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Pure Steele
When an aging treasure hunter goes missing in ‘Darkest Africa’, his daughter Eleanor recruits the world’s greatest explorer to hunt him down. Set in 1910, PURE STEELE is the story of a ramshackle expedition into the heart of the Dark Continent, told in its own words. Part satire, part loving homage to pulp adventure, Pure Steele is an illustrated romp that brilliantly captures the spirit of the era with the winking wit of the modern day.
Authored and illustrated by Ariadne MacGillivray and Kim Belair, with additional illustrations by Glenn Belair, Richard Clark, Benjamin Dewey, Karl Kerschl, Stephen Morrow and Brian Patterson.
Authored and illustrated by Ariadne MacGillivray and Kim Belair, with additional illustrations by Glenn Belair, Richard Clark, Benjamin Dewey, Karl Kerschl, Stephen Morrow and Brian Patterson.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2013
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April 24, 2019
1) "'I completed my studies and we all parted ways. I sent and received dozens of letters to my distant friends, saw and enjoyed the company of those who were near, and all the time I made it appear as though I flourished, when all the time I withered in a life swiftly crumbling away.
As for my father, I did not hear from him again until I had already met and fallen in love with James. A world away.
And so here I am again. In Africa, realising with a certain melancholy that I do not feel at-ease, the way I believed I would when I made my return. I thought it would all come back to me, that the skills of the Society would carry me through, but it feels now as though everything I had thought I learned was useless and everything I thought I knew was false. Somehow I am grown and yet feel smaller still, alone and afraid.
How much of my strength was truly his?'"
2) "'Steele, a moment. All this time, I've been writing a story. Primarily, it's been about you and, more broadly, it's been about all of us. Like every good story, there are threads beginning to develop, elements of the narrative that are evolving and changing with time. There is a very strong plot to our particular story, and a number of smaller, secondary plots. Now, I understand that you're rather accustomed to being the protagonist and I'll be the first to admit that I would have put you in that position. You seem a natural fit. But I think what we are learning here tonight and the reason it is quite jarring to the both of us, is that we might have slipped out of the main story.'
Now it was coming together in my mind and I could scarcely help myself.
'Think about it, Steele. From the moment she opened her mouth, that situation and that responsibility was within Eleanor's control. Not because it happened that way accidentally, but because she wanted it that way. She had charge of everything; even Van der Hoven knew it, only he was too proud to admit it in front of his men. She took the butt of a pistol to the cheek and never flinched. She saved our lives because she dared to do something I would never even have devised! That woman, Steele, could be our hero! 'The Unlikely Adventures of Daring Lady Adventurer and Botanist Eleanor Pryce in Darkest Africa featuring the brilliant Eleanor Pryce'. You know, her star is rising and you're very lucky she loves you.'
He paused for some time and then nodded slowly. 'The luckiest man in the world.'
'So make her proud, Steele.' I set my pen down. 'And tell me how we're getting out of here.'
'I'll think of something.'"
As for my father, I did not hear from him again until I had already met and fallen in love with James. A world away.
And so here I am again. In Africa, realising with a certain melancholy that I do not feel at-ease, the way I believed I would when I made my return. I thought it would all come back to me, that the skills of the Society would carry me through, but it feels now as though everything I had thought I learned was useless and everything I thought I knew was false. Somehow I am grown and yet feel smaller still, alone and afraid.
How much of my strength was truly his?'"
2) "'Steele, a moment. All this time, I've been writing a story. Primarily, it's been about you and, more broadly, it's been about all of us. Like every good story, there are threads beginning to develop, elements of the narrative that are evolving and changing with time. There is a very strong plot to our particular story, and a number of smaller, secondary plots. Now, I understand that you're rather accustomed to being the protagonist and I'll be the first to admit that I would have put you in that position. You seem a natural fit. But I think what we are learning here tonight and the reason it is quite jarring to the both of us, is that we might have slipped out of the main story.'
Now it was coming together in my mind and I could scarcely help myself.
'Think about it, Steele. From the moment she opened her mouth, that situation and that responsibility was within Eleanor's control. Not because it happened that way accidentally, but because she wanted it that way. She had charge of everything; even Van der Hoven knew it, only he was too proud to admit it in front of his men. She took the butt of a pistol to the cheek and never flinched. She saved our lives because she dared to do something I would never even have devised! That woman, Steele, could be our hero! 'The Unlikely Adventures of Daring Lady Adventurer and Botanist Eleanor Pryce in Darkest Africa featuring the brilliant Eleanor Pryce'. You know, her star is rising and you're very lucky she loves you.'
He paused for some time and then nodded slowly. 'The luckiest man in the world.'
'So make her proud, Steele.' I set my pen down. 'And tell me how we're getting out of here.'
'I'll think of something.'"
December 23, 2013
I haven’t had the time (or money) to really delve into the graphic novel or comic world. But believe you me if I had it all I’d dive in head first. I think having pictures (and not just the pictures in your own mind) accompany your reading can add so much to the overall reading experience. Maybe its nostalgia from picture books or just the fact that someone is going above and beyond just words to tell the story they want to tell. Either way it’s a win-win scenario. The reason I bring the world of comics and graphic novels up is because PURE STEELE is closely related to the family but also very unique. Speaking of going above and beyond I must comment on how surprised I was when I first received it. I knew the book was different in structure, not really a graphic novel but not just an adult picture book either. Instead I’d describe PURE STEELE as a cleverly made collage of sorts, one that actually uses both words and pictures equally to tell an exciting adventure that I couldn’t quite stop reading. I had no idea exactly what I was going to be reading and I had no idea I’d like it as much as I did. Lucky me!
PURE STEELE is a remarkable tale of one James Alexander Steele. Courageous, handsome, heroic, he’s a very manly man that seems almost god-like. When Eleanor Pryce’s father goes missing on a treasure hunting trip she hires the famous Steele and his many skills to help find out what has become of the poor fellow. The hodgepodge expedition consists of a handful of unforgettable characters that sets out on an adventure that none of them were truly expecting.
I was surprised I didn’t find at least one flawed character. The entire cast all contributed some major or minor part to the plot. And these characters actually become the story-tellers. PURE STEELE is written through letters, journal entries, and posters from the characters themselves which added a lot of fun to the reading experience. Their tone of voice came through with their particular language use and handwriting style which actually helped develop their personalities and distinguish them from just plain, stand-in characters. It was such a delight getting to know these people, not from reading from a normal first or third person point of view, but rather through their own words. It’s a highly creative technique and I loved it!
Each drawing and piece of artwork is smartly chosen to accompany whatever is actually being written on the page. This is why I mentioned above how clever the picture usage is. I’ve never read any book where words and art collaborates so well together. PURE STEELE is sort of like a scrapbook/collage. I actually appreciated the story MORE knowing the authors put so much tender loving care, for lack of better words, into each page. It took my normal author respect level to all new height!
I’m pretty sure the two authors, very nice and funny gals I might add, are working on a sequel to PURE STEELE that I simply cannot wait for. I can be patient though…hopefully =) I think many graphic novel fans will appreciate the differences PURE STEELE has to offer and really enjoy it. For those that do and don’t like graphic novels, are not financially inclined to start their graphic novel passion, or just really enjoy pictures, artwork, and an overall fantastic adventure read I highly recommend! You can’t possibly know how great the book is until you get a copy and discover the layout. Whatever you’re thinking the book is, it’s probably very different. I hope you’ll give in to your curiosity and find out!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
PURE STEELE is a remarkable tale of one James Alexander Steele. Courageous, handsome, heroic, he’s a very manly man that seems almost god-like. When Eleanor Pryce’s father goes missing on a treasure hunting trip she hires the famous Steele and his many skills to help find out what has become of the poor fellow. The hodgepodge expedition consists of a handful of unforgettable characters that sets out on an adventure that none of them were truly expecting.
I was surprised I didn’t find at least one flawed character. The entire cast all contributed some major or minor part to the plot. And these characters actually become the story-tellers. PURE STEELE is written through letters, journal entries, and posters from the characters themselves which added a lot of fun to the reading experience. Their tone of voice came through with their particular language use and handwriting style which actually helped develop their personalities and distinguish them from just plain, stand-in characters. It was such a delight getting to know these people, not from reading from a normal first or third person point of view, but rather through their own words. It’s a highly creative technique and I loved it!
Each drawing and piece of artwork is smartly chosen to accompany whatever is actually being written on the page. This is why I mentioned above how clever the picture usage is. I’ve never read any book where words and art collaborates so well together. PURE STEELE is sort of like a scrapbook/collage. I actually appreciated the story MORE knowing the authors put so much tender loving care, for lack of better words, into each page. It took my normal author respect level to all new height!
I’m pretty sure the two authors, very nice and funny gals I might add, are working on a sequel to PURE STEELE that I simply cannot wait for. I can be patient though…hopefully =) I think many graphic novel fans will appreciate the differences PURE STEELE has to offer and really enjoy it. For those that do and don’t like graphic novels, are not financially inclined to start their graphic novel passion, or just really enjoy pictures, artwork, and an overall fantastic adventure read I highly recommend! You can’t possibly know how great the book is until you get a copy and discover the layout. Whatever you’re thinking the book is, it’s probably very different. I hope you’ll give in to your curiosity and find out!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
February 5, 2014
*Review reposted from LuxuryReading.Com
In Adriadne MacGillivray and Kim Belair’s novel, Pure Steele, an expedition to Africa in 1910 is brought to life through complex reproductions of expedition materials and artwork. The combination of epistolary storytelling and artwork helps create a unique reading experience. Unfortunately, that combination also causes the reader to get bogged down in the visual aspects, which harms the overall narrative.
The story develops around a band of adventurers brought together by a young woman searching for the truth about her father’s disappearance in Africa. The adventurers hire James Alexander Steele III, a renowned hunter to lead the crew through the dark and dangerous jungles. The story is entirely developed through the correspondence, diary entries, and newspaper articles of the members of the expedition. Each recollection builds the overall narrative and mystique of James Alexander Steele III until he becomes a well-constructed pulp hero.
The details of the expedition of the unlikely band of travelers are enjoyably portrayed. MacGillivray and Belair mix characteristics of old pulp adventure with satire to create an adventure that could rival Burrough’s Tarzan tales. Steele III is a blend of Doc Savage and Indiana Jones. He’s an egotistical, adrenaline junkie with the perfect amount of heroism to be likable. The cast of minor characters also receives a fair dose of satirical development. The expedition party consists of the young woman who is searching for her father, a doctor, a cartographer, an upperclassman, and an accountant. Each of these roles help construct character interactions and plot depth that one may not expect out of a modern adventure novel.
The artwork and visual components of the story are beautifully done, but make the story hard to get lost in. Each page is a collage of artwork and reproduced correspondence. The authors painstakingly created hand-written letters and diary entries to help create a connection to the time period. This aspect, however, is daunting to read. Anyone who reads or writes letters knows it can be a challenge to decipher handwriting, and since the authors do an excellent job of recreating the communication for the time period much of the text is in ornate cursive.
Overall, the plot of Pure Steele is entertaining and the originality and visual depth of the development approach is something to appreciate on its own merits. Don’t, however, expect to tear through this novel from cover to cover because the visuals considerably stymie the pace at which it is read.
In Adriadne MacGillivray and Kim Belair’s novel, Pure Steele, an expedition to Africa in 1910 is brought to life through complex reproductions of expedition materials and artwork. The combination of epistolary storytelling and artwork helps create a unique reading experience. Unfortunately, that combination also causes the reader to get bogged down in the visual aspects, which harms the overall narrative.
The story develops around a band of adventurers brought together by a young woman searching for the truth about her father’s disappearance in Africa. The adventurers hire James Alexander Steele III, a renowned hunter to lead the crew through the dark and dangerous jungles. The story is entirely developed through the correspondence, diary entries, and newspaper articles of the members of the expedition. Each recollection builds the overall narrative and mystique of James Alexander Steele III until he becomes a well-constructed pulp hero.
The details of the expedition of the unlikely band of travelers are enjoyably portrayed. MacGillivray and Belair mix characteristics of old pulp adventure with satire to create an adventure that could rival Burrough’s Tarzan tales. Steele III is a blend of Doc Savage and Indiana Jones. He’s an egotistical, adrenaline junkie with the perfect amount of heroism to be likable. The cast of minor characters also receives a fair dose of satirical development. The expedition party consists of the young woman who is searching for her father, a doctor, a cartographer, an upperclassman, and an accountant. Each of these roles help construct character interactions and plot depth that one may not expect out of a modern adventure novel.
The artwork and visual components of the story are beautifully done, but make the story hard to get lost in. Each page is a collage of artwork and reproduced correspondence. The authors painstakingly created hand-written letters and diary entries to help create a connection to the time period. This aspect, however, is daunting to read. Anyone who reads or writes letters knows it can be a challenge to decipher handwriting, and since the authors do an excellent job of recreating the communication for the time period much of the text is in ornate cursive.
Overall, the plot of Pure Steele is entertaining and the originality and visual depth of the development approach is something to appreciate on its own merits. Don’t, however, expect to tear through this novel from cover to cover because the visuals considerably stymie the pace at which it is read.
March 1, 2014
http://seh-bookblog.blogspot.com/2014...
PURE STEELE, I should have read and reviewed this book months ago, but better late than never! For starters, I have to say, this is one of the most unique formatted adventure books, I have ever read and saw. The inner materials are well thought out and beautifully assembled! (I'll insert a picture to show what I am talking about).
The base of the story is that Eleanor Pryce is determined to find out the truth about her father's—a treasure hunter who went to explore Africa—disappearance and possible death, so she sets out and bring together a group of people who will help her. Amongst them, James Alexander Steele III—who is famous for his adventures, confidence, and bravery.
The premise and overall structure of the book, was what first attracted me to giving this book a try, but in the end I find that as pretty and elegant as the book is, I had a hard time reading the cursive or scripted letters and journal entries (which is a major part in the book). This made me fall in and out of the “mood” of reading, but this is probably not a problem for others, however.
With that being said, I still think the idea is wonderful! I like that the different hand writings make the book more historical and full of life. The journal entries of the characters, when reading them, makes you feel like you are really reading the personal information of Cunningham or Eleanor's. Every aspect of it, pulling you into that early 1900's vibe.
The characters.
Are definitely vibrant and full of life. I enjoy reading of Steele's hardcore wrestle with a lion or battling some phenomenon! He is definitely a character that you will find irresistible.
Eleanor has sass! She is smart, brave, and determined. I loved that she did not allow others to get into her mind, with doubts of her father's well-being. Strong heroines are always a pleasure to read about!
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Like I said, it took me a bit of time, but it was not anything related to PURE STEELE. Trust me without school and work I would have zoomed through this book!
An adventure book for adults, with saucy love, action, and even a bit of mystery.
Check this book out!
PURE STEELE, I should have read and reviewed this book months ago, but better late than never! For starters, I have to say, this is one of the most unique formatted adventure books, I have ever read and saw. The inner materials are well thought out and beautifully assembled! (I'll insert a picture to show what I am talking about).
The base of the story is that Eleanor Pryce is determined to find out the truth about her father's—a treasure hunter who went to explore Africa—disappearance and possible death, so she sets out and bring together a group of people who will help her. Amongst them, James Alexander Steele III—who is famous for his adventures, confidence, and bravery.
The premise and overall structure of the book, was what first attracted me to giving this book a try, but in the end I find that as pretty and elegant as the book is, I had a hard time reading the cursive or scripted letters and journal entries (which is a major part in the book). This made me fall in and out of the “mood” of reading, but this is probably not a problem for others, however.
With that being said, I still think the idea is wonderful! I like that the different hand writings make the book more historical and full of life. The journal entries of the characters, when reading them, makes you feel like you are really reading the personal information of Cunningham or Eleanor's. Every aspect of it, pulling you into that early 1900's vibe.
The characters.
Are definitely vibrant and full of life. I enjoy reading of Steele's hardcore wrestle with a lion or battling some phenomenon! He is definitely a character that you will find irresistible.
Eleanor has sass! She is smart, brave, and determined. I loved that she did not allow others to get into her mind, with doubts of her father's well-being. Strong heroines are always a pleasure to read about!
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Like I said, it took me a bit of time, but it was not anything related to PURE STEELE. Trust me without school and work I would have zoomed through this book!
An adventure book for adults, with saucy love, action, and even a bit of mystery.
Check this book out!
July 15, 2014
Picking up Pure Steele, I was quite excited to start reading the novel because I always enjoyed British literature or novels about British society since my days in University. It has a slow start as readers learn the characters’ backgrounds. I had hoped the pace would quicken and the story would grow more interesting, but the novel left me disappointed and it felt more like a very steep climb to the climax of the story. It had very few stepping stones of excitement from introduction to rising action to the climax. The characters simply travel from point A to B to C and then sit around talking about their experiences or wondering what to do next. There were only a few moments that captivated me, but only for a very short time, like a rampaging elephant, finding Mr. Pryce’s destroyed campsite, the heroes confronting the villain, and learning a few secrets about Steele’s expedition group.
I had hoped for more action and exploring, which I naturally expected from a novel that promised adventure. I wanted the characters to leave the safe confines of hotels and tents to dive into their African surroundings, sharing what they saw and felt with readers. While this novel may have not been to my overall liking, I believe readers who categorize themselves as history buffs or enjoy period pieces will better appreciate this inventive way of storytelling.
Complete Review: http://feistylittlewoman.wordpress.co...
I had hoped for more action and exploring, which I naturally expected from a novel that promised adventure. I wanted the characters to leave the safe confines of hotels and tents to dive into their African surroundings, sharing what they saw and felt with readers. While this novel may have not been to my overall liking, I believe readers who categorize themselves as history buffs or enjoy period pieces will better appreciate this inventive way of storytelling.
Complete Review: http://feistylittlewoman.wordpress.co...
August 9, 2016
*** Review copy provided by Blind Ferret Entertainment
*** Review posted on Gnostalgia with video thumb-through.
The book has that Sir H. Rider Haggard vibe to it. I really enjoyed those stories in my youth and clearly still do. The tale has a wonderful pace and the satisfying conclusion that all heroic fantasy should have but so seldom does. Having said that, I was blown away by the art.
Pure Steele is packed with some of the most beautiful art that I have seen. This is a book that will remain on your coffee-table for years to come. As a lover of all things neo-Victorian and steampunk, I lost myself in the art.
I give Pure Steele 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for your collection.
*** Review posted on Gnostalgia with video thumb-through.
The book has that Sir H. Rider Haggard vibe to it. I really enjoyed those stories in my youth and clearly still do. The tale has a wonderful pace and the satisfying conclusion that all heroic fantasy should have but so seldom does. Having said that, I was blown away by the art.
Pure Steele is packed with some of the most beautiful art that I have seen. This is a book that will remain on your coffee-table for years to come. As a lover of all things neo-Victorian and steampunk, I lost myself in the art.
I give Pure Steele 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for your collection.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews