Cogs in Time

by Catherine Stovall (editor and author), Amanda Gatton (Illustrator), Robert Craven

Go on an adventure through unheard of places in time and existence. Here in these remote areas, thriving cities, and secret worlds, a strange technological revolution reigns. Inside these pages inventors, dreamers, and revolutionist rule in worlds of steam driven machines, cog powered humanoids, clockwork miracles, and paranormal magic. Dressed in corsets, top hats, and cog lined finery the heroes and heroines face down immense obstacles as they take to the skies in airships, use incredible technology that is a mix between ancient and futuristic, and discover love.
Sixteen talented authors, artists and poets have come together in the must read anthology of 2014. The product of this collaboration is an incredible journey through a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, action, adventure, history, paranormal, and romance that embraces the roots of Steampunk while pushing the genre to new, bolder limits.

Genres: Steampunk, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Anthologies

Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2014

About the author

Catherine Stovall is the author of many fiction works in the horror, steampunk, paranormal, fantasy, dark fantasy, and YA genres.

Catherine is a fearless creature who surrounds herself with the joys of life both in and out of her fictional worlds. She lives in Southeast Missouri with her husband, three children, and pets. When not writing, she spends her time riding motorcycles, wearing elaborate hats, and genuinely enjoying the oddities in life.

A lover of social media, she encourages her fans to reach out to her through facebook, her website, and twitter, so they can share in the experience of publishing and creating.

Visit Catherine on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCather...

Reviews

[Sabina Bundgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cogs in Time by Catherine Stovall

A beautiful poem by Catherine to set off this anthology.

The Properties of Mercury by Robert Craven

What do you do when you have discovered something amazing? When your theory is correct, and it can do wonders? And what if your invention is wanted by others? One group want’s to destroy it, another to use it, and not for good.

Devereux discovered the hidden qualities of mercury and when people start coming after him and his experiments, he calls out to Wentworth for help.

This short story was well written, I liked the twist with the special experiment, and the end was good. It wasn’t my favorite in this anthology though, but still very well written.

Amelia by Samantha Ketteman

Amelia is under attack by a man, and in her attempt to run from him, she hits her head very badly. Waking up after her escape, she can’t remember anything prior to the attack. Wandering around the town trying to find someone, or something she can remember, she discovers that it’s desolate. But just the night before it had been bustling? What happened?

I really liked this short story. The writing was fluid, I had no trouble following the story, and the ending was… The entire story is in reality grim, but the ending cast a beautiful glow over it. Well done Samantha Ketteman. Very well done!

Balloon by Cindy J. Smith

A poem about travelling with an air balloon, and wanting to go back in time. I liked this poem, it felt like it flowed better and who isn’t fascinated by air balloons?

Letters to the Prince by Emma Michaels

A tale of two young boys meeting a long time ago, becoming friends and when separated, started to write letters to each other.

This story is about loving someone so much that you’re willing to go all the way. Even though their real names never where exchanged, one of them knew who the other was. A Prince. And now when he is on his way on a mission with great risk of never returning, Daniel finds a way to come aboard the airship as a mechanic.

Letters to the Prince is, to me, a beautiful love story, one that had built up slowly between the two boys since they were kids, and now as adults finally can blossom.

I’ve read Owlet by Emma Michaels last year, and to tell you the truth,
I was pleasantly surprised to see how well she has written this short story. Not everyone who writes good novels can write good short stories too. But Emma can.

After the Flare by Faith Marlow

In 2115 there had been a solar flare, and all technology and electronics was wiped out. For a long time it was even unsure if mankind would survive with the wars, famine and riots running rampant all over the world.

Somehow they did. And things changed to a more environment friendly technology; steam. People are growing their own vegetables, families and communities growing closer, conversations face to face and not online. But questions are still there. Where did all the technology came from in the beginning? Rumors have it that people came from the sky and with them a very advanced technology. Pen and his friend Hitch are out looking for evidence of these cultures, and they have followed a rumor down to a jungle somewhere remote, and they have found a temple. Question is what will behind the doors?

Faith Marlow delivers a short story with a great archaeological twist to it. Add to it that Hitch was in an accident a long time ago and is now dependent on his steam operated arm and leg – cool!! And crawlers!! I love those little buggers.

I know that Faith Marlow just recently released her latest novel; Being Mrs. Dracula, and it is currently waiting for me on my kindle.


Well Oiled Machine by Nina Stevens

A poem of a little girls journey into adulthood. Starting as a little girl, loving to see her father work with cars, and growing up to work with gears and chrome, to feel the metal and leather combined on her own skin as well is the true freedom to her. Beautiful written.

Point of Departure by Wayne Carey

Harrison Pierce is retired from Her Majesty’s troops, and is enjoying his time in a bungalow on the African Savannah, writing memoirs about his time in service. Exploring new unknown territory and being in war gives you a lot of memories to share.

His retirement is (unfortunately) disrupted by an old friend; Reginald Shepard (still active in service) coming to ask for help.

There’s a new form for transportation; Tesla ports, which allows people to travel anywhere in the world (as long as a receiver is present) in a blink of an eye. But there’s been located some strange frequencies that isn’t from here, and now they need help in exploring an entirely new world.

Wayne Carey did an amazing job writing this short story, if you ask me. One thing is all the new technology (GREAT idea with the tesla coils and ports!!), another how it is used (again, beautifully spun!), the rivalcy between countries (ancient history coming back to life), with a modern twist to it; a woman who is not only an engineer, but also the owner of the airship, and built it with ALL the modifications – very cool!

In my opinion, this short story is one I would love to see more of.

First Step by Zoe Adams

The story of a future Geisha’s first journey to her first social event with her sister and teacher. It is fascinating to read about her walk to the event, how she remembers her mother, father and younger brother and how proud they would be of her.

It’s a cute story, with more depth in it than one might think in the beginning. I liked it, the little boy who ran over to her was a nice touch.

Mausoleum by Cindy J. Smith

How would you feel if you had to go into a mausoleum to find out things about your past? And while there, heard a sound? How would you react? Cindy tries to show this in her poem, and pulls it off very nicely.

Wren City by Catherine Stovall

Cassie is on her way home from the University due to a special letter she received from an old friend. He is dying, and wants to say goodbye. Cassie and Max haven’t spoken since she was forced to leave almost five years earlier. Oh Cassie has been writing three times a week, but Max has never returned her letters. Not once. There’s a reason for that, but I won’t divulge it here.

When Cassie finally makes it back to Wren City, she is surprised to see it being changed so drastically from when she left; no more filth, hungry kids or adults, fresh air. But the price.... Cassie runs away from her father, straight into Max arms when she figures out the truth. The question is; can Cassie, Max and the old gang make one last con to save everyone’s lives and defeat the machines in their chests?

I loved this short story, it was truly amazing to read. There’s details to the story that surprised me and made me want to wander the sky market myself. When seeing the mortechs, a chill went through me.

I enjoyed every person and their personalities; from Cassie (who still has loads of fight hidden in her),Max (who has so much regret and a desire to make it right), to Julian (the mad scientist in the group), and everyone else.

Wren City is a beautifully twisted tale of what happens when man tries to destroy true love, and tries to become more than what they are, and plays God.

Haven by MJ Baerman

There are two POV in this story:

1) Thor who steals his captain’s ship and turns her into an airship. He doesn’t want to be a pirate, so he steals the ship and runs like hell. He ends up in Hungary, landing his very battered airship in the middle of a field in a small town.

2) Christian is leaving London. He is tired of using his skills as a Seeker to hunt down and capture those of Ember Bloods, Gifted Ones, just because they’re different. He ends up in Hungary while writing down some of his ideas for mechanical inventions in his little book.
So what happens when they meet?

I liked this one too. It’s not that often you get two POV’s in a short story, and even more seldom that it can be well done. I would love to read about some of their adventures. I bet LOADS of fun things happen!!

Machine by Eada Janes

A poem about what happens when your love passes away, but you desperately wants to keep him. Sometimes, you really have to be careful with what you wish for.

Captive Sleep by Andrea Straum

Oy. This short story had more twists and turns than I ever imagined. Domaroc is chief-engineer and second in command on the airship. Navarro was the commander. After a converter was damaged and the airship had to land in the jungle to be repaired, the crew was forced to sleep outside, due to all the smoke. Domarco isn’t comfortable with this given all the rumors of Cat Clans in the area. Turns out it wasn’t a rumor after all….

I LOVED all the twists and turns that Captive Sleep had. I thought I had it figured out, and BAM- nope, sorry Mrs. Try again. Turn a page and it will reveal more secrets buried underneath – all the way to the end of the story. Need to see if I can find more written by Andrea Straum.

Sandy Marlin: Frontier Brewer by Deborah Dalton

Sandy lives out in the middle of nowhere, brewing her wine and ale. She doesn’t like the big, bustling city with its filthy water. All she needs is supplies from her buyer, bullets, her machines and peace and quiet. But her buyer Charles always tries to lure her back to the city with promises that it has turned to the better, a good mansion, safety… Only Sandy isn’t buying hat he is selling.
But how will Sandy react when supposedly outlaw’s breaking into her house and destroys everything? Will she be able to save anything?

I like that Sandy prefers the solitude in the wilderness compared to the big, busy city. I’m kinda the same way. Oh, I enjoy going into the city from time to time, but no place like home. Sandy is a girl with both legs strapped to the ground, and I like that about her. I liked the twist with the outlaws. Nice touch!

Voyage by Eada Janes

What does an airship captain truly think about high up in the sky? Well, maybe Eada’s beautiful poem, Voyage brings the answer forth.

Invisible Sun by SJ Davis

This is the longest story in the anthology, and tell the tales of vampires, genetics, madness, hard decisions and true love. As grueling as this story is, it still fills me with hope at the same time.
Vampires are a genetic alteration from humans. But in their effort to improve themselves, they have made all vampire females infertile. To preserve their race, they are using human breeders, and inserting them with genetically modified seed. In search of the perfect vampire, they create something much worse; the meanings to their own end.
Caught in all this is Astrid, who is at the wrong place at the wrong time, meeting the right vampire; Luca. But Luca and Astrid’s fight are only beginning, not only are their budding attraction forbidden (due to an old legend about a female vampire and the weakening of their race), but they’re fighting someone close to Luca; Draegan, his brother. But will they be able to save Gravesend and London before it’s too late?
Invisible Sun was a fascinating read, and most probably the most gruesome one in this anthology. The flow was nice though, and it was a fascinating story, and it was amazing to follow the madness not only in Draegan’s mind, but how he justified everything, how he spread it.
Love works in wondrous ways, that’s all I’m saying. And never underestimate a woman’s wisdom. Just saying.

All in all:
I liked this anthology, it main theme was steampunk, but all kind of genres was blended well into the pages. As always, I have my favorites; Wren City, Amanda and Sandy Marlin; Frontier Brewer was one of them.
But this anthology isn’t “just” filled with short stories, there are poems and beautiful drawings as well. Since I’ve read this on my kindle, I have no idea if the drawings are in color or not, but they’re still beautiful.
So if you like steampunk with some great twists, then The Cogs in Time is definitely something for you. I know I enjoyed it, and even found some new authors I want to check out (one of the main reasons I love anthologies, I always find a new author or two – making a mess of my TBR Pile) ;-)

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome collection of "steampunk" reads. These stories are interesting and grab your attention and you cant put it down until you are finished.

This is an awesome collection of authors and if you are interested in something unique, this is something to check out.

[Nicole Daffurn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say OH MY GOD there are some talented authors among this anthology, and if I had to choose a favourite story, I’d rather shoot myself in the foot.

Starting out with a beautifully executed poem by Catherine Stovall, I just knew that this anthology was going to be nothing but amazing, and I wasn’t let down!

Every single author, and every single story was perfect. I laughed, I cried, I was even scared! Nearly every aspect of steampunk has been covered in Cogs In Time. You could not get a more perfect collection of stories, and although every one is completely different to next, they all fit together amazingly.

The illustrations submitted for this collection are absolutely brilliant, and I wish I had half the talent that these artists do! The artwork saw my imagination soaring, and I was quite literally lost in my own mind staring at some of them.

I loved every minute of reading Cogs in Time, and I think it ended the only way it could! With a short story from SJ Davis, that was absolutely heart wrenching, had me reaching for the tissues and wanting more, more, MORE!

[Brian Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good set of stories that a wide like you would expect in an anthology. I've never read any Steam Punk before and I like a lot of what I read. There were a few that stood out for me though and they are:
Amelia
After the Flare
Point of Departure
Captive Sleep
Sandy Marlin: Frontier Brewer
The anthology I think is a good introduction to the genre. I was also expecting almost all of the stories around the turn of the twentieth. After the Flare in particular isn't, it happens in the future. That story actually deserves special attention, thought it was a brilliant concept.

[Vicki Gilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a amazing collection of stories, poems and artwork based on the steampunk genre. All I can say is more please..

[Elizabeth Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anthology starts out with a beautifully strange illustration, entitled Clock Tower (Amanda Gatton), followed by a gorgeously disturbing poem by Catherine Stovall, The Cogs of Time. In the first story, The Properties of Mercury by Robert Craven, Frederick Devereux has discovered how to make mercury perform many seemingly miraculous tasks, by harnessing the powers of distant stars. A fast-paced, old fashioned, shoot-em-up, with a steampunk flavor.
In Amelia by Samantha Ketteman, a young woman is running scared. She doesn't know what is going on, but she has been attacked and is terrified. Everything makes sense at the end. Flights of Fancy (Amanda Gatton)is another cool, quirky illustration. Balloon by Cindy J Smith is a potently visual poem. Letters to the Prince, by Emma Michaels, was wonderfully sweet and a bit sad. A lifetime of longing, of waiting for THE MOMENT, may end in death for them both! In After the Flare, by Faith Marlowe, archaeologists, from a couple hundred years in our future, look for proof of ancient alien technology, to help get our planet back up to speed after a cataclysmic event wipes out all of our tech. Gas Mask is a super creepy illustration that merges doomsday and children of the corn, in my head.
Well Oiled Machine by Nina Stevens is a wonderful poem about a girl and her daddy, creating mechanical things, and then a flash forward to her adulthood. Point of Departure by Wayne Carey is a dystopian/alternate reality, in which airships and portals are a 'thing'. The first couple of pages were a bit slow for me, but once past the choppy beginning, this story was MAGNIFICENT!!! I cannot blame the first part on the author, only myself, as I am an American, reading a about an alternate reality in which the Brits are actually a world power.... Go figure:-). First Steps, by Zoe Adams: a Maiko, Geisha in training, walks through a mechanical wonderland on her way to a tea house. I had a few chuckles as she reminisced about her training, as I remembered the matchmaker from Mulan. The Hand by Amanda Gatton: a skeletons hand, with the lacy cuff of Victorian garb, hold a delicate teacup. Mauseleum by Cindy J Smith is a super creepy poem about confronting your family's ancestry...literally. Wren City by Catherine Stovall: oh... Wow! In true steampunk fashion, there are air ships, floating sky malls, and a giant clock tower. This story is majorly suspenseful, and quite romantic. Love it! Haven by MJ Baerman: thoroughly enjoyable story of pirates and mutiny and matters of the mind. Steamships and dirigibles and mechanics, oh my! Forever Love by Eada James is an illustration of a clockwork heart in a glass dome. From the fluid leaking, I'd say it's still beating... Machine by Eada James: a poem about a love lost and transformed to clockwork monstrosity. Captive Sleep by Andrea Staum: a twisted tale of treachery. A clan of cat warriors takes over the crew of an airship. Domaroc hits his head and is tended by a female cat warrior princess. Treason and mutiny are served up well in this story. Sandy Marlin: Frontier Brewer by Deborah Dalton: a kick butt novella about a true frontierswoman . She doesn't take crap from anyone, and she aims to keep it that way! Voyage by Eada James: an airship captain flies high above the troubles of the landbound (poem). Time Flies by Cecilia Clark is an illustration of a woman and a tiny flying clock. Invisible Sun by SJ Davies: surprise! There's a full length novel at the end of the book! In a world of gas lamps and steam powered vehicles, Vampires and human coexist peacefully. Rather than cursed, the Vamps in Gravesend are the product of careful genetic engineering. Problems arise when vampire-like murders of prostitutes keep cropping up all over the city. This is a story of scientific horrors, truest love, sacrifice, and hope. A truly great feast of appetizers and an excellent main course!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this collection for review but the opinions are my own.

I had no preconceptions going in. I was not sure what I would find.
I was impressed and delighted with the talent in this collection and there are stories included I will read over again and share with friends.
Perhaps at a steampunk convention or around a campfire.

There is a wide assortment of literature included, something to please every taste and a wonderful value for the price. I am usually really frugal so you know this is good.

I will say there are stories that I hope become developed into longer books.
And authors I have met here that I will be reading more of their work.

[Sue Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed bag
Worth a read...
If you have nothing in particular that you fancy reading

[Candy Cassin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately overall I found that some of the stories were lacking and without point. However, that being said, a few were good and well worth the read. My favorites are Wren City by Catherine Stovall, Invisible Sun by S.J. Davis and Point of Departure by Wayne Carey. I would love for these to be expanded into full book and series. I feel they are amazing stories with great potential for so much more. I believe just these stories alone was worth the cost. These are the ones that stood out to me the most but there are other good ones worth reading.

There are others that I found interesting, I just wish there was more to them. I don’t feel that it is just the length of the story that makes it more meaningful, but the quality of the story. I would like for them to have more meat to them. I will not bother to list all the stories by rating. I found stories to be from 2 stars all the way up to 5 stars.

[Evangeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

My problem with this book has more to do with the editing and the format than it does with the stories themselves. Most of these are quite interesting and are fun and easy to read.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to say. I just didn't love it.