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Galvanic Century #5 - 7
A Gentlewoman's Chronicles
Chronicles of a Gentlewoman is an action-packed thriller series set in an alternate history Victorian steampunk world. This collection of three novelletes takes her all the way from London, to the jungles of Mexico, to the Ottoman Empire.
This collection includes:
SKY PIRATES OVER LONDON
London has been besieged by strange powerful airships targeting the city's shipping. The poor starve and the rich must ration their luxuries, while the blockaders have made no demands. Parliament and the Home Office have done nothing to rectify the situation, and though it's hardly proper, sometimes a gentlewoman must act while the men debate.
THE TOWER OF BABBAGE
A motion-picture crew has gone missing in the mysterious jungles of Southern Mexico while filming ancient Mayan ruins. Desperate to learn the fate of an old friend, gentlewoman Aldora Fiske sponsors an expedition into the heart of the rainforest. Little does she realize that the filmmakers were not the only ones interested in the clockwork secrets that Charles Babbage left behind.
FINE YOUNG TURKS
Her loveless wedding of convenience approaching, gentlewoman Aldora Fiske is among the influential Europeans to accept a handsome nobleman's invitation to show off the Ottoman Empire and its secularist reforms. After she alone escapes the devious plot to kidnap the foreign guests, she's confronted with an Empire where women are given all the rights of men, and a man who treats her like an equal.
This collection includes:
SKY PIRATES OVER LONDON
London has been besieged by strange powerful airships targeting the city's shipping. The poor starve and the rich must ration their luxuries, while the blockaders have made no demands. Parliament and the Home Office have done nothing to rectify the situation, and though it's hardly proper, sometimes a gentlewoman must act while the men debate.
THE TOWER OF BABBAGE
A motion-picture crew has gone missing in the mysterious jungles of Southern Mexico while filming ancient Mayan ruins. Desperate to learn the fate of an old friend, gentlewoman Aldora Fiske sponsors an expedition into the heart of the rainforest. Little does she realize that the filmmakers were not the only ones interested in the clockwork secrets that Charles Babbage left behind.
FINE YOUNG TURKS
Her loveless wedding of convenience approaching, gentlewoman Aldora Fiske is among the influential Europeans to accept a handsome nobleman's invitation to show off the Ottoman Empire and its secularist reforms. After she alone escapes the devious plot to kidnap the foreign guests, she's confronted with an Empire where women are given all the rights of men, and a man who treats her like an equal.
- GenresSteampunk
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
17 people want to read
About the author
Michael Coorlim
27 books55 followersMichael Coorlim is a teller of strange stories for stranger people. He collects them, the oddballs. The mystics and fire-spinners, the sages and tricksters. He curates their tales, combines their elements and lets them rattle around inside his rock-tumbler skull until they gleam, then spills them loose onto the page for like-minded readers to enjoy.
He writes fast-paced stories about real people in fantastic situations, plots with just a twist of the surreal, set in worlds just a shadow’s breadth from our own.
Some whisper that he may, in fact, be a wizard. Others maintain that he’s naught but bluster and blarney. The truly wise know that there’s nary a difference.
Questionable activities
Michael Coorlim’s fiction can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Smashwords.
He also writes the indie-focused book blog Book Nouveau.
Pry a little deeper
If you want early notifications of upcoming titles, discounts, giveaways, and other fun you can subscribe to his new release mailing list. You can also find him on facebook and twitter as @mcoorlim. Email him at Coorlim@gmail.com – he’d love to hear from you.
He writes fast-paced stories about real people in fantastic situations, plots with just a twist of the surreal, set in worlds just a shadow’s breadth from our own.
Some whisper that he may, in fact, be a wizard. Others maintain that he’s naught but bluster and blarney. The truly wise know that there’s nary a difference.
Questionable activities
Michael Coorlim’s fiction can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Smashwords.
He also writes the indie-focused book blog Book Nouveau.
Pry a little deeper
If you want early notifications of upcoming titles, discounts, giveaways, and other fun you can subscribe to his new release mailing list. You can also find him on facebook and twitter as @mcoorlim. Email him at Coorlim@gmail.com – he’d love to hear from you.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 9, 2013
I'm going to start off by saying that I'm genuinely surprised just how much I enjoyed this book (or this series rather). Not because of the setting - I love the Victorian era, and I love the idea of a steampunk alternate history even more. I love the idea of a woman taking charge in a world run by men. I honestly didn't think I'd like it because the synopsis (even the full one describing each of the three stories included in this book) didn't really get me excited. I requested this book on a whim and I'm very glad I did so! This book has rekindled my love for the Action/Adventure novels and I'll have to look into getting myself more to read. This series is the perfect mix of Tintin, Indiana Jones combined with a touch of gentlewomanly flare and social maneuvering.
The action in the novels is fast paced and character driven with this nice undercurrent of wit that I just ate up. The tone of the dialogue fits the setting and what's more you can tell a lot about the different characters by just the way they talk and I love that. There are a bunch of little minor twists throughout the stories that keeps you engaged and wanting for more. In the first two novels I really enjoyed how the author slipped in details about Aldora's personal life every now and then as a compelling subplot in most of these novels -- about her apparent double life as a respectable woman and a daring adventurer.
The novelettes have a very cinematic feel although some of the scene switches can feel too sudden or feel as though they cut off scenes too suddenly. For the most part however I felt as though they were well done and kept the action moving forward at a fast pace.
7.5/10 stars (see my Review Policy on my blog for more details on star ratings. As this review got quite lengthy you can see my entire review posted here.)
The action in the novels is fast paced and character driven with this nice undercurrent of wit that I just ate up. The tone of the dialogue fits the setting and what's more you can tell a lot about the different characters by just the way they talk and I love that. There are a bunch of little minor twists throughout the stories that keeps you engaged and wanting for more. In the first two novels I really enjoyed how the author slipped in details about Aldora's personal life every now and then as a compelling subplot in most of these novels -- about her apparent double life as a respectable woman and a daring adventurer.
The novelettes have a very cinematic feel although some of the scene switches can feel too sudden or feel as though they cut off scenes too suddenly. For the most part however I felt as though they were well done and kept the action moving forward at a fast pace.
7.5/10 stars (see my Review Policy on my blog for more details on star ratings. As this review got quite lengthy you can see my entire review posted here.)
June 29, 2015
I got my copy of A Gentlewoman's Chronicles through an online giveaway. The scheme can be a mixed bag, but it's worth it when you're gifted a gem such as this. Coorlim's love for anglophenia shines through – steampunk is becoming for Britain what the Western is for the US – and he fills his world with bold, fun archetypes. His prose is witty ("empty whisky bottles strewn about like forgotten failures"), and his gleeful mix of history, fantasy and genuine emotion is what pulp at its very best is all about. Above all, it's a solid slab of adventure, and I can't wait to return to the Galvanic Century.
February 12, 2013
Three short stories with the heroine as a common thread. Well written and thought out stories. I enjoyed reading them and my favourite was the second story about a film making expedition where the crew disappeared in the jungle.
I am looking forward to read the second book in this series.
I am looking forward to read the second book in this series.
June 4, 2013
These books were just as well written as the James and Bartleby series and I totally loved them. Can't wait to read the newest full length book with all the characters.
July 17, 2013
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 4 Narration: 4 Story: 4
This was a cleverly wrought collection of 3 short tales that have the character of Aldora Frisk at the center of the action. Aldora is a Victorian-era female, living a bit of a double life: refined and proper woman who dashes off to madcap adventures and encounters villains as well defined as are their bad intentions. A bit less satisfying was the speed of the stories: characters did not always seem to be completely flushed out, partly owing to the multiple twists and turns, and partly to the abbreviated length. Additionally, there is a fiancé of convenience for Aldora: his role seems to be background and cover: while the two have a friendship, he does not really know where she disappears to, and their attraction for one another is slowly growing to the point where answers and honesty will be needed. Those were almost the only issues I had with this set of 3 stories though: the action, setting, devices and twists in these stories were all presented with flair that kept interest and surprises moving in equal parts.
