What do you think?
Rate this book
Tweed & Nightingale Adventures #2
The Osiris Curse
Steampunk Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files with a dash of romantic tension and a large dose of adventure.
When Nikola Tesla is murdered and blueprints for his super weapons are stolen, Tweed and Nightingale are drawn into a global cat and mouse chase with his killers. What's more, it seems that the people who shot Nikola Tesla are the same people responsible for Octavia's mother's disappearance. As the two cases intertwine, Tweed and Nightingale's investigations lead them to a murdered archeologist and a secret society called The Hermetic Order of Set. Fleeing the cult's wrath, they go undercover on the luxury airship, The Albion, setting out on her maiden voyage to Tutankhamen's View, a five star hotel built in the hollowed-out and refurbished Great Pyramid of Giza.
In Egypt, the duo begin to unravel the terrible truth behind Tesla's death, a secret so earth-shattering that if revealed it would mean rewriting the entire history of the world. But if the cult's plans aren't stopped, Britain may lose the future.
When Nikola Tesla is murdered and blueprints for his super weapons are stolen, Tweed and Nightingale are drawn into a global cat and mouse chase with his killers. What's more, it seems that the people who shot Nikola Tesla are the same people responsible for Octavia's mother's disappearance. As the two cases intertwine, Tweed and Nightingale's investigations lead them to a murdered archeologist and a secret society called The Hermetic Order of Set. Fleeing the cult's wrath, they go undercover on the luxury airship, The Albion, setting out on her maiden voyage to Tutankhamen's View, a five star hotel built in the hollowed-out and refurbished Great Pyramid of Giza.
In Egypt, the duo begin to unravel the terrible truth behind Tesla's death, a secret so earth-shattering that if revealed it would mean rewriting the entire history of the world. But if the cult's plans aren't stopped, Britain may lose the future.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Paul Crilley
51 books203 followersPaul Crilley (who also writes thrillers under the pseudonym Paul Herron) has been writing professionally for the past 20 years. In that time, he has worked on over twenty-seven television shows - one of which was nominated for an iEmmy - as a head-writer, writer, script editor, and story-liner.
His Delphic Division series, Poison City and the sequel Clockwork City, (written as Paul Crilley), about a supernatural police force based in Durban, South Africa, is in development as a television series with Jerry Bruckheimer Productions and CBS. Paul worked on the Bioware MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic and has also written comics for IDW, (most notably, Star Wars Adventures, and The X-Files)
Over the years, Paul has worked with Marvel, 20th Century Fox Television, NBC Universal, Anonymous Content, Krysten Ritter’s production company Silent Machine, Disney, the SyFy Channel, and IDW comics. He has written twelve novels, worked on five computer games, and also novelized Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear for Marvel.
His new thriller Breakout, (written as Paul Herron), comes out in 2021 from Headline (UK) and Grand Central Press (US).
His Delphic Division series, Poison City and the sequel Clockwork City, (written as Paul Crilley), about a supernatural police force based in Durban, South Africa, is in development as a television series with Jerry Bruckheimer Productions and CBS. Paul worked on the Bioware MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic and has also written comics for IDW, (most notably, Star Wars Adventures, and The X-Files)
Over the years, Paul has worked with Marvel, 20th Century Fox Television, NBC Universal, Anonymous Content, Krysten Ritter’s production company Silent Machine, Disney, the SyFy Channel, and IDW comics. He has written twelve novels, worked on five computer games, and also novelized Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear for Marvel.
His new thriller Breakout, (written as Paul Herron), comes out in 2021 from Headline (UK) and Grand Central Press (US).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 3, 2015
3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
The Osiris Curse is an interesting novel. I think reading this one has made me develop a new appreciation for Pyr's Young Adult titles, as I've noticed they are typically more offbeat and original. Which is great for me, since I'm always on the lookout for YA books that do things a little differently!
I was also drawn to this book immediately because of its tagline: "Steampunk Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files", with plenty of action-adventure and ancient Egypt to boot. The Osiris Curse is actually the second book of the Tweed and Nightingale Adventures series, but nothing prevents it from being a good starting point even if you are new to these books, like I was.
The story is set in an alternate Victorian England, starring two teenagers who work for the secretive government agency called the Ministry in the Queen's service. Sebastian Tweed, whose history is a conundrum which I won't go into for fear of giving away any revelations from the first book, is dealing with some issues from his past, and his friend Octavia Nightingale is on the trail to find her missing mother.
This case ultimately leads them to something much bigger, when their investigations reveal that the brilliant scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla has been murdered, his blueprints for super weapons stolen. Tweed and Nightingale's hunt for the killers is just the beginning to an adventure of epic proportions, involving secret cults, travel to exotic places, and the discovery of a threat that could change the face of the world.
The plot is actually quite enjoyable in its simplicity and straight-forward nature, making me feel that in some ways The Osiris Curse reads like a middle-grade or early-teens novel. Nevertheless, I had a hard time trying to pin down the perfect target audience. The story itself is pure fun and fantastical adventure, which should appeal to younger readers who will like a fast-paced, action-filled journey across the globe and beyond. But at the same time, I was a little surprised to discover that the main characters are in their late teens, practically considered adults in that particular era, and their dialogue and mannerisms seem skewed towards the older side. Overcoming and resolving this disparity in my mind was perhaps the biggest challenge for me, and I think overall this might make it tougher for the book to "click" with everyone.
Still, Tweed and Nightingale themselves are very charming and likeable, their back-and-forth dialogue witty and fun to follow. There's also a hint of a budding romance forming between them, which is starting off on the right foot, very sweet and cute! The two of them are a good fit, their personalities playing off each other perfectly, creating interesting situations and dynamics.
What's interesting though, is that I didn't find out until after finishing the book that the author Paul Crilley spent a year writing for one of my favorite video games, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Star Wars: The Old Republic, and it made me see a couple aspects of the book in a whole different light. One of the main features in SWTOR involves your character's "light" or "dark" side alignment, determined based on your moral choices in game. These choices in turn add new dimensions to your personal class story, and I have to wonder if Crilley aimed for a similar effect in The Osiris Curse by making Tweed ponder some rather difficult moral questions. Regardless, they should make for some good discussion points for young readers.
If you ask me, this would probably be best enjoyed by children in the ages 10-12 range. Though it may occupy a narrow niche, I really do hope this book finds its audience; it's entertaining and good fun, with the promise of much more excitement to come for our two brave protagonists.
The Osiris Curse is an interesting novel. I think reading this one has made me develop a new appreciation for Pyr's Young Adult titles, as I've noticed they are typically more offbeat and original. Which is great for me, since I'm always on the lookout for YA books that do things a little differently!
I was also drawn to this book immediately because of its tagline: "Steampunk Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files", with plenty of action-adventure and ancient Egypt to boot. The Osiris Curse is actually the second book of the Tweed and Nightingale Adventures series, but nothing prevents it from being a good starting point even if you are new to these books, like I was.
The story is set in an alternate Victorian England, starring two teenagers who work for the secretive government agency called the Ministry in the Queen's service. Sebastian Tweed, whose history is a conundrum which I won't go into for fear of giving away any revelations from the first book, is dealing with some issues from his past, and his friend Octavia Nightingale is on the trail to find her missing mother.
This case ultimately leads them to something much bigger, when their investigations reveal that the brilliant scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla has been murdered, his blueprints for super weapons stolen. Tweed and Nightingale's hunt for the killers is just the beginning to an adventure of epic proportions, involving secret cults, travel to exotic places, and the discovery of a threat that could change the face of the world.
The plot is actually quite enjoyable in its simplicity and straight-forward nature, making me feel that in some ways The Osiris Curse reads like a middle-grade or early-teens novel. Nevertheless, I had a hard time trying to pin down the perfect target audience. The story itself is pure fun and fantastical adventure, which should appeal to younger readers who will like a fast-paced, action-filled journey across the globe and beyond. But at the same time, I was a little surprised to discover that the main characters are in their late teens, practically considered adults in that particular era, and their dialogue and mannerisms seem skewed towards the older side. Overcoming and resolving this disparity in my mind was perhaps the biggest challenge for me, and I think overall this might make it tougher for the book to "click" with everyone.
Still, Tweed and Nightingale themselves are very charming and likeable, their back-and-forth dialogue witty and fun to follow. There's also a hint of a budding romance forming between them, which is starting off on the right foot, very sweet and cute! The two of them are a good fit, their personalities playing off each other perfectly, creating interesting situations and dynamics.
What's interesting though, is that I didn't find out until after finishing the book that the author Paul Crilley spent a year writing for one of my favorite video games, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Star Wars: The Old Republic, and it made me see a couple aspects of the book in a whole different light. One of the main features in SWTOR involves your character's "light" or "dark" side alignment, determined based on your moral choices in game. These choices in turn add new dimensions to your personal class story, and I have to wonder if Crilley aimed for a similar effect in The Osiris Curse by making Tweed ponder some rather difficult moral questions. Regardless, they should make for some good discussion points for young readers.
If you ask me, this would probably be best enjoyed by children in the ages 10-12 range. Though it may occupy a narrow niche, I really do hope this book finds its audience; it's entertaining and good fun, with the promise of much more excitement to come for our two brave protagonists.
October 21, 2013
This was my first short review for CCLaP, as well as my first-ever provided-by-the-publisher ARC. I would give this a solid 3.5 if GR would allow such things but will settle for elaborating on my original review at some point in the undefined future.
October 20, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
Note: What follows is a review of two books, The Lazarus Machine and The Osiris Curse. I have chosen to review them together because I read them back to back on a weekend trip and there really isn’t enough to differentiate them into separate reviews.
The rules of steampunk are simple.
1. Set the story in Victorian England.
2. Put a slightly askew male character together with an all-to-aware plucky female character.
3. Have them solve a mystery that involves secret plots against The Empire.
4. Choose one or more of the following: Zombies, Mummys, Secret Societies, Vampires, and any literary characters that fit the time period you want.
Not groundbreaking, but not meant to be. Serial fiction with some by-the-numbers plots, full of adventure and banter. I can’t imagine anyone being fooled going in as to what they are going to get here, so why judge it for anything other than what it is supposed to be?
Tweed is a socially awkward teen genius that helps his dad pull cons off. Nightingale is low rung journalist searching for clues as to where her mother has gone. When Tweed’s dad is taken by what appears to be a once thought dead Moriarty fate works to bring these two unlikely partners together. Learning that they work well together, they fight, search and flirt their way through two books of adventure.
So the question is how well does the book do what its purpose seems to suggest? Does it provide entertaining escapism? Does the dynamic duo work well together and have a good line of banter? (Yes, I consider banter a requirement). I am a person who believes if I enjoy a book it is not a waste of time, no matter how light and fluffy, and for both books in this series I found myself entertained plenty.
What drives the series so far is Tweed and Nightingale as a duo. The series does a little better than some in establishing that the feminist rights movement has a good foothold in this alt world, so Nightingale’s awareness and ability to move within the world is a little less out of place than some Victorian fantasy tales. Tweed is suitable strange and in one facet surprisingly realistic; he is plenty confident in himself, even arrogant at times, yet finds him second guessing himself when in social situations. The pair provides the banter I love, perhaps a little too snappy under duress situations, but that is to be expected. They take turns rescuing each other, switch roles as mastermind of the operations, and in short just WORK. Their requisite romantic feelings are played just enough to be interesting without ever getting in the way of the rest of the story. The second book especially played it well, with some well-timed white knight comments made in relation to both of them.
Plot wise The Lazarus Machine was a better book. It had its share of WTF moments, with an eleven year old hacker really raising my eyebrows (yes, computers ran by punchcards). But it was set up quickly, introducing us to all the various influences that are canon in this alt-world. Tesla machines and Sherlock Holmes are almost assured in the genre; also present is Gibson’s Difference Engine and Frankenstein and his works. The dynamic duo find a plot against the queen, learn of a machine that can move a person’s soul, and of course end up saving the day. (Spoiler? Of course it is, but if you didn’t know it was coming by the end of the book I can’t help you).
The Osiris Curse was a bit weaker. Same fun ideas, same dynamic due, but not as interesting in plot. A missing Egyptologist may have stumbled on a secret that could change everything. Tesla is murdered in his lab. And Tweed and Nightingale stumble into yet another plot against the Empire. This time the team will follow the trail to Egypt, and then into the center of the world. The details were even more farfetched; coincidences came a bit too often, and major characters were painfully clueless at times. But it did have lizard men, so that could be a selling point for some. Not a bad book, it follows the same formula that made the first book endearing. Just not as good in my mind.
Chances are if you have read much steampunk you have a read a book just like these. George Mann, Philippa Balantine, and even Gail Carriger (with a bit more romance) have all written something with this formula. But if this is the kind of thing you like give it a run. It certainly worked for me, and made my down time this weekend fly.
4 stars –The Lazarus Machine
3 stars- The Osiris Curse
Note: What follows is a review of two books, The Lazarus Machine and The Osiris Curse. I have chosen to review them together because I read them back to back on a weekend trip and there really isn’t enough to differentiate them into separate reviews.
The rules of steampunk are simple.
1. Set the story in Victorian England.
2. Put a slightly askew male character together with an all-to-aware plucky female character.
3. Have them solve a mystery that involves secret plots against The Empire.
4. Choose one or more of the following: Zombies, Mummys, Secret Societies, Vampires, and any literary characters that fit the time period you want.
Not groundbreaking, but not meant to be. Serial fiction with some by-the-numbers plots, full of adventure and banter. I can’t imagine anyone being fooled going in as to what they are going to get here, so why judge it for anything other than what it is supposed to be?
Tweed is a socially awkward teen genius that helps his dad pull cons off. Nightingale is low rung journalist searching for clues as to where her mother has gone. When Tweed’s dad is taken by what appears to be a once thought dead Moriarty fate works to bring these two unlikely partners together. Learning that they work well together, they fight, search and flirt their way through two books of adventure.
So the question is how well does the book do what its purpose seems to suggest? Does it provide entertaining escapism? Does the dynamic duo work well together and have a good line of banter? (Yes, I consider banter a requirement). I am a person who believes if I enjoy a book it is not a waste of time, no matter how light and fluffy, and for both books in this series I found myself entertained plenty.
What drives the series so far is Tweed and Nightingale as a duo. The series does a little better than some in establishing that the feminist rights movement has a good foothold in this alt world, so Nightingale’s awareness and ability to move within the world is a little less out of place than some Victorian fantasy tales. Tweed is suitable strange and in one facet surprisingly realistic; he is plenty confident in himself, even arrogant at times, yet finds him second guessing himself when in social situations. The pair provides the banter I love, perhaps a little too snappy under duress situations, but that is to be expected. They take turns rescuing each other, switch roles as mastermind of the operations, and in short just WORK. Their requisite romantic feelings are played just enough to be interesting without ever getting in the way of the rest of the story. The second book especially played it well, with some well-timed white knight comments made in relation to both of them.
Plot wise The Lazarus Machine was a better book. It had its share of WTF moments, with an eleven year old hacker really raising my eyebrows (yes, computers ran by punchcards). But it was set up quickly, introducing us to all the various influences that are canon in this alt-world. Tesla machines and Sherlock Holmes are almost assured in the genre; also present is Gibson’s Difference Engine and Frankenstein and his works. The dynamic duo find a plot against the queen, learn of a machine that can move a person’s soul, and of course end up saving the day. (Spoiler? Of course it is, but if you didn’t know it was coming by the end of the book I can’t help you).
The Osiris Curse was a bit weaker. Same fun ideas, same dynamic due, but not as interesting in plot. A missing Egyptologist may have stumbled on a secret that could change everything. Tesla is murdered in his lab. And Tweed and Nightingale stumble into yet another plot against the Empire. This time the team will follow the trail to Egypt, and then into the center of the world. The details were even more farfetched; coincidences came a bit too often, and major characters were painfully clueless at times. But it did have lizard men, so that could be a selling point for some. Not a bad book, it follows the same formula that made the first book endearing. Just not as good in my mind.
Chances are if you have read much steampunk you have a read a book just like these. George Mann, Philippa Balantine, and even Gail Carriger (with a bit more romance) have all written something with this formula. But if this is the kind of thing you like give it a run. It certainly worked for me, and made my down time this weekend fly.
4 stars –The Lazarus Machine
3 stars- The Osiris Curse
October 18, 2013
The Osiris Curse is the second book in Paul Crilley’s YA steampunk series TWEED AND NIGHTINGALE. While much of this fast-paced adventure seemed obviously borrowed from works like the Librarian movies, Doctor Who and even China Mieville’s book The Scar, the two protagonists are charming and the story moves along at a good clip. Crilley raises some moral questions that should make early-high-school aged readers think.
Sebastian Tweed and Octavia Nightingale are two young people who have been taken under the wing of Queen Victoria’s mysterious Ministry. Tweed’s father was a con-artist who taught his son the trade, but there was a secret to Sebastian’s identity, and its revelation (in the first book) has left young Tweed questioning his purpose and his existence. Octavia, who works for the London Times as a researcher and cub reporter is searching ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Sebastian Tweed and Octavia Nightingale are two young people who have been taken under the wing of Queen Victoria’s mysterious Ministry. Tweed’s father was a con-artist who taught his son the trade, but there was a secret to Sebastian’s identity, and its revelation (in the first book) has left young Tweed questioning his purpose and his existence. Octavia, who works for the London Times as a researcher and cub reporter is searching ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
August 31, 2021
*3.5 stars*
The book did not reach my expectations, from the title I thought the book will be about an ancient curse related to Osiris, but the title was not even related to the concept at all, also the cover isn't pretty, I favor more of an artistic cover, not a "picture" cover.
Also, the main idea that lizard people lived underground and they needed revenge, etc is not what I expected the book to be at all. It cant top The Lazarus Machine, although I would love to read another book in this series, also the conflicts were solved easily, the main conflict of Octavia's mother's disappearance was just solved on a platter of gold.
I was also shocked when both Octavia and Tweed died, and my favorite part is when they kissed.
The book did not reach my expectations, from the title I thought the book will be about an ancient curse related to Osiris, but the title was not even related to the concept at all, also the cover isn't pretty, I favor more of an artistic cover, not a "picture" cover.
Also, the main idea that lizard people lived underground and they needed revenge, etc is not what I expected the book to be at all. It cant top The Lazarus Machine, although I would love to read another book in this series, also the conflicts were solved easily, the main conflict of Octavia's mother's disappearance was just solved on a platter of gold.
I was also shocked when both Octavia and Tweed died, and my favorite part is when they kissed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
~3.5 stars~
What I loved mostly was Tweed and Octavia; their personalities, connection with one another and the
battle of wits ❤
Certain interesting and captivating adventures.
However quite descriptive scenes (makes u wanna skim) in many places.
The side characters in previous book are hardly or not at all mentioned in this book. They should have been. And why didn't Tweed and his father have “the talk” about his birth...? Hmm. Few things felt lacking. But anyway! Enjoyable read
What I loved mostly was Tweed and Octavia; their personalities, connection with one another and the
battle of wits ❤
Certain interesting and captivating adventures.
However quite descriptive scenes (makes u wanna skim) in many places.
The side characters in previous book are hardly or not at all mentioned in this book. They should have been. And why didn't Tweed and his father have “the talk” about his birth...? Hmm. Few things felt lacking. But anyway! Enjoyable read
November 5, 2018
If you're, really, curious about what happened to Tweed and Nightingale, you should read it.
If you're not, but still want to, the book is kinda... a drag to read.
The story goes somewhere and has a nice few scenes but it gets a bit cringy on some parts.
If you're not, but still want to, the book is kinda... a drag to read.
The story goes somewhere and has a nice few scenes but it gets a bit cringy on some parts.
October 25, 2020
Tweed is Sherlock Holmes soul grown 17 years clone, seeking own soul, unsure of warmth for "Songbird" 18 reporter for Times. She seeks mum, leads to Tesla lab underground, Egypt snake gods, much death.
Typos: 17.20 create IS crate
1.3 is drops IS it drops
Typos: 17.20 create IS crate
1.3 is drops IS it drops
May 20, 2017
good story...
September 16, 2019
A really fun great steampunk adventure really enjoyed it and may check out the rest of this series
January 7, 2020
Maybe 3.5?
The only reason I read this was because I bought it with the first book at a book fair and it would be a waste to leave a book unread.
I didn't really enjoy the first book so I came in without any expectations. This, I found out, was a good thing because I was able to enjoy this one a little bit more. I think?
For me, Tweed was still the memeable version of Sherlock Holmes - much like how Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed him in Sherlock. But, of course, the characterization and Cumberbatch's interpretation in the BBC adaptation was way better than this book.
There were a lot of typos and there was a even a part where they put Jan 10 and Feb 10 for the Albion's departure in consecutive pages. That, for me, was subpar editing.
Octavia's father was only seen at the end of the book kind of like an afterthought. Using the term "death ray" felt like an elementary school kid thought of it. H.G. Wells was dragged into the world too.
The romance was okay, I guess, until that epilogue. It reminded me of that meme of making two characters kiss forcibly.
The only reason I read this was because I bought it with the first book at a book fair and it would be a waste to leave a book unread.
I didn't really enjoy the first book so I came in without any expectations. This, I found out, was a good thing because I was able to enjoy this one a little bit more. I think?
For me, Tweed was still the memeable version of Sherlock Holmes - much like how Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed him in Sherlock. But, of course, the characterization and Cumberbatch's interpretation in the BBC adaptation was way better than this book.
There were a lot of typos and there was a even a part where they put Jan 10 and Feb 10 for the Albion's departure in consecutive pages. That, for me, was subpar editing.
Octavia's father was only seen at the end of the book kind of like an afterthought. Using the term "death ray" felt like an elementary school kid thought of it. H.G. Wells was dragged into the world too.
The romance was okay, I guess, until that epilogue. It reminded me of that meme of making two characters kiss forcibly.
December 27, 2013
Today’s post is on The Osiris Curse by Paul Crilley. It is the second in his Tweed & Nightingale series. It is 286 pages long and is published by PYR. The cover has the two main characters looking cool and steampunky with flying machines, pyramids, and with an evil looking mummy in the background. The intended reader is young adult but again if you read the first one and liked it then you like this one. The story is told from third person close moving from Tweed to Nightingale from chapter to chapter. There is no sex, mild language, and mild violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the dust jacket- When Nikola Tesla is murdered and blue prints for his super weapons are stolen, Sebastian Tweed and Octavia Nightingale are drawn into a global cat and mouse chase with his killers. What’s more, it seems that the people who shot Tesla are the same people responsible for Octavia’s mother’s disappearance. As the two cases intertwine, Tweed and Nightingale’s investigations lead them to a murdered archeologist and a secret society called The Hermetic Order of Osiris. Fleeing the cult’s wrath, they go undercover on The Albion, a luxury airship setting out on her maiden voyage to Tutankhamen’s View, a five star hotel built in the hollowed out and refurbished Great Pyramid of Giza.
In Egypt, the duo begins to unravel the terrible truth behind Tesla’s death, a secret so earth shattering that is revealed it would mean rewriting the entire history of the world. But if the cult’s plans aren’t stopped, Britain may lose the future.
Review- I was very excited about this book and Crilley did not let me down. The plot picks up not long after the end of the first novel. With Tweed still dealing that he is Sherlock Holmes reborn and Nightingale still looking for her mother. The investigation starts with H. G. Wells’ stolen invisible device and ends up with a secret underworld of intelligent reptiles. I liked that we got to spend more time with Nightingale in this volume and I hope that continues in next book whenever that is going to be. The dialog between Tweed and Nightingale was still funny and good, the action scenes were bit more fun I think. I think that is because there was more time. In the first novel Tweed and Nightingale were moving against a clock that was winning but I did not feel that way in this one. I hope that Crilley is working on the third novel because I want to see where he is going. Tweed was finally starting to both deal with being Sherlock Holmes and accepting that he is himself and good enough. I look forward to more and hopefully soon.
I give this book a Five out Five Stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
February 24, 2017
great book
March 29, 2014
Exactly as the two star rating implies, The Osiris Curse is an ok book. Nothing special, not terrible, but nothing I need to ever read again. Part of my response might have to do with the fact that I did not have the opportunity to read the first book in the series so I did not have the same level of emotional attachment to the characters as other readers who had started with book 1 may have had. Tweed was only interesting as a character because he was riding on the coattails of Sherlock Holmes, and I never managed to connect with Nightingale.
I did like how the steampunk elements felt like an intrinsic part of the world. Several steampunk books I've read had felt like the steampunk bits were added on as an afterthought, so it was nice to see a series in which the book actually was steampunk.
Honestly, much of the book felt ridiculous, and not in a good way. So much was borrowed from famous historical figures or books (Tesla, Sherlock Holmes, and Journey to the Center of the Earth to name the most obviously borrowed) that it was hard for me to really step back and enjoy this book on its own. A decent YA book, but not recommended for hardcore steampunk, fantasy, or science fiction fans.
I did like how the steampunk elements felt like an intrinsic part of the world. Several steampunk books I've read had felt like the steampunk bits were added on as an afterthought, so it was nice to see a series in which the book actually was steampunk.
Honestly, much of the book felt ridiculous, and not in a good way. So much was borrowed from famous historical figures or books (Tesla, Sherlock Holmes, and Journey to the Center of the Earth to name the most obviously borrowed) that it was hard for me to really step back and enjoy this book on its own. A decent YA book, but not recommended for hardcore steampunk, fantasy, or science fiction fans.
December 10, 2014
It wasn't as good as the first book but, it's still great! I feel that the characters such as H.G. Wells and Nikola Tesla are just mentioned to make things interesting. There isn't much interaction with these really interesting characters! If they were more involved with our two protagonists, then it would have been a lot better. The plot twist was really absolutely great. I was literally wide-eyed when I was introduced to the plot twist. Then toward the end as well, I really thought that was the end. It was great, really great. There better be a third book in the making! I'm looking forward to more adventures of Tweed and Nightingale. Not sure if that last paragraph was a cliffhanger but heck, it already sounds like a really fun adventure! As what Tweed(or Sherlock) would have said, The game's afoot.
January 8, 2014
It took awhile for this book to ramp up. At the beginning, I kind of forgot who the characters were (having read another similar book set in a similar time period with a similar pair of protagonists), and the slow story did not help me get back into the feeling of the setting. However, once the action started to get going and the plot was moving along nicely, everything came back into focus. I suppose it's the nature of the characters that they are at their best only when they are in the thick of things, and that is how I remember them. The plot takes a bizarre right-angled turn midway in, but despite the crazy premise, it kind of ends up working and making the setting that much more unique and well-defined. Overall, this was quite a fun read.
May 5, 2014
A great follow up novel. In this book Tweed and Nightingale head to Egypt in search of Octavia's Mother. What they find is mysterious cults, Terrorists intent on toppling the empire and a race of long hidden lizard men. The story is nonstop action and adventure and will certainly thrill fans of both classic Victorian and modern Science fiction.
Still I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the fist book and I've finally figured out why. There is no mind boggling twist to it. Yes there are surprises, but all told the plot heads in the exact direction that you expect it to. It is a wonderful escape with interesting characters and I will gladly read another book in this series. Especially when the ending has the words stolen Time Machine in it.
Still I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the fist book and I've finally figured out why. There is no mind boggling twist to it. Yes there are surprises, but all told the plot heads in the exact direction that you expect it to. It is a wonderful escape with interesting characters and I will gladly read another book in this series. Especially when the ending has the words stolen Time Machine in it.
September 3, 2016
***Review copy provided by Pyr
***Review posted on Gnostalgia
Barry says — good.
Clearly, The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure is targeted at the younger teenage crowd and should make a good stocking-stuffer this Christmas for the young steampunk enthusiast. Even this 55 year-old enjoyed portions of this book.
It was a pleasant read that made me feel a little nostalgic for Scooby Doo. I imagine that I would have loved this book at age 10. The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure has some cute ideas and dialogue.
I give The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure 3 stars out of 5 and recommend it for the kids.
***Review posted on Gnostalgia
Barry says — good.
Clearly, The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure is targeted at the younger teenage crowd and should make a good stocking-stuffer this Christmas for the young steampunk enthusiast. Even this 55 year-old enjoyed portions of this book.
It was a pleasant read that made me feel a little nostalgic for Scooby Doo. I imagine that I would have loved this book at age 10. The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure has some cute ideas and dialogue.
I give The Osiris Curse: A Tweed & Nightingale Adventure 3 stars out of 5 and recommend it for the kids.
March 28, 2014
Great fun! Less creepy than the first but still very intense. As one of my favorite English teachers would say, this book is pure "brain candy!"
I just love the banter between Tweed and Nightingale. It hardly matters what the plot is about, I just want to hear these two squabble at each other all day long!
I just love the banter between Tweed and Nightingale. It hardly matters what the plot is about, I just want to hear these two squabble at each other all day long!
February 2, 2017
Crilley's plot draws a majority of its inspiration from Jules Vern's: "Journey to the Center of
the Earth."
There is also a strong similarity to Steven Spielberg's: "Young Sherlock Holmes."
Crilley's description of the Hypoboreans reminded me of the campy television show: "Land
of the Lost," and the Sleestack.
A fun Steampunk adventure.
the Earth."
There is also a strong similarity to Steven Spielberg's: "Young Sherlock Holmes."
Crilley's description of the Hypoboreans reminded me of the campy television show: "Land
of the Lost," and the Sleestack.
A fun Steampunk adventure.
April 13, 2015
This was a real disappointment: the mystery / plot is rather poor and linear, the author resorts to deus ex machina in at least 2 cases and there is no character development beyond a basic start of fling.
November 30, 2013
I reviewed this book for the Buried Under Books website. It's great fun and I recommend it. http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/201...
February 4, 2017
These are action packed adventures with steampunk overtones and metaphysical undercurrents. It was a fun read and mentally satisfying though a bit confusing at times! Nightingale and tweed are engaging characters and the end was satisfying on many levels.
November 25, 2013
This series just keeps getting better! Every person I keep recommending this series to, keeps coming back to tell me how much they enjoy it! Great job Paul!
August 26, 2013
Even by young adult standards this is unoriginal and hopelessly patronising to readers.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/0...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/0...
March 24, 2014
sherlock holmes meets classic doctor who. great! can't wait for the next one, write faster please!
September 11, 2016
Loved it!
I read this book in one sitting...
I read this book in one sitting...
July 17, 2014
Loved it! Very original and the writing style was engaging.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews