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The Gunpowder Chronicles #2
Clockwork Samurai
National bestselling author Jeannie Lin’s Gunpowder Chronicles continue as a woman left adrift by the fall of a Dynasty attempts to reclaim her family’s honor...
As a physician, Jin Soling can see that the Emperor is cracking, relying on Opium to drown his troubles. The Ch’ing Empire is failing, and war with the British is imminent, but the man to whom Soling was once engaged has a bold idea to save it.
A leader within the Ministry of Engineering, Chang-wei suggests an alliance with Japan, whose scientists claim to have technical advancements that could turn the tide of the war. But Japan has kept itself in isolation for the last two hundred years, cutting all diplomatic ties with the Ch'ing Empire. Chang-wei must enter the island nation in disguise to seek an alliance—an alliance forbidden by the Japanese shogunate.
Seeking to escape the politics of the imperial court, Soling arranges her own passage on the airship to Japan. But once they land, Chang-wei and Soling become targets of the shogunate's armored assassins. Caught between two empires, in a land distrustful of foreigners, the deadly war machines are the least of their worries...
As a physician, Jin Soling can see that the Emperor is cracking, relying on Opium to drown his troubles. The Ch’ing Empire is failing, and war with the British is imminent, but the man to whom Soling was once engaged has a bold idea to save it.
A leader within the Ministry of Engineering, Chang-wei suggests an alliance with Japan, whose scientists claim to have technical advancements that could turn the tide of the war. But Japan has kept itself in isolation for the last two hundred years, cutting all diplomatic ties with the Ch'ing Empire. Chang-wei must enter the island nation in disguise to seek an alliance—an alliance forbidden by the Japanese shogunate.
Seeking to escape the politics of the imperial court, Soling arranges her own passage on the airship to Japan. But once they land, Chang-wei and Soling become targets of the shogunate's armored assassins. Caught between two empires, in a land distrustful of foreigners, the deadly war machines are the least of their worries...
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
26 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Lin
47 books1,024 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart Award–winning manuscript, Butterfly Swords, sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal with The Dragon and the Pearl listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
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October 20, 2017The second installment in literally the only steampunk series I enjoy. Set in alt-China and Japan during the Opium Wars, with magnificent worldbuilding and imagination, politics and plottery and the ongoing slow burn love affair of Soling and Chang-wei, which is now being complicated by moral and cultural disputes over the right way forward for China as it struggles against Western imperialism and the weight of tradition. Lovely and complex, vivid and engrossing, plus mechanical samurai. I do hope there will be more.
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February 15, 2016Thoroughly enjoyed this second installment of the Gunpowder Chronicles, as Jin Soling and Chen Chang-Wei are sent from the troubled Forbidden City by the young emperor who seems trapped under the weight of his imperial title, to explore the possibility of contacting scientists in Japan.
But Japan has closed itself off quite thoroughly from the taint of foreign influence. Soling and Chang-Wei are in constant danger as they pursue their goals, which are complicated by clockwork samurai, figures with secret motivations, the insidious threat of the opium trade, and the outright threat of the invading Westerners.
Soling and Chang-Wei also have to come to terms with the complexities of their relationship, which neither can define, especially with so much going on.
This was a real page turner, filled with excellent period detail, the steampunk elements worked in believably. Foods--clothing--gestures--attitudes--felt realistic instead of a colorful veneer over basically a modern Western paradigm. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
But Japan has closed itself off quite thoroughly from the taint of foreign influence. Soling and Chang-Wei are in constant danger as they pursue their goals, which are complicated by clockwork samurai, figures with secret motivations, the insidious threat of the opium trade, and the outright threat of the invading Westerners.
Soling and Chang-Wei also have to come to terms with the complexities of their relationship, which neither can define, especially with so much going on.
This was a real page turner, filled with excellent period detail, the steampunk elements worked in believably. Foods--clothing--gestures--attitudes--felt realistic instead of a colorful veneer over basically a modern Western paradigm. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
July 7, 2021
Soling and Chang-wei travel to Japan, in the hope of convincing Japan to aid China in blocking the growing imperialism of Britain, France and America. Along the way, the pair are treated to aspects of samurai culture, as well as the prevalence of karakuri (automata), which were introduced in Jeannie Lin's The Warlord and the Nightingale.
It's nonstop assassination attempts and running across countryside. Also, Soling meets Sagara Satomi, a young woman who crafts elegant guns; the young woman has a very similar experience to Soling's, as Satomi's father was also murdered by his ruler for speaking uncomfortable truths.
The story moves well, and the romance deepens between Soling and Chang-wei, but things are complicated by Chang-wei persistently putting China's political and martial needs before anything else, while tradition keeps Soling from thwacking him upside the head.
Lots of fun, and my fave Yang makes an appearance.
It's nonstop assassination attempts and running across countryside. Also, Soling meets Sagara Satomi, a young woman who crafts elegant guns; the young woman has a very similar experience to Soling's, as Satomi's father was also murdered by his ruler for speaking uncomfortable truths.
The story moves well, and the romance deepens between Soling and Chang-wei, but things are complicated by Chang-wei persistently putting China's political and martial needs before anything else, while tradition keeps Soling from thwacking him upside the head.
Lots of fun, and my fave Yang makes an appearance.
October 20, 2019
I wonder when will the author release book 3? I am so enamored of this series.
December 8, 2015
Clockwork Samurai is such a wonderful tale. While not quite as strong as its predecessor I could not help but get lost in the vivid world Lin creates. I absolutely love the setting and the descriptive and authentic feel Lin brings to the story and characters. Jeannie Lin weaves in steampunk elements and danger as our heroine Jin Soling and her former intended Chen Chang-Wei embark on a mission to Japan.
When the story begins, Jin Soling is a physician for the Emperor’s concubines. Events force her to seek another position and she is astonished when she finds herself on board a ship accompanying Chen to Japan.
The characters have depth, and Lin pays particular attention to their behavior providing an authentic portrayal of characters from 1852 right down to mannerisms. I love getting inside Jin’s head. I have come to respect her wit, loyalty and quest for knowledge.
The plot unfolds slowly but I was so busy absorbing the world and catching up with Jin Soling that I did not mind the slower pace. As we enter, Japan things get interesting as the suspense and danger increase the further we travel into forbidden areas. I loved the karakuri automatons and the detail will delight fans of steampunk. Danger, new friendships and a wonderful look at Japan made this tale a worthy read.
There is a subtle romance and despite the lack of page time, I found it to be a powerful one. Lin has a wonderful “show not tell” approach giving scenes weight. It delivered all the feels despite the low-heat level. I am eager to see how the romance will progress.
Opium issues, and concerns for Western evasion along with the Emperor’s refusal to accept there is actually a threat are mentioned throughout. The ending completed the journey to Japan, strengthened our characters relationship and set us up for the next novel.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
When the story begins, Jin Soling is a physician for the Emperor’s concubines. Events force her to seek another position and she is astonished when she finds herself on board a ship accompanying Chen to Japan.
The characters have depth, and Lin pays particular attention to their behavior providing an authentic portrayal of characters from 1852 right down to mannerisms. I love getting inside Jin’s head. I have come to respect her wit, loyalty and quest for knowledge.
The plot unfolds slowly but I was so busy absorbing the world and catching up with Jin Soling that I did not mind the slower pace. As we enter, Japan things get interesting as the suspense and danger increase the further we travel into forbidden areas. I loved the karakuri automatons and the detail will delight fans of steampunk. Danger, new friendships and a wonderful look at Japan made this tale a worthy read.
There is a subtle romance and despite the lack of page time, I found it to be a powerful one. Lin has a wonderful “show not tell” approach giving scenes weight. It delivered all the feels despite the low-heat level. I am eager to see how the romance will progress.
Opium issues, and concerns for Western evasion along with the Emperor’s refusal to accept there is actually a threat are mentioned throughout. The ending completed the journey to Japan, strengthened our characters relationship and set us up for the next novel.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 10, 2015
I fell in love with Jeannie Lin's Gunpowder Chronicles Asian Steampunk World with the first story in this series and was eager to take up the next segment of Soling and Chen-wei's adventures. I go to this author when I want a historical romance that is in touch with the time period, the characters are colorful as well as deep, and the weaving of the story is complex and riveting. The creative inclusion of steampunk in this latest series just added to the delight.
This is book two and as the series title suggests, these are chronicles that should be read in order to gain the whole feel of the story. Even having read the first one, it took me a little bit to re-immerse myself in the story.
It has been a year since the adventures that Soling and Chen-wei shared as they fought off the rebels, hunted for the source of the tainted opium, and began clearing the family name. Now, Jin Soling is a physician in the Forbidden City to the Emperor's Concubines. Her father's name has been cleared, but people have long memories. Her mother is shaky, but seems clear of the opium habit and her younger brother is doing well in school. Soling is content because she can help her family and is doing work in her area of study, but there is a restlessness, too. She wants to be doing more. And what of the connection she shared with Chen-wei? He is an engineer for the ministry and has little time for her.
But then a summons comes from the emperor. Soling is needed to cure his headache. This summons puts her in the spotlight before the council and around the court. Soling isn't pleased and she suspects the emperor is toying with her.
At the same time, she learns that Chen Wei is planning a journey to Japan in hopes of securing a cooperation with that government against the encroaching Europeans who ply the opium and are taking over China's coast. The council is not behind Chen Wei's plan, but surprisingly allow him to go. And more surprisingly, Soling is allowed to go with him.
Chen-wei is being enigmatic and not sharing all he knows, but he does explain to Soling that at one time her father had contact with a scientist in Japan and now Chen-wei hopes to encounter him to help smooth the way for an audience with the government. Japan is a very suspicious, insular nation and doesn't allow foreigners beyond the sectioned walls of the port trade city of Nagasaki. They squash any attempt to bring in foreign ways and thinking. There is grave danger that stalks them now on their quest and Soling can't be entirely sure of Chen-wei's motives. But her heart trusts him and is glad to be with him. Is there a chance of a future together in a world at war?
The first book did most of the set up for the series and this one jumped right in, but it was fun that the focus shifted off 19th Century China to Japan and the Shogunate. I was impressed with how the plot was never compromised for historic details, but yet the details were there to appreciate and enjoy. The steampunk aspect fit so naturally into the story. I loved the magic of the clockwork karakuri. By the way, as a side trail, I was glad to be able to read the short steampunk fairytale, The Warlord and the Nightingale, that was set in the same world as this current story. It helped me appreciate the setting and circumstances of this story more.
The plot is still moving along their fight to push out the foreign invaders of China, discover what is behind the tainted opium that is looking more and more like a conspiracy, and now investigate Soling's father's mysterious past which may help them with vital inventions and allies in the present conflict. The pacing was even and took it's time until about half-way when danger strikes and things took off leaving me breathless with excitement. There were twists, surprises, and surprising new players in the story.
Jin Soling has been through so much in her life. She is high-born, but has lived as a commoner on the edge of poverty. She has had to live by her wits and determination, but she has a healer's heart that keeps her unhardened and jaded. She is skeptical, but also trusting. A paradox. She is also atypical of the females of her class. She doesn't want to contract a good marriage and be hidden away in a man's home. She wants to work, learn, see new horizons, and only marry for love with a man who sees her as a partner. She hopes that man is the learned scholar, but surprisingly enterprising and adventurous Chen-wei who seems to accept her just as she is even if he has never spoken of wanting to marry her.
The romances is a subtle one. Soling and Chen-wei are so very different from personality to temperament to ways of accomplishing their goals. They might even be different about their goals though they share some foundational principles. I like that the author does not rush things with these two. The touch of a hand or the meeting of the eyes is as profound as a passionate kiss for them and the reader feels it.
All in all, this second book in the series was as engaging as book one and left me eager for the next installment. I can easily recommend this to those who enjoy mild steampunk romance, but also lovers of historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the invitation to read her book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two and as the series title suggests, these are chronicles that should be read in order to gain the whole feel of the story. Even having read the first one, it took me a little bit to re-immerse myself in the story.
It has been a year since the adventures that Soling and Chen-wei shared as they fought off the rebels, hunted for the source of the tainted opium, and began clearing the family name. Now, Jin Soling is a physician in the Forbidden City to the Emperor's Concubines. Her father's name has been cleared, but people have long memories. Her mother is shaky, but seems clear of the opium habit and her younger brother is doing well in school. Soling is content because she can help her family and is doing work in her area of study, but there is a restlessness, too. She wants to be doing more. And what of the connection she shared with Chen-wei? He is an engineer for the ministry and has little time for her.
But then a summons comes from the emperor. Soling is needed to cure his headache. This summons puts her in the spotlight before the council and around the court. Soling isn't pleased and she suspects the emperor is toying with her.
At the same time, she learns that Chen Wei is planning a journey to Japan in hopes of securing a cooperation with that government against the encroaching Europeans who ply the opium and are taking over China's coast. The council is not behind Chen Wei's plan, but surprisingly allow him to go. And more surprisingly, Soling is allowed to go with him.
Chen-wei is being enigmatic and not sharing all he knows, but he does explain to Soling that at one time her father had contact with a scientist in Japan and now Chen-wei hopes to encounter him to help smooth the way for an audience with the government. Japan is a very suspicious, insular nation and doesn't allow foreigners beyond the sectioned walls of the port trade city of Nagasaki. They squash any attempt to bring in foreign ways and thinking. There is grave danger that stalks them now on their quest and Soling can't be entirely sure of Chen-wei's motives. But her heart trusts him and is glad to be with him. Is there a chance of a future together in a world at war?
The first book did most of the set up for the series and this one jumped right in, but it was fun that the focus shifted off 19th Century China to Japan and the Shogunate. I was impressed with how the plot was never compromised for historic details, but yet the details were there to appreciate and enjoy. The steampunk aspect fit so naturally into the story. I loved the magic of the clockwork karakuri. By the way, as a side trail, I was glad to be able to read the short steampunk fairytale, The Warlord and the Nightingale, that was set in the same world as this current story. It helped me appreciate the setting and circumstances of this story more.
The plot is still moving along their fight to push out the foreign invaders of China, discover what is behind the tainted opium that is looking more and more like a conspiracy, and now investigate Soling's father's mysterious past which may help them with vital inventions and allies in the present conflict. The pacing was even and took it's time until about half-way when danger strikes and things took off leaving me breathless with excitement. There were twists, surprises, and surprising new players in the story.
Jin Soling has been through so much in her life. She is high-born, but has lived as a commoner on the edge of poverty. She has had to live by her wits and determination, but she has a healer's heart that keeps her unhardened and jaded. She is skeptical, but also trusting. A paradox. She is also atypical of the females of her class. She doesn't want to contract a good marriage and be hidden away in a man's home. She wants to work, learn, see new horizons, and only marry for love with a man who sees her as a partner. She hopes that man is the learned scholar, but surprisingly enterprising and adventurous Chen-wei who seems to accept her just as she is even if he has never spoken of wanting to marry her.
The romances is a subtle one. Soling and Chen-wei are so very different from personality to temperament to ways of accomplishing their goals. They might even be different about their goals though they share some foundational principles. I like that the author does not rush things with these two. The touch of a hand or the meeting of the eyes is as profound as a passionate kiss for them and the reader feels it.
All in all, this second book in the series was as engaging as book one and left me eager for the next installment. I can easily recommend this to those who enjoy mild steampunk romance, but also lovers of historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the invitation to read her book in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2015
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Historical, Steampunk, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Clockwork Samurai is the second installment in the Gunpowder Chronicles by author Jennie Lin. The story picks up a little over a year after the end of Gunpowder Alchemy. 19-year old Jin Soling has moved with her family to the Forbidden City in Peking where she is a physician for the Emperor’s concubines. Jin once again finds herself at the center of attention. Unwanted attention by the Emperor who has fallen to the addiction of opium. This sends Jin off on yet another grand adventure with Chen Chang-Wei.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews 12/30/2015* Link to Follow*
Published December 1st 2015 by InterMix
*Genre* Historical, Steampunk, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Clockwork Samurai is the second installment in the Gunpowder Chronicles by author Jennie Lin. The story picks up a little over a year after the end of Gunpowder Alchemy. 19-year old Jin Soling has moved with her family to the Forbidden City in Peking where she is a physician for the Emperor’s concubines. Jin once again finds herself at the center of attention. Unwanted attention by the Emperor who has fallen to the addiction of opium. This sends Jin off on yet another grand adventure with Chen Chang-Wei.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews 12/30/2015* Link to Follow*
Published December 1st 2015 by InterMix
December 12, 2015
Airships, clockwork dolls, exotic cultures... That's enough to catch my eye.
This novel has rich narrative, a clever plot with mystery and palace politics, and steampunk adventure on land and air. The pace is slow, yet the story is gripping enough as it navigates through war politics in an unsteady balance between the heroine's moral and vital battle and her duty to serve the empire.
It's about the clash of Western ideas and Eastern tradition, the blinding influence of opium and the struggle of a woman who seeks freedom in a world torn by opposing forces.
The heroine, Soling, is wise and knowledgeable about medicine. One of my favourite side of hers is her father's legacy as it presses on her shoulders but also inspires her to pursue fairer matters. There's also a touch of subtle yet endearing romance with engineer Chang-wei whose passion for Western culture takes them far and into danger.
As the adventure intensifies so does the action and the danger. Other characters add flavour and twists to the plot. I relished the samurai fights, the secrets, the romantic tension and the different layers to the characters' mission.
It's a story of honour, imperial decrees, doomed love and steampunk contraptions worth a wow of admiration.
This novel has rich narrative, a clever plot with mystery and palace politics, and steampunk adventure on land and air. The pace is slow, yet the story is gripping enough as it navigates through war politics in an unsteady balance between the heroine's moral and vital battle and her duty to serve the empire.
It's about the clash of Western ideas and Eastern tradition, the blinding influence of opium and the struggle of a woman who seeks freedom in a world torn by opposing forces.
The heroine, Soling, is wise and knowledgeable about medicine. One of my favourite side of hers is her father's legacy as it presses on her shoulders but also inspires her to pursue fairer matters. There's also a touch of subtle yet endearing romance with engineer Chang-wei whose passion for Western culture takes them far and into danger.
As the adventure intensifies so does the action and the danger. Other characters add flavour and twists to the plot. I relished the samurai fights, the secrets, the romantic tension and the different layers to the characters' mission.
It's a story of honour, imperial decrees, doomed love and steampunk contraptions worth a wow of admiration.
June 30, 2021
The second and last book of this steampunk series didn't caught my attention like the first one. I don't know how to explain and maybe it's me but I felt lost most of the time and didn't quite understand the characters' motives. I expected romance too but even if there's a happy ending and the MC end up together, we don't see a love story.
December 11, 2015
Clockwork Samurai is the second in Jeannie Lin's Gunpowder Chronicles. I really enjoyed the first book, steampunk fan that I am so I was thrilled to get my hands on an advance copy of the next installment.
Clockwork Samurai takes place a year after the events in book one; Soling is working as a physician and has attracted the notice of the drug addicted Emperor. Chang-wei continues to work with the Ministry of Engineering and to encourage the Emperor to consider an alliance with the Japanese. When the Emperor agrees, Chang-wei embarks on a covert assignment in Japan to seek out a man that Soling's father was in contact with before his death. Seeking to escape the politics of court, Soling accompanies Chang-wei, much to his chagrin.
Clockwork Samurai is filled with adventure. Japan has isolated itself from China and it's an adventure in and of itself for Chang-wei and Soling to even get to Japan. When they do arrive in the Chinese quarter it's another battle for them to actually leave this confined area and find the man that was willing to make an alliance with the Chinese. If you're a fan of adventure stories you will not be disappointed with this aspect of the story. There is a huge emphasis on action and adventure and readers get to explore this clockwork Japan, which does include clockwork samurais (very cool). Admittedly, I found all these steampunk elements to be awesome, but what was less awesome was the romance.
In the first book, I was okay with the romance between Soling and Chang-wei being pretty minor. The restraint between these two leads was refreshing. This time around, I was much less patient. It's been a year since the events of the first book. A year! And absolutely nothing is different between Soling and Chang-wei. They've barely spoken for the entire year since they are working in separate parts of the palace and when they do it's like the events of the previous book never happened. There is zero passion between this couple. The subdued nature of the first book worked well, but there wasn't a lot of momentum forward in this relationship in the second book. I was hoping for a whole lot more in book two and I was grossly disappointed with Clockwork Samurai on the romance front.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the relationship between Soling and Chang-wei, I have to admit that I did really appreciate how the author added some much needed tension between the pair. I like that Soling is confused by Chang-wei's defense of Western ideals and how she stands up for herself when Chang-wei is dismissive of her own less scientific practice of medicine. This conflict was integrated really well into the book and reflected the larger conflict in the book, which is the influence of the Western world and the Emperor's motivation to stem the tide. For me, this conflict between Soling and Chang-wei really saved this second book from becoming too boring. Yes, adventure was there, but since I'm more of a character-driven reader, I did find the emphasis on action and events to be rather dull. Couple this with the absolute glacial pace of Soling and Chang-wei's relationship, and I was rather disappointed in the whole book. Only the tension between Soling and Chang-wei's personal viewpoints on their country's involvement with the West kept me interested and it is exactly this that will keep me interested enough to read the follow-up.
So, while I didn't love Clockwork Samurai it did have some redeeming qualities. I wouldn't recommend it for romance readers, since this was a disappointing read in that respect. I would, however, recommend this to fans who prefer an action-driven read featuring a setting that is pretty unique in the steampunk genre. The Asian setting and the clockwork technology were all aspects that continue to interest me; it's the romance that needs to perk up.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Clockwork Samurai takes place a year after the events in book one; Soling is working as a physician and has attracted the notice of the drug addicted Emperor. Chang-wei continues to work with the Ministry of Engineering and to encourage the Emperor to consider an alliance with the Japanese. When the Emperor agrees, Chang-wei embarks on a covert assignment in Japan to seek out a man that Soling's father was in contact with before his death. Seeking to escape the politics of court, Soling accompanies Chang-wei, much to his chagrin.
Clockwork Samurai is filled with adventure. Japan has isolated itself from China and it's an adventure in and of itself for Chang-wei and Soling to even get to Japan. When they do arrive in the Chinese quarter it's another battle for them to actually leave this confined area and find the man that was willing to make an alliance with the Chinese. If you're a fan of adventure stories you will not be disappointed with this aspect of the story. There is a huge emphasis on action and adventure and readers get to explore this clockwork Japan, which does include clockwork samurais (very cool). Admittedly, I found all these steampunk elements to be awesome, but what was less awesome was the romance.
In the first book, I was okay with the romance between Soling and Chang-wei being pretty minor. The restraint between these two leads was refreshing. This time around, I was much less patient. It's been a year since the events of the first book. A year! And absolutely nothing is different between Soling and Chang-wei. They've barely spoken for the entire year since they are working in separate parts of the palace and when they do it's like the events of the previous book never happened. There is zero passion between this couple. The subdued nature of the first book worked well, but there wasn't a lot of momentum forward in this relationship in the second book. I was hoping for a whole lot more in book two and I was grossly disappointed with Clockwork Samurai on the romance front.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the relationship between Soling and Chang-wei, I have to admit that I did really appreciate how the author added some much needed tension between the pair. I like that Soling is confused by Chang-wei's defense of Western ideals and how she stands up for herself when Chang-wei is dismissive of her own less scientific practice of medicine. This conflict was integrated really well into the book and reflected the larger conflict in the book, which is the influence of the Western world and the Emperor's motivation to stem the tide. For me, this conflict between Soling and Chang-wei really saved this second book from becoming too boring. Yes, adventure was there, but since I'm more of a character-driven reader, I did find the emphasis on action and events to be rather dull. Couple this with the absolute glacial pace of Soling and Chang-wei's relationship, and I was rather disappointed in the whole book. Only the tension between Soling and Chang-wei's personal viewpoints on their country's involvement with the West kept me interested and it is exactly this that will keep me interested enough to read the follow-up.
So, while I didn't love Clockwork Samurai it did have some redeeming qualities. I wouldn't recommend it for romance readers, since this was a disappointing read in that respect. I would, however, recommend this to fans who prefer an action-driven read featuring a setting that is pretty unique in the steampunk genre. The Asian setting and the clockwork technology were all aspects that continue to interest me; it's the romance that needs to perk up.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
December 2, 2015
It is 1852, a year after the events in Gunpowder Alchemy, the first novel in the Gunpowder Chronicles series set during China's Qing Dynasty. Jin Soling is now a physician to the Emperor's concubines and her former intended, Chen Chang-wei, is once again among the Engineers in the Ministry of Science. This time out, Soling and Chang-wei are on a secret mission to secure an alliance with Japan, despite the Shogunate's edicts against it.
I enjoyed the first book, but was left feeling rather ambivalent towards reading more. It turns out that it was one of those books whose story grows on you with time and with this second book, the characters have matured and the narrator has become more engaging.
Happily, the karakuri automatons introduced in the fairtytale retelling "The Warlord and the Nightingale" (.5 in the series) make a reappearance here. Even more happily, a certain scientist turned pirate introduced in the first book makes a brief reappearance as well.
I am greatly enjoying Jeannie Lin's take on Asian Steampunk. An expanded version of this review can be read on my WordPress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-bm
Oh, and definitely read the series in order, as this is not a stand alone novel.
This review refers to an ebook copy that I read, at no charge, courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. On the release date I purchased my own ebook copy, and an ebook copy of the first book as well. I just wish I could purchase printed editions.
I enjoyed the first book, but was left feeling rather ambivalent towards reading more. It turns out that it was one of those books whose story grows on you with time and with this second book, the characters have matured and the narrator has become more engaging.
Happily, the karakuri automatons introduced in the fairtytale retelling "The Warlord and the Nightingale" (.5 in the series) make a reappearance here. Even more happily, a certain scientist turned pirate introduced in the first book makes a brief reappearance as well.
I am greatly enjoying Jeannie Lin's take on Asian Steampunk. An expanded version of this review can be read on my WordPress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-bm
Oh, and definitely read the series in order, as this is not a stand alone novel.
This review refers to an ebook copy that I read, at no charge, courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. On the release date I purchased my own ebook copy, and an ebook copy of the first book as well. I just wish I could purchase printed editions.
January 23, 2018
After devouring the first book, I took a little longer to dig into the second one; similar to GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY, this continuation of Jin Soling's tale starts a little slow, starting with the tension she feels even though she is now ostensibly settled as a physician in the Imperial Court, tending to the Emperor's concubines. Nervousness around the Emperor's wandering eye sends her to asking for a reassignment... keeping an eye on her former intended, Chen Chang-wei, on his trip to Japan to seek out a scholar-scientist, former friends of Jin Soling's father.
Well-paced with some fairly exciting plot turns (not necessarily twists; I feel someone could see them coming if they weren't excitedly caught up in the action like I was), Lin takes our heroine and her secretive beloved across Japan to meet with outlier characters, all incredibly different in background and creed, who nonetheless find themselves traveling together and bound together before splitting off into their own ways for their own reasons. Sagara Satomi, like Jin Soling, has seen her father killed for "treason," creating a bond between the two young women which made me immediately yell "ALLIANCE OF SEKRIT SCIENTIST WOMEN!!!" Makoto, the ronin who starts off cynical and mercenary, eventually reveals a more human, sympathetic side still capable of strong bonds.
Moments with characters from the previous book drive in the political tensions of the story: Soling's mother is now hired as human calculator by her former husband's rival; young Emperor Yizhu struggles with keeping his empire together but allows himself the solace of entitlement to pleasures of the flesh; Yang Hanzhe and Chang-wei meet for the first time in years to disagree "on everything."
The fantastical science and technology is carefully built on obvious truths and historical figures, with all the tiny details that are the hallmark of a steampunk novel, except not a single detail is wasted. Every piece of metal, every whirlygig, is imbued with political stakes and ideological struggle; they can't stand on their own as empty vessels, but instead complement and heighten the human drama unfolding on the page.
With a slowburn romance between two people with heavy history behind them guarding their hearts, we are F I N A L L Y gifted with the Great Love Declaration here.... it only took two books!
Well-paced with some fairly exciting plot turns (not necessarily twists; I feel someone could see them coming if they weren't excitedly caught up in the action like I was), Lin takes our heroine and her secretive beloved across Japan to meet with outlier characters, all incredibly different in background and creed, who nonetheless find themselves traveling together and bound together before splitting off into their own ways for their own reasons. Sagara Satomi, like Jin Soling, has seen her father killed for "treason," creating a bond between the two young women which made me immediately yell "ALLIANCE OF SEKRIT SCIENTIST WOMEN!!!" Makoto, the ronin who starts off cynical and mercenary, eventually reveals a more human, sympathetic side still capable of strong bonds.
Moments with characters from the previous book drive in the political tensions of the story: Soling's mother is now hired as human calculator by her former husband's rival; young Emperor Yizhu struggles with keeping his empire together but allows himself the solace of entitlement to pleasures of the flesh; Yang Hanzhe and Chang-wei meet for the first time in years to disagree "on everything."
The fantastical science and technology is carefully built on obvious truths and historical figures, with all the tiny details that are the hallmark of a steampunk novel, except not a single detail is wasted. Every piece of metal, every whirlygig, is imbued with political stakes and ideological struggle; they can't stand on their own as empty vessels, but instead complement and heighten the human drama unfolding on the page.
With a slowburn romance between two people with heavy history behind them guarding their hearts, we are F I N A L L Y gifted with the Great Love Declaration here.... it only took two books!
February 16, 2018
Clockwork Samurai, book two of Jeannie Lin’s The Gunpowder Chronicles series, continues the story of Jin Soling, in the steampunk envisioned Ch’ing Empire during the Opium Wars.
Jin is now a physician in the imperial court, serving the concubines of the young Emperor with fertility potions and continuing the study of acupuncture while the Empire struggles to fend off the foreigners who invade the nation. Despite the frenzied production of military weapons, air ships, and gunpowder fuel, the Empire is in dire straits and the Emperor himself uses the opium drug to escape reality. Jin learns just how desperate the situation is when called upon to treat the Emperor, where she is reintroduced to her former fiancé, Engineer Chen Chang-wei, who works in the Ministry of Science.
Based on her deceased father’s writing and Chang-wei’s beliefs that the answer to the Empire’s struggles lie outside the Empire, the two travel to Japan to seek out an alliance with someone who may hold the key to winning the Chinese war. The journey isn’t rushed even though the politics are dangerous, involving court intrigue, assassins, a samurai bodyguard, daring smugglers, and interesting weapons.
The second installment of The Gunpowder Chronicles is a worthy standalone for those who haven’t read the first book in the series, Gunpowder Alchemy, but would probably be even richer if read in order. Lin has a way with words, effortlessly creating a world which seems both familiar and foreign at the same time. Steampunk elements are woven as if airships and clockwork servants were an everyday part of life, always enhancing but never overpowering the story. The Chinese and Japanese history on which the story is based rings true and informational. Clockwork Samurai continues the slow-build romance between Soling and Chang-wei as their personal needs are often eclipsed by their desire to save their country.
Clockwork Samurai is best devoured when you’re not in a rush, to better savor and enjoy every exquisite word.
Jin is now a physician in the imperial court, serving the concubines of the young Emperor with fertility potions and continuing the study of acupuncture while the Empire struggles to fend off the foreigners who invade the nation. Despite the frenzied production of military weapons, air ships, and gunpowder fuel, the Empire is in dire straits and the Emperor himself uses the opium drug to escape reality. Jin learns just how desperate the situation is when called upon to treat the Emperor, where she is reintroduced to her former fiancé, Engineer Chen Chang-wei, who works in the Ministry of Science.
Based on her deceased father’s writing and Chang-wei’s beliefs that the answer to the Empire’s struggles lie outside the Empire, the two travel to Japan to seek out an alliance with someone who may hold the key to winning the Chinese war. The journey isn’t rushed even though the politics are dangerous, involving court intrigue, assassins, a samurai bodyguard, daring smugglers, and interesting weapons.
The second installment of The Gunpowder Chronicles is a worthy standalone for those who haven’t read the first book in the series, Gunpowder Alchemy, but would probably be even richer if read in order. Lin has a way with words, effortlessly creating a world which seems both familiar and foreign at the same time. Steampunk elements are woven as if airships and clockwork servants were an everyday part of life, always enhancing but never overpowering the story. The Chinese and Japanese history on which the story is based rings true and informational. Clockwork Samurai continues the slow-build romance between Soling and Chang-wei as their personal needs are often eclipsed by their desire to save their country.
Clockwork Samurai is best devoured when you’re not in a rush, to better savor and enjoy every exquisite word.
November 27, 2017
Excellent world building, good prose and engaging characters makes this a sequel well worth reading but the story misses five star status because of a lackluster plot.
In this second book of the Gundpowder Chronicles, Soling and Chang-wei find themselves on a covert mission for their new young, emperor. The assignment: connect with Japanese scientists and see if they can obtain their help in defeating the Westerners determined to conquer the East.
As in the last book, Soling is wary of the imperials who have proven themselves dangerous allies. Failure is met with death, honest success with suspicion. Chang-Wei's loyalty to the empire clashes with her more prosaic attitude and the two find themselves in a strained alliance. Additionally, the court atmosphere makes a marriage between them a dangerous proposition. They find themselves in a holding pattern, in love but with no real future for that love.
The problem with the story line is that the author doesn't move her plot forward at all but simply replicates it. New characters are added to the mix but they are essentially duplicates of Chang-Wei and Soling and what role they will ultimately play is anyone's guess. Hopefully the next book in the series will move the story forward more.
In this second book of the Gundpowder Chronicles, Soling and Chang-wei find themselves on a covert mission for their new young, emperor. The assignment: connect with Japanese scientists and see if they can obtain their help in defeating the Westerners determined to conquer the East.
As in the last book, Soling is wary of the imperials who have proven themselves dangerous allies. Failure is met with death, honest success with suspicion. Chang-Wei's loyalty to the empire clashes with her more prosaic attitude and the two find themselves in a strained alliance. Additionally, the court atmosphere makes a marriage between them a dangerous proposition. They find themselves in a holding pattern, in love but with no real future for that love.
The problem with the story line is that the author doesn't move her plot forward at all but simply replicates it. New characters are added to the mix but they are essentially duplicates of Chang-Wei and Soling and what role they will ultimately play is anyone's guess. Hopefully the next book in the series will move the story forward more.
June 8, 2018
Clockwork Samurai continues the Asian-set steampunk adventures of Soling Jin and Chen Chang-Wei. This time, Soling is working in the Forbidden City and Chen is back in his place at the Ministry of Science, but with the rebels taking over more land, opium growing as an epidemic, and the British taking over port towns, undoubtedly wanting to encroach more into China, things are unstable. Chang-wei suggests making inroads in diplomacy with Japan, their neighbors, a country that has isolated itself for centuries. He and Soling take an airship to Nagasaki, the only port opened to foreigners, trying to make contact with Japanese scientists.
Like Gunpowder Alchemy, I loved the adventures, action, and the steampunk technology of Clockwork Samurai and I loved the Japanese setting. I only wish the ending hadn't been a cliffhanger.
Like Gunpowder Alchemy, I loved the adventures, action, and the steampunk technology of Clockwork Samurai and I loved the Japanese setting. I only wish the ending hadn't been a cliffhanger.
October 18, 2017
While historical romances are not normally my reading preference...when it's by Jeannie Lin, it's a given I'll be reading it.
The beauty of the world building, the steampunk aspect of both Japan and China just really works for me.
A few minor editing problems near the end, or maybe just an awkward sentence structure.
If you have a chance to read the Gunpowder Alchemy books, do so. Also, go find Butterfly Swords...you'll thank me later!
The beauty of the world building, the steampunk aspect of both Japan and China just really works for me.
A few minor editing problems near the end, or maybe just an awkward sentence structure.
If you have a chance to read the Gunpowder Alchemy books, do so. Also, go find Butterfly Swords...you'll thank me later!
April 13, 2018
A great continuation with well-developed characters that I've been rooting for since book one. I hope the series continues, following the story of Jin Soling and Chen Chang-wei, because these two are dynamic and make a perfect pairing in the conflicts facing the Qing empire. There seems like so much story left to tell.
September 22, 2020
🌙
Again, how many books do you know about pre-Meji era steampunk from the point of view of a non-western protagonist? I was fascinated, even if I still want to throttle the son of heaven and his terrible attitude. Very much not the end of the series - I’ll wait for the next one with bated breath.
Again, how many books do you know about pre-Meji era steampunk from the point of view of a non-western protagonist? I was fascinated, even if I still want to throttle the son of heaven and his terrible attitude. Very much not the end of the series - I’ll wait for the next one with bated breath.
June 6, 2021
I loved this book. The heroes go to Japan, which is a way of exploring further the universe (notably we meet some very evolved clockwork automats). The secondary characters in this volume are interesting and endearing. I loved the references to "The warlord and nightingale". Can't wait for the third volume!
November 6, 2024
Our MCs are off on a mission to 1852 Japan, pretending to be husband and wife (the romance is overall fairly light), and using their medical knowledge (FMC) and engineering skills (MMC) to try to form an alliance against the Yangguizi. There are some great action moments as the title would suggest! Perfect balance of history and steampunk!
This series should be read in order.
This series should be read in order.
May 18, 2025
Even more "Steampunk meets the Orient" than the last. Soling and Chang-wei go to Japan to try to make alliances. The exactly non-surprising plot continues with stock events and characters as they adventure then escape. The nonsense of the slow "poison" acupuncture almost ruins it, but I'll still rate it average.
May 19, 2019
I am really enjoying Jeannie Lin's series. Based on my college East Asian history experience, she gets so much right. It's so great.
Exciting adventure! Brilliant minds! Lots of technology! SO GOOD. The romance is very restrained -- so much of it is unspoken. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Exciting adventure! Brilliant minds! Lots of technology! SO GOOD. The romance is very restrained -- so much of it is unspoken. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 4, 2019
Lin's straightforward and elegant prose paints a stunning picture of an alternate history powered by clockwork and steampunk technology. Highly recommend for those tired of Western-centric steampunk stories.
June 10, 2020
I really hope the author hasn’t abandoned this series. New characters and technologies have been introduced in Book 2, and there’s a lot more plot that still needs to unfold. Looking forward to Book 3, fingers crossed.
February 6, 2021
I don't have a good review in my tonight
This book was good! Not as good as the first one. A bunch of stuff happens but it sort of in the end just felt like "stuff happened", not anything super compelling, though it was a totally enjoyable read.
This book was good! Not as good as the first one. A bunch of stuff happens but it sort of in the end just felt like "stuff happened", not anything super compelling, though it was a totally enjoyable read.
October 17, 2017
A terrific sequel to 'Gunpowder Alchemy' - can hardly wait for more because I do love Soling Jin.
February 24, 2018
Eh. Some parts of it were good, but the main character had remarkably little agency. The last thirty pages or so were the best.
August 23, 2018
Full review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
July 21, 2021
Not as engaging as her first book, but still a fun read.
October 28, 2022
I haven't read the first one, but I enjoyed this book very much. It's gripping, well-imagined, and both Soling and Satomi are real heroines to root for.
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