Three stories make up this recording, each one has the descriptive prose that provides easy imagery for the reader / listener, with a sense of enjoyment the author brings to the story and the setting he has created shining through. Steampunk can be really good when details are presented properly, and the characters provide a sense of reality in the fantasy. Coorlim manipulates these elements with finesse, playing with the fantasy while grounding it solidly to elements that are familiar and relatable.
Narration is provided by Dawn Hyde: her accent is easily understood and provides the character of Aldora with a voice that both fit her story and background. Subtle modulation of tone and delivery provide the other characters with their own voices, without becoming distracting or feeling as if she has worked to ‘create’ a character voice. Her delivery is clear and present, and provides no distraction from the story she is telling.
These stories are easy to listen to separately, breaking them up over a short time or to listen all at once. Two are just under one and one-half hours long: if you have a long commute this is the perfect listen to keep you amused. If you haven’t tried the steampunk genre: this is a good place to start: well crafted, well written and characters to enjoy.
I received an MP3 download from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
June 7, 2015
A Gentlewoman's Chronicles by Michael Coorlim This book contains 3 novellas from the Galvanic Century series: Sky Pirates Over London, The Tower of Babbage, and Fine Young Turks.
You can see, I have previously listened to and reviewed Sky Pirates Over London. It was nice to revisit it here. I enjoyed it once again. Aldora Fiske is a great character, a woman who knows what she wants in life but is still trying to figure out how to hold on to her independence without pissing off too many people. After all, this is Victorian steampunk England and manners and station must be considered in all that Aldora does.
Eccentric scientist Charles Babbage is at the heart of The Tower of Babbage. He and a film crew were exploring some ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico when they went missing. Aldora, never being one to leave a friend lost and unaccounted for if she can help it, heads into the heart of Mexico to find him. This was a fun jaunt into a culture and place that I find fascinating. I really enjoyed this story and found Aldora to be at her best because she was out of her native culture and place.
Fine Young Turks was also good. Aldora has a marriage of convenience drawing nigh (which was hinted at in Sky Pirates Over London) but before she takes up the ball and chain, she travels to the Ottoman Empire. Since this is alternate history, Coorlim was able to do something very interesting with the Ottoman Empire: he gave men and women equal rights. Of course this gets Aldora thinking about all the rights she lacks back home in high London society. A mass kidnapping is at the heart of a mystery and Aldora settles in to figure it out.
All in all, Aldora is awesome. I like her internal monologue, that has some cutting humor, and the practical way she takes to weapons of any sort. However, she is often the only female in the story, surrounded by men of all sorts. So I would have liked the genders a little more balanced. Still, with that mild criticism, this is an excellent way to dive into The Galvanic Century.
Narration: Dawn Hyde was an excellent choice for the voice of Aldora. I really enjoyed her high London accent and the emotions the narrator imbued the character with. She had clear, distinct voices for both men and women. She also pulled off foreign accents as needed.
You can see, I have previously listened to and reviewed Sky Pirates Over London. It was nice to revisit it here. I enjoyed it once again. Aldora Fiske is a great character, a woman who knows what she wants in life but is still trying to figure out how to hold on to her independence without pissing off too many people. After all, this is Victorian steampunk England and manners and station must be considered in all that Aldora does.
Eccentric scientist Charles Babbage is at the heart of The Tower of Babbage. He and a film crew were exploring some ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico when they went missing. Aldora, never being one to leave a friend lost and unaccounted for if she can help it, heads into the heart of Mexico to find him. This was a fun jaunt into a culture and place that I find fascinating. I really enjoyed this story and found Aldora to be at her best because she was out of her native culture and place.
Fine Young Turks was also good. Aldora has a marriage of convenience drawing nigh (which was hinted at in Sky Pirates Over London) but before she takes up the ball and chain, she travels to the Ottoman Empire. Since this is alternate history, Coorlim was able to do something very interesting with the Ottoman Empire: he gave men and women equal rights. Of course this gets Aldora thinking about all the rights she lacks back home in high London society. A mass kidnapping is at the heart of a mystery and Aldora settles in to figure it out.
All in all, Aldora is awesome. I like her internal monologue, that has some cutting humor, and the practical way she takes to weapons of any sort. However, she is often the only female in the story, surrounded by men of all sorts. So I would have liked the genders a little more balanced. Still, with that mild criticism, this is an excellent way to dive into The Galvanic Century.
Narration: Dawn Hyde was an excellent choice for the voice of Aldora. I really enjoyed her high London accent and the emotions the narrator imbued the character with. She had clear, distinct voices for both men and women. She also pulled off foreign accents as needed.
February 20, 2013
A fellow book review blogger told me good things about this book. So I admit I went in with good expectations. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed. In a word A Gentlewoman’s Chronicles is fun. Pure exciting fun. To me it felt like it got better and better each story. In fact it’s hard for me to decide my favorite one. And there are just so many reasons to love this collection.
First there is the strong female character in Aldora Fiske. She is a wonderful blend of elegance, intelligence, and fighting know how. She’s a heroine worth reading about. Not that she carries the stories alone. Each story has an interesting and believable villain. Villains with better reasons for what they do then doing things for the sake of evil.
One thing that also pleased me but might not interest everyone was the portrayal Tesla in the first story. What can I say? I’m a bit of a history geek and understand the reasoning of the characterization of Tesla. So kudos to the author for that as well.
I cannot stress how much I enjoyed these stories. My only disappointment was that they were not longer. Thankfully length normally won’t affect my overall judgment. I really do hope to see longer and more stories from this author.
A definite must read.
First there is the strong female character in Aldora Fiske. She is a wonderful blend of elegance, intelligence, and fighting know how. She’s a heroine worth reading about. Not that she carries the stories alone. Each story has an interesting and believable villain. Villains with better reasons for what they do then doing things for the sake of evil.
One thing that also pleased me but might not interest everyone was the portrayal Tesla in the first story. What can I say? I’m a bit of a history geek and understand the reasoning of the characterization of Tesla. So kudos to the author for that as well.
I cannot stress how much I enjoyed these stories. My only disappointment was that they were not longer. Thankfully length normally won’t affect my overall judgment. I really do hope to see longer and more stories from this author.
A definite must read.
April 1, 2013
The book "A Gentle Woman's Chronicles", is a great read. I really enjoyed the story. It kept me interested as I got to know who the Gentlewoman was and what she accomplished. All three novelettes were full of an ongoing journey. There were moments of character identification and outright clashes between them.
I especially liked the movement of the plot. There were times I drew my own conclusions and there were some remarks from the characters and Gentlewoman that seemed to roll the action along at a fast pace. I loved all the action. The authors words moved with purpose.
I felt as though I were right there with everyone within this book, more so than I ever thought possible. Some of the words were new to me so I looked them up in the dictionary as well. There was some history that I also looked up. I am glad I took extra interest in the details.
I would have lunch with the characters in this book if I could.
I especially liked the movement of the plot. There were times I drew my own conclusions and there were some remarks from the characters and Gentlewoman that seemed to roll the action along at a fast pace. I loved all the action. The authors words moved with purpose.
I felt as though I were right there with everyone within this book, more so than I ever thought possible. Some of the words were new to me so I looked them up in the dictionary as well. There was some history that I also looked up. I am glad I took extra interest in the details.
I would have lunch with the characters in this book if I could.
October 6, 2016
I'm not sure why, since I was really excited about this one, but it took me a while to get into it. It read like I was starting in the middle of the book. But I stayed with it and it was worth it. Fun steampunk escape. This has 3 stories in it; I liked the last 2 best.
March 14, 2016
Distracting Typos
I enjoyed this book but the typos were a bit distracting; "led" was consistently misspelled "lead" and Mr Kelly's name seemed to change every other occurrence.
I enjoyed this book but the typos were a bit distracting; "led" was consistently misspelled "lead" and Mr Kelly's name seemed to change every other occurrence.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews