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Steam World #1
Steampunk Carnival
Alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Crossing her boss will be one dangerous ride.
Katya Romanova gave up everything to work at the one-of-a-kind Steampunk Carnival, and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Her elaborate costumes win her all the attention she seeks, including the sporadic affections of her boss, carnival owner William Warden.
But in the summer of 1887, death threats against Mr. Warden shake everyone’s sense of security. The unknown sender could harm them all. When Katya stirs up unexpected evidence proving Mr. Warden hid the carnival’s true origins, she realizes he aims to protect only himself. To return the spirit of fun and freedom to the place she loves, Katya sets out to replace Mr. Warden with the carnival’s inventor. As violent events erupt, Mr. Warden fights for strict control of his business and Katya’s loyalty. Trapped between his charm and his tyranny, Katya must pretend to comply even as she plots against him.
With the adoration of the entire country supporting Mr. Warden, nothing less than the perfect plan will succeed. One misplaced move could throw Katya’s best friend and new love into danger. Failing means neither she nor the establishment’s rightful owner ever sees the carnival again.
Crossing her boss will be one dangerous ride.
Katya Romanova gave up everything to work at the one-of-a-kind Steampunk Carnival, and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Her elaborate costumes win her all the attention she seeks, including the sporadic affections of her boss, carnival owner William Warden.
But in the summer of 1887, death threats against Mr. Warden shake everyone’s sense of security. The unknown sender could harm them all. When Katya stirs up unexpected evidence proving Mr. Warden hid the carnival’s true origins, she realizes he aims to protect only himself. To return the spirit of fun and freedom to the place she loves, Katya sets out to replace Mr. Warden with the carnival’s inventor. As violent events erupt, Mr. Warden fights for strict control of his business and Katya’s loyalty. Trapped between his charm and his tyranny, Katya must pretend to comply even as she plots against him.
With the adoration of the entire country supporting Mr. Warden, nothing less than the perfect plan will succeed. One misplaced move could throw Katya’s best friend and new love into danger. Failing means neither she nor the establishment’s rightful owner ever sees the carnival again.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2014
39 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Leuthold
21 books16 followersCassandra Leuthold’s hilarious fantasy adventure, The Corundum Conundrum, won recognition as a New Apple Book Awards official selection. Writing hooked her at age seven, and she never really stopped.
She loves playing with ideas most people think of as opposites: the magical and the everyday, the modern and the vintage, the darkest nights and brightest lights. Even while delving into fictional worlds, she remains a tea aficionado, DIY crafter, and unapologetic music junkie.
Cassandra stretches out in front of the TV with her writer husband and their cats. She wields a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in English.
Find freebies and more book fun at her website, cassandraleuthold.com.
She loves playing with ideas most people think of as opposites: the magical and the everyday, the modern and the vintage, the darkest nights and brightest lights. Even while delving into fictional worlds, she remains a tea aficionado, DIY crafter, and unapologetic music junkie.
Cassandra stretches out in front of the TV with her writer husband and their cats. She wields a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in English.
Find freebies and more book fun at her website, cassandraleuthold.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 21, 2015
This is a genre that has slowly picked up steam but I think it could use more of a spotlight. There is something fascinating about this genre. It is so multi-faceted. It can do in many different directions like the author took with this book. However I could not help but compare this book some to another author's steampunk carnival series that I like called "Blud" series by Delilah S. Dawson. Which Ms. Dawson really brings to life the carnival life while incorporating the steampunk aspect. So I was looking for this while reading this book. I got the carnie life but it could have been any type of carnival. Although the author did add some aspects of steampunk and it was brought forth more towards the half way point of the story and forward.
Katya is a strong female lead. I like that she held the story all the way from the beginning to the end. The mystery surrounding the carnival and the threats was nicely down. It kept my interest yet, I wished that the suspense was cranked up on the volume dial a little more. Overall, this is a good book.
Katya is a strong female lead. I like that she held the story all the way from the beginning to the end. The mystery surrounding the carnival and the threats was nicely down. It kept my interest yet, I wished that the suspense was cranked up on the volume dial a little more. Overall, this is a good book.
October 6, 2015
Source: I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Cost: Free
Title: Steampunk Carnival
Author: Cassandra Leuthold
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Overall Rating: 2.5 stars
I couldn't tell you much of this storyline to be honest.
I understand that Katya left her job to work at this carnival that is one of a kind and then violence and murder starts happening. And they suspect Mr. Warden, but everyone else loves him? And they need to dethrone him, if you will.
I just couldn't get into this book.
I couldn't follow it very well and although Katya was a very decent female main character, I just couldn't connect to her or any of her friends. I've never really encountered a purely steampunk book before and I don't know if it was just this book or if this genre is just not for me.
Cost: Free
Title: Steampunk Carnival
Author: Cassandra Leuthold
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Overall Rating: 2.5 stars
I couldn't tell you much of this storyline to be honest.
I understand that Katya left her job to work at this carnival that is one of a kind and then violence and murder starts happening. And they suspect Mr. Warden, but everyone else loves him? And they need to dethrone him, if you will.
I just couldn't get into this book.
I couldn't follow it very well and although Katya was a very decent female main character, I just couldn't connect to her or any of her friends. I've never really encountered a purely steampunk book before and I don't know if it was just this book or if this genre is just not for me.
August 8, 2015
Katya Romanova loves her job at Steampunk Carnival. Katya loves showing guests where they need or want to go. Mr. Warden pays Katya handsomely for what she doesn't and doesn't mind being one of his favorites. The idyllic shine wears off Steampunk Carnival with the murder of Mr. Lieber. Katya doesn't know how Mr. Warden keeps his death out of the papers yet it's true. Someone knows Mr. Warden's secret regarding the Steampunk Carnival. katya meets Mick to discover that Mr. Warden is liar and thief. Can Katya bring this truth to light? Your answers await you in Steampunk Carnival.
i loved the setting for this novel! The characters are real, honest, intriguing, and down to earth. The story is a real page turner from the first page to last page; complex, mysterious, and unique. This new to me author did a great job of telling this story. I look forward to more of this author's work in the future.
i loved the setting for this novel! The characters are real, honest, intriguing, and down to earth. The story is a real page turner from the first page to last page; complex, mysterious, and unique. This new to me author did a great job of telling this story. I look forward to more of this author's work in the future.
November 10, 2015
Mystery in carnival. Lots of talk and thoughts of gaudy clothes and other girl talk. Could not care about going ons. Not my kind of novel i think.
April 21, 2018
An interesting idea for a steampunk setting, could use more examples of its use in this setting. The alternative history did not help the story.
May 15, 2015
Steampunk Carnival opens with a prologue about a diary – a very mysterious diary, and, to its owner, a very important diary. But what is written in it? Is the writer male, or female? Why is it so important? We won’t find out until much later on in the story, so be patient, and enjoy the ride.
In the early chapters of Steampunk Carnival, Katya comes across at a bit of a bitch, caring only for money, men with money, her looks, and the carnival. She also has a bit of a reputation for being promiscuous, although she appears not to care what other people think of her. With the exception of her best friend Magdalene, Katya seems to not be liked much at all by her peers, however, in her role at the carnival she truly shines.
Katya’s job is to meet and greet the carnival’s patrons, aiding and directing them – to be a shining star, a beacon in the darkness, and the public face of William Warden’s Great Steampunk Carnival. It also seems that she may have used her feminine wiles to obtain her job and a higher level of pay to her colleagues, which she spends on trinkets and elaborate costumes. She’s also rather shallow, not sparing much thought for the feelings of others.
Now you may be thinking: “Why the feck is this bloody idiot telling me how much of a cold hearted bitch the main character is?” It’s my review, and I’ll write it however I want, so bloody can it, and let me finish.
When the Steampunk Carnival’s owner William Warden starts receiving death threats, Katya and Magdalene decide to conduct some sleuthing of their own, and when a customer’s cry for help results in a most intriguing find, the pieces start to drop into place.
The girls’ investigation leads them to consider everyone working at the carnival, from the security guards to the driver of the carriage that takes them home safely each evening. In her quest for information, Katya learns how others came to work at the carnival, and begins to come to the realisation that not everyone leads such a charmed life as she does, and gradually, it begins to change the way she thinks. In addition to this, she witnesses things that no young woman should have to see, opening her eyes and her heart to the world around her.
I absolutely loved Steampunk Carnival – it’s an utterly charming cozy mystery in a Victorian setting. The Steampunk element comes from the marvellous carnival rides, with their coal-burning engines powering everything from the slow, and ponderous big wheel, to the faster rollercoasters. Modern Steampunk fashion has been blended into the mix, with brass, cogs, and timepieces aplenty.
The character growth is fab, and each person comes in to his or her own during the course of the book (or they’re revealed to be the utter weasel that they really are). The plot flows smoothly, with no jumps or confusing moments, and the dialogue is crisp and relevant to the action.
The only improvement I’d suggest would be a cover which better reflects the intrigue and action contained within the pages.
In the early chapters of Steampunk Carnival, Katya comes across at a bit of a bitch, caring only for money, men with money, her looks, and the carnival. She also has a bit of a reputation for being promiscuous, although she appears not to care what other people think of her. With the exception of her best friend Magdalene, Katya seems to not be liked much at all by her peers, however, in her role at the carnival she truly shines.
Katya’s job is to meet and greet the carnival’s patrons, aiding and directing them – to be a shining star, a beacon in the darkness, and the public face of William Warden’s Great Steampunk Carnival. It also seems that she may have used her feminine wiles to obtain her job and a higher level of pay to her colleagues, which she spends on trinkets and elaborate costumes. She’s also rather shallow, not sparing much thought for the feelings of others.
Now you may be thinking: “Why the feck is this bloody idiot telling me how much of a cold hearted bitch the main character is?” It’s my review, and I’ll write it however I want, so bloody can it, and let me finish.
When the Steampunk Carnival’s owner William Warden starts receiving death threats, Katya and Magdalene decide to conduct some sleuthing of their own, and when a customer’s cry for help results in a most intriguing find, the pieces start to drop into place.
The girls’ investigation leads them to consider everyone working at the carnival, from the security guards to the driver of the carriage that takes them home safely each evening. In her quest for information, Katya learns how others came to work at the carnival, and begins to come to the realisation that not everyone leads such a charmed life as she does, and gradually, it begins to change the way she thinks. In addition to this, she witnesses things that no young woman should have to see, opening her eyes and her heart to the world around her.
I absolutely loved Steampunk Carnival – it’s an utterly charming cozy mystery in a Victorian setting. The Steampunk element comes from the marvellous carnival rides, with their coal-burning engines powering everything from the slow, and ponderous big wheel, to the faster rollercoasters. Modern Steampunk fashion has been blended into the mix, with brass, cogs, and timepieces aplenty.
The character growth is fab, and each person comes in to his or her own during the course of the book (or they’re revealed to be the utter weasel that they really are). The plot flows smoothly, with no jumps or confusing moments, and the dialogue is crisp and relevant to the action.
The only improvement I’d suggest would be a cover which better reflects the intrigue and action contained within the pages.
December 23, 2014
Before I start this review I need to make a confession: I'm a sucker for Steampunk. Looking around my blog, I'm pretty sure that shows. However, my love can be both helpful and a hindrance. While I can instantly adore anything in this genre, I can also be a bit tough on those who overdo it. Thankfully, Cassandra is tasteful with her story, and the way she mixes gears and glamour with the story line.
What I like about Steampunk Carnival is that the corsets aren't thrown in just to be part on the fad, and the story can stand on it's own two feet without needing to have all the other bells and whistles (although, the steam elements are delightfully fun). The characters feel dynamic without being overly done, and the pacing and writing are handled well. The story itself is interesting: like some of my favorite novels, the mystery is woven into the story and lets the reader slowly piece things together on their own. I also enjoy that Cassandra doesn't overdo some of the world-building elements like other authors. I get to hear about fancy embroidery when it matters, and don't feel bogged down by overly detailed Victorian clothing descriptions the rest of the time.
Katya is also an interesting character. She feels feminine, yet capable, and doesn't feel "perfect"; there is something I found believable about her. Having a good character like this made it easy to engage in the story, so I was really happy with that. One critique was that there were a few points other female characters maybe felt a little flat or interchangeable (Mary and Magdalene, for instance, didn't really have enough that made them feel individual the same way Katya did). I think sometimes those places were plot driven more than character driven, but it was a minor complaint more than anything. It didn't detract from my general enjoyment of the book.
Overall, I think this might be a good book if you like Steampunk, and want to try reading a novel in this genre. It has all the fun, without feeling a bit too saturated by "steam". I'm interested to see where the rest of the story goes!
What I like about Steampunk Carnival is that the corsets aren't thrown in just to be part on the fad, and the story can stand on it's own two feet without needing to have all the other bells and whistles (although, the steam elements are delightfully fun). The characters feel dynamic without being overly done, and the pacing and writing are handled well. The story itself is interesting: like some of my favorite novels, the mystery is woven into the story and lets the reader slowly piece things together on their own. I also enjoy that Cassandra doesn't overdo some of the world-building elements like other authors. I get to hear about fancy embroidery when it matters, and don't feel bogged down by overly detailed Victorian clothing descriptions the rest of the time.
Katya is also an interesting character. She feels feminine, yet capable, and doesn't feel "perfect"; there is something I found believable about her. Having a good character like this made it easy to engage in the story, so I was really happy with that. One critique was that there were a few points other female characters maybe felt a little flat or interchangeable (Mary and Magdalene, for instance, didn't really have enough that made them feel individual the same way Katya did). I think sometimes those places were plot driven more than character driven, but it was a minor complaint more than anything. It didn't detract from my general enjoyment of the book.
Overall, I think this might be a good book if you like Steampunk, and want to try reading a novel in this genre. It has all the fun, without feeling a bit too saturated by "steam". I'm interested to see where the rest of the story goes!
December 28, 2014
**Given a free copy for review**
...but I would have bought it after the Sample anyway.
Eschewing the aspects of the genre that tend toward the excessive, Cassandra Leuthold has taken steampunk for quite the ride with Steampunk Carnival. Rather than taking the trope of an entire society built upon the already existing advanced technologies of steam-powered machines and mechanical devices, Cassandra has limited the scope of the steampunk elements to a carnival with a very specific theme. Also, unlike other stories that set these elements as background decorations, Cassandra has turned the marvel of engineered steam machines into the very crux of the mystery at the center of this wonderfully imagined tale.
Here we have a young Indianapolis, Indiana, before the turn of the 20th century, where immigrants struggle to find their place in the burgeoning cityscape. Cassandra does not idealize this Victorian setting, in fact, every ugly detail of the society is seen on the page: animals are mistreated, workers are exploited by their capitalist bosses, and clothing is far more layered and complex than the modern reader’s outfits. These pieces all lead to a fully realized world that is true to history, but this is not historical fiction. Small details catch the eye and a little outside research turns up events occurring differently in Steam World than the familiar history of our own world. Casual reading and a poor relationship with history may result in the reader missing the changes, but the discerning reader, with an eye out for the differences, will find the fully realized alternate history to be tremendously enriching to the story.
Each character has plenty of page time and they all feel worthy of the time spent on them. Fully dynamic, each with their own secrets, some minor, some major, the people that populate this rich world become worthy of our investments in them. As a first book in a series, I found Steampunk Carnival to be a gripping, fun ride, and a very worthwhile introduction to this world. I look forward to Steam World book 2.
...but I would have bought it after the Sample anyway.
Eschewing the aspects of the genre that tend toward the excessive, Cassandra Leuthold has taken steampunk for quite the ride with Steampunk Carnival. Rather than taking the trope of an entire society built upon the already existing advanced technologies of steam-powered machines and mechanical devices, Cassandra has limited the scope of the steampunk elements to a carnival with a very specific theme. Also, unlike other stories that set these elements as background decorations, Cassandra has turned the marvel of engineered steam machines into the very crux of the mystery at the center of this wonderfully imagined tale.
Here we have a young Indianapolis, Indiana, before the turn of the 20th century, where immigrants struggle to find their place in the burgeoning cityscape. Cassandra does not idealize this Victorian setting, in fact, every ugly detail of the society is seen on the page: animals are mistreated, workers are exploited by their capitalist bosses, and clothing is far more layered and complex than the modern reader’s outfits. These pieces all lead to a fully realized world that is true to history, but this is not historical fiction. Small details catch the eye and a little outside research turns up events occurring differently in Steam World than the familiar history of our own world. Casual reading and a poor relationship with history may result in the reader missing the changes, but the discerning reader, with an eye out for the differences, will find the fully realized alternate history to be tremendously enriching to the story.
Each character has plenty of page time and they all feel worthy of the time spent on them. Fully dynamic, each with their own secrets, some minor, some major, the people that populate this rich world become worthy of our investments in them. As a first book in a series, I found Steampunk Carnival to be a gripping, fun ride, and a very worthwhile introduction to this world. I look forward to Steam World book 2.
January 14, 2019
I really loved the story ...and the atmosphere of the fun carnival theme. Unfortunately I was heavily disapointed by the leading lady Katya .
💛My summary of the story 💛
As soon as Karta heard of the famous Steampunk carnival she was desperate to be a part of it . So desperate in fact that she'd do anything to secure a position and keep it . Despite this , things were going well at the carnival until now . The proprietor of the carnival's life is being threatned . Its beginning to seem that the cherful front of the carnival is hiding things .
💀Negative things :💀
*As I said above I really didn't like the mc she was quite arrogant and snobby .
* I believe there was a little language , as well coarse refrences that were a bit much .
* Also there was a bit of sexual content ...but it is quite obvious that it's about to happen , so you could skip past those parts of you wanted to .
🌻🌻Rating : 🌻🌻
Honestly if this would be made into a movie ...it'd be a heavier pg-13 rating for the sexual content ...which was a bit extra if you ask me .
📌Extra notes 📌
This was a free e-book .
May 6, 2019
"Steampunk Carnival" by Cassandra Leuthold takes place in the Victorian era, at a steampunk themed carnival. Mystery, romance, and mayhem are rampant in this otherwise quaint town.
It took me a while to get into this book. It lacks steampunk elements I usually associate with the genre. The first chapter acted as a prelude, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, it led to confusion when I tried to piece it together with the following chapters.
The story became more exciting as it went on, and the intimate interludes were well done. The lead character had no problem enjoying her sexuality.
If you are into period romances, rather than sci-fi, this could be a good pick.
It took me a while to get into this book. It lacks steampunk elements I usually associate with the genre. The first chapter acted as a prelude, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, it led to confusion when I tried to piece it together with the following chapters.
The story became more exciting as it went on, and the intimate interludes were well done. The lead character had no problem enjoying her sexuality.
If you are into period romances, rather than sci-fi, this could be a good pick.
July 9, 2019
Interesting premise, but a few too many plot holes and underdeveloped elements. The whodunit kept me reading, but I won't be looking for more in the series.
April 9, 2020
Amazing
Loved the story as well as the characters. Would recommend it to anyone who loves books! Would read again and again
Loved the story as well as the characters. Would recommend it to anyone who loves books! Would read again and again
June 16, 2020
This is a good steampunk story with an exciting ending. interesting plot line for once too!
October 22, 2015
This was a difficult book to give a star rating to. I liked it, I really did, but it didn't pull me in as deeply as I wanted it to. I appreciated the concept of a steampunk carnival setting. I wanted to peek behind the scenes and get to know the unusual characters who would populate the place. In my teens I worked in an amusement park and there are so many stories of interesting individuals. I wanted more mechanical description.
In Steampunk Carnival we meet several important characters involved in making the enterprise a success. The charming owner, Mr. Warden, is a mysterious man who appreciates money and women. He surrounds himself with personal protection in the form of some gruff and rough men. The story takes place in the late 1880s when jobs are difficult to come by, and there is no job security.
The heroine, Katya Romanova, is an adventurous young woman who created a position for herself with the carnival. She played to Mr. Warden's interests, even if it gave her an unwelcome reputation. She is a strong, intelligent woman.
The story centers on a conflict regarding who came up with the idea for the carnival, created the rides and games. A detailed notebook is discovered that causes doubt and danger. The carnival has always been a fun environment, an escape from daily toils and fears. When a murder takes place in the owner's office, and is hushed up, Katya wants to "fix" things.
She wants to know the truth and deliver justice.
Katya would not mind finding a wealthy husband, as long as he would not curb her freedom. Good men are difficult to find, but she receives her fair share of date offers. Even if she loses a few to another woman in her boarding house. I enjoyed meeting the other boarders and Mrs. Weeks, the landlady.
The story is a good mixture of friendship, ambition, deception and brainstorming. There is only one violent scene near the end. Overall it seems to fit with the values of the portrayed times.
Even three quarters of the way through I could have believed a number of possible endings. A good suspended belief read.
I was given a copy to review.
In Steampunk Carnival we meet several important characters involved in making the enterprise a success. The charming owner, Mr. Warden, is a mysterious man who appreciates money and women. He surrounds himself with personal protection in the form of some gruff and rough men. The story takes place in the late 1880s when jobs are difficult to come by, and there is no job security.
The heroine, Katya Romanova, is an adventurous young woman who created a position for herself with the carnival. She played to Mr. Warden's interests, even if it gave her an unwelcome reputation. She is a strong, intelligent woman.
The story centers on a conflict regarding who came up with the idea for the carnival, created the rides and games. A detailed notebook is discovered that causes doubt and danger. The carnival has always been a fun environment, an escape from daily toils and fears. When a murder takes place in the owner's office, and is hushed up, Katya wants to "fix" things.
She wants to know the truth and deliver justice.
Katya would not mind finding a wealthy husband, as long as he would not curb her freedom. Good men are difficult to find, but she receives her fair share of date offers. Even if she loses a few to another woman in her boarding house. I enjoyed meeting the other boarders and Mrs. Weeks, the landlady.
The story is a good mixture of friendship, ambition, deception and brainstorming. There is only one violent scene near the end. Overall it seems to fit with the values of the portrayed times.
Even three quarters of the way through I could have believed a number of possible endings. A good suspended belief read.
I was given a copy to review.
November 1, 2015
This is my first book by Cassandra Leuthold and my first Steampunk set in the US. I’ll have to say that it was not what I expected and defienitely got me looking forward to the sequel in the series.
I’ve been a huge fan of Steampunk for a long time and I’ve only gotten the feel of reading them set in Victorian England, which is always the feel for Steampunk, so having this novel set during a time in the US when it was still juggling changes and immigration was pretty daring. Having said that, it makes for a great backdrop for mystery, murder, and surprises, which was showcased very well in this story.
I’m not going to write a synopsis of what happens in this book since it says it all in the blurb above. However, Cassandra way of pulling the readers in was by the opening of a dairy that was strange in itself and very intriguing to see who it belonged to. You won’t find out yet till down the line but it was an attention catcher and definitely got me wondering what the heck is going on or will be happening.
Her heroine, Katya was very interesting…..independent and strong in a way that is much different from what I’ve been familiar with. She’s young and free and uses her skills to do her job right. Even if she is there to guide patrons and guests to their destinations within the carnival, she doesn’t seem to care very much at the same time. She just wants to get them where the needed to go. She seems very shameless. Like she knows she’s the face of the carnival and Mr. Warden’s favorite but because of that, her reputation within the carnival and outside of it is a bit frowned on. But as she started sleuthing around when her boss started being suspicious, her character changed and we began to see her in a different light than when we first meet her in the beginning.
Over all the adventure was great. I love that the story wasn’t all about the steam and machinery but of a carnival and its mysteries.
I’ve been a huge fan of Steampunk for a long time and I’ve only gotten the feel of reading them set in Victorian England, which is always the feel for Steampunk, so having this novel set during a time in the US when it was still juggling changes and immigration was pretty daring. Having said that, it makes for a great backdrop for mystery, murder, and surprises, which was showcased very well in this story.
I’m not going to write a synopsis of what happens in this book since it says it all in the blurb above. However, Cassandra way of pulling the readers in was by the opening of a dairy that was strange in itself and very intriguing to see who it belonged to. You won’t find out yet till down the line but it was an attention catcher and definitely got me wondering what the heck is going on or will be happening.
Her heroine, Katya was very interesting…..independent and strong in a way that is much different from what I’ve been familiar with. She’s young and free and uses her skills to do her job right. Even if she is there to guide patrons and guests to their destinations within the carnival, she doesn’t seem to care very much at the same time. She just wants to get them where the needed to go. She seems very shameless. Like she knows she’s the face of the carnival and Mr. Warden’s favorite but because of that, her reputation within the carnival and outside of it is a bit frowned on. But as she started sleuthing around when her boss started being suspicious, her character changed and we began to see her in a different light than when we first meet her in the beginning.
Over all the adventure was great. I love that the story wasn’t all about the steam and machinery but of a carnival and its mysteries.
June 12, 2019
The book that had a toke
I spent the first third of this book trying to figure out what kind of book it was. Adventure? Crime drama? Murder mystery? Social commentary? Romance? By the halfway point, I was convinced that the author didn't know, either. The protagonist just sort of wanders around the carnival, worrying about who killed the head of security and how the anti-social man who designed the place can get the credit he deserves. Lots of things happen, but then the writing (I can't use the word "story" in good conscience) just moves on to the next thing without any resolution of the last. A little of that would be okay, but there is far too much of it here. It's a pity, because the alternative reality is well imagined and rather vividly described. The character development is decently done, as well. It's just that those characters don't really know what to do.
Eventually, everything gets pulled together and explained. Apparently, it was all connected after all and wasn't quite as randomly wandering as it seemed. Not quite, but that doesn't mean not meandering at all. And the aimlessness continues for two full chapters after the main resolution! It's almost like the story itself has been smoking weed, or has ADHD. It's just TOO laid back and mellow.
-- Matt
I spent the first third of this book trying to figure out what kind of book it was. Adventure? Crime drama? Murder mystery? Social commentary? Romance? By the halfway point, I was convinced that the author didn't know, either. The protagonist just sort of wanders around the carnival, worrying about who killed the head of security and how the anti-social man who designed the place can get the credit he deserves. Lots of things happen, but then the writing (I can't use the word "story" in good conscience) just moves on to the next thing without any resolution of the last. A little of that would be okay, but there is far too much of it here. It's a pity, because the alternative reality is well imagined and rather vividly described. The character development is decently done, as well. It's just that those characters don't really know what to do.
Eventually, everything gets pulled together and explained. Apparently, it was all connected after all and wasn't quite as randomly wandering as it seemed. Not quite, but that doesn't mean not meandering at all. And the aimlessness continues for two full chapters after the main resolution! It's almost like the story itself has been smoking weed, or has ADHD. It's just TOO laid back and mellow.
-- Matt
Read
June 13, 2016 Since I like steampunk, carnivals and mysteries, I decided to read Steampunk Carnival which is a mystery that takes place in an alternate steampunk timeline. I did receive my copy from the author in return for this honest review.
I ended up liking Katya, the protagonist. At first I agreed with a review that called her shallow. She did seem very concerned with her costumes and her appearance. Yet I don't believe that every woman who enjoys dressing up should be condemned as superficial. Katya was loyal to her friends and cared about justice. So I concluded that Katya was really a decent human being. There were other likable characters in the novel which balanced the despicable ones such as the carnival's owner and the murdered man.
The resolution of the mystery was not entirely unexpected. I couldn't have known the identity of the killer, but I did suspect that something had happened along the lines of what turned out to be the actual chain of events. I still found it an entertaining read, and I would be willing to read another book by Cassandra Leuthold.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
I ended up liking Katya, the protagonist. At first I agreed with a review that called her shallow. She did seem very concerned with her costumes and her appearance. Yet I don't believe that every woman who enjoys dressing up should be condemned as superficial. Katya was loyal to her friends and cared about justice. So I concluded that Katya was really a decent human being. There were other likable characters in the novel which balanced the despicable ones such as the carnival's owner and the murdered man.
The resolution of the mystery was not entirely unexpected. I couldn't have known the identity of the killer, but I did suspect that something had happened along the lines of what turned out to be the actual chain of events. I still found it an entertaining read, and I would be willing to read another book by Cassandra Leuthold.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
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