Even worse, after so many days none of these characters truly resonates in my memory. Frolic's beauty lingers somewhere in the back of my mind, taunting me and I look at the cover and say "Damn." But beyond that, Querry comes as a figment of my imagination and the third boy in the love triangle, well you see, I cannot conjure his name. That's how off he seemed to me.
There were many beautiful descriptions of settings and situations, and I liked that a lot, but on the same wavelength, things occurred in a way that didn't make sense at all --constantly.
Comes to me --in a mist-- Querry rescued from jail by (nope still not coming) his lover and regardless of several beatings they made love passionately once in their haven. Wasn't he badly bruised?
Oh, we are escaping, but you take the flying device, and we go by sea. What?
I understand this was meant to be part of a series, and I guess that's why the resolution is not as powerful as something meant to end there forever, but I'm still not happy with it.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book. My problem is that I wanted to love it because it was my first Steampunk reading (it looked so, so promising), ergo I wanted it to be special in my reader's heart.
Sadly, I'm still looking for that first Steampunk total love.
September 3, 2014
4.5 Rounded up! Review to come when at a proper keyboard. Loved this book!
Edit for review: These two books by Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont, Boots for the Gentleman and A Grimoire for the Baron, are good, old-fashioned fun akin to the adventures serials of yore--sans the serial aspect. The combination of steampunk and magic was charming, and the stories took me to unexpected places, and on adventures I would never have imagined on my own. It was fun and happy-making to read books where the thought of "I would have done xyz differently" rarely came into play because the books are unlike anything I would imagine or make up myself. A lovely escape to a different world. I read somewhere recently that a review should be about the book, but, that's never how my reviews turn out. My reviews always turn out to be about me and my relationship to the book. In the case of these, they were the right fun at the right time and I look forward to buying them in paperback when I see Gus Li at Rainbow Con next year.
Edit for review: These two books by Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont, Boots for the Gentleman and A Grimoire for the Baron, are good, old-fashioned fun akin to the adventures serials of yore--sans the serial aspect. The combination of steampunk and magic was charming, and the stories took me to unexpected places, and on adventures I would never have imagined on my own. It was fun and happy-making to read books where the thought of "I would have done xyz differently" rarely came into play because the books are unlike anything I would imagine or make up myself. A lovely escape to a different world. I read somewhere recently that a review should be about the book, but, that's never how my reviews turn out. My reviews always turn out to be about me and my relationship to the book. In the case of these, they were the right fun at the right time and I look forward to buying them in paperback when I see Gus Li at Rainbow Con next year.
August 27, 2016
For me a high 2+* read.
I like a little bit of steampunk in a story, just like a little magic or I may enjoy a little paranormal etc. this was full immersion in the genre so a bit out of my easy reading zone.
It was a fairly long read with full mechanicals and a very trippy fae town! Querry seemed to attract trouble and I never really felt I knew Reg. Frolic seemed a simple soul but possessed of great empathy too.
The story wove about a lot and had its mad professor who came to a suitably bad end. I am always in awe of authors who create such wild stories and get the story to come back together at the end. Just not one for me (just like a number of work colleagues can never get how I dont understand Discword!)
Loved the cover though!
I like a little bit of steampunk in a story, just like a little magic or I may enjoy a little paranormal etc. this was full immersion in the genre so a bit out of my easy reading zone.
It was a fairly long read with full mechanicals and a very trippy fae town! Querry seemed to attract trouble and I never really felt I knew Reg. Frolic seemed a simple soul but possessed of great empathy too.
The story wove about a lot and had its mad professor who came to a suitably bad end. I am always in awe of authors who create such wild stories and get the story to come back together at the end. Just not one for me (just like a number of work colleagues can never get how I dont understand Discword!)
Loved the cover though!
dnf
December 27, 2012NOTE: My shelving this on my dnf shelf has nothing to do with the book I was enjoying it when real life intervened and I had to put it down. I always have a lot of trouble picking back up with something I put down in the middle, no matter the reason. Someday I will pick it back up and read it but I just needed it off my currently reading shelf (OCD much). I am not putting up a rating at this time. I will rate when I get back to it and finish it.
August 29, 2011
Both Authors done good job, but I still didn't like it, to be honest. There are to many different characters appearing and main players stop being important. I lost interest in book very early in the story.
February 19, 2016
While overall this is a rather good book, set in a well thought out world, bustling with steampunk, some fae magic, and characters that are compelling because they are not always perfect, I felt that the plot suffered from a few to many timely coincidences.
July 22, 2012
This book should probably be 3.5 stars. It's a fun read with a good story underlying the M/M romance.
November 9, 2012
Great story. It faultered a bit at the end, but I'll definitely be reading the next in the series. Querry, Frolic and Reg are so endearing and I love the cover - I have this thing for anima.
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