What do you think?
Rate this book
Apparatus Infernum #1
Bronze Gods
Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be.
Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside.
That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad.
Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city.
But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…
Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside.
That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad.
Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city.
But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
70 people are currently reading
6989 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Aguirre
3 books157 followersA.A. Aguirre is the pseudonym for Ann Aguirre & Andres Aguirre, a husband-wife writing team. She specializes in compelling characters; he excels at meticulous worldbuilding. By day, she's a bestselling novelist, and he is a pharmaceuticals tycoon.
Born in Mexico, Andres spent his early years traveling and getting in trouble everywhere else. Along the way, he got a degree from Pepperdine in economics and international business. Ann was born in the Midwest and has a degree in English Literature from Ball State.
Now settled, if not fully domesticated, Andres lives with his love, Ann, their fantastic kids, two whiny cats, and a wistful dog.
Together, they form Megatron. Or not. Actually, they write books.
Born in Mexico, Andres spent his early years traveling and getting in trouble everywhere else. Along the way, he got a degree from Pepperdine in economics and international business. Ann was born in the Midwest and has a degree in English Literature from Ball State.
Now settled, if not fully domesticated, Andres lives with his love, Ann, their fantastic kids, two whiny cats, and a wistful dog.
Together, they form Megatron. Or not. Actually, they write books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
May 16, 2013
I think, rather than write out a lengthy review of all the reasons why this book is awesome and you should be reading it, I'm going to just list some questions instead and let your answers guide you into the loving pages of this fantastic steampunk mystery!
Do you like beautiful writing?
Do you like it when the writing creates such a vivid atmosphere that you feel as if you've been pulled into a completely different time, place and reality? When the words flow like lyrics to an old favourite song that you'd forgotten about and are just hearing again for the first time in years? The Aguirre team take you to that place hovering somewhere between fantasy, historical fiction and science fiction, that exciting place where steampunk finds its home and into this genre they weave fascinating characters, an intriguing world and a compelling mystery.
Do you like excellent world-building?
This world is just so... alive. It's that strange combination of future technology and a Victorian-like setting that sets steampunk apart from everything else. It shouldn't work and yet it works so well. Fantasy/urban fantasy aspects are also interwoven into this tale. The Ferishers (Fae) are no longer what they used to be since the great war between them and humans destroyed their bodies and left them as angry spirits haunting the countryside. Some Fae power remains amongst individuals of this world in the form of small gifts - being able to read emotions from a room or object, being able to tell when someone is lying, etc. But, of course, where there is power, there is the opportunity for it to be abused. Particularly after dark. I'm going to share this quote again: "Night brought a particular madness, as they had quickly learned. All the depravity, mayhem and deviance that hid itself from the day oozed into the streets like runoff from a sewer."
Do you like a twisty mystery with a surprise conclusion?
Let's be clear: I'm no Sherlock Holmes. But I do think I've got better at spotting twists coming well in advance and solving mysteries before the detectives do. In this case, however, I didn't predict the outcome and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to finding out what happened. It all starts when bodies begin to show up - females from major families - each murdered by the same device. It's clear that the murders are linked and there's every possibility that the one responsible will strike again. We then find ourselves in the middle of a mystery that will get us fully acquainted with blood, magic and death before it's over. And I loved every minute of it.
Do you like detailed, well-developed characters?
Mikani and Ritsuko are the cherries on top of this perfect ice cream sundae. The depth of development gone into their characters in this first book is astounding, especially when I think of the fact that we've barely scratched the surface and there's much more to come. There's nothing remotely stereotypical or cliche about either of them and they come with their own package of flaws, habits, fears and complications. Ritsuko is the first female detective in her division and she's determined to exceed everyone's expectations in this unfriendly man's world. She is organised, pragmatic and forward-thinking. Mikani, on the other hand, is less rational and completely unable to hold down a steady relationship for an extended length of time and he is far more governed by emotion. The two of them just work so well together, despite their differences - or perhaps because of them - and I love how their relationship is so multi-layered.
Do you like sexual tension?
Of course you do! It probably isn't surprising to read that there's something more than friendship between Mikani and Ritsuko but it's subtle and happens gradually. There's not even any sex in this book. Wait! I know you're thinking "why is this a good thing?" but it is. I find myself even more invested in their relationship because I know they have a long way to go. Definitely no instalove here, or insta-anything, which is a huge relief.
Finally, I think this book has the perfect kind of ending. It gives us closure on the mystery and this chapter of the story, whilst also dangling the temptation for more in a few hints at what we can expect to come next. In case I haven't made it clear: I LOVED this book! I'm not sure why you're still here when you could be reading this right now :)
April 28, 2013
4.5 stars
Hmm, let's see: steampunk noir, fantastic worldbuilding, characters I fell in love with almost instantly, crime scenes worthy of Patricia Cornwell, clockwork, LOTS of sexual tension and a heart-stopping conclusion. All in a single book, my friends.
Centuries ago in a land called Hy Breasil, native Ferishers and strayed humans saw marriage as a way to stop the war between their two races. Sons and daughters of the two great Courts married the conquerors in an attempt to save themselves from annihilation. Today, very little Fey blood remains and the gifts it offers are often both unwelcome and dangerous.
In the great city of Dorstaad, two Criminal Investigation Division inspectors, Celeste Ritsuko and Janus Mikani, do excellent work despite the hostility they occasionally face. They are each other’s exact opposites: she, measured, well organized and precise, excellent at drawing conclusions from evidence she pedantically collects; and he, a charmer who mostly runs on intuition and solves cases using gifts his Fey blood provides.
Ritsuko and Mikani begin as co-workers and friends and they remain friends. It is a wonderful thing they have, a purely platonic relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. There is attraction of course, but neither of them is willing to risk what they already have for something that may or may not work… probably not, considering Mikani’s track record. Neither of them admits, even to themselves, that they might be moving towards something more, a different kind of relationship, no longer safe, but risky and exciting at the same time. Theirs is a subtle, tentative dance, a slow-burning romance at its finest and one that will leave you desperate to know if and when they’ll take the plunge.
(You WILL be jumping up and down in your seat, chanting “Do it! Do it! Go for it! Kiss her, you moron! Kiss her!”)
Their characterization is superb. I find that I often use the words ‘astonishingly good’ to describe Aguirre’s work, but I can’t help it when they always apply. Bronze Gods and its characters didn’t sprout over night, they’re the result of a decade-long work, which is obvious on every page. I’ve read my fair share of crime novels and seen enough crime shows that I’m not easily impressed. I think we are all desensitized as readers and viewers, and yet these crime scenes gave me the chills. Each included a different mysterious, inexplicable device, the purpose of which was entirely unclear to Ritsuko and Mikani.
I am, as I’m sure you all know, a bit demanding when it comes to steampunk. I want well-defined worlds, age-appropriate language and at least a few creative gadgets. Ann and Andres Aguirre gave me all that and more. I need book 2 more than I need air... or bread.... or...well, maybe not blueberry muffins. But close.
I rest my case.
At The Nocturnal Library: Ann Aguirre talks about writing this book with her husband.
Hmm, let's see: steampunk noir, fantastic worldbuilding, characters I fell in love with almost instantly, crime scenes worthy of Patricia Cornwell, clockwork, LOTS of sexual tension and a heart-stopping conclusion. All in a single book, my friends.
Centuries ago in a land called Hy Breasil, native Ferishers and strayed humans saw marriage as a way to stop the war between their two races. Sons and daughters of the two great Courts married the conquerors in an attempt to save themselves from annihilation. Today, very little Fey blood remains and the gifts it offers are often both unwelcome and dangerous.
In the great city of Dorstaad, two Criminal Investigation Division inspectors, Celeste Ritsuko and Janus Mikani, do excellent work despite the hostility they occasionally face. They are each other’s exact opposites: she, measured, well organized and precise, excellent at drawing conclusions from evidence she pedantically collects; and he, a charmer who mostly runs on intuition and solves cases using gifts his Fey blood provides.
Ritsuko and Mikani begin as co-workers and friends and they remain friends. It is a wonderful thing they have, a purely platonic relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. There is attraction of course, but neither of them is willing to risk what they already have for something that may or may not work… probably not, considering Mikani’s track record. Neither of them admits, even to themselves, that they might be moving towards something more, a different kind of relationship, no longer safe, but risky and exciting at the same time. Theirs is a subtle, tentative dance, a slow-burning romance at its finest and one that will leave you desperate to know if and when they’ll take the plunge.
(You WILL be jumping up and down in your seat, chanting “Do it! Do it! Go for it! Kiss her, you moron! Kiss her!”)
Their characterization is superb. I find that I often use the words ‘astonishingly good’ to describe Aguirre’s work, but I can’t help it when they always apply. Bronze Gods and its characters didn’t sprout over night, they’re the result of a decade-long work, which is obvious on every page. I’ve read my fair share of crime novels and seen enough crime shows that I’m not easily impressed. I think we are all desensitized as readers and viewers, and yet these crime scenes gave me the chills. Each included a different mysterious, inexplicable device, the purpose of which was entirely unclear to Ritsuko and Mikani.
I am, as I’m sure you all know, a bit demanding when it comes to steampunk. I want well-defined worlds, age-appropriate language and at least a few creative gadgets. Ann and Andres Aguirre gave me all that and more. I need book 2 more than I need air... or bread.... or...well, maybe not blueberry muffins. But close.
I rest my case.
At The Nocturnal Library: Ann Aguirre talks about writing this book with her husband.
don-t-count
March 6, 2020Not my cup of tea. Over-written, flowery beginning that could have benefited from some adverb debulking. Eventually plot takes over and it streamlines, at least somewhat. A rich young woman has gone missing, and the leads have been called in to find her. Narrative switches a bit too seamlessly between two inspectors, a male and a woman. It's a sexist world, so the woman faces a lot of bias despite her hard work and strong abilities. Still, it was intriguing enough, with a strong pseudo-Elizabethan vibe. There's some underlying Fae thing going on, with historic and hereditary Courts. I skimmed because, as I said, not my thing on most levels. Would probably work for fans of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences: Tales from the Archives, Collection 2 and The Parasol Protectorate Collection #2: Heartless / Timeless.
Note, it's a jointly-written book between a wife-husband team. Ilona Andrews they ain't.
Note, it's a jointly-written book between a wife-husband team. Ilona Andrews they ain't.
January 24, 2019
The amount of time I spent raving while reading this about how it was written could probably have been spent finishing this book faster. But I was full of rage. So instead I ranted for days.
February 20, 2020
“always, partner.”
this is a steampunk, noir detective, murder mystery novel.
with fantasy elements AND buddy cop shenanigans that may lay the groundwork for romance.
i fell for this book and i fell hard.
inspectors mikani and ritsuko set out to investigate the mysterious murder of a young girl. in doing so, they stumble upon forbidden magic from eons past, a theater with its numbers in red run by a masked man, underground smugglers, one of mikani’s many exes -- you name it.
all against a technological backdrop of the city of dorstaad, where gas lamps light the streets, mechanical hansom cabs can be hailed on any corner, and the industrial revolution is full at hand. it calls to mind some dark holmesian vibes with more magic + technology.
(the magic, especially, is an interesting bit of worldbuilding -- the current population is an offspring of an alliance between ferishers/faeries and humans. thus, the world is still populated by elemental spirits and other strange creatures, and some humans with ferisher blood can get up to some nice magic tricks.)
the mystery starts off a little slow, and though it has a couple of twists, it’s pretty easy to guess where it’s gonna go if you pay some attention. the leisurely cadence of picking up clues is nice in terms of pace, but is also a weird contrast to the whole, “please catch the murderer QUICKLY before they kill ANOTHER one”.
the writing isn’t necessarily striking or beautiful and there’s a few clunky word choices, but it puts forth the world in a very solid, atmospheric manner. it plays to your senses, and you can feel like you're the one actually walking around in dorstaad.
i am willing to forgive everything for the characters, though.
mikani’s and ritsuko’s dynamic is what drives this entire story. they start off as easy clichés: she, the first female inspector on the force, has to work twice as hard as the others to earn respect. she’s neat, organized, and efficient. in contrast, he’s a loose cannon who forgets to shave, loves to drink, and pulls reckless shit a lot.
you don’t even learn that much about their respective backgrounds; the information trickles in, little by little, as the chapters switch between both their points of view. but the way they complement each other, look out for each other, and communicate without words -- mwah, chef’s kiss.
though they feel the attraction and are both very lonely, they aren’t cajoled into romance right off the bat. their mutual respect is immense, and they’re both eager to stamp away any lusty feelings towards the other because Professionalism™.
not gonna lie: at one point i was scared this was going be a Very Hetero-Tropey Romance because the book opens with some successive Oh No They’re Sexy-moments. but as the story progresses, you can tell how much they genuinely care for each other to the point where they’re each Number One in each other’s lives. and it just grows into mutual pining which i die for.
anyway, i digress.
this story is cool. is it Good? i don’t know, but i was hella on board with the quick shootouts, the noir mystery, the gruff detectives, and the weird magic. it feels very much like a fun blockbluster and i unabashedly love that shit.
✎ 3.5 stars.
October 7, 2013
I've read SEVERAL installations of this SAME book recently: Steampunk Investigative Duo working for government. Now, I have to admit, that I've enjoyed almost ALL of them, so this trope works really well for me! I think this might be my favorite of the bunch, just because the world building had an added twist that intrigued me: Faerie. Can't WAIT for the next one, love the two main characters and the romance there, and want to see more for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I honestly cannot re-call a time when I have sat down at my computer, poised to type out a review, and felt the urge to regurgitate word vomit. Until, that is, now. When it comes to Bronze Gods, my love can only be expressed in mere words; phrases strung together to make coherent sense will fail dramatically, I fear. (And yet, in the threat of being seen as an absolutely insane blogger, I will attempt toregurgitate type out something that makes sense. Remotely.)
At first glance, Bronze Gods seems to promise a thrilling murder mystery, all against the backdrop of a steampunk/fantasy realm, heavy in faerie mythology and shrouded in authentic criminology. In reality, though, this novel offers so much more. A.A. Aguirre’s first work is an extremely well-written and authentic murder mystery, full of perfectly-timed clues, thorough investigations, and a surprise reveal that managed to shock even this Sherlock-Holmes-and-Nancy-Drew-fanatic reader. Now, add to that a world that feels strikingly real – despite the steampunk machinations, fey qualities, and magic prevalent in the air – and Aguirre succeeds in transporting us to another realm entirely; one we don’t exactly want to leave. And yet, the icing on top of this cake isn’t the rich world-building or the intense murder mystery on hand. No, the delectable icing atop this cake is the very characters themselves, all with a rich cherry of sexual tension to enhance the sweetness.
Mikani and Ritsuko are the type of kick-ass, fearless, and yet utterly flawed characters that you only dream of discovering within the pages of a book. From the beginning itself, I loved both of them; Mikani with his roguish charm, fey capabilities, and wit; Ritsuko with her unexpected humor, diligence, and practicality. Aguirre’s world is complicated, but as a realm that started out with a marriage compromise between the fey and humans, there are very few – if any – pure-blooded fey left. Instead, humans that possess a few fey capabilities are common, Mikani among them. Ritsuko is also an anomaly, but less because of her talents and more so for her gender. As the sole woman investigator in her firm, she is constantly justifying her position and refuses to back down from what she has earned with hard work and effort. And yet, while both of them are charming in their own right, full of flaws and unlucky with their relationships, it is when put together that these two truly shine. Mikani and Ritsuko are a formidable team. Not only do they share wordless conversations, but their respect for one another seems to slowly morph into something more…romantic. For the first time, both of these sharp-minded individuals are single and the sparks between them simply fly. One of my favorite aspects of Bronze Gods, though, was that even the simplest actions and emotions between these two felt so utterly romantic. In my eyes, this is the beauty of a relationship – the unexpected feelings found in even the most mundane of actions.
As a team, this is where A. A. Aguirre truly succeeds – in writing the distinct voices of Mikani, Ritsuko, and other central characters as well. Bronze Gods is a solidly mystery-oriented novel with the romance arriving in snippets, delightful wisps of what-could-be that leave us anxious and sexually frustrated. (I don’t even want to count the number of times I yelled, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at the book.) And yet, while the highlight of this novel was the characters, everything about it, from its steadily built mystery to its world enraptured me. It did, admittedly, take me awhile to become entirely adjusted to the writing style, but before long, I was well and truly invested. If anything is certain, it is that A. A. Aguirre has just gained a new – and enthusiastic – fan. One who will likely forgo chocolate for a year if it means more Mikani and Ritsuko. (Okay, a year is excessive. Hmm…maybe a week? A month is bearable…I guess…) If you’re still reading this, then you clearly aren’t at a bookstore, in a line, holding this book in your hands. And, evidently, that’s what you should be doing because if reading this book isn’t on your must-do-now list, then you’re the one missing out. While I get more Mikani. (Mwahaha! *cue more realistic evil laugh*)
I honestly cannot re-call a time when I have sat down at my computer, poised to type out a review, and felt the urge to regurgitate word vomit. Until, that is, now. When it comes to Bronze Gods, my love can only be expressed in mere words; phrases strung together to make coherent sense will fail dramatically, I fear. (And yet, in the threat of being seen as an absolutely insane blogger, I will attempt to
At first glance, Bronze Gods seems to promise a thrilling murder mystery, all against the backdrop of a steampunk/fantasy realm, heavy in faerie mythology and shrouded in authentic criminology. In reality, though, this novel offers so much more. A.A. Aguirre’s first work is an extremely well-written and authentic murder mystery, full of perfectly-timed clues, thorough investigations, and a surprise reveal that managed to shock even this Sherlock-Holmes-and-Nancy-Drew-fanatic reader. Now, add to that a world that feels strikingly real – despite the steampunk machinations, fey qualities, and magic prevalent in the air – and Aguirre succeeds in transporting us to another realm entirely; one we don’t exactly want to leave. And yet, the icing on top of this cake isn’t the rich world-building or the intense murder mystery on hand. No, the delectable icing atop this cake is the very characters themselves, all with a rich cherry of sexual tension to enhance the sweetness.
Mikani and Ritsuko are the type of kick-ass, fearless, and yet utterly flawed characters that you only dream of discovering within the pages of a book. From the beginning itself, I loved both of them; Mikani with his roguish charm, fey capabilities, and wit; Ritsuko with her unexpected humor, diligence, and practicality. Aguirre’s world is complicated, but as a realm that started out with a marriage compromise between the fey and humans, there are very few – if any – pure-blooded fey left. Instead, humans that possess a few fey capabilities are common, Mikani among them. Ritsuko is also an anomaly, but less because of her talents and more so for her gender. As the sole woman investigator in her firm, she is constantly justifying her position and refuses to back down from what she has earned with hard work and effort. And yet, while both of them are charming in their own right, full of flaws and unlucky with their relationships, it is when put together that these two truly shine. Mikani and Ritsuko are a formidable team. Not only do they share wordless conversations, but their respect for one another seems to slowly morph into something more…romantic. For the first time, both of these sharp-minded individuals are single and the sparks between them simply fly. One of my favorite aspects of Bronze Gods, though, was that even the simplest actions and emotions between these two felt so utterly romantic. In my eyes, this is the beauty of a relationship – the unexpected feelings found in even the most mundane of actions.
As a team, this is where A. A. Aguirre truly succeeds – in writing the distinct voices of Mikani, Ritsuko, and other central characters as well. Bronze Gods is a solidly mystery-oriented novel with the romance arriving in snippets, delightful wisps of what-could-be that leave us anxious and sexually frustrated. (I don’t even want to count the number of times I yelled, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at the book.) And yet, while the highlight of this novel was the characters, everything about it, from its steadily built mystery to its world enraptured me. It did, admittedly, take me awhile to become entirely adjusted to the writing style, but before long, I was well and truly invested. If anything is certain, it is that A. A. Aguirre has just gained a new – and enthusiastic – fan. One who will likely forgo chocolate for a year if it means more Mikani and Ritsuko. (Okay, a year is excessive. Hmm…maybe a week? A month is bearable…I guess…) If you’re still reading this, then you clearly aren’t at a bookstore, in a line, holding this book in your hands. And, evidently, that’s what you should be doing because if reading this book isn’t on your must-do-now list, then you’re the one missing out. While I get more Mikani. (Mwahaha! *cue more realistic evil laugh*)
May 16, 2014
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
What an offbeat, curious little novel. I wasn’t surprised to discover that it was a Victorian-inspired steampunk urban fantasy type mystery, but it’s the other little pleasures thrown in that endeared me to this book. The sprinkling of magical elements combined with other fantasy aspects make the world of Bronze Gods more special and enchanting.
Meet Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, a detective team for the Criminal Investigation Department. He is a magical expert and brings his own uncanny Ferisher (they're like the Fae) powers to the case. She is the first female detective in her division and pushes herself to prove herself. Together, they are tasked to solve the disappearance of a young girl from a noble house, and catch the one responsible before he can strike again.
But there’s more to this story than just police work. If you enjoy a little romance or like a bit of sexual tension to spice things up, then you’re in for a treat. I got a major “Mulder and Scully” vibe from Mikani and Ritsuko, with their mutual attraction and feelings for each other smoldering beneath the surface, gradually warming up in a slow burn that’s both oh so sweet and delicious. The writing team of Ann Aguirre and her husband Andres Aguirre has succeeded in writing a very convincing romance between the two main characters.
So, here you have awesome world (check!), awesome characters (check!) and awesome chemistry between said characters (check!). But what I struggled with a little was the plot and pacing. If you’re a mystery buff, you’ll probably find yourself frustrated by the seemingly lackadaisical pace of the investigation, not to mention the police procedural aspects are a bit light. To be fair, a full-out detective story isn’t what Bronze Gods was meant to be, but just one major facet of the story. I was also a bit dissatisfied by the ending and the “twist” regarding one of the suspects, but seeing as that took place in the final scenes, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book too much.
More importantly, Bronze Gods was an entertaining and action-filled read, with well-developed characters that actually gave me reasons to continue caring about their unresolved relationship. I like how there is no rush to get Mikani and Ritsuko together, because when it finally happens I'm sure it’ll just be all the more satisfying. I want to continue the series to see what other mysteries our duo will have to solve, but I’m also very interested in seeing where their feelings for each other will eventually take them.
What an offbeat, curious little novel. I wasn’t surprised to discover that it was a Victorian-inspired steampunk urban fantasy type mystery, but it’s the other little pleasures thrown in that endeared me to this book. The sprinkling of magical elements combined with other fantasy aspects make the world of Bronze Gods more special and enchanting.
Meet Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, a detective team for the Criminal Investigation Department. He is a magical expert and brings his own uncanny Ferisher (they're like the Fae) powers to the case. She is the first female detective in her division and pushes herself to prove herself. Together, they are tasked to solve the disappearance of a young girl from a noble house, and catch the one responsible before he can strike again.
But there’s more to this story than just police work. If you enjoy a little romance or like a bit of sexual tension to spice things up, then you’re in for a treat. I got a major “Mulder and Scully” vibe from Mikani and Ritsuko, with their mutual attraction and feelings for each other smoldering beneath the surface, gradually warming up in a slow burn that’s both oh so sweet and delicious. The writing team of Ann Aguirre and her husband Andres Aguirre has succeeded in writing a very convincing romance between the two main characters.
So, here you have awesome world (check!), awesome characters (check!) and awesome chemistry between said characters (check!). But what I struggled with a little was the plot and pacing. If you’re a mystery buff, you’ll probably find yourself frustrated by the seemingly lackadaisical pace of the investigation, not to mention the police procedural aspects are a bit light. To be fair, a full-out detective story isn’t what Bronze Gods was meant to be, but just one major facet of the story. I was also a bit dissatisfied by the ending and the “twist” regarding one of the suspects, but seeing as that took place in the final scenes, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book too much.
More importantly, Bronze Gods was an entertaining and action-filled read, with well-developed characters that actually gave me reasons to continue caring about their unresolved relationship. I like how there is no rush to get Mikani and Ritsuko together, because when it finally happens I'm sure it’ll just be all the more satisfying. I want to continue the series to see what other mysteries our duo will have to solve, but I’m also very interested in seeing where their feelings for each other will eventually take them.
August 30, 2013
WARNING: Contains spoilers
Whenever I review a book, I come at it from an editorial perspective because I’m a medical editor and the habit’s ingrained. If the editing’s poor, it’ll jerk me right out of the book, and if the problems are irritating enough, they taint the entire book for me. Unfortunately, Bronze Gods fell into the badly edited category, so before I talk about the story line I must indulge in a short rant! (For those who prefer to remain rant free, skip the next paragraph.)
Ellipses are effective if they aren’t overused. The authors were so enamored of this little piece of punctuation that the narrative and dialogue seemed asthmatic, the ellipses serving as a wheeze between words as if the story were gasping for breath. In one case, five sentences in a row carried the punctuation, and I estimate that in the 322-page book there were no fewer than 1,200 instances of the mark. Yikes. In addition, it had erroneous subjunctive use and incorrect (or careless) word use, such as “Broken shards sliced her palms….” Shards are by definition part of a whole and came from something that was broken. Also annoying was the ad nauseam use of the adjective “endless,” among others. These are only some of the problems throughout the book.
Now for the guts. (Admittedly, my criticisms are magnified by my exasperation with the bad editing.) The writing was fair at best. I got the sense that the authors were trying for edgy, but they fell short and ended up with thin, flat characterization. The characters never engaged me; at the beginning of the book, we learn that Mikani is a self-medicating alcohol abuser and womanizer and that his partner, Ritsuko, is clawing her way up the ladder in a man’s world. By the end of the book, we know little more than that about them.
There wasn’t much suspense other than the sexual tension between the main characters. Who the killer was after was no mystery. The only unknown was the details of why he stalked his victims.
The world the authors created was interesting enough, but it was my first steampunk novel so I can’t comment on whether it was original.
Again, I could have overlooked some of the deficiencies had the book undergone a rigorous editing.
http://cmjwallace.com/
Whenever I review a book, I come at it from an editorial perspective because I’m a medical editor and the habit’s ingrained. If the editing’s poor, it’ll jerk me right out of the book, and if the problems are irritating enough, they taint the entire book for me. Unfortunately, Bronze Gods fell into the badly edited category, so before I talk about the story line I must indulge in a short rant! (For those who prefer to remain rant free, skip the next paragraph.)
Ellipses are effective if they aren’t overused. The authors were so enamored of this little piece of punctuation that the narrative and dialogue seemed asthmatic, the ellipses serving as a wheeze between words as if the story were gasping for breath. In one case, five sentences in a row carried the punctuation, and I estimate that in the 322-page book there were no fewer than 1,200 instances of the mark. Yikes. In addition, it had erroneous subjunctive use and incorrect (or careless) word use, such as “Broken shards sliced her palms….” Shards are by definition part of a whole and came from something that was broken. Also annoying was the ad nauseam use of the adjective “endless,” among others. These are only some of the problems throughout the book.
Now for the guts. (Admittedly, my criticisms are magnified by my exasperation with the bad editing.) The writing was fair at best. I got the sense that the authors were trying for edgy, but they fell short and ended up with thin, flat characterization. The characters never engaged me; at the beginning of the book, we learn that Mikani is a self-medicating alcohol abuser and womanizer and that his partner, Ritsuko, is clawing her way up the ladder in a man’s world. By the end of the book, we know little more than that about them.
There wasn’t much suspense other than the sexual tension between the main characters. Who the killer was after was no mystery. The only unknown was the details of why he stalked his victims.
The world the authors created was interesting enough, but it was my first steampunk novel so I can’t comment on whether it was original.
Again, I could have overlooked some of the deficiencies had the book undergone a rigorous editing.
http://cmjwallace.com/
July 17, 2014
There is a reason why I rarely give in to hype. Sometimes a book surprises me and I wonder why I waited. Not the case here. I heard a lot about Bronze Gods and at the time, since it was all praise, I didn't get the urge to read it. I am not sorry for reading it though. The world holds so much promise that I really want to read the next book and follow this series.
The first half is slow. Sometimes authors start info-dumping here, but here you have the opposite. You just get glimpses of pretty much everything. The system of magic seems interesting, but I'll wait for the second book to see more. I didn't get enough information about it to form an opinion. They talk about magic and its use, you see one or two characters use it, but nothing stands out.
After reading the book, I must say that not even the hyped world building is that special. At least, not in this first book. I find it weird that in a society like theirs Ritsuko has to run to send a messenger to get help.
I do know they have ruling Houses (or some equivalent), but that is only used to show how their members get whatever they want. Also, their daughters leave home and go into the wild to be independent. That part is a real treat. Criminals, people with magic who don't belong to any of the Houses, the Clans, free traders and so on are also part of this world. Huge potential. Still, since it is the first book in the series I appreciate the lack of info dumping. I just wish the the hype wasn't so over the top. The promise of all that is more than great, but you don't get a lot here.
The second half of the book, especially near the end, makes it worth reading. As a mystery, Bronze Gods isn't extraordinary. There is a vicious killer on the loose and wherever the two inspectors look, someone is hiding something. The killer is obvious from the first time he is mentioned by name. The only thing left for me was to read on to see the way he is beaten. Suspense is really low.
I loved the respect Mikani and Ritsuko have for each other. Their friendship is beautiful. Their established routine after each crime scene is great. Since Mikani has a gift that messes him up, Ritsuko is always there for him. The attraction wasn't really necessary this early. Still, these two are reason enough to read the story.
There were a few chapters that belonged to another character - Aurelia, one of those independent ones. The first two or three are beyond boring. I wasn't interested in her at all.It is possible that I simply didn't like the character. I read those chapters only because I was afraid I'd miss something.
The pacing is another strange thing: one moment everything stops and they talk (about this and that) and the next they are rushing somewhere. I couldn't care less about Aurelia and Mikani's dreams will probably make sense in the next book.
I really liked the two main characters and how they treat each other. While the case gets its ending, the book leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions in a way that puts a pretty great final touch to this story. I loved it. That plus a subtle promise of more in the next book makes me want to continue this series.
The first half is slow. Sometimes authors start info-dumping here, but here you have the opposite. You just get glimpses of pretty much everything. The system of magic seems interesting, but I'll wait for the second book to see more. I didn't get enough information about it to form an opinion. They talk about magic and its use, you see one or two characters use it, but nothing stands out.
After reading the book, I must say that not even the hyped world building is that special. At least, not in this first book. I find it weird that in a society like theirs Ritsuko has to run to send a messenger to get help.
I do know they have ruling Houses (or some equivalent), but that is only used to show how their members get whatever they want. Also, their daughters leave home and go into the wild to be independent. That part is a real treat. Criminals, people with magic who don't belong to any of the Houses, the Clans, free traders and so on are also part of this world. Huge potential. Still, since it is the first book in the series I appreciate the lack of info dumping. I just wish the the hype wasn't so over the top. The promise of all that is more than great, but you don't get a lot here.
The second half of the book, especially near the end, makes it worth reading. As a mystery, Bronze Gods isn't extraordinary. There is a vicious killer on the loose and wherever the two inspectors look, someone is hiding something. The killer is obvious from the first time he is mentioned by name. The only thing left for me was to read on to see the way he is beaten. Suspense is really low.
I loved the respect Mikani and Ritsuko have for each other. Their friendship is beautiful. Their established routine after each crime scene is great. Since Mikani has a gift that messes him up, Ritsuko is always there for him. The attraction wasn't really necessary this early. Still, these two are reason enough to read the story.
There were a few chapters that belonged to another character - Aurelia, one of those independent ones. The first two or three are beyond boring. I wasn't interested in her at all.It is possible that I simply didn't like the character. I read those chapters only because I was afraid I'd miss something.
The pacing is another strange thing: one moment everything stops and they talk (about this and that) and the next they are rushing somewhere. I couldn't care less about Aurelia and Mikani's dreams will probably make sense in the next book.
I really liked the two main characters and how they treat each other. While the case gets its ending, the book leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions in a way that puts a pretty great final touch to this story. I loved it. That plus a subtle promise of more in the next book makes me want to continue this series.
July 29, 2013
This was not worth my time, my money, my anything. 1,5 stars, brutally rounded down.
It's not a terrible book, by no means, it's OK-written, but it's just through and through boring, lacking more or less everything I look for in a book. There's a murder story (why do I keep reading those?), there are two investigators who are colleagues but who supposedly develop some chemistry after working together for a couple of years, and there's an odd world.
The odd world is the only thing I approve of. The society described is quite complex and could be a great setting for fascinating stories, but nothing about this story is fascinating. The characters are boring, the murder mystery is overly dramatic and boring, the side characters are interesting for 5 minutes, then they also turn into a yawnfest. The chemistry between the two MC's? Absolutely nonexistant. It felt forced all the way, and I forced myself to read every chapter and almost every page just to finish the damned thing. All their little breaks in the investigation, the ültra-clichéd undervalued female inspector in a man's world, their investigation altogether (the ridiculous interviews with people), the weird skill of M-what's-his-name that seemed more like a handicap than anything else, the 'let's hold a 2 minute snappy conversation while we fight for our lives and the villain just waits for us to finish' and well... nothing steamy to make up for ANY of it!
If this is a series I'm sure as hell not continuing it.
EDIT: HOW CAN THIS BOOK HAVE SO MANY 4 AND 5 STAR RATINGS? Sorry for the caps, I'm just... I... no words! I have no words! And where is the goddamned sexual tension people are talking about? Humanity, I will never understand you.
It's not a terrible book, by no means, it's OK-written, but it's just through and through boring, lacking more or less everything I look for in a book. There's a murder story (why do I keep reading those?), there are two investigators who are colleagues but who supposedly develop some chemistry after working together for a couple of years, and there's an odd world.
The odd world is the only thing I approve of. The society described is quite complex and could be a great setting for fascinating stories, but nothing about this story is fascinating. The characters are boring, the murder mystery is overly dramatic and boring, the side characters are interesting for 5 minutes, then they also turn into a yawnfest. The chemistry between the two MC's? Absolutely nonexistant. It felt forced all the way, and I forced myself to read every chapter and almost every page just to finish the damned thing. All their little breaks in the investigation, the ültra-clichéd undervalued female inspector in a man's world, their investigation altogether (the ridiculous interviews with people), the weird skill of M-what's-his-name that seemed more like a handicap than anything else, the 'let's hold a 2 minute snappy conversation while we fight for our lives and the villain just waits for us to finish' and well... nothing steamy to make up for ANY of it!
If this is a series I'm sure as hell not continuing it.
EDIT: HOW CAN THIS BOOK HAVE SO MANY 4 AND 5 STAR RATINGS? Sorry for the caps, I'm just... I... no words! I have no words! And where is the goddamned sexual tension people are talking about? Humanity, I will never understand you.
February 29, 2016
This book has been on my bookshelf for what seems like forever and I feel terrible for not reading this until now because it’s an amazing book! The author is actually Ann Aguirre, a favorite author of mine who has written some of my favorite characters and her husband, Andres. This duo has really created a wonderful world here. It’s Steampunk noir with a touch of a Urban Fantasy feel and some romance thrown in. You really get a bit of everything in this story!
The entire series is based on Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, partners in the Criminal Investigation Division or the CID. When a woman goes missing, they begin an investigation to search for her. Along the way, more mysterious things are happening and as other discoveries are made, Mikani and Ritsuko are tested.
First off, I have to talk about the writing in this one. It’s flawless. FLAWLESS. Aguirre has always been a fantastic writer but I was really floored with the way they were able to create such a lush world while progressing the story and keeping readers engaged. There’s just enough descriptions to paint a picture of the world, but it never weighs down the rest of the book. This book is pretty action-packed and with the Steampunk and Paranormal aspects thrown in, you have a world that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
Mikani and Ritsuko’s professional relationship kind of reminds me of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. As they follow their leads, they almost seem to move in sync with one another. They are finishing each other’s sentences and always seem to be aware of what the other person is thinking or doing. I can’t wait to see what Aguirre has in store for them in the next book!
I’ve always been very picky when it comes to Steampunk novels, but A.A. Aguirre has created a world that was easy for me to fall into and lose myself. The Apparatus Inferunum series is definitely one to watch out for!
October 2, 2014
It pains me to give this a 1 star rating. I love Ann Aguirres writing and the worlds that she builds, but this just fell flat. The writing is overly complicated (maybe that's just me) and the pacing is slow. I'm not going to give up on this author though!
May 1, 2013
Four Stars: An engaging and entertaining mystery with an amazing duo!
For Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, it is proving to be anything but business as usual. Tonight, the inspector team has been assigned to investigate the disappearance of a young lady from one of the powerful Houses. From the get go, Mikani senses something isn't right with this case. Before they know it, they are in deep! The young lady turns up murdered in a bizarre machine made of mirrors. It isn't a good thing to anger the powerful heads of The Houses. If Mikani and Ritsuko can't solve this case in a timely manner it could be the end of their careers. Unfortunately, the two don't realize they are up against a very old and powerful magic that won't stop before it reaches it goal. Can Mikani and Ritsuko catch a killer or will they die trying?
What I Liked:
*This is one of those reads that is complex and intriguing. You can't go into this expecting to flit through the pages and not pay attention or you will miss many important details. This is a book geared toward the smart, savvy reader. If you enjoy mysteries that are intricate pick this one up! Just make sure you have time and attention to devote to this book! The story ends up being a well mapped out murder mystery with a couple of surprising twists at the end, and even though I thought I had it figured out, I was stunned at the final encounter with the villain.
*I liked the interesting world building in this one. There are just enough details to create a solid world, but it is never overburdened with explantations. I thought that it struck just the right balance with the world building. Not too much and not too little, it is just right. In the end, you get a steampunk world that is run by very powerful Houses. All the old fey magic for the most part has been drown out, but just enough remains to make things interesting.
*How I loved the duo of Mikani and Ritsuko. They are the perfect team. Mikani is rash, brazen and quick to make assumptions. He possesses a bit of magic which allows him to open himself up to impressions and sense things. Unfortunately, using his magic comes at a heavy price, as at times, Mikani experiences severe headaches and crippling pain. He is a bit of a rake, and he has left a trail of broken hearts behind as he cannot commit. I loved that he was a bit domesticated and even baked his own bread. The other half of the duo is Ritsuko. She is a determined woman who has spent her entire life trying to prove that just because she is a woman doesn't mean she isn't capable of being a top notch Inspector. Ritsuko is the level head of the pair. She is all about meticulous attention to detail, meaning she isn't above crawling around a crime scene on her hands looking for clues. Ritsuko is intrepid and smart. She knows how to bargain to get her way, and she is quick to smooth rumpled feathers when Mikani is too forward. How I admired her tenacity and strength. Especially her fierce determination to succeed in a world where women aren't meant to have careers. Ritusuko works twice as hard to prove herself as she attempts to tear down those discriminatory barriers. Both of these characters are top notch!
*Let's talk about the romance..... for all of you expecting a sizzling, breathtaking romance you will likely be disappointed because the romance in this one is very subtle. You have an attraction that has been building between Ritsuko and Mikani over the last three years of their partnership. They are friends and partners, but all the while there is this scintillating, subtle tension between them. It is a little touch here, a sexual innuendo there, and above all the fierce loyalty. I waited breathlessly for it to explode, but alas it remains a dance of flirting and hints for now. I was reminded over and over between the relationship of Mulder and Scully from The X Files. I personally liked that it was all about the simple things, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sexual tension that is mounting between the pair. I have no doubt that when the time comes the passion will be explosive so for now I am willing to continue to enjoy the dance of seduction!
*I loved that the ending was not only dynamite with all the action and the stunning twist, but I liked that for the most part, it resolved neatly, until Ritsuko starts tugging at this little thread of gnawing suspicion. Her desire to have everything tied up leads her to the remaining thread that the team will be following in the next book. I am always a fan of books that provide me with a solid resolution. I got almost all the answers I desired with this one!
And The Not So Much:
*I was disappointed that there was not more steampunk in this one. I was expecting from the cover and the title that it would be filled with plenty of steampunk gadgets and gizmos, but there are very few of them. This is not a big deal, but I personally am a reader that enjoys all the fun little steampunk inventions and I wished that there were more. If you are a reader that needs your steampunk to be all about the inventions, you may be a bit let down. I personally thought that the characters and the story made up for the lack of steampunk.
*Perhaps this was just me, but I felt like I never had a handle on what exactly the Bronze Gods are. Throughout the book, the characters are always referring to the The Bronze Gods, mostly in phrases where they are uttering in exasperation to the powers that be. I was needing a bit more depth and detail on the whole Bronze Gods angle.
*I was never clear on what exactly the Architect did. I am guessing he somehow closed the door between the Fey and human world and eradicated the magic, but I was never sure on his role. I am hoping to learn more about him next time out.
*As I discussed earlier, this book is not a light read. Not that it is dark or gritty or anything like that, albeit the murders, especially the first are a bit gruesome, but more because it is a book with lots of details and complexity. Don't even attempt to read this if you are distracted or tired, it won't work. It was also a tiny bit slow at the beginning for me, but that is soon rectified and it definitely picks up!
The Bronze Gods is an intriguing tale that focuses on the terrific crime fighting skills of two engaging and resourceful Inspectors. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and world building, and I was especially enamored with the subtle romance. If you are looking to try a smart steampunk mystery definitely pick up this one! I think you will be thoroughly impressed. I personally cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
Favorite Quotations:
“Dorstaad was a dark mistress tonight. Clouds hung heavy over the city, threatening rain.”
“Gunwood narrowed his eyes. “One of these days, someone will shoot you, and you won’t be wearing the right vest.”
“Please don’t kill my partner, sir. Though he can be difficult, I’m used to him... and it would be a bother to train someone new.”
“Some people make make insipid foes, as they can’t be bothered to take action. They content themselves with wishing ill rather than working toward it.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
For Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, it is proving to be anything but business as usual. Tonight, the inspector team has been assigned to investigate the disappearance of a young lady from one of the powerful Houses. From the get go, Mikani senses something isn't right with this case. Before they know it, they are in deep! The young lady turns up murdered in a bizarre machine made of mirrors. It isn't a good thing to anger the powerful heads of The Houses. If Mikani and Ritsuko can't solve this case in a timely manner it could be the end of their careers. Unfortunately, the two don't realize they are up against a very old and powerful magic that won't stop before it reaches it goal. Can Mikani and Ritsuko catch a killer or will they die trying?
What I Liked:
*This is one of those reads that is complex and intriguing. You can't go into this expecting to flit through the pages and not pay attention or you will miss many important details. This is a book geared toward the smart, savvy reader. If you enjoy mysteries that are intricate pick this one up! Just make sure you have time and attention to devote to this book! The story ends up being a well mapped out murder mystery with a couple of surprising twists at the end, and even though I thought I had it figured out, I was stunned at the final encounter with the villain.
*I liked the interesting world building in this one. There are just enough details to create a solid world, but it is never overburdened with explantations. I thought that it struck just the right balance with the world building. Not too much and not too little, it is just right. In the end, you get a steampunk world that is run by very powerful Houses. All the old fey magic for the most part has been drown out, but just enough remains to make things interesting.
*How I loved the duo of Mikani and Ritsuko. They are the perfect team. Mikani is rash, brazen and quick to make assumptions. He possesses a bit of magic which allows him to open himself up to impressions and sense things. Unfortunately, using his magic comes at a heavy price, as at times, Mikani experiences severe headaches and crippling pain. He is a bit of a rake, and he has left a trail of broken hearts behind as he cannot commit. I loved that he was a bit domesticated and even baked his own bread. The other half of the duo is Ritsuko. She is a determined woman who has spent her entire life trying to prove that just because she is a woman doesn't mean she isn't capable of being a top notch Inspector. Ritsuko is the level head of the pair. She is all about meticulous attention to detail, meaning she isn't above crawling around a crime scene on her hands looking for clues. Ritsuko is intrepid and smart. She knows how to bargain to get her way, and she is quick to smooth rumpled feathers when Mikani is too forward. How I admired her tenacity and strength. Especially her fierce determination to succeed in a world where women aren't meant to have careers. Ritusuko works twice as hard to prove herself as she attempts to tear down those discriminatory barriers. Both of these characters are top notch!
*Let's talk about the romance..... for all of you expecting a sizzling, breathtaking romance you will likely be disappointed because the romance in this one is very subtle. You have an attraction that has been building between Ritsuko and Mikani over the last three years of their partnership. They are friends and partners, but all the while there is this scintillating, subtle tension between them. It is a little touch here, a sexual innuendo there, and above all the fierce loyalty. I waited breathlessly for it to explode, but alas it remains a dance of flirting and hints for now. I was reminded over and over between the relationship of Mulder and Scully from The X Files. I personally liked that it was all about the simple things, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sexual tension that is mounting between the pair. I have no doubt that when the time comes the passion will be explosive so for now I am willing to continue to enjoy the dance of seduction!
*I loved that the ending was not only dynamite with all the action and the stunning twist, but I liked that for the most part, it resolved neatly, until Ritsuko starts tugging at this little thread of gnawing suspicion. Her desire to have everything tied up leads her to the remaining thread that the team will be following in the next book. I am always a fan of books that provide me with a solid resolution. I got almost all the answers I desired with this one!
And The Not So Much:
*I was disappointed that there was not more steampunk in this one. I was expecting from the cover and the title that it would be filled with plenty of steampunk gadgets and gizmos, but there are very few of them. This is not a big deal, but I personally am a reader that enjoys all the fun little steampunk inventions and I wished that there were more. If you are a reader that needs your steampunk to be all about the inventions, you may be a bit let down. I personally thought that the characters and the story made up for the lack of steampunk.
*Perhaps this was just me, but I felt like I never had a handle on what exactly the Bronze Gods are. Throughout the book, the characters are always referring to the The Bronze Gods, mostly in phrases where they are uttering in exasperation to the powers that be. I was needing a bit more depth and detail on the whole Bronze Gods angle.
*I was never clear on what exactly the Architect did. I am guessing he somehow closed the door between the Fey and human world and eradicated the magic, but I was never sure on his role. I am hoping to learn more about him next time out.
*As I discussed earlier, this book is not a light read. Not that it is dark or gritty or anything like that, albeit the murders, especially the first are a bit gruesome, but more because it is a book with lots of details and complexity. Don't even attempt to read this if you are distracted or tired, it won't work. It was also a tiny bit slow at the beginning for me, but that is soon rectified and it definitely picks up!
The Bronze Gods is an intriguing tale that focuses on the terrific crime fighting skills of two engaging and resourceful Inspectors. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and world building, and I was especially enamored with the subtle romance. If you are looking to try a smart steampunk mystery definitely pick up this one! I think you will be thoroughly impressed. I personally cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
Favorite Quotations:
“Dorstaad was a dark mistress tonight. Clouds hung heavy over the city, threatening rain.”
“Gunwood narrowed his eyes. “One of these days, someone will shoot you, and you won’t be wearing the right vest.”
“Please don’t kill my partner, sir. Though he can be difficult, I’m used to him... and it would be a bother to train someone new.”
“Some people make make insipid foes, as they can’t be bothered to take action. They content themselves with wishing ill rather than working toward it.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
July 15, 2017
The Apparatus Infernum series is written by Ann Aguirre and her husband Andres under the pen name A.A. Aguirre. I'm a fan of Ann Aguirre's writing style and I love steampunk so of course I was drawn to this series and I'm so glad I found it. The authors have created an interesting world that is set in a different realm, one where originally ruled by the Ferishers (fae type immortals) but invaded by humans. The Ferishers were more powerful but the humans had numbers and technology on their side and now only a few main Ferisher families remain. The world has an industrial revolution feel to it but with the addition of magic and as the series centres around a pair of detectives it has a bit of a murder mystery thing going on too. It's a real mash up of genres that includes hints of a future romance and I'm very interested to see where it goes from here.
The main characters are CID Detectives Celeste Ritsuko and her partner Janus Mikani. Ritsuko is the first female detective employed by CID and therefore she has to work three times as hard as any of the men just to prove herself worthy of her position (sadly sexism is still a thing even in fictional worlds but that just makes it feel more realistic!), she is methodical and very, very motivated to prove she's the best so she's willing to put the legwork in to make sure she solves any cases that come her way. Mikani is obviously some ferisher blood somewhere in his family tree and it's given him the very useful ability to tell if people are lying to him, using his gift comes at a price but it makes him very handy to have around when they're interviewing suspects. Mikani is less organised than Ritsuko and tends to work by instinct rather than through logic but their very different styles really compliment each other and is what makes them one of CID's top teams of detectives.
After the disappearance of the daughter of one of the largest and most powerful Ferisher families Mikani and Ritsuko are handed their most important and high profile case yet. They need to find out what is going on fast, before public opinion can turn against them and they've got very little to go on. The deeper they dig the more mud they uncover and there is much more going on than either of them could have guessed at. I really enjoyed the mystery side to the story and was totally invested in the outcome of the story. I also loved both of the main characters and the strong friendship between them, there are definitely hints that their bond could become even deeper though so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of romance in the next book too.
The main characters are CID Detectives Celeste Ritsuko and her partner Janus Mikani. Ritsuko is the first female detective employed by CID and therefore she has to work three times as hard as any of the men just to prove herself worthy of her position (sadly sexism is still a thing even in fictional worlds but that just makes it feel more realistic!), she is methodical and very, very motivated to prove she's the best so she's willing to put the legwork in to make sure she solves any cases that come her way. Mikani is obviously some ferisher blood somewhere in his family tree and it's given him the very useful ability to tell if people are lying to him, using his gift comes at a price but it makes him very handy to have around when they're interviewing suspects. Mikani is less organised than Ritsuko and tends to work by instinct rather than through logic but their very different styles really compliment each other and is what makes them one of CID's top teams of detectives.
After the disappearance of the daughter of one of the largest and most powerful Ferisher families Mikani and Ritsuko are handed their most important and high profile case yet. They need to find out what is going on fast, before public opinion can turn against them and they've got very little to go on. The deeper they dig the more mud they uncover and there is much more going on than either of them could have guessed at. I really enjoyed the mystery side to the story and was totally invested in the outcome of the story. I also loved both of the main characters and the strong friendship between them, there are definitely hints that their bond could become even deeper though so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of romance in the next book too.
did-not-finish
January 6, 2021DNFing at 25%. There are interesting elements, but mostly I just can't engage. There's something that's hard to connect to about the writing, and I'm just not connecting at all. I keep getting the two main characters mixed up (or rather, forgetting which one has which name). I kept reading a couple of chapters and then putting it down, and then when I picked it up again realizing that I'd completely forgotten key plot points (like the mysterious possibly magical device that had been found). I finally admitted that this just isn't working for me, and I'm cutting my losses. I think the world is potentially interesting, and I have nothing specific to point to that I don't like about this, it's just an overall lack of engagement.
September 12, 2015
I round up to 4 stars provided the next one delivers a bit more of Mikani's story and keeps the good in this one. Well written, I liked the characters a lot and love their investigation. Action is not her strong but she does convey the fear. This series has meant something fresh and light (but the first 15%) and I do value that. Slow romance but that means interest in the next book at least.
I'll be reading Silver Mirrors soon.
Crappy Morse review. I know. Sorry, no time left.
I'll be reading Silver Mirrors soon.
Crappy Morse review. I know. Sorry, no time left.
dnf
July 13, 2017Elegant and mature writing, an intriguing synopsis, two likeable main characters and yet...I’m bored. I’m having a really hard time getting into this one. I’m not giving up completely, but I'll be putting this book aside for now -- I will try to finish it later, maybe when I’m feeling a little more patient.
Want to read
February 8, 20168 February 2016: $1.99 on Kindle
May 20, 2013
4.5
Let's talk about awesomeness.
Being very nearly awesome, I can give you some very helpful insight into the world of awesomeness, but I think I should let Celeste Ritsuko and Janus Mikani of the Criminal Investigation Department(CID) help you.
Ritsuko and Mikani live in an old, gold world of magic that's gone peek-a-boo, with only a hint here and sometimes more there.
It's a world that was drafted, written about ten years ago. Mighty old, thus acquiring awesome might over the years. There is attention and a bravery that comes with age in the lines and words and niches and everything in between. There are splendid buildings and shiny writing, remarkable characters and steampunk hints, expensive oregano and Infernum apparatus, a species of constructed geometrical equipmen used to gruesomely kill young, noble ladies in rituals.
Aaand bonus: a humbling cane.
Milord, I bow in the face of your shining glory. Minstrels sing ballads of your grandeur behind waterfalls, on days when the sunlight and moonlight clash upon the surface of sacred marshes.
Ritsuko and Mikani will now further establish the awesomeness of this book. Ritsuko, oh you sly muffin. She's a woman in the men's world, working twice as hard for a three-quarters of the same wage. She's a no-nonsense hard-working, sophisticated, clinical and slyly funny woman. On the other hand, Mikani is devoted and humorous, with a bit of quixotic nature. He wears a hat and carries the cane, which shall be taken into account, since awesomeness is totally not above this kind of shallow judgement.
Co-workers becoming partners becoming friends and hopefully becoming more, they work together and flow into a seamless pattern whilst operating in the midst of dead bodies. There is a subtle romance, very light and fine, like a strand of web, and just as tenacious minus the very disgusting fact of it housing a spiders. Mikani and Ritsuko seem to be engaged in an indefinite shadow dance.
There is another character, Aurelia Wright. She has a courtier too, named Theron Nuall. Their dance is much more elegant and just as beguiling as R & M's, for wholly different reasons. I don't predict much of them in the next book, and that saddens me. Hopefully, I'm wrong.
Once more, I'd like to expound on the fantastic world-building and writing.
Are you, like me, easily distracted by shiny things?
If so, I warn you to sit down, practise and get yourself to concentrate on the monotone of cricket narration while there are chimes of glass and silver tinkling behind you.
Otherwise, this will make for a very disorienting 336 pages.
It's a very shiny world and very shiny writing.
See the Agruirres drop stuff like this-
...his coat was incongruously well tailored, and his waistcoat shone with gold thread. Yet he has a face like a broken clock.
And then, without any consideration for the reader, this-
“Inspectors Mikani and Ritsuko, CID. Consider this . . . a civic duty. We have a few questions. Mr. Stokes gives us good answers, and we all go away happy and with the satisfaction of a day well spent.”
I was left befuddled and dazzled, still lost in the glaze of bright things but confused by the sudden onslaught of such grimness.
My only complaint is that I figured out the identity of the culprit(to some extent) halfway through the book. :c Reader intuition, you sucksss.
But it was so sparkly and action-y and magical, it makes me love it so. Such kind of, special kind of creative and refreshing.
So was this your kind of awesome? Am I not just the prefect awesome-guru? Do come back for more awesomeness. :D
Cross-posted on Books behind Dam{n}s
Let's talk about awesomeness.
Being very nearly awesome, I can give you some very helpful insight into the world of awesomeness, but I think I should let Celeste Ritsuko and Janus Mikani of the Criminal Investigation Department(CID) help you.
Ritsuko and Mikani live in an old, gold world of magic that's gone peek-a-boo, with only a hint here and sometimes more there.
It's a world that was drafted, written about ten years ago. Mighty old, thus acquiring awesome might over the years. There is attention and a bravery that comes with age in the lines and words and niches and everything in between. There are splendid buildings and shiny writing, remarkable characters and steampunk hints, expensive oregano and Infernum apparatus, a species of constructed geometrical equipmen used to gruesomely kill young, noble ladies in rituals.
Aaand bonus: a humbling cane.
Milord, I bow in the face of your shining glory. Minstrels sing ballads of your grandeur behind waterfalls, on days when the sunlight and moonlight clash upon the surface of sacred marshes.
Ritsuko and Mikani will now further establish the awesomeness of this book. Ritsuko, oh you sly muffin. She's a woman in the men's world, working twice as hard for a three-quarters of the same wage. She's a no-nonsense hard-working, sophisticated, clinical and slyly funny woman. On the other hand, Mikani is devoted and humorous, with a bit of quixotic nature. He wears a hat and carries the cane, which shall be taken into account, since awesomeness is totally not above this kind of shallow judgement.
Co-workers becoming partners becoming friends and hopefully becoming more, they work together and flow into a seamless pattern whilst operating in the midst of dead bodies. There is a subtle romance, very light and fine, like a strand of web, and just as tenacious minus the very disgusting fact of it housing a spiders. Mikani and Ritsuko seem to be engaged in an indefinite shadow dance.
There is another character, Aurelia Wright. She has a courtier too, named Theron Nuall. Their dance is much more elegant and just as beguiling as R & M's, for wholly different reasons. I don't predict much of them in the next book, and that saddens me. Hopefully, I'm wrong.
Once more, I'd like to expound on the fantastic world-building and writing.
Are you, like me, easily distracted by shiny things?
If so, I warn you to sit down, practise and get yourself to concentrate on the monotone of cricket narration while there are chimes of glass and silver tinkling behind you.
Otherwise, this will make for a very disorienting 336 pages.
It's a very shiny world and very shiny writing.
See the Agruirres drop stuff like this-
...his coat was incongruously well tailored, and his waistcoat shone with gold thread. Yet he has a face like a broken clock.
And then, without any consideration for the reader, this-
“Inspectors Mikani and Ritsuko, CID. Consider this . . . a civic duty. We have a few questions. Mr. Stokes gives us good answers, and we all go away happy and with the satisfaction of a day well spent.”
I was left befuddled and dazzled, still lost in the glaze of bright things but confused by the sudden onslaught of such grimness.
My only complaint is that I figured out the identity of the culprit(to some extent) halfway through the book. :c Reader intuition, you sucksss.
But it was so sparkly and action-y and magical, it makes me love it so. Such kind of, special kind of creative and refreshing.
So was this your kind of awesome? Am I not just the prefect awesome-guru? Do come back for more awesomeness. :D
Cross-posted on Books behind Dam{n}s
Read
May 2, 2013Didn't finish. No rate.
I'm officially throwing in the towel on this one. It's too bad because I was really looking forward to its release. It was too dense for my mood right now and it turned out to be a murder-mystery. I'm not much a fan of mysteries or crime books. Just not my thing. I also expected more steampunk but that was lacking. There were some gadgets and motor cars thrown in but it didn't have the steampunk feel of some other books I've read. Or maybe I've just read the wrong books.
This takes place is Hy Breasil where Fey and humans merged together years ago. The result is that some humans, such as Mikanj, have fey abilities that help him solve cases. There is a friendship of sorts between Mikani and his partner Ritsuko. They've been partners for three years and at times they seemed the best of friends and others it felt like they were just getting to know each other. The sexual tension between the two was entertaining at times but it didn't draw me in. Overall, I just never connected to any of the characters. I felt like I had to really pay attention or I'd miss something. Not a quality I enjoy in my reading.
If you're looking for a fluffy fun read, keep moving. This isn't it. At least not for me.
I'm officially throwing in the towel on this one. It's too bad because I was really looking forward to its release. It was too dense for my mood right now and it turned out to be a murder-mystery. I'm not much a fan of mysteries or crime books. Just not my thing. I also expected more steampunk but that was lacking. There were some gadgets and motor cars thrown in but it didn't have the steampunk feel of some other books I've read. Or maybe I've just read the wrong books.
This takes place is Hy Breasil where Fey and humans merged together years ago. The result is that some humans, such as Mikanj, have fey abilities that help him solve cases. There is a friendship of sorts between Mikani and his partner Ritsuko. They've been partners for three years and at times they seemed the best of friends and others it felt like they were just getting to know each other. The sexual tension between the two was entertaining at times but it didn't draw me in. Overall, I just never connected to any of the characters. I felt like I had to really pay attention or I'd miss something. Not a quality I enjoy in my reading.
If you're looking for a fluffy fun read, keep moving. This isn't it. At least not for me.
March 8, 2014
I am so glad that I saw Bronze Gods on a 'suggested' list on Amazon. I got it from my local library, hoping for an enjoyable read, and found a wonderful, unexpected gem of a book. The world building is awesome; the characters and story grab your attention (and heart) and do not let go. As soon as I finished, I knew I would be buying my own copy. I checked, and the sequel Silver Mirrors will be out May 2014 which is a very long time to wait. I highly recommend this book; Bronze Gods has mystery, horror, romance, and magic....
Bronze Gods is just as good the second time. The Aguirres have woven magic and mystery together into a wonderful world. The wait for Silver Mirrors is much too long.
The wait is over! Now for Silver Mirrors!
Bronze Gods is just as good the second time. The Aguirres have woven magic and mystery together into a wonderful world. The wait for Silver Mirrors is much too long.
The wait is over! Now for Silver Mirrors!
July 7, 2016
I hadn’t heard anything about this book before I snagged it from my library’s new books shelf, which surprises me. I would have thought that one of the book blogs I read would have featured it at some point. Bronze Gods sounds like, and indeed is, a very original and refreshing voice in fantasy. Its authors (Ann and Andres Aguirre, who together form a writing name that is sure to be as close to the beginning of the shelf as possible) have written a fairly standalone novel that nevertheless kicks off a new mystery/fantasy series in a very rich world.
Initially, from the book’s cover and description I thought that this was some kind of steampunk Victoriana, an alternate England where gods and machinery co-existed in an uneasy truce, with the paranormal component of the Criminal Investigations Department keeping the peace. No, Bronze Gods is set in a different world, one in which the blood of the fae (Ferrishers) and humans has mixed, and centuries later Dorstaad is a burgeoning city of trade, passion, and of course, crime.
Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, partner inspectors in the CID, are the cornerstone of this book. If you like them, you will like the book; similarly, if you don’t fall for these two, then this book is going to fall flat for you. I, for one, enjoyed both of these characters immensely. They are so distinctive that they become all the more real for it. Mikani fiercely values his independence, yet he constantly seeks companionship. Whenever he tries to form attachments, they crumble as it becomes clear his commitment to the CID always comes first. Ritsuko is likewise committed to her job—because she has defied her grandfather to do it, and as a woman she must work twice as hard to prove herself. As the story commences, the two have been partners for three years, meaning they have a deeply established bond and routine that we gradually learn.
Aguirre adeptly addresses the sexual tension between these two. Over the years, they’ve come to respect and value one another, mostly because their abilities and attitudes are complementary. It’s not exactly an “attraction of opposites” as it is an “affinity of opposites”. Nevertheless, both Mikani and Ritsuko are in a very vulnerable place, emotionally, at the story start. This is probably one of their most stressful cases ever, and as the pressure mounts, they find themselves drawn to one another in a way that sets alarm bells ringing. That being said, I’m pleased to see a man/woman partnership being portrayed as something that can be platonic.
The mystery involves the disappearance and death of an important House scion—i.e., rich girl gets killed, so her father pressures the city and police department to catch someone quickly. Mikani and Ritsuko, alas, are more interested in catching the actual murderer, who appears to be killing specific women in some kind of magical ritual. (Joy!) As their field of suspects narrows and they begin tracking the person they believe responsible, it becomes a race against time to stop him before he kills again.
I think the mystery component of this story is strong enough that, even if you aren’t all that into fantasy, you can still enjoy this book. The magic is mostly incidental; aside from its use as a MacGuffin for the murders, its largest role in the plot manifests as Mikani’s ability to “read” people. Well, that, and some of the people in the story are a few centuries old.
The writing in this is splendid. Good writing is unremarkable: it’s just there. Bad writing is remarkable because it pulls you out of the story. Great writing is remarkable because you notice how much it makes you enjoy the act of reading. In this case, through precise diction and melodious phrases, Aguirre transforms this from another simple mystery into a really enchanting read.
This is the first in the series, as the cover boldly proclaims and the end of the book promises. However, the mystery is self-contained. Instead, Aguirre sets up a larger, more nebulous menace, much like Jim Butcher gradually established in the Dresden Files—my gold standard for urban fantasy mystery. I imagine that the next book, whenever it appears, will feature Mikani and Ritsuko pursuing another investigation, only to stumble on something that helps them towards understanding the bigger picture.
Bronze Gods works on two levels, both firmly establishing a brand new series while still offering a good standalone story. The protagonist duo is lovely, with the two characters working together to form an unstoppable team that just made me want to cheer every time they triumphed. I got really excited when I plucked this book off the library shelves, and I couldn’t really explain why. In this case, at least, that excitement was not misplaced.
My reviews of Apparatus Infernum:
Silver Mirrors →
Initially, from the book’s cover and description I thought that this was some kind of steampunk Victoriana, an alternate England where gods and machinery co-existed in an uneasy truce, with the paranormal component of the Criminal Investigations Department keeping the peace. No, Bronze Gods is set in a different world, one in which the blood of the fae (Ferrishers) and humans has mixed, and centuries later Dorstaad is a burgeoning city of trade, passion, and of course, crime.
Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, partner inspectors in the CID, are the cornerstone of this book. If you like them, you will like the book; similarly, if you don’t fall for these two, then this book is going to fall flat for you. I, for one, enjoyed both of these characters immensely. They are so distinctive that they become all the more real for it. Mikani fiercely values his independence, yet he constantly seeks companionship. Whenever he tries to form attachments, they crumble as it becomes clear his commitment to the CID always comes first. Ritsuko is likewise committed to her job—because she has defied her grandfather to do it, and as a woman she must work twice as hard to prove herself. As the story commences, the two have been partners for three years, meaning they have a deeply established bond and routine that we gradually learn.
Aguirre adeptly addresses the sexual tension between these two. Over the years, they’ve come to respect and value one another, mostly because their abilities and attitudes are complementary. It’s not exactly an “attraction of opposites” as it is an “affinity of opposites”. Nevertheless, both Mikani and Ritsuko are in a very vulnerable place, emotionally, at the story start. This is probably one of their most stressful cases ever, and as the pressure mounts, they find themselves drawn to one another in a way that sets alarm bells ringing. That being said, I’m pleased to see a man/woman partnership being portrayed as something that can be platonic.
The mystery involves the disappearance and death of an important House scion—i.e., rich girl gets killed, so her father pressures the city and police department to catch someone quickly. Mikani and Ritsuko, alas, are more interested in catching the actual murderer, who appears to be killing specific women in some kind of magical ritual. (Joy!) As their field of suspects narrows and they begin tracking the person they believe responsible, it becomes a race against time to stop him before he kills again.
I think the mystery component of this story is strong enough that, even if you aren’t all that into fantasy, you can still enjoy this book. The magic is mostly incidental; aside from its use as a MacGuffin for the murders, its largest role in the plot manifests as Mikani’s ability to “read” people. Well, that, and some of the people in the story are a few centuries old.
The writing in this is splendid. Good writing is unremarkable: it’s just there. Bad writing is remarkable because it pulls you out of the story. Great writing is remarkable because you notice how much it makes you enjoy the act of reading. In this case, through precise diction and melodious phrases, Aguirre transforms this from another simple mystery into a really enchanting read.
This is the first in the series, as the cover boldly proclaims and the end of the book promises. However, the mystery is self-contained. Instead, Aguirre sets up a larger, more nebulous menace, much like Jim Butcher gradually established in the Dresden Files—my gold standard for urban fantasy mystery. I imagine that the next book, whenever it appears, will feature Mikani and Ritsuko pursuing another investigation, only to stumble on something that helps them towards understanding the bigger picture.
Bronze Gods works on two levels, both firmly establishing a brand new series while still offering a good standalone story. The protagonist duo is lovely, with the two characters working together to form an unstoppable team that just made me want to cheer every time they triumphed. I got really excited when I plucked this book off the library shelves, and I couldn’t really explain why. In this case, at least, that excitement was not misplaced.
My reviews of Apparatus Infernum:
Silver Mirrors →
June 4, 2013
Final rating 4.5 stars
Grimspace (Sirantha Jax #1) was the first Ann Aguirre book that I read. I did not like sci-fi. I now love reading sci-fi.. Then I heard she was writing a YA dystopian – Enclave (Book #1 in the Razorland trilogy). I was desperate to read that book and see what she could do with YA and it’s now one of my all time favorite series. My point is that I think Ann Aguirre can write any genre and knock it out of the park.
I was excited for Bronze Gods because this was Ann's first foray into steampunk (that I'm aware of anyway). In this case, co-authored with her husband Andres who brings very strong world building skills to the table. I’m not a huge fan of steampunk but I had faith that she/they could convince me. As expected, I loved it.
The series opens with the tale of a centuries old feud between the Ferishers (Fey) and humans. While this war seems to be a thing of the past, old wounds are unearthed after the gruesome murder of a daughter belonging to a prominent family. Longtime partners in the Criminal Investigation Division, Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko are brought into solve the murder. They quickly realize that there is more to this case. Old, poweful magic is involved and there may be more victims.
Mikani and Ritsuko are the biggest strength of Bronze Gods. Their chemistry both smolders and explodes off the page with them barely touching. She is organized and pragmatic while he is messy and relies on magic to solve his cases. They have a strong Mulder & Scully from the X-Files vibe going on. It was so interesting to see their awkward realization that they may be attracted to each other. They’ve been working together for years but have always been in other relationships and unavailable until recently. What I loved though is that the romance while promising to be intense, takes a back seat to the central plot of solving the case.
The murders are terrifying & gruesome with the race to save the next intended victim leaving the reader tense with anticipation.
There are shifting POV’s not only between Mikani & Ritsuko but also between two other characters. At first I couldn’t understand why and honestly wasn’t very interested but it all tied in to the main plot and I ended up very invested in the outcome. The secondary characters were very well developed and added yet another layer to this already intricately woven story.
What surprised me most about this book was that this wasn’t so much steampunk (although there are a few steampunk elements – kind of creepy ones) as it was Urban Fantasy/Noir and they all blended together beautifully. The thing about Bronze Gods is that the world building is always happening – almost without you even noticing – until the pieces all click into place.
Final thoughts: The Aguirre’s have created a fascinating new world that unfolds at an almost languid pace yet you can cut the tension, both sexual and otherwise, with a knife. Fantastic, complex characters with plenty of twists and turns that have me wondering where the heck Apparatus Infernum book #2 - Silver Mirrors will take my beloved Mikani and Ritsuko next.
Grimspace (Sirantha Jax #1) was the first Ann Aguirre book that I read. I did not like sci-fi. I now love reading sci-fi.. Then I heard she was writing a YA dystopian – Enclave (Book #1 in the Razorland trilogy). I was desperate to read that book and see what she could do with YA and it’s now one of my all time favorite series. My point is that I think Ann Aguirre can write any genre and knock it out of the park.
I was excited for Bronze Gods because this was Ann's first foray into steampunk (that I'm aware of anyway). In this case, co-authored with her husband Andres who brings very strong world building skills to the table. I’m not a huge fan of steampunk but I had faith that she/they could convince me. As expected, I loved it.
The series opens with the tale of a centuries old feud between the Ferishers (Fey) and humans. While this war seems to be a thing of the past, old wounds are unearthed after the gruesome murder of a daughter belonging to a prominent family. Longtime partners in the Criminal Investigation Division, Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko are brought into solve the murder. They quickly realize that there is more to this case. Old, poweful magic is involved and there may be more victims.
Mikani and Ritsuko are the biggest strength of Bronze Gods. Their chemistry both smolders and explodes off the page with them barely touching. She is organized and pragmatic while he is messy and relies on magic to solve his cases. They have a strong Mulder & Scully from the X-Files vibe going on. It was so interesting to see their awkward realization that they may be attracted to each other. They’ve been working together for years but have always been in other relationships and unavailable until recently. What I loved though is that the romance while promising to be intense, takes a back seat to the central plot of solving the case.
The murders are terrifying & gruesome with the race to save the next intended victim leaving the reader tense with anticipation.
There are shifting POV’s not only between Mikani & Ritsuko but also between two other characters. At first I couldn’t understand why and honestly wasn’t very interested but it all tied in to the main plot and I ended up very invested in the outcome. The secondary characters were very well developed and added yet another layer to this already intricately woven story.
What surprised me most about this book was that this wasn’t so much steampunk (although there are a few steampunk elements – kind of creepy ones) as it was Urban Fantasy/Noir and they all blended together beautifully. The thing about Bronze Gods is that the world building is always happening – almost without you even noticing – until the pieces all click into place.
Final thoughts: The Aguirre’s have created a fascinating new world that unfolds at an almost languid pace yet you can cut the tension, both sexual and otherwise, with a knife. Fantastic, complex characters with plenty of twists and turns that have me wondering where the heck Apparatus Infernum book #2 - Silver Mirrors will take my beloved Mikani and Ritsuko next.
June 9, 2013
As a huge fan of Ann Aguirre's work, I was really looking forward to this joint project with her husband. However, as I read, I found myself completely unengaged, to the point that if Aguirre's name wasn't on the cover, I would've slapped a DNF label on this. It's hard to put my finger on why: the writing isn't completely generic, nor were the characters nor the setting. But they didn't engage me either. For something that's supposed to be "steampunk noir," this felt more like secondary world urban fantasy with a magical machine contraption thing playing into the main plot. Beyond that, there really wasn't all that much steampunk window-dressing to the world-building, which was disappointing. The narrative voice never grabbed me, and the overuse of the term "partner" and "bronze gods" started making my eye twitch. I never bought into the attraction between Mikani and Ritsuko either: rather that having something genuine on the page, it felt more like the standard trope: because these two are partners and are the opposite sex, then of course there must be attraction! It never felt earned, really, though I did like the way they respected each other, and that element of their friendship was very clear on the page. Having Ritsuko being in love with Mikani felt like an unnecessary add-on, especially when every time she acknowledged her feelings, it seemed to undermine the strength of her character.
Which is a long-winded way of saying this book didn't work for me, and I'm not wholly excited by the prospect of the sequel, SILVER MIRRORS, even though it appears that sequel will be continuing the story that was mostly resolved here while adding new layers to what's happening. BRONZE GODS isn't a bad book, it just felt lacking, especially compared to Ann Aguirre's other work (I love me the GRIMSPACE books). It'd be interesting to know how BRONZE GODS really worked as a joint project: did Ann write certain POVs and her husband write the others? The narrative voice felt the same through-out, so it's hard to say. Whatever the case, for those looking for true steampunk UF, you're far better off with Gail Carriger. For those wanting to sample Ann Aguirre's work (of which this is only half), I don't recommend starting here.
Which is a long-winded way of saying this book didn't work for me, and I'm not wholly excited by the prospect of the sequel, SILVER MIRRORS, even though it appears that sequel will be continuing the story that was mostly resolved here while adding new layers to what's happening. BRONZE GODS isn't a bad book, it just felt lacking, especially compared to Ann Aguirre's other work (I love me the GRIMSPACE books). It'd be interesting to know how BRONZE GODS really worked as a joint project: did Ann write certain POVs and her husband write the others? The narrative voice felt the same through-out, so it's hard to say. Whatever the case, for those looking for true steampunk UF, you're far better off with Gail Carriger. For those wanting to sample Ann Aguirre's work (of which this is only half), I don't recommend starting here.
February 28, 2014
1.5 stars
Well it seems as though I only like Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series as all her other series have thus far failed me. Which is rather annoying since I was actually looking forward to this series.
The biggest issue I had with this novel was the way in which it was written. The writing style felt purposely complicated and unnecessarily wordy, almost with an air of self-importance. Which I found funny in a way considering how many typical elements the authors (husband-wife team) chose to include, right down to the police partners falling for one another.
I was never able to connect to the characters, the writing style kept them at a distance. It definitely did not help that there was not much characterization to be had, what I knew of the characters as people in the beginning was largely the same in the end. The irregular style of changing POVs between the two characters also proved to take me out of the story repeatedly and made it an overall struggle to get through. And this may be me, but the use of the last names (which could be argued to be similar in nature) further proved to irritate and slow reading as it was difficult to remember who the hell was who. Why not use first names? Yet another reason the characters felt at a further distance from this reader.
I found it odd that the fae elements were stronger that the steampunk, in fact there was very little steampunk to be had. If you tell me you're giving me steampunk I expect STEAMPUNK! But in the end, this was essentially a detective story with some fae elements...rather disappointing.
Overall I found Bronze Gods quite dull and the writing style left a lot to be desired. I will likely not be continuing in the series.
Well it seems as though I only like Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series as all her other series have thus far failed me. Which is rather annoying since I was actually looking forward to this series.
The biggest issue I had with this novel was the way in which it was written. The writing style felt purposely complicated and unnecessarily wordy, almost with an air of self-importance. Which I found funny in a way considering how many typical elements the authors (husband-wife team) chose to include, right down to the police partners falling for one another.
I was never able to connect to the characters, the writing style kept them at a distance. It definitely did not help that there was not much characterization to be had, what I knew of the characters as people in the beginning was largely the same in the end. The irregular style of changing POVs between the two characters also proved to take me out of the story repeatedly and made it an overall struggle to get through. And this may be me, but the use of the last names (which could be argued to be similar in nature) further proved to irritate and slow reading as it was difficult to remember who the hell was who. Why not use first names? Yet another reason the characters felt at a further distance from this reader.
I found it odd that the fae elements were stronger that the steampunk, in fact there was very little steampunk to be had. If you tell me you're giving me steampunk I expect STEAMPUNK! But in the end, this was essentially a detective story with some fae elements...rather disappointing.
Overall I found Bronze Gods quite dull and the writing style left a lot to be desired. I will likely not be continuing in the series.
May 3, 2013
There weren't a great deal of steampunk elements in this initial foray into the alternate Victorian Bronze Gods world, as the leads Inspectors Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko search for the a murderer who is killing young women from prominent Ferisher (Fae) Houses.
I enjoyed watching Mikani and Ritsuko pound the pavement to solve the high profile case, and that, as they pursue the leads together and individually, there were enough clues that I was able to figure out the 'who done it' along with them. While the investigation of the crime perpetrated using magical technology was interesting, it is Mikani and Ritsuko themselves who really make this book shine. They are a fabulous pair, and they work together so well that despite the fact that they are polar opposites - she's human, thorough and diplomatic and he's part Ferisher, intuitive and not much for social niceties - it is almost like they have a mental connection.
So, I thoroughly enjoyed this first joint effort from the Aguirres (Ann and Andres) - steampunk, mystery, and magic with with a very intriguing starring pair (and just a hint of romance to come) - I am already looking forward to their next book.
I enjoyed watching Mikani and Ritsuko pound the pavement to solve the high profile case, and that, as they pursue the leads together and individually, there were enough clues that I was able to figure out the 'who done it' along with them. While the investigation of the crime perpetrated using magical technology was interesting, it is Mikani and Ritsuko themselves who really make this book shine. They are a fabulous pair, and they work together so well that despite the fact that they are polar opposites - she's human, thorough and diplomatic and he's part Ferisher, intuitive and not much for social niceties - it is almost like they have a mental connection.
So, I thoroughly enjoyed this first joint effort from the Aguirres (Ann and Andres) - steampunk, mystery, and magic with with a very intriguing starring pair (and just a hint of romance to come) - I am already looking forward to their next book.
May 4, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. I think this was one of the best books I read this year ... no I think it is one of the best books I read!
the story was very complex and the action was very fast paced. all in all was the pacing perfect - it started good and the speed picked up until it exploded at the end
the world building was amazing - the city of Dorstaad is getting alive around you but you never get the feeling that there is too much information or description of something. there were interesting gadgets in it, the use of technical things - but not so much that you have the impression you need a notebook to write down what is used for what. it is steampunk at its best.
The characters are incredible and complex. you get to know them and to like them a lot. the relationship between Mikani and Ritsuko is a complex thing and developed over time ... and you can feel that. Although the romance aspect is very light in this book it is well written and draws you in.
I want the second book!!!!
I really recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading
the story was very complex and the action was very fast paced. all in all was the pacing perfect - it started good and the speed picked up until it exploded at the end
the world building was amazing - the city of Dorstaad is getting alive around you but you never get the feeling that there is too much information or description of something. there were interesting gadgets in it, the use of technical things - but not so much that you have the impression you need a notebook to write down what is used for what. it is steampunk at its best.
The characters are incredible and complex. you get to know them and to like them a lot. the relationship between Mikani and Ritsuko is a complex thing and developed over time ... and you can feel that. Although the romance aspect is very light in this book it is well written and draws you in.
I want the second book!!!!
I really recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading
June 30, 2013
I was quite excited to read this book but had a hard time getting into it and through it. The authors failed to "show" me the story but instead merely told a story that didn't have distinguished characters. The dialogue in the story had too many explanations telling you what the characters were doing and these explanations did not add to define the characters nor move the story. Often if a book doesn't grab me in the first chapter then it usually fails to hold my interest and this book did not grab me in chapter one.
December 5, 2014
Overly wordy, overly complicated - kept zoning out as I read this, re-reading sentences several times trying to connect with the story and the characters. At the 30% - I'm officially calling time.
I was expecting steam punk and what I got instead was a magical mess, flat/wooden characters and a world that I just couldn't immerse myself in.
I was expecting steam punk and what I got instead was a magical mess, flat/wooden characters and a world that I just couldn't immerse myself in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews