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Steampunk Omnibus
The Steampunk Omnibus is a collection of the best-selling titles from the Collected Bartleby and James Adventures and the Gentlewoman's Chronicles anthologies of steampunk mystery and thriller fiction. These seven stories build a world of Edwardian adventure in a galvanic century.
These seven novelettes are:
AND THEY CALLED HER SPIDER
Steampunk London is in the grip of an unstoppable assassin known only as the Spider, and consulting detectives James Wainwright and Alton Bartleby have been commissioned to catch her. Can the surly inventor and savvy gentleman track her down and stop her string of murders, or will Queen Victoria be her next victim?
MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE RIO GRANDE
Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner Alton Bartleby can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCISSORMAN
Consulting detectives Alton Bartleby and James Wainwright have been hired to stop the Scissorman, a nightmarish serial killer. Can they track him down despite obstruction from Scotland Yard, or will the vicious killer turn more of London's children into orphans?
A MATTER OF SPIRIT
Inventive genius James Wainwright has been retained to advocate for Bryce, an old friend, a con-man accused of kidnapping his partner, who maintains that she was spirited away by the shades of the dead. James has little use for the fancies of spiritualism, but can he put his prejudices aside and clear Bryce's name, or will his old friend go to the gallows?
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 rain forest. 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.
These seven novelettes are:
AND THEY CALLED HER SPIDER
Steampunk London is in the grip of an unstoppable assassin known only as the Spider, and consulting detectives James Wainwright and Alton Bartleby have been commissioned to catch her. Can the surly inventor and savvy gentleman track her down and stop her string of murders, or will Queen Victoria be her next victim?
MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE RIO GRANDE
Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner Alton Bartleby can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCISSORMAN
Consulting detectives Alton Bartleby and James Wainwright have been hired to stop the Scissorman, a nightmarish serial killer. Can they track him down despite obstruction from Scotland Yard, or will the vicious killer turn more of London's children into orphans?
A MATTER OF SPIRIT
Inventive genius James Wainwright has been retained to advocate for Bryce, an old friend, a con-man accused of kidnapping his partner, who maintains that she was spirited away by the shades of the dead. James has little use for the fancies of spiritualism, but can he put his prejudices aside and clear Bryce's name, or will his old friend go to the gallows?
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 rain forest. 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.
- GenresSteampunkShort Stories
210 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2012
3 people are currently reading
51 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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 22, 2013
If you're thinking about reading any of the short stories of Michael Coorlim, I sincerely recommend that you get them in this omnibus edition to experience the full journey of Bartleby, James and Aldora in the right order and most importantly one after another. If you like anything at all about the steampunk genre, Victorian era, Sherlock Holmes and/or dynamic posh gentlewomen who also secretly know how to kill you with an umbrella, you WILL love these stories and hold them as dear to your heart as I have this last fortnight.
This was actually so good that I didn't want to finish reading it because I know there isn't any more (yet). I would ready anything that Mr Coorlim writes, his narrative style is both elegant and vicious, graphic, precise, but not overly descriptive. This author gives you exactly what you need in a story with nothing more. It is evident that he is well researched and well read about this time period and his characterisation of both fictional and real characters from the age is well conceived and a delight to read.
The other thing that I really find special about these stories is the fine balance of genuine human emotion set against the fantastical and frankly brutal realities that the characters are facing. I am in love with James Wainwright, now and forever more. I do not say that lightly; his character is so fully formed that I can hear his thoughts in my head even when he's only watching a scene play out. Aldora is a perfect balance of societal representation and true feminine heroism, both elegant and formidable with plenty of class to mask and vindicate her shortcomings. I love how flawed yet capable these characters are, they are totally believable which is rare in what I have read of this genre so far.
The plots of all the stories included in this omnibus get better and better as they go along, revealing incredible and fascinating ideas and introducing brilliant side characters and hints of great revelations (Victor in the Tower and Queen Victoria, for example? Genius, true genius at work there). Coorlim is subtle enough to let you draw your own conclusions without spoonfeeding his own and the beauty of his tales is that they are by no means black and white. If you're looking for action, conflict, heart, drama and thrills, it's all here in every page, come take your pick of emotions as you travel the globe in a stunningly vivid world envisaged by a truly great writer.
This is what steampunk is all about!
This was actually so good that I didn't want to finish reading it because I know there isn't any more (yet). I would ready anything that Mr Coorlim writes, his narrative style is both elegant and vicious, graphic, precise, but not overly descriptive. This author gives you exactly what you need in a story with nothing more. It is evident that he is well researched and well read about this time period and his characterisation of both fictional and real characters from the age is well conceived and a delight to read.
The other thing that I really find special about these stories is the fine balance of genuine human emotion set against the fantastical and frankly brutal realities that the characters are facing. I am in love with James Wainwright, now and forever more. I do not say that lightly; his character is so fully formed that I can hear his thoughts in my head even when he's only watching a scene play out. Aldora is a perfect balance of societal representation and true feminine heroism, both elegant and formidable with plenty of class to mask and vindicate her shortcomings. I love how flawed yet capable these characters are, they are totally believable which is rare in what I have read of this genre so far.
The plots of all the stories included in this omnibus get better and better as they go along, revealing incredible and fascinating ideas and introducing brilliant side characters and hints of great revelations (Victor in the Tower and Queen Victoria, for example? Genius, true genius at work there). Coorlim is subtle enough to let you draw your own conclusions without spoonfeeding his own and the beauty of his tales is that they are by no means black and white. If you're looking for action, conflict, heart, drama and thrills, it's all here in every page, come take your pick of emotions as you travel the globe in a stunningly vivid world envisaged by a truly great writer.
This is what steampunk is all about!
November 25, 2013
Mr. Coorlim's Steampunk Omnibus is chalked full of witty, mysterious, and fascinating stories in his Galvanic Century Series featuring Bartleby, James, and Miss Fiske. I find the Steampunk genre to be fascinating, creative, and unique in ways not many other genres are or can compete to be honest. I've only started reading Steampunk genre this year and it's fast becoming one of my favorite genres. Don't get me wrong I love reading paranormal romance, urban fantasy, fantasy, erotica, contemporary fiction and romance, and historical genres. I think it's the unique way things we use in every day life are turned into steam products. Each and every item we would typically use such as airplanes become airships. I will continue to enjoy Mr. Coorlim's work and look forward to my next reading adventure.
May 13, 2013
Today I've finished reading Michael Coorlim's Steampunk Omnibus, collecting his seven Galvanic Century novelettes, and I have enjoyed it quite a lot.
There is an advantage to reading the Omnibus: the stories are short, and therefore fast-paced, but as far as depth goes, taken individually they may be found lacking. Read all together, however, allows one to see how the style, the tone and the pace improves with each novelette. Moreover, the character development can be appreciated more easily when the cycle is read as a whole.
Regarding the plot, in this book there are indeed two different collections: The Collected Bartleby and James Adventures, and The Gentlewoman's Chronicles.
The first part, The Collected Bartleby and James Adventures, narrates four cases of the nominal duo, Bartleby and James, who together own, or rather are, a detective agency. Bartleby is the real detective in the usual sense of the word: the gentleman Holmes. He's intelligent, quick-witted and extremely proficient in interacting with people. James is a Guild-member, a talented engineer, awkward when dealing with other human beings, and a rather savage fighter.
The four stories pitch them against a number of different enemies, while at the same time serving as an introduction to the steampunk world of the Galvanic Century. In my opinion, the quality of the plots increases with each story, even though I found the Scissorman one specially appealing, due to the advancement in the character of James. A number of surprises are included in the stories. Come to think of it, I specially liked the one in Scissorman, as well.
But if I've liked the Bartleby and James adventures, I've loved the Chronicles of a Gentlewoman. Miss Aldora Fiske, fiancée of Bartleby, is a member of one of the most influential families in English society, and yet at the same time she's closer to the idea of an adventurer than either Bartleby or James are. But while independent and intelligent, she's highly conscious of the social conventions she is subjected to because of her status, to her occasional chagrin.
It is with Aldora's character, however, that lie the most blatant discrepancies, from my point of view. It is curious that, regardless of how autonomous and determined she is pictured as, she has a crush, be it small or large, in each of her three stories. Also, she is full of contradictions: she is always self-conscious of her status and education, while at the same time longing for the freedom of social niceties -and her family- that she cannot have. But mind me, I'm not worried by it all: it makes for a character that, to me, is more interesting than her male counterparts.
In conclusion, I've liked the book quite a lot. Since the seven stories are quite short, they can be read fast and enjoyed even faster. I cannot wait to read the following short novel, March of the Cogsmen, that I have already started.
My review wouldn't be complete, however, if I didn't add a couple of personal details. For a little over a year, I've been writing. Finally writing, I may add, after spending quite some time thinking about it and procrastinating. Now I have finished what amounts to a steampunk webseries that I plan to make public in the near future. And reading Coorlim's stories I have felt inspired; I have seen how one author can believe in what he does and pulls forward, managing to finish stories and publish them. To me, the adventures of Bartleby and James and the chronicles of Aldora Fiske haven't simply been enjoyable stories, they have been encouraging on a personal level.
***
Edited (May 13th) to add: I don't know how I forgot this: I absolutely loved the guest stars in Aldora's first adventure. Who they are, how they are portrayed, and what they do. Just great!
There is an advantage to reading the Omnibus: the stories are short, and therefore fast-paced, but as far as depth goes, taken individually they may be found lacking. Read all together, however, allows one to see how the style, the tone and the pace improves with each novelette. Moreover, the character development can be appreciated more easily when the cycle is read as a whole.
Regarding the plot, in this book there are indeed two different collections: The Collected Bartleby and James Adventures, and The Gentlewoman's Chronicles.
The first part, The Collected Bartleby and James Adventures, narrates four cases of the nominal duo, Bartleby and James, who together own, or rather are, a detective agency. Bartleby is the real detective in the usual sense of the word: the gentleman Holmes. He's intelligent, quick-witted and extremely proficient in interacting with people. James is a Guild-member, a talented engineer, awkward when dealing with other human beings, and a rather savage fighter.
The four stories pitch them against a number of different enemies, while at the same time serving as an introduction to the steampunk world of the Galvanic Century. In my opinion, the quality of the plots increases with each story, even though I found the Scissorman one specially appealing, due to the advancement in the character of James. A number of surprises are included in the stories. Come to think of it, I specially liked the one in Scissorman, as well.
But if I've liked the Bartleby and James adventures, I've loved the Chronicles of a Gentlewoman. Miss Aldora Fiske, fiancée of Bartleby, is a member of one of the most influential families in English society, and yet at the same time she's closer to the idea of an adventurer than either Bartleby or James are. But while independent and intelligent, she's highly conscious of the social conventions she is subjected to because of her status, to her occasional chagrin.
It is with Aldora's character, however, that lie the most blatant discrepancies, from my point of view. It is curious that, regardless of how autonomous and determined she is pictured as, she has a crush, be it small or large, in each of her three stories. Also, she is full of contradictions: she is always self-conscious of her status and education, while at the same time longing for the freedom of social niceties -and her family- that she cannot have. But mind me, I'm not worried by it all: it makes for a character that, to me, is more interesting than her male counterparts.
In conclusion, I've liked the book quite a lot. Since the seven stories are quite short, they can be read fast and enjoyed even faster. I cannot wait to read the following short novel, March of the Cogsmen, that I have already started.
My review wouldn't be complete, however, if I didn't add a couple of personal details. For a little over a year, I've been writing. Finally writing, I may add, after spending quite some time thinking about it and procrastinating. Now I have finished what amounts to a steampunk webseries that I plan to make public in the near future. And reading Coorlim's stories I have felt inspired; I have seen how one author can believe in what he does and pulls forward, managing to finish stories and publish them. To me, the adventures of Bartleby and James and the chronicles of Aldora Fiske haven't simply been enjoyable stories, they have been encouraging on a personal level.
***
Edited (May 13th) to add: I don't know how I forgot this: I absolutely loved the guest stars in Aldora's first adventure. Who they are, how they are portrayed, and what they do. Just great!
July 20, 2016
(Book provided by the author through ARR #1688 in the Making Connections group, in exchange for an honest review.)
3.5 to 4 stars for this book. I definitely advise anyone wanting to discover Michael Coorlim's alternate Victorian world to do so through this omnibus: separately, the stories might seem a little too short, but put together, they form a larger web, whose threads interconnect one narrative after the other. You can also tell that each story gets better than the other, reflecting the author's work in that regard, and this is a process I always find interesting.
The first five stories focus on Alton Bartleby and James Wainwright, two consulting detectives who took a page from Sherlock Holmes and use their complementary talents and skills to solve the mysteries thrown in their way. The last three star Aldora Fiske, who lacks neither courage nor resources. All three face various threats with guts and smart minds, and their adventures are an equal mix of action and late Victorian/early Edwardian decorum. And if you're careful enough, you might even read between the lines quite a few darker revelations.
While Alton is delightful in his manners, and James is quite the badass engineer, I especially liked Aldora's parts, for the added conundrum of having to behave like a lady, when all she wants is to be herself—the reason behind her little arrangement with Alton, in order for her to preserve as much freedom as possible without alienating society. This, for me, accounted for what I thought at first like too fickle a mind regarding other male characters, but turned to be, in fact, quite logical, her engagement being more for show (although there's no doubt Alton and Aldora are good friends no matter what).
The one thing I'd really hold against these stories were their length: some parts, in my opinion, would have fared better with a little more development (especially in the Alton & James stories, in fact). Those "missing details" might be addressed in other, individual stories that aren't in this omnibus, though, in which case reading them could prove useful. As it stands, they were just the little thing that I kept on looking for, and couldn't find. Overall, though, this omnibus was a really pleasant read.
3.5 to 4 stars for this book. I definitely advise anyone wanting to discover Michael Coorlim's alternate Victorian world to do so through this omnibus: separately, the stories might seem a little too short, but put together, they form a larger web, whose threads interconnect one narrative after the other. You can also tell that each story gets better than the other, reflecting the author's work in that regard, and this is a process I always find interesting.
The first five stories focus on Alton Bartleby and James Wainwright, two consulting detectives who took a page from Sherlock Holmes and use their complementary talents and skills to solve the mysteries thrown in their way. The last three star Aldora Fiske, who lacks neither courage nor resources. All three face various threats with guts and smart minds, and their adventures are an equal mix of action and late Victorian/early Edwardian decorum. And if you're careful enough, you might even read between the lines quite a few darker revelations.
While Alton is delightful in his manners, and James is quite the badass engineer, I especially liked Aldora's parts, for the added conundrum of having to behave like a lady, when all she wants is to be herself—the reason behind her little arrangement with Alton, in order for her to preserve as much freedom as possible without alienating society. This, for me, accounted for what I thought at first like too fickle a mind regarding other male characters, but turned to be, in fact, quite logical, her engagement being more for show (although there's no doubt Alton and Aldora are good friends no matter what).
The one thing I'd really hold against these stories were their length: some parts, in my opinion, would have fared better with a little more development (especially in the Alton & James stories, in fact). Those "missing details" might be addressed in other, individual stories that aren't in this omnibus, though, in which case reading them could prove useful. As it stands, they were just the little thing that I kept on looking for, and couldn't find. Overall, though, this omnibus was a really pleasant read.
August 9, 2014
Michael Coorlim's Steampunk Ominibus is a fabulous read. It's a set of short stories that have the feel of maybe a single season of a television show. Each short story resolves a case, but the author continues to build the world and the characters' relationships throughout the stories. The Omnibus is very well put together in a nice chronological order.
Coorlim's writing, particularly the imagery is great: "Dark shapes drifted through the ochre industrial smog like great birds of prey, drifting past one another before belching forth their dazzling coloured lights." That's just good stuff. I was also hooked within the first few pages when James introduced a Detoxification Apparatus for an opiate-addicted illusionist.
And, I absolutely have to brag on the fact that this is PURE steampunk. The author calls it Galvanic Century, which was new to me, but very enjoyable. There are no aliens or fantasy creatures. The introduction by the author puts it best: "The technology focuses less on steamtech and more on other forms of early 20th century science - galvanic energy, N-rays, difference engines. Aside from the pseudoscience there aren't any "magic" or "supernatural" elements to the series. ...I'm pleased with where that limitation has lead my creativity." And, I absolutely agree - the creative twists to some of the stories makes the series. For me, it's steampunk at its best.
The main characters, Bartleby and James, are witty and intelligent. They are well-developed throughout the stories, and added characters continue to play roles in the following stories. I am eager to see Mr. Coorlim come out with a full-length work with these characters. In the meantime, steampunk fans will love the short stories, they are great weekend reads, or to get your steampunk fix between reads in other genres.
Coorlim's writing, particularly the imagery is great: "Dark shapes drifted through the ochre industrial smog like great birds of prey, drifting past one another before belching forth their dazzling coloured lights." That's just good stuff. I was also hooked within the first few pages when James introduced a Detoxification Apparatus for an opiate-addicted illusionist.
And, I absolutely have to brag on the fact that this is PURE steampunk. The author calls it Galvanic Century, which was new to me, but very enjoyable. There are no aliens or fantasy creatures. The introduction by the author puts it best: "The technology focuses less on steamtech and more on other forms of early 20th century science - galvanic energy, N-rays, difference engines. Aside from the pseudoscience there aren't any "magic" or "supernatural" elements to the series. ...I'm pleased with where that limitation has lead my creativity." And, I absolutely agree - the creative twists to some of the stories makes the series. For me, it's steampunk at its best.
The main characters, Bartleby and James, are witty and intelligent. They are well-developed throughout the stories, and added characters continue to play roles in the following stories. I am eager to see Mr. Coorlim come out with a full-length work with these characters. In the meantime, steampunk fans will love the short stories, they are great weekend reads, or to get your steampunk fix between reads in other genres.
April 8, 2015
It took me a while but I finally finished this book. It was my first read of the steampunk genre and while I wasn't sure at first on whether or not I'd stick with it I'm beyond glad I did as this was one of the best books I have read in a while. First off, if your going to read your very first steampunk book, I would say look no further then this one. This book is a combination of stories in the Galvanic Century Series which includes books 1 through 7. I will rate and give brief thoughts on each story but let me first state how I felt about the book overall. As I said I had never read a Steampunk book before but having read this I couldn't have been more pleased to have given it a shot as it was a delightful breath of fresh air, almost like a new source of air I'd never breathed in before. Each story tells of the adventures of one James Wainwright and Alton Bartleby. Right away I felt the duo reminded me of Sherlock Holmes and Watson in fact they even work along Scotland Yard. Both are hard driven and elegant workaholics but be rest assured they are damn good at what they do. Like Holmes and Watson they are both quick to examine things, they don't rule out evidence, suspects or even those close to the case. They are fun and engaging characters which I immediately picked up on and this was the first reason I enjoyed the book so much. I feel if you can't really get a read on a character or enjoy what they do or how they do it then perhaps a book isn't for you. This was the opposite as I enjoyed both characters mostly Bartleby as he was funny, serious and attentive all at the same time. There was also Alton's fiance Aldora Fiske who had her own stories toward the end and while she is enjoyable too I found her to be annoying and unbearable at certain times.
I loved the way certain things were told as the detail to explain things are spot on and given I didn't know much about steampunk, details needed to be spot on and indeed they were. The author Michael Coorlim does a wonderful job in explaining mechanisms and trickets of the Steampunk world that I would have otherwise have been lost had he not described them so well. Another thing I found interesting about this book was that like television crime shows you get a certain amount of suspects and you turn each page thinking who did what and who was involved and you wonder who did it. The only difference is television shows don't have these two characters leading the investigation. I was stumped and surprised quite a few times at the reveal of the masterminds behind some of the crimes within the stories. Now I will rate and review each story.
AND THEY CALLED HER SPIDER- 5 Stars
An assassin simply known as the spider is taking the London streets by storm as James and Bartleby must find her and stop her. As the first story is the series this was great. It was the perfect example and description of how steampunk works and what it is. As someone who was pretty clueless going in, this story helped me understand. The spider is a woman and shes very quick, sly and precise..almost unhumanlike..I don't do spoilers but I'll leave that as is. I loved how the duo didn't back down even knowing this spider could very well kill them. A great starter story.
Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande- 4 Stars
Think NCIS but only with Steampunk themes. This one was a bit slower then the first when it came down to me getting into it but it does pick up and when it did I was glued in and reading on in wonder as to who on the ship murdered a crew member. At first James is accused but he quickly rebuffs the claims and sets out to find out who the real murderer is. A great story and solid for a story to which you learn about how ships work and ship jargon as well.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCISSORMAN- 5 Stars
The duo must try to stop a nightmarish serial killer. Right away I was thinking a Jack the Ripper meets Sweeney Todd type of character boy was I wrong. The scissorman is a mechanism made of flesh and well it's hard to explain but I assure you he's not human. He was described wonderfully in detail for me to get a great visual of what I saw him as in my mind but then an actual picture is shown (yay!) and sure enough it was as I thought it was..a vicious mean looking thing that would probably maul me if it existed. Interesting story.
A MATTER OF SPIRIT- 4 Stars
One of James' old friends asks for his help to clear his name accused for kidnapping his partner. Again a bit slow out of the shoot but an overall solid story. I liked this one because given both men are so about work and themselves seeing them defend someone else is a sight you rarely see if you pick up on how they are. So seeing Wainwright try to defend his friend really spoke to me, though don't be fooled as he thought he may have done it. Overall a very well told story.
SKY PIRATES OVER LONDON- 5 Stars
If the title alone wasn't cool enough. It's true to it's name, so imagine Victorian Era/Galvanic style pirates taking over pirate ships only those pirate ships are flying high above the sky instead of sailing the seas. This one does a great job in telling the detail of the luxurious side of steampunk if that makes sense. I found the pirates to be a but dumb and not very witty at times given the era they were in but I guess criminals are alike all over. A very sky high 5!
THE TOWER OF BABBAGE- 4 Stars
This story featured Aldora, Alton's wife as the main character. She goes in search on an expedition to look for a missing motion picture film crew. We are also introduced to a new character a young girl named Penny. All I gotta say about Aldora is she is a very strong woman and she can definitely hold her own. She steps up and really shows that just because your a woman of a wealthy family doesn't mean you can be your own person.
A very strong 4 stars.
FINE YOUNG TURKS- 4 Stars
Aldora accepts a handsome nobleman's invitation to show off the Ottoman Empire and it's reforms. Let me first start by saying this was my least favorite going in. Aldora immediately seemed to pull a 180 but then gos back to her normal self upon finding certain things out. I didn't quite understand all the politics that were being mentioned but you know what? Another reason I enjoyed it. Sure I didn't understand it but that means it's told in intricate detail and if it's that well told, I'm impressed. A twist indeed and a 4 from me.
Overall I loved this book for everything it was about and everything it stands for. It was me expanding my horizons into the world of literature and getting familiar with the interestingly odd yet amazingly wonderful genre that is Steampunk. Again if you want to read your first book within the genre I strongly suggest starting with this book. You get seven great stories, a solid series, well made characters and it keeps you wanting more which any good series should do. I am not a fan of series books but I got to say this book has kept me with an open mind. I will definitely be looking to read the 8th in the series as well as another short I came across at the end of the book. I give a standing ovation to the author Michael Coorlim on writing such a great book and you sir have a new fan and I will definitely be checking out more of your work.
I loved the way certain things were told as the detail to explain things are spot on and given I didn't know much about steampunk, details needed to be spot on and indeed they were. The author Michael Coorlim does a wonderful job in explaining mechanisms and trickets of the Steampunk world that I would have otherwise have been lost had he not described them so well. Another thing I found interesting about this book was that like television crime shows you get a certain amount of suspects and you turn each page thinking who did what and who was involved and you wonder who did it. The only difference is television shows don't have these two characters leading the investigation. I was stumped and surprised quite a few times at the reveal of the masterminds behind some of the crimes within the stories. Now I will rate and review each story.
AND THEY CALLED HER SPIDER- 5 Stars
An assassin simply known as the spider is taking the London streets by storm as James and Bartleby must find her and stop her. As the first story is the series this was great. It was the perfect example and description of how steampunk works and what it is. As someone who was pretty clueless going in, this story helped me understand. The spider is a woman and shes very quick, sly and precise..almost unhumanlike..I don't do spoilers but I'll leave that as is. I loved how the duo didn't back down even knowing this spider could very well kill them. A great starter story.
Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande- 4 Stars
Think NCIS but only with Steampunk themes. This one was a bit slower then the first when it came down to me getting into it but it does pick up and when it did I was glued in and reading on in wonder as to who on the ship murdered a crew member. At first James is accused but he quickly rebuffs the claims and sets out to find out who the real murderer is. A great story and solid for a story to which you learn about how ships work and ship jargon as well.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCISSORMAN- 5 Stars
The duo must try to stop a nightmarish serial killer. Right away I was thinking a Jack the Ripper meets Sweeney Todd type of character boy was I wrong. The scissorman is a mechanism made of flesh and well it's hard to explain but I assure you he's not human. He was described wonderfully in detail for me to get a great visual of what I saw him as in my mind but then an actual picture is shown (yay!) and sure enough it was as I thought it was..a vicious mean looking thing that would probably maul me if it existed. Interesting story.
A MATTER OF SPIRIT- 4 Stars
One of James' old friends asks for his help to clear his name accused for kidnapping his partner. Again a bit slow out of the shoot but an overall solid story. I liked this one because given both men are so about work and themselves seeing them defend someone else is a sight you rarely see if you pick up on how they are. So seeing Wainwright try to defend his friend really spoke to me, though don't be fooled as he thought he may have done it. Overall a very well told story.
SKY PIRATES OVER LONDON- 5 Stars
If the title alone wasn't cool enough. It's true to it's name, so imagine Victorian Era/Galvanic style pirates taking over pirate ships only those pirate ships are flying high above the sky instead of sailing the seas. This one does a great job in telling the detail of the luxurious side of steampunk if that makes sense. I found the pirates to be a but dumb and not very witty at times given the era they were in but I guess criminals are alike all over. A very sky high 5!
THE TOWER OF BABBAGE- 4 Stars
This story featured Aldora, Alton's wife as the main character. She goes in search on an expedition to look for a missing motion picture film crew. We are also introduced to a new character a young girl named Penny. All I gotta say about Aldora is she is a very strong woman and she can definitely hold her own. She steps up and really shows that just because your a woman of a wealthy family doesn't mean you can be your own person.
A very strong 4 stars.
FINE YOUNG TURKS- 4 Stars
Aldora accepts a handsome nobleman's invitation to show off the Ottoman Empire and it's reforms. Let me first start by saying this was my least favorite going in. Aldora immediately seemed to pull a 180 but then gos back to her normal self upon finding certain things out. I didn't quite understand all the politics that were being mentioned but you know what? Another reason I enjoyed it. Sure I didn't understand it but that means it's told in intricate detail and if it's that well told, I'm impressed. A twist indeed and a 4 from me.
Overall I loved this book for everything it was about and everything it stands for. It was me expanding my horizons into the world of literature and getting familiar with the interestingly odd yet amazingly wonderful genre that is Steampunk. Again if you want to read your first book within the genre I strongly suggest starting with this book. You get seven great stories, a solid series, well made characters and it keeps you wanting more which any good series should do. I am not a fan of series books but I got to say this book has kept me with an open mind. I will definitely be looking to read the 8th in the series as well as another short I came across at the end of the book. I give a standing ovation to the author Michael Coorlim on writing such a great book and you sir have a new fan and I will definitely be checking out more of your work.
December 14, 2015
Sherlockian mysteries, Steampunk inventions, stories of daring do
This Steampunk collection shows off various characters in surprising stories. Bartleby resembles a Sherlock Holmes character, but his reckless deeds often belie the mask he shows society, and in the series we learn of his military past. James is his best friend and scientific genius. He demonstrates true skill and engineering genius to save the day when Barleby gets them into trouble. But my favorite character of all the stories is Bartleby's fiancee Aldora Fiske. The stories that feature her character make her shine with daring and intelligence in a time period when women occupied a stilted role defined by Victorian etiquette.
If you enjoy Sherlockian tales, if you relish Steampunk inventions, if you just adore a rousing series of shocking tales of daring do, this omnibus is for you. I'm hooked on these characters. After reading a few episodes, you will be hooked as well.
This Steampunk collection shows off various characters in surprising stories. Bartleby resembles a Sherlock Holmes character, but his reckless deeds often belie the mask he shows society, and in the series we learn of his military past. James is his best friend and scientific genius. He demonstrates true skill and engineering genius to save the day when Barleby gets them into trouble. But my favorite character of all the stories is Bartleby's fiancee Aldora Fiske. The stories that feature her character make her shine with daring and intelligence in a time period when women occupied a stilted role defined by Victorian etiquette.
If you enjoy Sherlockian tales, if you relish Steampunk inventions, if you just adore a rousing series of shocking tales of daring do, this omnibus is for you. I'm hooked on these characters. After reading a few episodes, you will be hooked as well.
Read
November 28, 2015Sherlockian mysteries, Steampunk inventions, stories of daring do
This Steampunk collection shows off various characters in surprising stories. Bartleby resembles a Sherlock Holmes character, but his reckless deeds often belie the mask he shows society, and in the series we learn of his military past. James is his best friend and scientific genius. He demonstrates true skill and engineering genius to save the day when Barleby gets them into trouble. But my favorite character of all the stories is Bartleby's fiancee Aldora Fiske. The stories that feature her character make her shine with daring and intelligence in a time period when women occupied a stilted role defined by Victorian etiquette.
If you enjoy Sherlockian tales, if you relish Steampunk inventions, if you just adore a rousing series of shocking tales of daring do, this omnibus is for you. I'm hooked on these characters. After reading a few episodes, you will be hooked as well.
This Steampunk collection shows off various characters in surprising stories. Bartleby resembles a Sherlock Holmes character, but his reckless deeds often belie the mask he shows society, and in the series we learn of his military past. James is his best friend and scientific genius. He demonstrates true skill and engineering genius to save the day when Barleby gets them into trouble. But my favorite character of all the stories is Bartleby's fiancee Aldora Fiske. The stories that feature her character make her shine with daring and intelligence in a time period when women occupied a stilted role defined by Victorian etiquette.
If you enjoy Sherlockian tales, if you relish Steampunk inventions, if you just adore a rousing series of shocking tales of daring do, this omnibus is for you. I'm hooked on these characters. After reading a few episodes, you will be hooked as well.
October 31, 2013
I received a free copy of this book from the author and it was fabulous! I love when collections of short stories work well together and they meld so well in this work! Little pieces build up throughout until there is this huge reveal that once you find out about it you feel silly for not realizing it previously.
September 27, 2015
Several great steampunk stories in one volume
A really interesting look at an alternative Edwardian London. Reminds me a bit of the bloody red baron. Enjoyed it very much but I wish the stories were a touch longer.
A really interesting look at an alternative Edwardian London. Reminds me a bit of the bloody red baron. Enjoyed it very much but I wish the stories were a touch longer.
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